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.
Michelle Pellin
Hello! My name is Michelle Pellin, and I am licensed as a professional counselor in the state of Connecticut and Florida. I currently hold two Masters: one in Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology, and the other in Human Services and Counseling. Previously, I was a licensed therapeutic foster parent for almost 20 years, working mainly with mentally and emotionally disabled teens, and adopted two of them. I also worked as a case manager for 7 years fighting for the rights of my acquired brain injury, physically challenged, and elder clients. I have worked with all kinds of individuals, and welcome anyone who needs support, as I am open and affirming to all. I believe that as a holistic, spiritually minded psychotherapist, one must be healthy in mind, body and spirit. I am a true believer that your past experiences have brought you to your present situations and will be assisting and supporting you in your counseling journey. I will help you find a better, more peaceful place in your life. My philosophy is simple. Believe in yourself. Believe in the power you hold within your soul to change the world around you. Don't let others drag you down to their level. Surround yourself with supportive people. Work hard, but make fun one of your top priorities. Reach out and give of yourself to others in need., but also give back to YOU. You are stronger than you tell yourself you are. You can be that person you want to be with the power of positive thoughts and actions. During our time together, I will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve, and not pass judgment. I will listen to your concerns, and provide you at times with gentle guidance. However, you are the captain of your own ship, so I will never insist on doing anything you don't feel comfortable with. It took courage to seek help! I look forward to working with you.
Stephen Witte
I am a clinical social worker, licensed in Connecticut and New York State. I have been helping individuals, couples and families grow and change over my entire 47 year career. Change can be frightening to contemplate, but in reality change is normal. People grow and change on a daily basis as we learn, adapt and grow wiser and gain more experience. Often, being human, we make mistakes or we find that our lives are not what we expected. This can result in depression and/or anxiety, or a disruption in our relationships with families and loved ones. It may even result in serious mental illness. As an experienced therapist, I help my patients become in charge of that change process, rather than victims of it. I can't solve your problems, but I can assist you to solve them yourself.
Judith (Judy) Durdan
Hi! My name is Judy Durdan and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and Connecticut. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I've worked with people who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, forensics, homelessness, and veterans, as well as people who just want an ear to hear them and help guide them through the steps to feeling whole. My goal is to help adults in difficult times figure out how to address those issue through thoughtfulness and mindfulness, utilizing their own strengths and experiences, as well as, a few skills I have to offer. The treatment is an agreed upon approach created through support and understanding, and my approach being adjusted to your needs. Please contact me so that, together, we can find the most convenient and beneficial time that we can meet to tackle those issues. Enjoy your day!
Dr. Kristin Rice
I am licensed in Connecticut with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!
Joseph Boivin
I am licensed in Connecticut with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
Jamie Trahan
Hello! I’m a professional counselor licensed in Connecticut with over 12 years of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges. Clients come to me for support with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, trauma, and parenting issues. I also have specialized experience in adoption and foster care, as well as working with first responders and individuals in high-stress roles. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and practical. I believe therapy works best when it feels safe, honest, and human. I partner with clients to create goals that actually fit their lives—not a one-size-fits-all plan. I bring empathy and humor into the room, and I’m comfortable offering gentle (and sometimes direct) challenges when they’re helpful for growth. If you’re looking for a therapist who will support you, laugh with you when appropriate, and help you make meaningful changes, I’d be glad to work with you.
Jennifer Gaumer
Welcome! My name is Jennifer Boden Gaumer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California with over fifteen years of experience in providing therapy services. I have worked in many therapeutic settings including: a hospital-based child guidance clinic, residential treatment center, and community-based professional parenting program for teenagers in foster care. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, OCD and, learning disabilities. As a trained forensic interviewer, I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Originally from Connecticut, I relocated to Southern California in 2009. I earned my Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2001. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Clark University in Massachusetts. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and caring. I use various forms of psychotherapy (e.g., talk-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and problem-solving therapy) to help my clients develop the tools necessary to address and/or relieve troubling symptoms and make positive improvements to their lives. The journey to starting a therapeutic relationship is one built on courage, strength, and trust. It takes courage to recognize the need for help, strength to believe in yourself, and trust in the therapeutic process. Outside of being a therapist, I am an avid gardener and home renovation fan. I also enjoy reading, going to the beach, and traveling to new places with my husband and two daughters. I look forward to working with you!
Laurel Eigner
Hello. My name is Laurel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience from Connecticut. I am kind, empathetic, caring and trustworthy. I have a great deal of experience with clients who suffer from depression and anxiety. I also have experience with clients who are in crisis and have provided crisis stabilization. I have worked with variety of populations including young adults, adults, families and the geriatric population. I am easy going and like clients to feel relaxed when providing support and counseling.
Joyce Voltaire Huertas
As a licensed therapist in Connecticut, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique experiences. I focus on helping clients navigate issues like stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic work centers on empowering individuals to develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover their life purpose. I have extensive experience supporting diverse populations, including young adults, women, caregivers, and individuals managing chronic health conditions. I bring a multicultural, non-judgmental perspective to our work together. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your challenges, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. I'm committed to walking alongside you as you build resilience, understanding, and authentic connections in your life.
Beth VanKeuren Maldonado
As a licensed therapist in Connecticut, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most complex emotional challenges. My practice specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem. I offer an empathetic approach that centers on understanding each person's unique journey. My expertise spans a wide range of focus areas, including supporting adults, navigating life transitions, addressing workplace stress, healing from trauma, and supporting those going through significant life stages and experiences. My therapeutic style emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship challenges, chronic pain, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance. I believe in the power of compassionate, personalized support to help you move toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.
Martha Ayala-Tannis
Hello my name is Martha Ayala-Tannis. I have been in the mental Health field since 1997, with training in a variety of approaches; and I am always looking forward to working with my clients and learning from them. Christian counseling available.
Erika Hayes
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, particularly young adults and individuals experiencing significant emotional challenges. My professional focus centers on boundaries, communication dynamics, and end-of-life counseling, with significant expertise in grief and loss. I approach therapy with compassion and understanding, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. My practice creates a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, heal intergenerational patterns, and develop healthier communication strategies. Whether you're struggling with family dynamics, processing loss, or seeking guidance through difficult life transitions, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional insight. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and tailored to your individual needs, drawing from evidence-based practices that honor your personal experiences and strengths. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner resilience and create meaningful, positive change in their lives.
Holly Wells
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed social worker in Connecticut with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience supporting clients through life transitions, relationship and parenting issues, family conflict, coping with grief and loss, self esteem, confidence, and personal growth. 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Keith Pryor
As a licensed therapist in Connecticut and Maine, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients work through challenges like motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and workplace stress. I'm deeply committed to guiding individuals toward self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach focuses on addressing core issues such as self-esteem, life purpose, communication barriers, and personal healing. I create a compassionate space where clients can explore feelings of guilt, shame, and the journey toward self-forgiveness. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with interpersonal challenges, seeking clarity in your professional life, or working through personal transitions, I'm dedicated to supporting your unique path toward healing and empowerment. My goal is to help you build resilience, understand your intrinsic worth, and create positive momentum in your life. Together, we'll work to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and self-understanding.
Find a Therapist Near You in West Haven , Connecticut
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Connecticut can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Connecticut is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Connecticut, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Connecticut (CT). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Connecticut, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Connecticut with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Connecticut
When searching for a therapist near me in Connecticut, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Connecticut, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Connecticut.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Connecticut want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Connecticut
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Connecticut without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Connecticut (CT)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Connecticut
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Connecticut, including residents in West Haven.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Connecticut do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.