With so many high stress jobs, many people in the Fort Wayne area are dealing with mental health challenges that may impact their day to day life. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Fort Wayne, IN can seem like an option, with its strong healthcare background. However, finding the right counseling services to address your personal needs is often more complicated than simply finding someone who practices in your area. Different mental health challenges have different needs, and there are a number of therapeutic approaches practiced by therapists. The therapist you need may not be available due to location, lack of coverage, or a full schedule. 

Online therapy through service platforms like BetterHelp can be a solution for many individuals. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 licensed professionals working in the mental health field, specializing in a variety of evidence-based practices that focus on different goals and life experiences. Online therapists can help with managing life stressors, improving communication in an intimate relationship, increasing self-awareness or self-confidence, and offer guidance in creating habits that improve overall health and well-being. To get started, simply fill out an online questionnaire, and you will be matched with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in success, if at any time you feel you need to change therapists, you can do so at no additional cost. 

BetterHelp can also be a convenient option for the busy professionals and students in the Fort Wayne community. Sessions can fit easily into any schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home. 

Licensed therapists can help individuals and families learn to communicate more effectively, improve self-worth, and teach healthy coping skills and lifestyle practices. If you’ve been considering therapy for any reason, whether for processing past experiences, managing stress, or learning how to be the best version of yourself, take that first step by reaching out to BetterHelp. 

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Karen Fischer

Offering therapy in IN
License: LMFT,LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

Hello, I am Karen and I have over 20 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and mental health counselor (LMHC). Helping people improve their quality of life is my passion! To help with immediate relief, I work from Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) orientation to empower you and get you moving in the direction you desire. I am also trained in Family Systems Theory which takes a comprehensive approach to addressing issues for the long term. I am happy to meet you where you are and go at your pace whether that is baby steps toward a goal or dealing with sudden, massive life changes. I can help you see things from a different perspective by asking thought provoking questions. I like to emphasize your strengths while supporting you learning new skills and can be very direct when needed. Together, we will determine together what you want and need to achieve your goals. Personally, I am from the Midwest and have enjoyed living in New England and Southern California as well as Florida. I have learned to appreciate how different those cultures are. I have diverse work experience having worked in management in Corporate America as well in startups and family owned businesses. I enjoy traveling, am very social and strive to keep myself physically and emotionally healthy. I will always reply to your messages within 24 hours. I will always let you know if I am going to be offline for longer extended periods of time. I would enjoy meeting you and helping you in this chapter of your life. Let's get to work!

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Loretta Smith

Offering therapy in IN
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! I truly am happy you are reaching out. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our life challenges would communicate with a Global Pandemic and find a middle ground instead of yelling louder than the others to be heard?! Well, as we are still figuring that one out, I look forward to being here for you and helping you with concepts such as communicating effectively or changing your mindset since we cannot change the mindset of COVID-19! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana and have been working full time through telehealth platforms since Summer 2019. I have been providing counseling and social work services since 2006 in a variety of settings including residential, school-based, foster care, outpatient, and home-based. I have an extensive history working with individuals, families, couples, relationship, adults, and children. I am a skilled, empathetic listener who can help you clarify concerns and problem-solve the issues that are keeping you from feeling whole. As a therapist I have been able to work with most mental health diagnoses, age ranges, addictions, abuse, medical complications within individual and family centered treatment models. Below you will see the areas I have the most experience in and if I ever feel as though your needs would be suited better with another professional, I will let you know. I strongly believe that the things you are challenged with are not only about you! Family, no matter who you call your family, has a significant impact on how you can cope with changes to your mental health. Building rapport with you is my biggest priority. Most individuals I serve have told me they appreciate my level of self-disclosure and connection to what they are going through. I work extremely hard to meet each person where they are, and if my story is not important to your healing, then I let that go. My treatment approach changes based on what each individual needs. I use a variety of techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mind-fullness and Solution-Focused therapy. To put my style plainly, I use “techniques” (deep breathing, radical acceptance, challenging thoughts) and help you recognize how to adapt them to your daily life so you can feel empowered and in control when life seems out of control. I would be honored to walk this path beside you when you are ready. As COVID and isolation restrictions are still changing throughout the world, I know access to mental health services are almost more important than ever. I work extremely hard to offer you a schedule that works for you. I will be working T-W-R-Sa. My start times and end times vary between 9am-10pm EDT/EST, and my typical response times to unscheduled messages are between 24-72 hours. If you ever need a specific schedule due to your time zone or work needs, please know that I will make every effort to meet those for you. About Loretta: Loretta Graduated from Ball State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s in Family and Child Development and a minor in social work. Loretta went on to teach and develop parenting curriculum's as well as lesson plans for toddlers and preschoolers at the university child center. Loretta continued her family and child work into foster care settings. Loretta went on to receive her Master’s in Social Work from IUPUI in 2015 and began providing services to teens, children, and families in schools. Loretta's most recent role outside the home was as a therapist and team leader for adults, children, addictions, and Serious Mentally Ill (SMI) populations. Loretta is married with 2 children and a dog. Her family enjoys traveling, water sports like sailing and surfing, and in general being in the sun.

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Angela Mathew

Offering therapy in IN
License: LMFT, MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficulties
27 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in Indiana with over 23 years of experience working as a psychotherapist (I am licensed in Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Utah, Nevada and Maine). I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Together we will face obstacles, journey through the “stuck” places, and heal the issues causing suffering. I will be here with you every step of the way. With open-mindedness, and total acceptance of who uniquely you are, I will help you discover avenues to make your specific goal attainment a graceful process. We will begin where you are right now, addressing what feels most important to you. We will keep open communication about your feelings in regards to the progress we are making. So looking forward to getting to know more about you!

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Roy Payne

Offering therapy in IN
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I love working in a profession that redeems pain and unlocks untold possibilities. I am humbled to be a part of a journey that brings hope and future to those who seek it. I am a graduate of the Marriage and Family therapy program at Liberty University and I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Marriage and Family therapy, specializing in couples. As a licensed Marriage and Family therapist, the bulk of my practice is with couples and individuals struggling to manage healthy relationships. However, I have experience working with Adolescents (14-18) and Adults on a broad range of issues including depression, trauma, anxiety, parenting issues, blended families, marital conflicts, relationship issues, premarital counseling, and divorce recovery. I have additional interests in healthy sexuality and cultural identity issues.

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Jerry Wheeler

Offering therapy in IN
License: LMHCA,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

You want something to change, but don't know where to start. Maybe it's how you feel: Sometimes your thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, and sensations try to get in the way of moving toward what's meaningful to you. Maybe it's how your relationship feels: Sometimes the communication patterns between the two of you can erode trust and commitment, leaving your relationship bond damaged or broken. Maybe you're haunted by your past: Like broken glass, many traumatic memories can be fragmented and jagged, stored in your mind and body, emotionally wounding you over and over again, until you're left dejected and exhausted. We're wounded in relationships... and we're healed in relationships. Let me help. Here's what I believe: Things can be different. You can effect change in your life, on the inside and on the outside. You can feel better and get better. You can move toward what's meaningful to you. Here's How I Can Help: Internal "Stuff": The thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, and sensations that try to prevent movement toward what's meaningful to you. External "Stuff": The conflict that lives in the space between committed people that erodes trust and commitment, preventing movement toward the bond. Traumatic Memories: Fragments of emotional intensity trapped in the mind and body, triggering cascades of turbulence that interfere with daily living. I'm a therapist and clinical counselor based in Westfield, IN, and I'm about helping you move toward what's meaningful to you, when your thoughts and feelings try to get in the way. Know this: I want this to work as much as you do, and I will never judge you.

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Megan Trible

Offering therapy in IN
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Indiana with over 15 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I earned a Bachelor of Arts (Major: Psychology) from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2003 and earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis in 2008. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, teens transitioning to adulthood, and healing from past trauma and abuse. I also have experience helping families navigate the child welfare system and foster care. I am passionate about empowering and supporting individuals who have been in or are currently in emotionally abusive or toxic relationships. These relationships may include, but are not limited to, love bombing followed by gaslighting, isolation from your friends or family, questioning your own reality, feel as though you've lost your sense of self, and have a desire to leave but can't bring yourself to go through with it or a desire to get back together with your partner even though you know it is not healthy for you. My goal is to educate you on toxic traits and red flags, empower you to find your sense of self again, and equip you with the tools necessary to heal from this silent abuse. My therapy style is warm, interactive, empowering, yet straightforward and forthright. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmas or labels. I believe everyone has power within them to heal and make healthy changes in their lives. My job is to help you find that power so you can rediscover your voice and start creating the life you want to live! My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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Betty Laird

Offering therapy in IN
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
38 years of experience

Hello! My name is Betty Laird and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Indiana with over 35 years of experience. I attended Loyola University in Chicago. I believe that we are all amazing, complicated and resilient beings as well as vulnerable to stress and loss. At times we all need a safe place to give voice to our pain, explore our perceptions of ourselves and others and have a companion on our journeys toward healing. My approach is to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which the therapeutic relationship is the vehicle of change. I have experience with grief and loss issues, fertility and adoption challenges, compassion fatigue, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, mood and personality disorders. I also use cinematherapy ( use of film to explore personality , coping and conflict resolution) .

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Melissa Konijeti

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Tamara Wright

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
4 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Indiana, I bring four years of professional work experience to guide you on your path towards healing and personal growth. My goal is to establish an open and safe environment where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings without the fear of being judged. Embarking on a journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first steps. In this transformative process, I am dedicated to providing you with unwavering support and empowerment. Together, we will navigate the challenges and celebrate your triumphs as you work towards positive change. I am honored to be a part of your journey and look forward to helping you discover your inner strength and achieve your desired goals. Let's begin this transformative journey together and unlock your true potential.

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This is Shayla Irby's avatar and link to their profile

Shayla Irby

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with over 10 years of clinical experience in different levels of care. 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. 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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How to find counseling in Fort Wayne

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne. 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 Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne, elsewhere in Allen, or in the greater state of Indiana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne may not take health insurance, some in the state of Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Fort Wayne, Indiana 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 IN, 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 46866 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne, Indiana 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.

Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne.

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

46801, 46802, 46803, 46804, 46805, 46806, 46807, 46808, 46809, 46814, 46815, 46816, 46818, 46825, 46835, 46845, 46850, 46851, 46852, 46853, 46854, 46855, 46856, 46857, 46858, 46859, 46860, 46861, 46862, 46863, 46864, 46865, 46866, 46867, 46868, 46869, 46885, 46895, 46896, 46897, 46898, 46899

Popular cities near Fort Wayne, IN

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