In life, it’s hard to worry so much. When you're depressed, you worry about yourself. When you're anxious, you worry about everything around you. Worry in general is hard to get past by. A counselor based in West Haven can help you. 

West Haven has a motto, and that motto is “do not despair.” You should not be in despair when you don’t have to. Instead, you should strive to have hope. We know it’s not easy to change your mentality, and that’s why a counselor can help you. Talk to a therapist and see how they can help you change. 

This is Magalis Sandoval's avatar and link to their profile

Magalis Sandoval

Offering therapy in CT
License: LCSW,CAMS-II,ADS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Thank you for clicking on my profile link and expressing interest in getting to know me as a clinician on BetterHelp. My name is Magalis Sandoval, but you may call me Maggie. I have been working in the field of mental health and addiction as a licensed clinical social worker since 2011, but have been working in the human services field since 2006 with at-risk youth and survivors of domestic violence. In 2007 I started my journey working in a residential substance abuse program and since then I have been inspired while working with patients who have successfully made positive changes in their lives. My goal during therapy is to help increase self-awareness and insight into the relationship between the individual's thinking and behaviors. I incorporate mindfulness based techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice and have witnessed immediate positive outcomes when dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction and symptoms of PTSD. I acquired my certification as an anger management specialist, and genuinely enjoy helping people develop techniques that allow them the opportunity to manage their anger in healthy and productive ways. My office hours vary throughout the week, and I respond to messages within 24 hours on business days. To begin, please review my availability and schedule a 30 minute or 45 minute session. I offer video, audio call or live chat sessions. I look forward to working with you and providing you the support you are seeking at this time. I believe in the power of motivation and hope, and am confident that together we can take small steps towards a happier and healthier future.

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This is Kimberly Peltola's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Peltola

Offering therapy in CT
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, families and groups. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and trauma. I believe in a holistic approach that supports a person in their physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. My counseling style is warm and interactive. It is always my goal to be present with clients and without judgment in order to provide a safe space for healing. I also offer clients a psychological approach to healthy living utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and introducing clients to the importance of mindfulness and meditation. It’s a truism in social work that you don’t change people’s behavior by telling them what to do; you change behavior by building relationships. I believe this is the foundation for therapeutic work and something that I thrive on doing while still maintaining the proper professional and ethical boundaries. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Lindsey Warner's avatar and link to their profile

Lindsey Warner

Offering therapy in CT
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am glad to see you've decided to explore therapy for yourself or a loved one. It's a big step, and an important one. Starting therapy can be uncomfortable and stressful. Your willingness to look at the things in your life that are causing you distress and open yourself up to healing and support, is courageous. I am currently licensed in Connecticut as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience. My experience as a mental health therapist comes from my work with children, teens, and adults from a range of social and economic backgrounds with various stressors and/ or traumas. My focus is to help you develop a more positive, supportive connection with your authentic self through the practice of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. My goals are to help you achieve happiness, success, and a sense of safety while managing many of life's stressors. I emphasize a relaxed and person-centered approach to therapy; creating a safe environment for my clients to freely explore and express themselves.

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Melissa Morgan

Offering therapy in CT
License: LPC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
5 years of experience

I provide a supportive and safe place to allow clients to share and express emotions about what they are comfortable sharing and the challenges they are experiencing in their lives. Some of the therapeutic modalities I utilize are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, Mindfulness exercises, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy techniques, Somatic Therapy techniques, Strengths-Based therapy exercises, as well as Trauma-Focused therapy techniques to allow for clients to identify triggers for abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress and trauma with non-judgmental supportive feedback to allow clients to approach the difficulties in their lives by learning coping skills to manage those challenges.

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Haylie Fuhrmann

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut and Massachsuetts with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with adoptive parents and adoptees, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Tracy LaChapelle

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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This is Cheryl Curtiss's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Curtiss

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Edward Paquette

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
27 years of experience

Seeking therapy is one of the most courageous steps a person can take. During our time together, I will ensure that you feel valued, safe and respected. But most of all, you will have a partner on your journey of self-transformation. I am licensed in Connecticut with more than two decades of professional work experience. Over the years, I have partnered with clients to navigate life transitions, depression, anxiety, uncertainty and challenging relationships. I am well-versed in cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as Existential therapy (helping you determine how you fit into the world and how your choices impact your current life situation ). My hope is that through our work together, you will find your way to a life of peace, ease and fulfillment.

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This is Andre Vilarinho's avatar and link to their profile

Andre Vilarinho

Offering therapy in CT
AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of New York, providing virtual therapy in New York and Connecticut. My experience comes from providing therapy to couples, individuals, and families with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma, addictions, family conflicts, parenting, motivation, and self-esteem issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with care and respect for intersectional identities. Much of my experience includes working with families that have a member who struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction. I've worked with parents on parenting, and couples on communication. I've worked in a variety of settings such as community mental health, group practices, large non-profit and for-profit organizations. I focus primarily on adjusting how one feels, behaves, and thinks within relationships. Including your relationship with yourself! My style tends to be casual, relaxed, and thoughtful. I approach therapy with a directness and light demeanor that reflects my optimism about your ability to reach your potential. I strive to build our relationship so I can be someone you trust to lean on and also challenge you when needed. My style and approach draws from Structural Family therapy, CBT, DBT, and humanistic models of therapy. I'm going to meet you where you are and develop an approach that works for you to help you meet the goals we will collaboratively build. Whether that's enlightenment or improved function, I hope to work together to achieve it! It can be an effortful process to work towards a better life. If you're ready to do that, then I'm here to support you on that journey.

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Jennifer Myers

Offering therapy in CT
License: M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Welcome, and thank you for viewing my profile! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Nevada with 13 years of experience helping people overcome the effects of trauma, overcome anxiety and chronic stress, and how to assimilate the challenges brought on by grief and life transitions. I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology (2011) from Brandman University, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Music from California State University, Sacramento (2004). The majority of my clinical experience has been working with trauma survivors, including survivors of violent crime, domestic violence and child abuse. I have worked as a therapist in private practice, government agencies, and community non-profit clinics. I have also worked in the social service fields as an Employment Services Social Worker, a Child Protective Services Social Worker, and a Foster Family Agency Social Worker. All of these experiences have shaped my approach to working with individuals of diverse life circumstances, and those experiences have given me a profound respect for the challenges that humans face on a daily basis while also providing inspiration as to the resilience of the human spirit. When working with my clients, I use imagery, metaphor, and humor to help them understand and internalize concepts that help them regain control over their lives. Clients often say they appreciate my ability to be "real" with them while also being sensitive, empathetic, and professional. I feel it is important to create a safe space for my clients to openly and honestly share their experiences, no matter the topic, and I encourage any and all questions you might have. I also understand that my clients are relying on me for equally open and honest feedback, and I provide that in a gentle yet meaningful and actionable way. I also believe it is essential that my clients have a clear understanding of how our process works, and to that end and as much as humanly possible, I make sure they always know what to expect from our professional relationship. I very much enjoy working with highly-motivated individuals looking to take charge of their future while healing their past. Let's make a plan about how we can get you from where you are to where you want to be! I look forward to meeting you soon! Warmly, Jen

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How to find counseling in West Haven

Finding the best therapist close by in West Haven 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 West Haven. 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 West Haven, 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven, elsewhere in New Haven, or in the greater state of Connecticut.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven may not take health insurance, some in the state of Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 West Haven, Connecticut 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 CT, 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 06516 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven, Connecticut 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.

West Haven 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 West Haven.

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

06516

Popular cities near West Haven, CT

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