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.

William Shanahan
9 years defines my experience providing dual diagnosis mental health related counseling services to adolescents, adults and elders in a variety of inpatient/outpatient services in the criminal justice system in conjunction with integrated clinical health systems services. This experience gave me a new direction and way of life consisting of personal growth and change I would like to share with you. Our goal is to share my experiences with those who seek to enhance their level of personal growth and change. Serving adolescents, adults, elders, couples, families and groups with my training in an eclectic variety of treatment modalities, the actual counseling approach with a given client is determined by your preference and personal goals. With the hope that your goals will center around the self discovery of personal strengths and yielding an increase in self esteem you will realize that your integrity is the most valuable asset about yourself. Upon this discovery you will be able to share with others as you become an extension of the counseling process. My theory is when people have hope and learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs and attitudes they create the biology of courage. By normalizing stress people are free to experience change. In Relationship focused therapy the counselor will identify strengths by asking family members to take note of the family dynamics they want to maintain The counselor will look for exceptions to the problem by asking couples to recount times when the problem did not occur and to account for why, to formulate a solution and highlight strengths. Couples will review worksheets and experience discoveries by working together to identify strengths and cultural differences. In my experience within the past 9 years couples will experience cohesion within the family unit in which they will find new meaning and purpose. Couples will set goals that identifies a renewed value driven direction as they discover what they want to work towards and what is really important to them. At Franciccan University I was made aware and adapted my Christian basesd counseling approach to center around the Eleven Human Emotions that describe the pleasure, appetite or human emotions. The goal to acquire the good through Love Desire and Joy and to avoid the evil of Hate Aversion and Sadness. These emotions make up the heart or inner core of mans emotional life. For difficult issues it is wise to recognize the Utilitatian or assertive emotions of Hope Courage and Anger versus Despair, Sadness and Fear. These Emotions give us the energy necessary to overcome obstacles that separate us from the things that are hard to get and what we really want. Clients are encouraged to engage in each component of the Eleven Human Emotions that will give them clarity and a renewed realtionship with the Holy Spirit thus gaining compassion for themselves and others. What do you have to lose and you have everything to gain by trying!

Gwen Kittell
I am licensed in Arizona with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Shellany Cushner
I am so glad you are taking the time to read my introduction. I am a Licensed psychotherapist, in the State of Oregon, Wyoming, and Utah. I graduated from the University of Nevada in 1999 with my Master’s Degree specializing in behavioral and cognitive therapy. I started practicing in Orange County California and moved back to my home state of Oregon in 2003. I have over 24 years of experience working as a clinical psychotherapist and I took a short sabbatical to care for my family. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, career challenges, grief, pain management, sleeping difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have treated people with Addiction Difficulties.

Timothy Rogers
I am licensed in California and Arizona with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 as you transcend to new levels of insight. **Currently only accepting clients with Men's Issues and LGBTQIA+ members**

Steve Garufi
With 19 years of experience, my areas of interest include depression, anxiety, self-image, healing from trauma and abuse, divorce recovery, overcoming shame, life transitional issues, matters of loneliness, and empowering others to pursue their dreams and career aspirations. I earned my B.A. in Political Science at Montclair State University in New Jersey in 1994 and gained my Masters in Counseling at Denver Seminary in 2002. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado (#4201) and Arizona (#22661). My counseling approach usually incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, Rogerian theories ("person-centered" counseling), and family systems methods. I am passionate about helping my clients feel understood in their time of suffering — with their feelings validated, their life story honored, and their weaknesses, mistakes, failures, longings, etc., accepted without a hint of judgment. While I think I have much to offer my clients, I am not a "know it all" therapist. I want to learn from those who have turned their pain and suffering into something beautiful. As a resident of Westcliffe, Colorado and Green Valley, Arizona, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the American West. I have biked across the USA three times, the latest trip in 2017, and have authored a memoir about my first trip, titled "Under a Triumphant Sky: A Bike Across America Story." I regularly make public presentations about my travel experiences and encourage others to live boldly and to pursue their dreams.

Julie Zemke
I am authentic and direct but a compassionate therapist who will work with you and assist in empowering you to move forward in meeting your goals. I have a particular interest in promoting healthy boundaries and giving voice to your needs in a more assertive manner. I believe a sense of humor is a critical coping skill. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and navigating life changes. I am licensed in Georgia, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. I have 15 years of professional work experience. My clinical expertise is in adult mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma, having worked in a variety of settings to include inpatient, residential, jail, crisis intervention, and outpatient mental health clinics. I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) treatment interventions. I have found great fulfillment in helping individuals better manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and overall functioning. I feel honored to listen and provide tools shown to improve overall quality of life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I know that availability is a key factor in selecting a therapist that can meet your needs. I offer live chat/video/phone sessions on the weekends and weeknights only. I am very accessible via messaging.

Vanessa Hernandez
Peace and Harmony, I am licensed in Arizona with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. In our world of constant change, we have to define our authentic self, forgive and heal from past trauma or issues, live in the present, and continue progress for the future. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I provide comprehensive counseling, diagnosis, and treatment for clinical disorders, to everyday life situations. I have 15 years of experience providing treatment services in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment programs and correctional institutions. I utilize evidence based therapeutic techniques in CBT and other therapeutic treatment modalities to help client's reach a level of acceptance and balance to be able to manage life without becoming overwhelmed by it. I encourage my clients to grow, heal, and develop to reach their optimal health and wellness using evidenced base interventions and apply a culturally sensitive integrated approach that embody, empathy, and respect., I encourage clients to increase their self-esteem, self-awareness, self-love, self-growth, and to foster healthy connections with others through positive healthy constructive change. 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!

Kelli Stocker
I am licensed in Florida, Arizona, and Washington, with over 15 years of professional work experience with adolescents and individuals. These experiences include helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. My therapy approach is very warm and client-centered, and frequently includes solution focused techniques. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and 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 and look forward to working with you!

Cheryl Jones
I am licensed in Arizona with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & intimacy related issues. I specialize in promoting healthy sexuailty and psychosexual therapy. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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.

Sarah Daniel
I am licensed in Arizona with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a therapist serving clients in Arizona
Types of therapists available to clients in Payson
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Payson that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Payson available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Payson therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Payson therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Payson region and in the state of Arizona.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Payson can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Payson may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.