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Risa Lenney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW-R,BC-THP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 34+ years, graduating from a school of social welfare . I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I am married and have two grown Children. I currently work in an urban Community Mental Health setting helping people with mental health issues,(diagnosed with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Personality disorders)as well as issues with major life stressors and relationship issues. I am the Assistant Director supervising 13 clinicians, and I have a caseload myself. Prior to being promoted in 2000 I was a full time therapist. I also have experience working at the local Correctional Facility, and at our County Social Services Department. I have dealt with all kinds of people with a variety of issues. I am open minded and do not judge people for their actions, believing respect for everyone is very important no matter what their background or current circumstances. I also believe in the safety of the therapeutic relationship, allowing people to experience their feelings without judgments or fear of ridicule. Grief and loss are common issues, along with depression, anxiety, vocational issues, stress and especially relationship issues( which can cause distress). I also try to motivate people to be healthy, reach out to people and feel better about themselves. I have some experience with addictions and how they get in the way of people reaching their goals. I have an eclectic approach using, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which can include homework that works to examine and change thoughts and feelings), Person Centered , Problem Solving a supportive Therapy and mindfulness. My approach is supportive and I start where the person is. I work hard to create a safe environment where people can feel free to express themselves. I have also been trained on helping people with smoking cessation. Therapy along with working with a prescriber for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be very effective for quitting. I do operate from a strength based position. I am going to help highlight what is going well and build on that. Many people don't realize they have strengths or what things are going well. I also like to set small goals that lead to bigger changes. I like to use work sheets and homework as appropriate, but you are always part of this decision making process as this is your treatment. I know it can be hard to reach out for help, but making positive changes in your life can only help. I want you to reach the goals you set for yourself. I look forward to helping you through this process. Please also note, I may respond daily, but on occasion, I may not answer until the next day. It does not mean I do not want contact with you, it means I am thinking about the appropriate answer to your question/issue. one last thing, If at any point you feel that you no longer need/want services or will be unable to continue, please don't hesitate to let me know ahead of time so that we can bring things to a close when we need to. Please talk to me about your particular issue before you decide if I have the experience you are looking for. Welcome and I look forward to working together! **NOTE: I do not provide letters for Social Security, Therapy animals, Court, Motor Vehicles, employment, references or other types of letters. so if you are seeking treatment/therapy/counseling for those reasons, please seek out another counselor****

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James Davis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Counselor License Type(s): LCMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

James Davis, CMHC has a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Human development. He has experience with, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGTBQ, relationships, parenting, mental illness, domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, addiction, adjustment disorders, suicidal ideation, and crisis. ​James has a passion for helping others overcome struggles and achieve overall health and wellness in their lives. James is a trauma informed therapist and is experienced with several therapy approaches including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, positive psychology, person centered, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic. James enjoys working with clients to find the approach that will best support their mental health and overall happiness.

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Jessica Curtis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker currently licensed in North Carolina, Utah, and Maine. I provide a non-judgmental space in which clients can be themselves and practice self-acceptance. I combine this with cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused techniques to help clients move towards their values and live more effectively. My areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, life transitions, dating/relationships, and body image.

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Kendra Harrington

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah. I have over 7 years of clinical social work experience and over 15 years of professional social work experience. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Utah State University and my Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Utah. I am also a Certified Grief Informed Professional. I am trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) an eye movement trauma treatment similar to EMDR. Perhaps you're down or anxious, maybe you've suffered a loss and are grieving, have some unresolved trauma or just feel that you aren't living the life you want to lead. Therapy is a process of growth and self-awareness. I have the skills and professional experience to help you get back on track. My main focus and expertise is centered on women's issues, such as grief and loss, miscarriages/infant loss, IVF failures, infertility, depression, anxiety, and trauma. In my many years of experience, I have worked with people of many ages and in various situations. Everyone is unique and I believe in giving an individualized experience that will best fit the client. I believe that all people have strengths and given the appropriate level of support, can overcome and work through almost anything. I will help you work towards and find contentment. I am empathetic and believe that everyone has worth and value. I also believe that everyone has experiences and traumas which are unique and that people grieve and/or handle those experiences differently. I understand that sometimes it feels impossible, but things do change and life can improve. Therapy can be difficult or scary at first, but being able to open up, examine ones life and situation, work through trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, people can move forward.

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Treasa Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Utah with 3 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 that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kathryn Reynolds

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Utah with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Maurice Ponder

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, my name is Maurice J. Ponder and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. I received my Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have been in the mental health field for the past 14 years and I have a heart for individuals who struggle to cope with life’s stressors. I take an eclectic approach to therapy; I have a desire to see individuals meet one’s goals, grow, and live life to the fullest. I have worked in several different settings over the years, including detoxification units, crisis stabilization units, and psychiatric hospitals. Additionally, I have worked with various populations throughout the years ranging from children and teenagers who struggle with anxiety, and depression to adults who live with bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Currently, I serve individuals in a public mental health agency where I assess and work closely with individuals who battle with a serious mental illness daily.

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Elsie Pulupuna

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

One of the most important protective factors against most mental health concerns is having a support system full of safe and genuine relationships. I believe that the quality of the relationships you have with others and with yourself ultimately impacts your quality of life. I can be but one of those pillars of support as I help empower individuals and families to take control of their own life and make of it what they so desire! I want to provide a safe space where you can unlearn and rethink the unsafe behaviors/thought processes that have kept you safe in the past but continue to hold you back from realizing your full potential. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and families that hope for and want a safer and healthier relationship with the people around them and within themselves as well. I am dedicated to helping people feel safe and empowered to create the life they desire by building from within and helping them unlearn and identify the unsafe barriers in their life. This is but the first step in your journey of unlearning, healing, and change. I offer my time, space, and knowledge as you take the next steps in this process.

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Jessica Woodward

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Utah with 4 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 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.

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Renata Inigo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in UT, Portage
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona and Utah with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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 Utah. 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 Box Elder, or in the greater state of Utah. 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 Utah 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 Utah 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, Utah 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 UT, 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 84331 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, Utah 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, Utah

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Portage.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Portage:

84331

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