When it comes to finding a therapist, Madison, WI seems like a place with options. With such a health-conscious community, there should be therapists available everywhere. However, when seeking therapy, finding the right therapist to meet your needs isn’t always easy…even in a big city with a focus on health. There are a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and which one works best for you can depend on your challenge as well as your own personal preferences. The type of therapy you need may not necessarily be available nearby.
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, finding the right therapist can be as simple as filling out an online questionnaire. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 mental health care professionals with a variety of specializations, assisting adults dealing with everything from family conflict to past trauma or chronic pain. After filling out a questionnaire, you will be matched with a therapist who meets your individual needs. And because therapeutic alliance is an important factor in client success, if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist you can switch for no additional cost.
Online therapy is also a convenient option for busy parents, professionals, and college students. Sessions can easily fit into any schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
Therapy can be an important part of treatment for many forms of mental illness, but it can also be a way to boost overall wellness for almost anyone. Therapists have been assisting clients meet and manage life’s challenges and promoting positive values for many decades. So, whether you’re looking for a solution focused approach to workplace stress, looking for guidance for women’s issues, or simply seeking personal growth, contact BetterHelp to get started on your wellness journey.
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
Lisa Zwagerman
I am a professional counselor, licensed in the state of Wisconsin. My experience as a mental health counselor, career counselor, and life coach have given me opportunities to work with people through life's changes and challenges. Some of my experience is with with college age clients, new moms and dads, physician families, women specific issues, people navigating career changes, and school age children. I believe that a counseling relationship can be helpful for all individuals. I am warm, understanding, joyful, and appropriately empathetic to any and all seasons one might be experiencing and I believe it takes true strength and courage to seek support around current struggles. I see myself as a partner in your life and seek to come alongside and support you. I am open to working with individuals experiencing a wide range of issues including: anxiety, depression, family/relationship stress, parenting issues, work related stress, physical/emotional trauma, and Pandemic fallout. My counseling style is client centered and leans toward cognitive behavioral, with a strength based approach.
Cory Kitt
I am a licensed professional counselor who has been licensed in the state of Wisconsin for the past 11 years working as a clinical case manager, pyschotherapist, and clinical supervisor. I have worked with people with a wide range of experiences including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, short term and long term stress, and sexual acting out concerns. I have also supported people who have experienced life's traumas in its many forms. My counseling style is warm, humorous, and collaborative. I believe in treating people with respect, empathy, autonomy, and compassion. Labels mean less to me than one's view of how their mental health interacts with their overall quality of life. My approach combines person-centered, strengths-based perspectives that incorporate skill building tool sets from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing techniques to meet an individual where they are at in regard to their mental health journey. We will work together to create a plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and peaceful life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you. Thanks for choosing BetterHelp!
Amy Welsch
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. I value therapy as being a collaborative process and strive to create a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment for my clients. I use a holistic approach and aim to be culturally sensitive, catering to each individuals’ unique worldview. Through therapy, my goal is to help clients feel empowered and validated so they can increase self-efficacy, decrease problematic symptoms, gain insight and self-awareness and learn how to heal in order to have a more positive life experience. I use a strengths based, person centered approach. I am interested in helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional disturbances (including anger management concerns), stress management, and trauma. I also have years of experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health disorders.
Susan Williams
Hello everyone! I am Susan Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have almost 15 years experience working with individuals, couples and families focusing on Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem Issues and Trauma. I have a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to assist you in developing goals to become empowered and move forward towards a positive change within your life. Through therapy we will work towards self-discovery and becoming more self-aware while challenging negative cognitions that prevent you from moving forward with healing. I look forward to working with you!
Lynet Uttal
SCHEDULING: Try to schedule in my open slots but I try to schedule people based on your best times and dates, so when we are matching we will find your best time. I am not available before 10 am or after 6 pm but I am available on some Saturdays. My name is Lynet Uttal, a licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist. When working together, my hope is that you will become more comfortable with yourself. Maybe you want to talk about a problem you are having right now (like a relationship that is making you feel bad) or you want to talk about something from your past that keeps hurting you. We can also work on a decision you have to make or motivation to get moving on a project (like writing a book or losing weight/practicing a healthier lifestyle). Some people are looking for purpose or meaning in life--we can also work on that. As a social worker, I also pay attention to the conditions of your life: Do you have enough money? Do you like where you live? Are you in the right job? In the right relationship? Do you need to change your career? Move to a different part of the country? Do you want help identifying and applying for support services? Are you struggling with cultural differences with the people in your life? Are you caring for an aging parent? In addition to teaching you some techniques (like how to manage anxiety or depression), I will also work with you to understand the cause of the discomfort and ways to understand it. My style of doing therapy is to carefully listen to you and to ask questions so that both you and I can develop a deep understanding of what is bothering you and how you want to improve/change your life. If you want, I can also provide some coaching for how you might change the way you do things or interact with people so that you are more comfortable with yourself and your lifestyle. We will do a lot of talking and find answers that work for you. I have experience helping people with changing jobs, getting fired, deciding to leave relationships, how to start relationships in a healthy way, parent-adult children relationships, learning how to present yourself calmly even when inside you feel like a tornado. I also like to facilitate thinking about regrets to turn them into stories you can live with instead of continue to be tortured by the ones you have. I have experience working with people with many different types of concerns and levels of experience with therapy. I enjoy helping people figure out what is going on in their lives and finding more peace with themselves. My work with each person is different because I tailor how we work to who you are and what you are grappling with. I do interpreter-mediated therapy which means we use an interpreter because I speak English and the client doesn't. I have worked with Latine people, Muslims, people from India, Hmong, and lots of people who are parents but they are US born children of immigrants.. I am myself the daughter of a Japanese immigrant and I am really interested in the conflicts that happen beecause people live between two cultures. I look forward to working with you!
Diana Johnstone
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 19 years of professional work experience. I provide specialized trauma therapy to survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, coping and relaxation skills, self esteem, and relationships with others. I focus on client strengths and skill building and work 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. I am also an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and Brainspotting practitioner.
Elizabeth Nelson
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Austin Lucas
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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!
Patricia Johnson-Haney
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 Madison
Finding the best therapist close by in Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison. 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, elsewhere in Dane, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 53711 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 Madison counselor?
Before seeing your Madison 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. Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, 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.
Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison:
53701, 53703, 53704, 53705, 53706, 53707, 53708, 53711, 53713, 53714, 53715, 53716, 53717, 53718, 53719, 53725, 53726, 53744, 53774, 53777, 53778, 53779, 53782, 53783, 53784, 53785, 53786, 53788, 53789, 53790, 53791, 53792, 53793, 53794