Paula Peterson
Hello! My name is Paula Peterson. I have been a practicing counselor since 2007. I am licensed professional counselor in Wisconsin and Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Hampshire. I am grateful that you are reading my profile and if you connect to what I am sharing, please contact me. It takes courage and humility to seek out help. Great job noticing your need and taking the step to get your need met!! I chose the counseling field because of seeing the power of being vulnerable with the struggles of our lives and being cared for in that vulnerability. I know that our mental health is just as important as taking care of the other aspects of ourselves. I obtained a degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of Wisconsin-Stout. I have practiced in a day treatment and outpatient setting. I have worked successfully with adults and adolescents. I bring to my practice the belief that we as humans have in us, an innate ability to work through life's struggles. I seek to tap into that ability within our counseling relationship. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, self worth and self esteem, life transitions, grief and loss, and anger management. I also enjoy working with addictions, depression and spiritual struggles. Lastly, if what I have shared fits for you, please reach out. I look forward to getting to know you and walking with you at this time in your journey. If what I have shared does not fit, I hope you are able to find a good fit for you and your needs.
Shane Schuhmacher
Hello. I have spent nearly 20 years in the Human Services field and after earning my counseling psychology degree, it became even more clear how to best help others through the counseling process. Counseling is a process of self-discovery and being able to help people learn how to deal more effectively with situations in their lives appeals to my fascination with the human condition. It is important to build a therapeutic relationship so we are able to get a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions to support you in feeling better and moving forward. I utilize a variety of approaches, but commonly employ cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches, and motivational interviewing techniques to explore issues including, but not limited to, depression, addiction and substance abuse, stress, anger, anxiety, problems with self- esteem, grief, issues related to mental and emotional health, and relational problems. I will meet you with unconditional positive regard and respect. Using active listening and reflections, my approach is individualized and client centered so as to support you in achieving your potential along with your goals and objectives. It is really powerful having trouble imagining a problem being solved, and as we work together, change and understanding both will happen along the way. I look forward to working with you! Take good care, and talk soon.
Larry Laehn
Hello, I am Larry Laehn. I currently live in Milton Wisconsin and grew up in the Fox Cities area. I was adopted into my family at age of two weeks. I have a life-long challenge with Charcot-Marie- Tooth Disease and have used a wheelchair for mobility for many years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin. I also have provided Employee Assistance Program services. My 25 years of counseling practice has been in both outpatient clinical and in private practice settings. My educational background includes an Associate in Finance , a Bachelor in Business Administration, a Masters in Management and a Masters in Education-Community Counseling. I am also an active Director and member of several not-for-profit organizations. My therapy focuses on helping people find self-love and then using that state of mind/ body to tackle the issues that are holding them back in life. I use integrative medicine knowledge to address behavioral/ mental/ health challenges. Problems faced by people are very often really challenges that are waiting to be solved. God does not create junk and each of us has value and untapped capabilities within us. I would be honored to help you start or restart your therapy journey ! Larry Laehn MS Education (Community Counseling) MS Management nd Organizational Behavior Employee Assistance Provider Licensed Professional Counselor Substance Abuse Counselor ''Try to avoid hardening of the heart, it is much more painful and destructive than hardening of the arteries" Larry Laehn
Melissa Madriaga
Hello and welcome! My name is Melissa Madriaga and I'm a therapist in Wisconsin. I live in a small town and enjoy the small town life. I have over four years of experience working with the incarcerated population and over six years of therapy experience. I also have a background working with the homeless population. I'm open minded and have worked with the LGBTQ community. I have a heart for working with undeserved and marginalized communities. I received my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2015. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Marian University in 2010. I'm a licensed professional counselor. I served seven years in the United States Army Reserves. I am also the owner of Inner Balance Counseling, a private practice counseling location I just started. I have experience in helping those who struggle with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm, cutting, life transitions, adjustment disorders, and suicide prevention. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy with the focus on holistic care. I have completed an Eating Disorder Certification Program as well. Please feel free to check my profile out on Psychology Today for more info- just search my first and last name (Melissa Madriaga). If you do not see a day or time that works for you, please let me know. I have some flexibility within my schedule and can schedule clients that way too. I'm a single mother to two daughters. I have three cats and a yellow lab puppy. In my free time I enjoy domestic traveling, hiking, biking, listening to music, spending time with my daughters, enjoying nature, and exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer! I am here to offer you hope. I look forward to working with you!
Tammy Wagnitz
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & 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.
Melissa Dansby
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a multitude of different issues. I also have experience working with multiple age populations. 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. I will not release information without your signed consent. However, in specific circumstances such as child or elder abuse incidents, under court order, or when imminent danger or risk is identified, Counseling Services will share information with the required parties. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!
Mary Hargarten
My name is Mary Hargarten and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am located in Milwaukee, WI. I have been doing therapy in person and online for 22 years. I have done therapy with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with clients around issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship issues, family issues, domestic violence, self-esteem, sexual abuse, women’s issues, aging and issues at different life stages. It is my belief that we all have the resources we need inside of us to cope with the challenges that life throws at us. Sometime we just need a little help finding those coping skills and bringing them out. We all have strengths that we can develop and build on to help us cope better in day to day life. I believe that our family of origin can have a lot of influence on our ideas and beliefs so it is important to explore that influence and how it may be helping or hurting us in the present day. I believe in treating the whole person and in trying to find a good balance in all areas of our lives - physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual. My style is to be warm, caring, non-judgmental, compassionate and I have a good sense of humor. I try to step into your shoes so I can better understand exactly where you are coming from. You are the expert on your life and I am the expert on therapeutic strategies so we need to work together to see what will work best to get you where you want to go in your life. I think it takes tremendous courage to go to therapy and talk about your deepest feelings and fears. So just taking that step shows you are already moving in the right direction to shift your life in the way you want it to go. I use different types of therapy - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Bowen’s Family System’s therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us look at our thoughts and beliefs and actions and how they are working positively or negatively for us. Solution Focused Therapy is about focusing on one issue at a time and setting goals to solve the problem. Motivational Interviewing is about finding out what motivates you to make changes in your behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches how to accept the things we cannot change and commit to changing the things we can. It also teaches Mindfulness which is a very useful tool in everyday life. Bowen’s Family System Therapy talks about how we each need to “individuate” from our families by developing our own values and beliefs as an individual. I truly look forward to working with you. I love doing this work and being reminded daily of the strength of the human spirit.
Diana Ziegler
I am licensed in Illinois, Washington and Wisconsin with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sara Goetz
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I'm also certified in Integrative Wellness and Nutrition for Mental Health. 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. If you are suffering with anxiety, depression, PTSD, work or relationship issues, I encourage you to reach out for a therapy appointment with me now as it will be a different experience than your typical talk therapy sessions. We will look at your life holistically because everything around you impacts your thoughts, feelings and behavior.
Meghan Flanagan
I am a licensed mental health counselor with 8 years of experience. I've worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, and crisis centers. My counseling style is warm, genuine, and full of unconditional positive regard. I want this to be a safe space where you can explore, challenge, express, and learn ways to benefit yourself because you deserve that. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am honored to get to hear people's stories. It takes a lot of strength to be vulnerable and I get excited to see people take that step. You are worthy and you are valuable. I'm excited to hear and support your story.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Athens
Finding the best therapist close by in Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens. 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 Athens, 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 Athens region and in the state of Wisconsin. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, elsewhere in Marathon, or in the greater state of Wisconsin. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Athens online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Athens, Wisconsin 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 WI, 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 54411 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 Athens counselor?
Before seeing your Athens 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. Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, Wisconsin 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.
Athens 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 Athens, Wisconsin
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 Athens 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 Athens:
54411