This is Karen Eldridge's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Eldridge

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): L.P.C.,M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile. I am so encouraged that you have taken the most important step toward addressing issues of concern, the first step. My name is Karen Eldridge. I joined the counseling field a little late in life though many would tell you that makes me experienced at this thing we call life with its' many twists and turns, good times and bad. I believe that my life experience, and work in other professions has prepared me to walk with clients to address a wide variety of concerns. I use a wide paint brush so to speak of my counseling style that is centered solely on genuineness, responsibility and accountability. I want my clients to be as comfortable talking to me as they would to their closest, and most trusted friend rather than a professional so very far away. I believe that together we can push aside the fear and embarrassment that too many people associate with therapy to develop a collaborative partnership to discover hidden desires and talents that will allow you to live your life with purpose and passion. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Virginia's College at Wise and a Master's in Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. I have a PhD in Psychology from Capella University. I earned my National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation in 2013, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation in April 2019. I have experience counseling adults and couples. In my free time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

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Lisa Bradford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am a Mental Health Counselor Licensed in Virginia with experience in direct care for over 30 years. I have worked with individuals, families and groups. I specialize in working with Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD and personality disorders. I particularly enjoy helping people gain hope and recovery thru personal change. I have helped numerous individuals with Mental Health Recovery, Caregiver Stress, and problem solving to manage their illnesses. My counseling style is warm and nurturing. I enjoy partnering with my patients to work toward change. I believe in being genuine and meeting my patients where they are. I have a very much patient centered approach and do not believe in judgement. I normally use a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused and Mental Health Recovery and Wellness approaches. I will work with you to set up an individual plan for change and care. Together we will work toward your goals. It takes a great deal of courage to admit that what you have been doing is not working . It takes even more courage to ask for help. If you are at this point, I would really like to partner with you.

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Karla Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Warmest Greetings, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with over 10 years of experience working as a Therapist, Advocate, and Educator. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, challenges with life transitions, trauma and ADHD. I also have worked in Assertive Community Treatment, Emergency Services, inpatient psychiatric facilities, hospitals, jails, and educating law enforcement on how to respond to those experiencing a mental health crisis in the community. My counseling style is authentic, personable, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, compassion, and celebrating life's big & little wins! My approach combines CBT, REBT, Solution Focused, and Reality Counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help for a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. LET'S WORK TOGETHER! Karla Lewis, LPC,NCC (she/her pronouns)

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Emily Booth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Deciding to seek out therapy requires courage and strength! I am so glad you have chosen to take this important step on your journey and hope that I can support and walk with you as you create the life you desire. I believe that each person's experience is unique, and therefore each of us faces individual challenges to help us grow and reach our greatest potential. This is not to say that these challenges come easily, and often times it is helpful to have an unbiased partner to join us as we face difficulty head on. I am here to offer you that support and partnership in meeting your goals, whatever they may be. A connection with our true selves is at the root of all healing, and I employ the following techniques which help you tap into your greatest potential: mindfulness meditation, yoga, writing and nature based therapy. I also employ traditional interventions. My area of interest is supporting women through transitions or healing from trauma.

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Laura Walls

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has more than 21 years of experience in a variety of counseling settings. My holistic approach to counseling addresses your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. I approach therapy in a very integrative, client-centered manner. To ensure the highest quality care is provided, I draw on a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-informed, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and more. I promote growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere in which you feel heard, validated, and empowered. It is important to note that due licensing regulations, I am only able to work with clients who reside in VA. Also please refer to the this link, https://www.betterhelp.com/terms/, to review the terms of service. In accordance with these terms I do not provide documentation (meaning letters/reports indicating a diagnosis or attesting to mental fitness for situations such as custody, disability, court mandates, service animals, etc.)

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Marvin Skinner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger management
43 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping Children, Teen and Adult clients with relationship, family, spirituality, stress and anxiety, depression, sexuality and identity issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I use a cognitive behavioral and existential therapeutic approach to help people progress to a more fulfilling life. 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!

This is Polly Peterson-Parker's avatar and link to their profile

Polly Peterson-Parker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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!

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Nora Rowny

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, lgbtq+ related issues & mood disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our conversations 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 and empower you in that journey.

This is Meagan Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Meagan Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with life changes. 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.

This is Farah Westbrook's avatar and link to their profile

Farah Westbrook

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Monterey
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time out to view my profile. Finding the right therapist to meet your individual needs is a very important step and I am hopeful that I will be able to assist you. I find great passion in assisting my clients in meeting and surpassing their full potential. After I obtained my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I continued my education and received a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed in multiple states, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I have experience with working with individuals of all ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. Although I use multiple counseling techniques (Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, etc) in order to meet my client's individual needs, my work with clients is primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy perspective. I believe that the connections between rationality and emotion as well as mind and body are essential in accomplishing behavioral change through logical thinking. Becoming more aware of damaging automatic thoughts and acquiring the ability to revise cognitions impacts one’s behaviors and ultimately may lead to positive change. In addition, I hold a great appreciation for the unconscious and the power it has over one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The intimate process of making the unconscious conscious is a fundamental step toward growth, development, and change. Being able to recognize how unresolved conflicts from the past influence the present and manifests in unhealthy cyclical patterns gives one the power and confidence to take control.​​ It is my belief that therapy is an intense, engaging, rewarding, and collaborative process. One of the main purposes of therapy is for one to gain a deeper understanding of self by exploring personal experiences, perspectives, and expectations. Regardless of the presenting issue, I provide my clients with a high level of respect, honesty, and genuineness. After successful completion of therapy, it is my hope that my clients will be able to incorporate what will be presented throughout therapy sessions into multiple life circumstances.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Monterey

Finding the best therapist close by in Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey. 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 Monterey, 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 Monterey region and in the state of Virginia. 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey, elsewhere in Highland, or in the greater state of Virginia. 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey may not take health insurance, some in the state of Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Monterey online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Monterey, Virginia 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 VA, 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 24465 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 Monterey counselor?

Before seeing your Monterey 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. Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey, Virginia 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.

Monterey 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 Monterey, Virginia

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 Monterey 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 Monterey.

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

24465

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