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Vanessa Blanchette

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,CCTP,MSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

My name is Vanessa Blanchette and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Wisconsin. I have over been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have counseled in various settings- first as a Crisis Counselor, then as therapist at the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, and now as an outpatient counselor/therapist and Clinical Director of an outpatient clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin for the past 5 years. My approach is simple- to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment for clients to bring their stories to. In order to do this, I bring many approaches to sessions with individuals, couples, and families because I believe that everyone's story is unique and each person deserves to have a safe space to share it. I incorporate a combination of different therapies & theoretical approaches, including existential therapy, mindfulness & Buddhist inspired psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, & attachment theory. I believe that humor and genuine empathy are also important tools that are helpful in a world that can often feel unfriendly, uncaring, & at times, to serious. My most recent trainings include trauma certification CTTP, Brainspotting, EMDR, and mindfulness trainings. I feel very honored to have clients trust me with their stories and I look forward to sharing your journey with you!

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Curtis Macek

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,CSAC,CSOTP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

I am a dual-licensed psychotherapist with five years of experience working with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders based in Wisconsin. My therapeutic approach is existential, focusing on finding meaning and purpose in life, utilizing evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered in a person-centered manner emphasizing unconditional positive regard. I have extensive experience working with persons involved in the criminal justice system and a solid understanding of issues pertaining to social justice.

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Leah Szemborski

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
13 years of experience

Each of us was reverently and wonderfully made! But over the course of life many of us have been wounded with injuries that eyes can't see--soul wounds. Those wounds may come from absent or unloving caregivers, bullying, abuse, trauma, neglect, hateful words, injuries or illness, substance abuse, lack of safety, abandonment, rejection, etc. There are many ways a person can be wounded. Those wounds don't just go away, and over time they cause problems in our behavior, thinking, feelings, relationships, families and workplaces. We wonder why this anxiety just won't go away, or why we've sabotaged yet another relationship. We get ugly with the people we love, or feel so out-of-control we don't know what to do. We have unexplained illness and ailments, and the treatments (physical and mental) seem never ending. Yes, these are all symptoms of soul wounds. You are amazing because you have found incredible ways to cope with the difficult and even terrible circumstances you've faced in life! And the good news is that you don't have to live with those wounds forever. Hi. I'm Leah, and I would love to embark on a journey of healing with you. Together we will engage in creative and life-changing interventions, activities and encounters that will help you heal the wounds in your soul, and discover (or rediscover!) the unique and amazing purpose for which you were created! You were meant for so much more, and I would be honored to help you unlock your potential and finally live life to the fullest. I'm going to be honest with you, this is hard work; maybe the hardest work you've ever had to do, but in the end it will all be worth it. What are you waiting for? Let's get started! I am a spiritually integrated therapist and adhere to the American Association of Christian Counseling Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf

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Lindsay McClerman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with in a variety of settings. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including PTSD, addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting concerns, life transitions, attachment, and ADHD. I am trained in a variety of evidence based models including EMDR, TFCBT, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Multi-dimensional Family Therapy. My approach combines frameworks from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Liberation Psychology, and Somatic work. I believe in creating an inclusive, accepting, brave space for your healing journey. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier 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. I look forward to working with you!

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Randall Kahn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hello. If you’re seeking a senior therapist, with many years of experience and continuing education, who is known for his compassion, wisdom, experience and sense of humor, you may have come to the right place. After some years as a carpenter, building and remodeling homes, I returned to school to complete a B.A. in psychology and social work followed by an M.Ed in counseling psychology. I’ve worked in a variety of settings as a therapist, starting as a psychiatric technician in a trauma care hospital in 1993, later developing a rural mental health clinic with five other therapists and my last eight years of practice in the student counseling department for the University of Wisconsin. I have been licensed in Washington state as well as in Wisconsin as an LPC. I also have a substance abuse treatment licensure. I’ve had a lot of training along the way and have learned a great deal from my clients as well. My approach to helping my clients is based in this experience, training and a caring sense of the uniqueness and value of every individual. I draw on a variety of technical models of therapy, based on what my clients seem to need and who they are. While I have provided therapy in several different settings utilizing several specialties, as a semi-retired counselor I am now focused on working with clients who are seeking support for wellness, personal growth and/or anxiety or depression, using MINDFULNESS based approaches. I consider myself very wholistic in my approach to therapy. I recognize that there is a seamless interaction of processes between the mind, body and spirit. I believe that if we fail to recognize these connections, we may miss the mark in achieving the healing and growth we're hoping for. My goal is to help you achieve this healing and growth. I look forward to working with you.

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Brianna Kulibert

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression and anxiety. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lourdes Secchi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am highly motivated Professional Licensed Counselor / Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience, in English and Spanish, with a wealth of awareness with diverse couples and clients including LBGTQIA+ related issues, adults by utilizing a variety of therapeutic styles such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, Family Systems Therapy and EMDR to provide comprehensive support and treatment of Depression, Stress & Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Parenting, Coping with Addictions, Family Conflicts, Intimacy Issues, Motivativation & Self Esteem Issues, and Trauma & Abuse. 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.

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Dr. Michael Altekruse

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have worked in college counseling centers and at a school district, so I have had the opportunity to work with clients of all ages and with a number of challenges. I have experience working with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting concerns, depression, career challenges, ADHD, and life changes. My approach is to learn as much as I can about you and what brought you to therapy. As we work on goals, I want to know what blocks sometimes get in the way of getting you what you want or need in your life. I have been described as respectful, sensitive, calming, caring, and someone with a good sense of humor. If you are looking for someone that has all the answers, that is not me. It is up to you how you want to face your problems and what actions you are willing to take. With all that said, the first step to getting help can be hard. You have made that first step and that shows you are willing to look at yourself and make important changes in your life. For that, I am already impressed with you. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

This is Dr. Alicia Fahr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alicia Fahr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, Washington, and Arizona with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage chronic illness and chronic pain, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, women's issues, aging issues, loneliness, phobias, career changes, and lack of purpose or direction in life. I practice Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Rogerian Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy in my counseling sessions depending upon the client’s needs, goals, and personality. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Miranda Fassbender

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI, Merrimac
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Merrimac

Finding the best therapist close by in Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac. 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 Merrimac, 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac, elsewhere in Sauk, 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Merrimac, 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 53561 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 Merrimac counselor?

Before seeing your Merrimac 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. Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac, 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.

Merrimac 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 Merrimac, Wisconsin

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 Merrimac 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 Merrimac.

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

53561

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