Life can feel as positive and hopeful as looking up at a big blue sky dotted with sunshine cottony clouds. The people of Star should know, they live in the heart of a big sky state. But, for those Star area residents struggling with mental wellness issues, life can feel more like a sunless, rain filled day.

Whether you're dealing with incredibly tough relationships, past trauma, loss, or mental illness, a Star-area mental health professional is here to help. Reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor today to get the support you need so that you can enjoy plenty of big blue sky days ahead.

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Brian Shapiro

Offering therapy in ID
License: M.S.,L.M.F.T.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
46 years of experience

Hello! Very nice to meet you! While I do not yet know you personally, clients have often told me that seeking out a therapist for yourself can be an exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful experience in itself! Which therapist will I be able to relate to? Which therapist might best understand me and my own unique feelings and life experiences? It takes real courage to take this first step on this journey toward self-discovery and change. Perhaps you will choose me to be the one to help guide you. I have over 35 years of experience in practice as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, first in California, and then in Idaho. A Masters Level graduate of the University of Southern California's (USC) Graduate School of Counseling, I have extensive experience working with both individuals and couples, along with families in many different settings and from many different backgrounds . One specialty area of my practice has been devoted to assisting survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and abuse, including survivors of childhood abuse and neglect and domestic violence. Survivors of such abuse can sometimes suffer from after effects of trauma, such as emotional difficulties, problems with trusting others, anxiety and panic type attacks, and ongoing physical ailments. This kind of post traumatic stress (PTSD) can manifest itself in survivors of childhood and domestic violence. Sometimes these past experiences can be the cause of problems in the bedroom, including sexual dysfunction, trust issues, and problems with sexual intimacy. The good news is that these problems are treatable. If this sounds like you, let me help you with this. The worst thing you can do is nothing. My approach to the counseling experience is simple and straightforward. I believe that most everyone has the potential to learn, grow, and ultimately change if they so desire. For many, this process of self exploration is unfamiliar and even the thought of it can be anxiety provoking at first. For others, there is a sense of relief at finally disclosing to another human being the often hidden thoughts and feelings they have been experiencing and perhaps suffering from for so long. I am first and always a caring, empathetic, and emotionally supportive listener. You set the pace of this process. I am here to help guide and assist you. I work in various treatment modalities, and you will often hear therapists advertise about the types of treatments they utilize. Words such as cognitive, or cognitive behavioral, or psychodynamic are often used. Rather than telling you which approach is best, I will instead direct your attention to the numerous studies conducted over many years now which largely agree on one thing. Mainly, that the relationship which develops between the therapist and the client is single most important factor in achieving successful outcomes. And while required continuing education courses keep all clinicians current in this ever changing field, I believe that it is the personal characteristics of the therapist you choose to be most important. The therapist you choose should be skilled in fostering a positive, empathetic, and caring therapeutic relationship in which the client can safe to explore and discover themselves at their own pace with the therapist guiding and encouraging, but not dictating, their progress. I believe you will find me capable of fostering a positive and caring relationship with you which you will find to be emotionally supportive as well as solution focused, and tailored to your specific needs.

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Jyl Adams

Offering therapy in ID
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello. My name is Jyl Adams. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Idaho and Nevada. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno and my Master of Social Work at Boise State University. I owned my own practice for eleven years working with individuals, couples, children and families focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, parenting and family struggles, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as life changes. I believe in a strengths-based approach utilizing cognitive behavioral and solution focused techniques. Making the choice to seek counseling is a difficult one and I am happy you have decided to reach out. The first order of business is for us to develop a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship so you feel confident to express yourself in a safe and supportive environment. I believe our work is based on a team approach where we work together to achieve your desired goals. Once we identify your desired goals I can provide tools to help you achieve those goals. I look forward to working with you.

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Si Thompson

Offering therapy in ID
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesADHD
9 years of experience

A little about me: After growing up mainly in the Northwest, I now live in North Idaho and love the variety here: mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and even the wildly unpredictable seasons (I'm pretty sure that we have more than four..). It makes my favorite activities –cycling, canoeing, clambering– that much more rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to grow my family here. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology (B.S.) from the University of Idaho, my master's degree in social work (MSW) from Boise State University, my initial license (LMSW), and finally my current credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Idaho. I've worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer serving rural schools in Washington state, a wilderness counselor for troubled teens in North Carolina, a mentor for students in several therapeutic residential programs, and a variety of other things. I believe that my values of communicating in empathy, relating as equals, educating with a sense of curiosity & challenging from a place of respect all harmonize in an approach that increases self-understanding, encourages personal growth, and opens possibilities for people to create the life they want. Because everyone has their own unique way of relating to themselves and the world around them, individual people and cases call for personalized treatment based on their own needs. With this in mind, I lean toward strengths-based, existential, and cognitive theories of treatment, and use CBT, psychoeducation, and narrative techniques to help people challenge & change their own self-defeating thoughts & assumptions, unwanted emotions, and destructive patterns. I also often use play therapy exercises, role-playing, gentle humor, relaxation techniques, written works & other media sources, journaling & artwork as appropriate & helpful. I'm often reminded of the adage: "Everyone you meet is mid-journey," and this very much applies to me as well. -Si Thompson, LCSW

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James Warner

Offering therapy in ID
License: MA,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
17 years of experience

Many years of working as an in-home, multicultural, inner-city therapist and in a Residential Treatment Program for Emotionally Disturbed Children before transitioning to Adults with Developmental Disabilities have provided me with a strong foundation to address a wide variety of clinical issues. My theoretical methods is founded first and foremost in developmental psychology utilizing many other theoretical approaches such as CBT, DBT, Performance psychology, solution focused etc. My passion for psychology began as a professional athlete and then in undergraduate school at the University of Maine at Farmington as an Alpine ski coach and through my years as a professional ski coach. My passion for psychology and therapy continues to focus on supporting individuals the fulfill their potential.

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Matthew Christensen

Offering therapy in ID
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Hi, My name is Matt. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Idaho with over 10 years of experience working in the Mental Health field. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, autism spectrum disorder, Couples issues, ADHD, and trauma. I am a person-centered counselor with a warm and compassionate and laid-back style. I believe in treating others with respect and dignity. I will meet you where you are and move along at your pace to assist you with achieving your goals. I acknowledge the strength and courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and commend you for your choice to reach that goal. I look forward to working together.

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Dr. Emily Christensen

Offering therapy in ID
License: PhD,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
22 years of experience

*NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ON BETTERHELP.* I am a doctoral level licensed clinical professional counselor, with twenty years of experience as a counselor. The most transformative aspect of counseling is feeling safe and supported by a knowledgeable therapist who will listen empathetically and without judgment, and I will help nurture and draw out your best self. I believe that your answers lie within you; my job is to help you discover your inner wisdom and identify and overcome the obstacles to self-actualization - whether they are internal (for example: low self-esteem, critical inner voice, shame, childhood traumas) or external (for example: illness, loss of a loved one, partner betrayal, family issues, financial troubles). My counseling approach is therefore client-centered, strengths based, and solution-focused. My education background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Master of Science in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have provided counseling online for seven years, helping people navigate life, its hardships, and its challenges. I've worked in private practice, specialty clinics, community mental health centers, and hospitals. My clients come from varying ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Some of my specialties include chilldhood issues, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I have also a great deal of experience working with those who have endured trauma and abuse, including dissociative disorders. I also have extensive experience with VIP clients and high profile cases. My counseling style is warm and interactive, but with positive accountability to encourage healthy changes. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - no matter what emotional processing is being worked through or expressed. Having been originally trained in Jungian and narrative therapies in classic psychoanalysis, your story matters to me and matters in its telling. Your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. I am also able to do EMDR if needed. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Staci Somes

Offering therapy in ID
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. My focus has primarily been with divorce and betrayal trauma. 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.

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Lauren Blount

Offering therapy in ID
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Idaho, and South Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also come from an integrative approach that utilizes modalities such as expressive arts, yoga, mindfulness, and ayurveda. My approach to therapy is to look at the whole person. 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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Rodney "Rod" Smith

Offering therapy in ID
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri and Idaho, with several years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with recovering from addictions, relationship, trauma and abuse, anxiety, & depression issues. I have been through my own spiritual/therapeutic journey of change for the past 30 years that has enabled me to overcome my past addictions, feelings of depression, and sexual abuse. I tell you this because it is not only important that we have the clinical and professional experience (25 years experience in the behavioral health field), but that we have personal experience as well. I believe my authentic approach to counseling creates an atmosphere of honesty, trust, and acceptance that helps us to motivate ourselves towards making positive and tremendous changes in our lives. Professional Experience I have recently worked in a prison as a mental health professional for the past 7 years conducting individual and group therapy. I have worked over 25 years in the fields of mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders performing evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and individual and group therapy.

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Jocelyn Pulver

Offering therapy in ID
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

Whether you are an individual struggling to heal from depression, anxiety, or past trauma, a couple who feels challenged to connect and create more profound levels of intimacy, or a seeker searching for the deeper meanings on the aspects of life and happiness, eager to discover what lies beyond the physical. I SEE YOU. YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. Wherever and whatever you are currently experiencing, I am happy to meet you. To shed light and wisdom on the patterns and beliefs keeping you from living the life you long for. Clients describe me as both Challenging & Compassionate. I am committed to seeking out the truth of every matter. I strive for excellence and complete honesty. I genuinely care and will go the extra mile for anyone willing to invest in themselves. I aim to help you make the change you’ve been searching for and to do so with a laugh or tears – honoring both as signs of progress. As your counselor, I equally invest in you and myself. If I encourage you to stretch outside your comfort zone, I have likely asked the same from myself. With growth comes great gains, but first, there are natural growing pains. Fortunately, the work is worth it and has the potential to inspire actual life changes. At the end of the day… I am here to encourage you to keep moving to create peace, joy, and happiness. I will help you garner the courage to step into the unknown. My goal is to help you find strength and clarity despite life's obstacles. With your commitment, together, we will formulate a plan and face whatever challenges stand in your way. I will teach you tools to live more authentically, truthfully, and with courage. Counseling isn’t just about sharing our emotions to feel better, although that is a part of the process. Rather, it is a journey we take with our Self to uncover and discover who you really are. As your unique essence is revealed, inner trust blossoms, guidance becomes intuitive, and what once were obstacles become stepping-stones along your path toward personal freedom.

How to find counseling in Star

Finding the best therapist close by in Star 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 Star. 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 Star, 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star, elsewhere in Ada, or in the greater state of Idaho.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Star 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 Star 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 Star may not take health insurance, some in the state of Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Star, Idaho 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star 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 ID, 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 83669 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star, Idaho 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.

Star 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Star.

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

83669

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