My name is Michael Cole (James) and I am a licensed mental health professional. I offer my services here as a part-time, private practice contractor. I hold multiple degrees including a Master's in Social Work and I am currently a doctoral candidate studying advanced clinical social work. I hold multiple licenses to practice as an independent mental health professional (LICSW/LCSW) in various states.
My approach to services is eclectic in nature, which is to say that I shift my approach to meet your needs, whatever those may be. I do not believe in "cookie-cutter approaches" to this kind of work as each person is unique as are their needs and goals. I strive to be culturally informed and desire to provide competent support to all persons in need.
You deserve a clinician that you can trust and who is focused on your specific needs. You deserve someone who will hold space for you, who will not cast judgement, and who will work with you to help you determine what the best path forward looks like. These things are what I strive to provide to every client I see.
I am very excited to meet you and to get started on addressing the concerns/issues that brought you in to see me. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
PLEASE NOTE: I do not offer "messaging sessions" and due to my limited availability I mandate that clients only book sessions that they can keep as no-shows, late cancels, and late appearances will result in my having you find another provider to work with who can accommodate such things. While there are some people who don't care for this approach, this policy is the best way that I have found to be equally fair to all clients.
Thank you for reading up on me. I hope to connect with you soon.
Professional experience
11 yrs in practice
Stress and anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Depression Coping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:LGBTQ+ related issues, Trauma and abuse, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Executive and professional coaching, Compassion fatigue, Communication problems, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Sexuality
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Cole. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
James has been solid. I appreciate him
Written on Sep 26, 2026 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
He’s really nice makes me feel safe and welcomed and he’s really easy to talk to
Written on Aug 19, 2026 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
James is a brilliant therapist. He has years of experience and in depth training which clearly shows. He is professionally able to support you, provides profound insight into your situation and challenges, and helps you to see perspectives which help you to heal. The best therapist I've found so found.
Written on Jun 29, 2026 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
One of the best!
Written on Apr 14, 2026 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief
Very helpful
Written on Apr 11, 2026 after therapy with James for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I didn't think it was possible to feel hopeful again, but my work with my therapist James Cole has brought me back to life.
Three months ago, my world fell apart. I lost my dad, and my husband left me on the same day without any explanation. The loneliness and fear were constant. I wasn’t sure online therapy was the best answer for me and was very hesitant, but it has been a true blessing and a lifeline.
His education, experience and innovative approach are true gifts; he has created a safe space for me to heal and has guided me through the darkest time of my life with compassion, kindness and care.
I am incredibly grateful for his support and for helping me believe in a beautiful future again.
Written on Mar 17, 2026 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
James has a wealth of experience and is very insightful!
Written on Jan 25, 2026 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Great listener, has good insight.
Written on Oct 02, 2025 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues
I have struggled trying to find an empathetic counselor that really makes ME think about what I NEED to do to take care of myself. Thank you, James!
Written on Jan 18, 2025 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Excellent listener and teacher
Written on Nov 17, 2024 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
James is a wonderful therapist! In the four months I’ve been doing therapy, he is very considerate and responsive. He takes time to break things down in easy to understand ways which helps a lot in getting through issues that I bring up about personal life.
James is by far the best therapist I’ve had.
Written on Jun 19, 2024 after therapy with James for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
A great fit
Written on Jan 17, 2024 after therapy with James for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, sleeping disorders, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
My therapist is the kindest person I've ever talked to. He's incredibly patient and makes me feel genuinely welcome. His compassion and understanding create a trusting and positive therapeutic environment that has a profound impact on my well-being.
Written on Jan 07, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, and anger management
James has been the best thing to happen to me the second we connected. I’m grateful for finding him & being able to be the person I am today emotionally. Thank you James.
Written on Nov 11, 2023 after therapy with James for 7 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
He's great...and that is all I have to say
Written on Nov 08, 2023 after therapy with James for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Awesome therapists who keeps it real but also respect my concerns. James is awesome at providing suggestions to help on their journey for mental health recovery.
Written on Aug 01, 2023 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Michael has been very helpful in working through things in my life - he is a good listener, patient, and provides meaningful support and feedback. He is kind and has a sense of humor, but also also holds you accountable, which is appreciated. Easy to talk to and very responsive and flexible- would highly recommend.
Thank you,
Laura
Written on Jul 10, 2023 after therapy with James for 5 months
He gives you a chance to talk and get things out. He is a really good listener and helps me identify different ways to think about my challenges. He's like the cool uncle that makes you laugh too.
Written on Jun 27, 2023 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Ive been extremely grateful to have James as a therapist! He has helped me in tremendous ways by just letting me word vomit and to helping me figure out the root cause of the word vomit. He has also helped me identify how to work certain situations and to know if it it deserves my energy or time. His tools of how to explain how "I" feel has been a big help to communicating thoroughly. As simple as it seems its easy to make others fee attacked when not using the "I" term.
He has Also helped and showed me a technique to reduce high anxiety and how to visualize to relaxation. Easy to talk too, friendly, and overall a great person to work with. He never forces to speak about certain topics and gives the time and trust that is needed to open up about pass traumas. He is the first therapist who treats me as a equal and as a adult.
I appreciate when he tells me his own stories at it helps me relate to him and feel more trusting with him. He never makes therapy about himself, and has different approaches on how things can be handled. I am genuinely happy to have someone who is knowledgeable in the advice he is giving and the patience he has!
Written on Mar 14, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, anger management, and adhd
Michael is very courteous. He listens very carefully and has an honest, unbiased feedback. He is respectful.
Written on Mar 03, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, anger management, and adhd
James has so far been a big help during a difficult time.
Written on Feb 01, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
He's a great listener. Genuinely wants to know more about you. He helped me with changing my perspective on life.
Written on Jan 27, 2023 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, addictions, parenting issues, and career difficulties
I. ABSOLUTELY. LOVE. THIS. MAN. He’s so open about his own life which makes me feel even better to be open about mine. He feels like my best friend and we’ve only had two live sessions. A best friend with professional advice. He’s so understanding and doesn’t make me feel bad about what I’ve done or what I’ve been through. He truly cares about the well being of his clients. I cannot express enough how phenomenal he is. 5 stars. 10/10 would recommend.
Written on Jan 15, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, com
He has been great at listening and giving me helpful feedback! He is educated and has realistic suggestions. He has beed responsive and engaged . I have enjoyed his help.
Written on Jan 01, 2023 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
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