Payson is “the heart of Arizona,” where there are many mental health professionals reside and strive to help people with their problems each and every day. The town is surrounded by the gorgeous Tonto National Forest, which draws people from all over to enjoy the splendid beauty of nature.

If you find yourself having trouble within yourself, making it difficult to get out and smell the roses, seeking out a qualified mental health professional may be something that could help you get your life back. Don’t let your heart hurt any longer in the heart of Arizona. Payson, Arizona has help for you any time you need it.

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Sonya Bryce

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LPC,LSATP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
21 years of experience

Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Arizona and Virginia. In addition, I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in Virginia. I love working with people of diverse backgrounds who may be struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse/dependency, trauma and adjustment stress. My counseling approach is open and friendly. I encourage my clients to express themselves freely and to ask whatever questions they many need to. I primarily utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques in my work, although I adapt techniques to meet each clients unique needs. I work collaboratively with each client to develop a treatment plan that works for them and to set realistic goals for positive change. I believe it takes courage to step outside of one’s comfort zone to ask for help. I am here to partner with you on your journey to wellness. I look forward to working with you!

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Natalie Summit

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LPC,CMHC and CCMH,LMHC and LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

In 2019, I retired from a local Law Enforcement agency where I provided crisis intervention services to the community. It was a remarkable 20-year career helping people on "the worst day of my life." Many of those calls for service included assisting individuals and families dealing with mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, sex crimes, child and elder abuse/neglect, and death-related situations (natural, suicide, homicide, and accidental). I learned three things; people are incredibly resilient, desperate to be heard, and open to options when respect and trust exist. My ideal client meets all three. I offer in-home and telehealth counseling. My work and personal history lend themselves well to assist many individuals and families. In addition, I have a particular interest in working with First Responders, both sworn and civilian. If you are interested in speaking with an open-minded, culturally competent, and creative solutions therapist, please reach out with your inquiry or interest. I welcome challenging, complicated, and creative content issues. Thank you. I look forward to assisting you! Specialties: Addiction - Anxiety - Depression - Trauma - GLBTQ Treatment Approach: Brainspotting - Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) - Culturally Sensitive - Family Systems - Humanistic - Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) - Motivational Interviewing - Person-Centered - Positive Psychology - Strength-Based - Trauma Focused

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Sharon Thomsen

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
7 years of experience

Do You find yourself feeling stuck in situations that continue to occur over and over, or are You struggling with not really knowing who You are? Maybe there are some things about yourself that You would like to feel differently about, or learn better ways to manage areas in your personal life? Do You experience intense feelings at times and do not understand why? Coming to Therapy is one of the first steps You can take towards finding these answers and taking steps towards the positive changes You would like to experience. Together, we will work reaching the Goals You set for yourself. If you change nothing, nothing changes! I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and open presence. I connect with You from a strengths-based perspective. I specialize in areas of Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Anger issues, Families in Crisis, Relationship challenges, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Anxiety, LGBT, and more. I utilize several different types of healing modalities customized to assist you in achieving your Goals! Collaboratively we will work on learning new strategies and skills to help You to feel empowered, discover who You are and how to experience more of what You would like, versus what may be familiar. I am looking forward to helping You in Your journey to uncovering the Positive, Empowered, Resilient, and Healthy You that is waiting to be discovered.

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Stephanie Quist

Offering therapy in AZ
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Arizona. I have worked in behavioral health for about 15 years, and have been a counselor for 7. I've helped people who have extensive and complex trauma, depression, relationship issues, loneliness and all kinds of other issues. One of my areas of extra training in is working with for are people who have been sex trafficked, and I have worked with survivors of sex trafficking. I believe in treating clients with empathy and respect. I feel a solemn obligation to be a safe outlet to clients so they can share deep hurts if they need to. I don't believe in judging or critiquing other people's pasts. I also don't push. I believe in letting people steer their sessions and set their own pace. Some clients do better with forward focused therapies with little focus on the past and I can provide that. Some clients feel a need to look at the past to figure it out and I can help you do that too. I am trauma informed and trained/experienced with EMDR, DBT, ACT, MI, CBT, and brief strategic therapy. **Please note, my calendar is always in Arizona time. If it says otherwise, just ignore that. I live in Arizona and have never bothered to memorize when my time zone matches MST or not.**

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Thor Fjell

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with four years of experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I employ a variety of evidence-based therapies in my practice including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I strive to be warm, approachable, and pragmatic in my practice of therapy. I believe it takes tremendous courage to ask for help. I will endeavor to learn about you, your values, your struggles, and what makes you tick. We will work together to develop a plan for your treatment and ensure your goals for therapy are met. Dealing with the effects of trauma, depression, and anxiety can be difficult and emotionally exhausting. We will work together to process the events of the past and create a meaningful foundation upon which you can move forward in a positive direction and take back ownership of your life.

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Carmen Torres

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience and 10 years working with individuals with disabilities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I'm bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish.

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Carlos D. Ortiz

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience across ages and modalities. Beyond my counselor's training, I expect to complete my PhD in Clinical Psychology by end of 2023. My collective training in mental health is vast and includes providing services to children (foster care), adults, couples and families, law enforcement, elite athletes (NBA and NFL), VIP's, executives and veterans. In addition to my academic training, I also offer unique perspectives to my counseling as a man of color, as a Marine Corps veteran, as a retired blue-collar worker and as a father of two beautiful men (now in their 30’s). I mention these experiences because I want men to know that I care about what they experience at work, military or at home. I understand that many times our roles in life can get in the way of really living. And because many men grow up without a father in a culturally complex world, figuring it out on your own can be truly bruising. Still, most of my clinical experience has been working with women, who are the typical first line of defense in single-parent homes. Here is where I have gained most of my experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. Philosophically, 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. Finally, I also have a Bachelor's degree and years of experience in Pastoral Counseling for those who wish to receive Bible-based counseling.

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Grace Chenal

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients utilizing a trauma informed approach 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.

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Yancun Wisseh

Offering therapy in AZ
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

The helping profession which is often referred to as therapy or counseling has been my life-long goal. My desire has made me a patient, attentive, and non-judgmental listener and has shaped my approach to understanding clients’ needs better. I am also supportive and seek positivity in every situation presented. I thrive to make clients feel safe including even reluctant clients to find their own way during treatment but also help clients to learn how to take personal responsibility to take charge of their behavior. I facilitate, encourage, empower, and help the client discover their potential to overcome barriers to treatment and find solutions and subsequently heal. I utilize approaches that are tailored to the client dependent on the issues, goals, and outcomes. Clients must be willing to participate to reach enlightenment to help them understand themselves in a new way and break from their own poor mindset and maladaptive behaviors. I hold a master’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling and am a licensed professional counselor in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey with 10 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am a multicultural counselor who believes that endogenous factors can control individual behavior. Hence, when clients realize and acknowledge the inside factor, it eventually can bring about healing. That is, I am not there to prove my client wrong but help them find their own way out of their self-entanglement or damaging belief. No one approach fits all clients. The therapeutic alliance that is the client-therapist relationship will become the greatest change agent-Trust, genuineness, and participation.

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Tina "Marie" Harris

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Utah with 12 years of professional Counselor experience. I am experienced with and am EMDR trained to help with ANY adverse experiences, including trauma and abuse issues. I also have experience with and am a Prepare-Enrich Marriage/Relationship Certified Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ related issues, ADHD, OCD, communication skills, self love, forgiveness, identity issues, and self-motivation. You have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a 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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How to find counseling in Payson

Finding the best therapist close by in Payson 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Payson. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Payson, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Payson or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Payson area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Payson, elsewhere in Gila, or in the greater state of Arizona.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Payson area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Payson therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Payson due to a higher cost of living. 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 Payson may not take health insurance, some in the state of Arizona may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Arizona you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Payson, Arizona 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Payson 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 lead by a therapist in Payson helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Payson 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Payson therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Payson 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 lot of people in AZ, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 85541 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Payson counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Payson 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Payson, Arizona 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.

Payson has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 Payson.

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

85541, 85547

Popular cities near Payson, AZ

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