Victoria Cornell Riordan
I think the most important thing to know about me is that I always strive to be open, honest, fair, and accepting of everyone I interact with, professionally or personally. I believe my number one goal as a counselor should always be to provide a safe, caring environment for clients to establish their goals based on their own measure of success and share their thoughts and feelings without worry about being judged in any way. I started my journey with counseling my senior year of high school in an internship at an adolescent residential treatment facility helping run equine and small animal assisted psychotherapy groups. I then joined the military, where I was focused on spending my career as a psychologist helping active duty military and veterans. After two years, I was medically discharged due to some chronic health conditions and had to find a new path. I went to Xavier University for my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am now a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have experience working with a variety of mental health disorders and life difficulties, especially issues related to relationship concerns, trauma, autism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, career difficulties, improving motivation to live healthier, and coping with stressful life changes. I have worked with individuals aged 5 to 98 in individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy settings. I have completed additional training courses outside of my initial degree in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, couples and family therapy, trauma-focused treatment, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and EMDR. In addition to those treatment modalities, I frequently use CBT, Reality Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to assist clients in building the skills they need to reach their goals.
Heather Tolle
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio with a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Louisville and four-years post graduate professional experience. After graduating with my master's, I began working in community mental health as a level three treatment specialist and coordinating care between physicians and clients of various ages, genders, sexuality, ethnicities, issues, and level of functioning. For the past two and a half years, I have been working in a private practice setting where I gain more experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships issues, family issues, grief, adjustment and phase of life issues, and issues of faith and spirituality. I have over 30 hours of training in providing teletherapy and am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider with experience using video and text therapy. My therapeutic style is person-centered and often solution focused while incorporating a cognitive behavioral approach. Past clients have described delivery of therapy as warm, empathic, and down-to-earth, which I believe nurtures a safe and relaxing environment for individuals to identify their thoughts and feelings, as well as gain insight into their issues and solutions to help them resolve issues. It is my belief that even though it is hard to do at times, I believe one of the best methods of healing is to talk and let it all out – all of the hurt, all of the sadness, all of the things that get buried within – and therapy is one of the safest places to do that. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults and couples to reveal, feel, and heal their thoughts and emotions and gain insight and support during difficult times.
Joanna White
My name is Joanna White. I received my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and worked in different capacities with the Prisoner Reentry population for many years. I made the decision to shift my focus and I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California simultaneously working with women and men experiencing Domestic/Sexual Violence. Working with these two different populations has helped me gain a perspective from an offender and victim/survivor perspective. I have years of experience working with people who have experienced trauma, specifically domestic/sexual violence, childhood trauma, and disordered eating; stress/anxiety; life transitions; parental concerns; work-related stress; and stress that life throws at us. I believe any type of change is a journey and my role as a therapist is to help guide you through your journey for what makes sense to you!
Jessica Messersmith-Miller
Are you tired of being sick and tired? Are you struggling with obtaining and maintaining sobriety? Do you wish you could communicate better or improve relationships? Do you want to feel better about yourself? Do you have goals, but need some guidance to help you reach them? I can help! I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor in Ohio and have been working with people to meet their goals for over 18 years. I specialize in Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Grief/Bereavement, Health and Wellness, Life Coaching, Self-Esteem, Relationships, Co-Dependency, Trauma/PTSD and more. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, ages 14 to adult. I have a variety of experience in a multitude of settings. I have provided individual, couples, families and group therapy sessions as well as support groups and psycho-education groups. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient counseling settings as well as hospitals, hospice, jails, and alternative education settings. I believe that we are all products of our family systems, environment, relationships, and everything we have experienced until now. My therapy style and approach draws influence from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are and tailor your treatment and my approach to what will work best for you. We will work together to identify your goals and make a plan to achieve them that is specifically designed for you. Identifying a need and reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and is something you should feel proud of. Anyone can benefit from talk therapy, learning new skills and achieving goals. I am available for messaging, live chats, phone, and video sessions. I look forward to working with you!
Mary Beth Barbush-Kirila
I am licensed in Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Delores Livingston
Stressed, Overwhelmed, Trouble Coping? Have you been suffering from depression, stress, grief, trauma, mental or emotional issues? Symptoms can include but are not limited to: feeling sad, lonely, irritable, poor concentration, and anger. Life has many different obstacles that can cause difficulty functioning and completing activities related to daily living. Help is available. My 30 + years of experience using Talk Therapy/CBT has been proven to decrease or alleviate symptoms related to emotional and mental disorders. I would like to be on your team, and together we can work on decreasing obstacles. Set goals! Make plans! Follow through! Our goal is to reach a positive outcome using strategies, and coping skills, to assist in changing thoughts and behaviors. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Laurie Spenik
I am licensed in Ohio with over 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Yolanda Tingler
Hello! My name is Yolonda, but I prefer to go by Rhonda, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. I specialize in individual, family, and group therapy for Deaf/Hard of Hearing, people with disabilities, and hearing individuals. I use several approaches depending on the client such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Behavioral Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy etc. I have been a Sign Language Interpreter for 25 years and decided to join the field of Social Work 9 years ago to be able to conduct therapy, advocate, and assist with policy changes for underserved populations. I have also worked in K-12 settings and college settings for 25 years and am knowledgeable regarding student issues and academic needs. I have provided group therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy in residential treatment programs, psychiatric hospitals, forensics, community mental-health agencies, school settings and private practice settings. I further specialize with ADHD/ADD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, OCD, Phobias, Military, etc. with a variety of techniques. My primary goal is to help you identify and cope more effectively with problems in your daily life, as well as help you to deal better with internal conflicts - such as anxiety, fear, trauma, and depression - so that you can achieve a happier and more peaceful life. I work to develop a strong bond with each client as I believe the therapeutic relationship is the primary tool for growth and change. You will find that I offer a wide range of office hours to include late evenings and weekends to benefit those who are in need of those times and keep engaged with my clients through all efforts.
Melissa Lindahl
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker Therapist in the state of Ohio. I work with adults who are seeking help when feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just “off” in life and they know something is wrong but can’t quite figure out what it is. Often, along with the general feeling of “off” come complaints such as: depression, anxiety, anger, relationship problems, self-esteem concerns, substance abuse and questions of purpose. I aim to help you identify where, and how, the sense of “off” you feel may have started by exploring your past experiences and the impact they had on you. We look at your childhood history to find difficulties or trauma that wounded you and may still be affecting your life today. We then take action to heal the wounds with techniques and exercises to help you gain a true self-awareness and self-trust that will lead to the “realness” and authenticity in your life that is currently missing. Through compassion, empathy, and respect for your unique journey, I offer you a safe and supportive space to explore your matters. My approach is patient, observant, inquiring, logical, gentle, non-directive, collaborative and always non-judgmental. We form a partnership that has the goal of uncovering the answers you are seeking so you arrive at genuine peace of mind. It’s a path to heal your wounds, mend your spirit and nurture the strength to build your life into one that energizes you, fulfills you and authentically expresses the best of who you are. I look forward to meeting you.
Brenda Canales
Hi, I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am proud you for taking the first step and I look forward to the therapeutic journey. I also provide therapy in Spanish. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL. Hola, Tengo licencia en Florida con 7 años de experiencia laboral profesional. Tengo experiencia ayudando a clientes con estrés y ansiedad, enfrentando adicciones, motivación, autoestima, confianza y depresión. Creo en tratar a todos con respeto, sensibilidad y compasión. Adaptaré nuestro diálogo y plan de tratamiento para satisfacer sus necesidades únicas y específicas. Dar el primer paso para buscar una vida más plena y feliz requiere valentía. Estoy aquí para apoyarte en ese proceso. Estoy orgulloso de que hayas dado el primer paso y espero con ansias el viaje terapéutico.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Portage
Finding the best therapist close by in Portage can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Portage that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Portage. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Portage, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Portage region and in the state of Ohio. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Portage or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Portage therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Portage area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Portage, elsewhere in Wood, or in the greater state of Ohio. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Portage area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Portage therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Portage due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Portage may not take health insurance, some in the state of Ohio may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Ohio you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Portage online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Portage, Ohio working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Portage psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Portage above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Portage provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Portage?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Portage therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Portage therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Portage therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in OH, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 43451 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Portage counselor?
Before seeing your Portage therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Portage therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Portage licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Portage counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Portage, Ohio can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Portage has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Portage, Ohio
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Portage therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Portage:
43451