With such a robust population, finding a therapist in Phoenix, AZ may seem simple enough, but mental health services aren’t always as simple as they seem. Finding the right therapist may take reaching outside of your geographical area. When it comes to therapy for any challenge from mood disorders and anxiety disorders to addictive behaviors or traumatic experiences like domestic violence, therapeutic alliance is key.

In any therapeutic approach, therapy is far more likely to be successful if there is a strong level of trust between therapist and client. Motivational interviewing and evidence-based interventions can only go so far if you don’t feel like your therapist truly understands you. That’s why an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can help. With over 30,000 licensed mental health professionals, BetterHelp has a wide variety of therapists to match your needs, and allows you to switch therapists at no extra cost until you find the one that you work best with.

Therapy cost can also be a challenge for some. BetterHelp is not covered by insurance, but the cost of online therapy can be significantly lower than that of many individual practices. When in Phoenix, find therapists easily by filling out a simple online questionnaire to be matched with a therapist that meets your needs. Most people are matched within 48 hours, and if you need to switch therapists for any reason you can do so for no extra cost until you find your perfect therapist. 

Whether you’re looking for treatment of a specific mental health condition, interested in self-improvement, or seeking guidance for achieving life goals, therapy can help get you where you want to go. And online therapy can help you to fit your sessions around your busy schedule and allow you to work with your therapist from the convenience and comfort of your own home.

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Sheryl Derby

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

Hi, my name is Sheryl Derby, LCSW. I achieved my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. I also possess a Master of Social Work with a Child Welfare emphasis from Arizona State University. I have been a Social Worker for 21 years and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, providing clinical supervision for 17 years. I have provided therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families. I have expertise in depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships and parenting issues. Some of the populations I have worked with include Veterans, families involved in the child welfare system, juveniles involved in the court system and homeless families . My purpose is to assist you in achieving your goals in order to help you live a happier, peaceful life. Together we will identify your strengths and find coping skills that are the best fit for you. My style is eclectic, based on your needs, combining Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy while utilizing a Strength-Based, Solution-Focused approach. When not working, I practice self-care by spending time with my basset hounds, participating in yoga as well as volunteering at a retirement home for geriatric and hospice animals. I look forward to supporting, guiding and empowering you.

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Deborah Wood

Offering therapy in AZ
License: MA,LCP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
34 years of experience

I am a certified licensed therapist in two states with over thirty years of experience. I received my degree from Antioch University Seattle and have worked with adults in a variety of settings throughout my career. I, particularly, specialize in working with women. I employ a person-centered approach based on respect, knowledge, and empowerment. Finding the right therapist is not easy. Often times a degree or years of experience can be irrelevant as it relates to a successful therapeutic connection. I believe in a counseling session an individual needs to feel comfortable, heard, and valued by a therapist. I can offer someone these integral pieces as a therapist, as well as, genuinely caring about the individual's experiences. Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding how I work, availability, etc. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you.

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Tiffany Bryant

Offering therapy in AZ
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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!

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Kandi Crandell

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Kandi Crandell's clinical approach to therapy is creating space to envision a different future while consciously examining past traumas through the lens of understanding and compassion. She believes all clients have the strength within themselves to grow, change, and ultimately accomplish their goals to better enrich their lives. She believes therapy is a space where the client is the healer in the room, and she exists to help clients discover their own superpowers. Kandi creates a nonjudgemental space to allow the client to share their unique story while also focusing on daily habits that support change. Kandi Crandell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Kandi is an EMDR I and II level therapist, sandtray, and hypnosis. Kandi is trained in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) assessment and implementation. Each of these methods of treatment have proven to be effective in working with trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.

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Radesa "Desa" Wade

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I have held a psychotherapist license for 12 years of professional work experience. I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degree in Louisiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. To include working with people transitioning and having difficulty fitting in and adapting to the way society views them. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Everyone is different and they individual treatment approaches. What I have used for different people is psychoeducation, DBT, CBT, CPT, In vivo exposure therapy, trauma work, person centered, shadow work, inner child, and more. 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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Keith Welsh

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
23 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: Presently I am only available for unlimited messaging but am not available for live appointments except very sporadically when I have cancellations week to week with my full caseload of clients. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified EMDR Therapist. My primary specialties are treating general and specific anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, "imposter syndrome," anxiety which has led to depression, and confidence issues. I am also well versed in coaching, relationship dynamics, parenting, and family history complications. I am a very solution focused therapist with the notion of helping you achieve emotional wellness and happiness in your life as soon as possible. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and as the Distinguished Military Graduate. I served six years as a Commissioned Officer in the US Army and later spent eleven years in the private sector employed by behavioral health companies. I earned a Masters in Social Work from Temple University, entered private practice and practiced traditional talk therapy including cognitive behavioral interventions, marriage and relationship counseling, family counseling, group therapy, and EMDR therapy.​ I later spent two years working as a therapist and administrator for an International Mission agency based in the UK. While living, traveling and working in fourteen countries on five continents, I gained experience with mental health interventions across cultures in treating trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD. ​During this time I evolved my practice into specializing in EMDR Therapy which I have practiced now for 22 years and virtually since 2016. In 2018 I became a Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. I am honored to serve our all clients including Veterans as I am also a Veteran myself and enjoy serving people from all walks of life. I continue my clinical practice virtually from Pennsylvania and Delaware serving clients all over the United States and around the world, having treated clients on every continent so far except Antarctica!

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Dr. Evan Espinosa

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Evan Espinosa and I am a Clinical Psychologist. I have been in the field of psychology for 15 years and licensed in both Arizona and New Mexico. I have specialties in adult and adolescent depression, anxiety, substance abuse and trauma. also, I can assist with stage of life issues, identity work, increasing performance, family therapy, and functioning through chronic pain. My style of therapy is to provide a framework for the therapeutic process with psychoeducation and learning about you and your specific needs. We will then formulate a treatment plan to meet your goals as quickly and effectively as possible. This work may include solution focused strategies, CBT techniques, somatic understanding and processing, self care routines, and mindfulness based stress reduction. I am also EMDR trained. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion with also some humor and lightheartedness. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling, functional, and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process, wherever that process may take us.

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Laura VanSteenwyk

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in South Dakota and Arizona with over 10 years of professional work experience. During that time, I've had the privilege of helping clients work through daily challenges such stress, anxiety, eating disorders, assertiveness, self esteem, confidence, life transitions, relational stressors, trauma, and depression. I believe you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming whatever challenge(s) you may be facing. Together, we'll work on filling your toolbox with skills to assist you in achieving your goals. I am here to provide a safe, open, judgement free, and confidential space. We will go at your pace and address the challenge(s) that are most important to you. Everyone is unique and has their own unique story. It would be an honor to work with you as you navigate yours. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support, listen and assist you in that process. Just as stained glass windows get their beauty from putting together broken and reshaped pieces, I believe you can create something beautiful in your life. We'll work together reshaping, creating new, removing what no longer fits, and putting back the pieces you want in the next part of your journey.

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Jennifer Limmex

Offering therapy in AZ
License: MS,LPC,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a psychotherapist who specializes in addiction, shame, trauma, and helping others learn the art of self-compassion. I utilize Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to facilitate a large majority of my individual and group sessions. This action-oriented framework is congruent with my belief system and core values. Instead of expending energy resisting or denying their emotions toward a difficult concept, it encourages one to accept these emotions as an appropriate response to certain situations and to move forward regardless. This eases the conflict between how a person believes they are “supposed to” feel and how they realistically feel under circumstances to which they are exposed. I am a trained practitioner in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. (EMDR) This adaptive integrative processing approach uses bilateral stimulation and lateral eye movement to strengthen positive neural networks within one’s brain. It helps rescript and establish positive connections about a previously-held negative belief. It reinforces the positive pathway and helps the individual cope with the memory while applying new, positive beliefs about a negative situation. Using a holistic approach is essential in my practice. A person is not their diagnosis. A person is not their addiction. A person is a complex individual who deserves the care and respect that I would hope be shown toward myself or someone that is close to me. Working through shame is a process and a journey that is best traversed with compassion. I am currently only available for appointments during weekday hours with limited availability on weekends. Please consider if this will work for you and your schedule. Thank you.

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Tomi Taylor

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I have a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Accredited Triple P Provider, Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider, EMDR trained therapist and Theraplay trained therapist. I am also a member of the American Psychological Association and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My experience includes working with families in crisis, working with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, behavioral disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, traumatic stress disorders, and chronic and terminal medical conditions. I provide a variety of therapeutic options, such as sandtray therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness-based services, family-focused therapy, and teletherapy. I have several years post graduate experience work counseling children and adults, as well as 15 years of experience working specifically within the autistic community. I have served as a case manager, resource coordinator, and client advocate for children and parents. I currently offer therapeutic and educational services at my clinic in Springfield, Missouri and online. I am well aware of the conflicts that can occur when trying to work therapy and other appointments in around a busy work/school/family schedule. I am committed to providing therapeutic services during evening and weekend hours to help clients avoid as many unnecessary conflicts to gaining mental health care access as possible.

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How to find counseling in Phoenix

Finding the best therapist close by in Phoenix 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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, elsewhere in Maricopa, 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 Phoenix area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 85001 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, 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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix.

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

85001, 85002, 85003, 85004, 85005, 85006, 85007, 85008, 85009, 85010, 85011, 85012, 85013, 85014, 85015, 85016, 85017, 85018, 85019, 85020, 85021, 85022, 85023, 85024, 85025, 85026, 85027, 85028, 85029, 85030, 85031, 85032, 85033, 85034, 85035, 85036, 85037, 85038, 85040, 85041, 85042, 85043, 85044, 85045, 85046, 85048, 85050, 85051, 85053, 85054, 85060, 85061, 85062, 85063, 85064, 85065, 85066, 85067, 85068, 85069, 85070, 85071, 85072, 85073, 85074, 85075, 85076, 85078, 85079, 85080, 85082, 85083, 85085, 85086, 85087, 85098, 85254, 85304, 85306, 85307, 85308, 85310, 85353, 85383

Popular cities near Phoenix, AZ

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