Life is all about opportunity. No matter who you are, you need to have a chance to succeed. However, this can be tough, especially when you're dealing with depression, anxiety, or other problems in life. There is hope, and that hope comes from a counselor based in Portage. 

Portage is known as the City of Opportunity. Life can be filled with opportunities, but you need to learn how to seize them. A counselor can help you do just that. Talk to one today and learn how you can seize the day. You can be a better person as a result. 

This is Dr. JoEllen Kennedy's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. JoEllen Kennedy

Offering therapy in IN
License: PhD,LCSW,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

The first step in changing the quality of your life is by looking for the right resources. You've come to the right place. As you personally know, recognizing there's a challenge in your life is a huge step in making the decision to improve your concerns. Finding the right person to assist you in making and meeting your goals is essential to success. Who you decide to trust with your personal struggles is a key factor in improving your life satisfaction. Every client regardless of circumstance, jumps into the unknown once they decide the life they have at this very moment must change. Just defining goals, stressors and factors for life satisfaction is easier to handle with a knowledgeable Therapist who has experience in the field. I received my Ph.D. when I was 28 years old. It suits my personality and desire to be of assistance to others as they go through the various stages and challenges of life. I have been in practice for 37 years. In my early career I worked with families, couples, individuals and groups. I focused on a variety of issues ranging from life adjustment to abuse/addiction/trauma. I spent several years working with the Superior Court Judges in determining the best course of action for individuals that repeatedly found themselves in court. I've worked on visitation, custody issues and parental rights. As a perpetual learner I continued my training after my Ph.D. and I became an Addictions Expert. Any addiction whether it's a substance or a behavior has many aspects thus I dealt with clients with depression, stress, loss, self worth, and mental illness. In addition my practice , I've always taught at the University level. I am a Tenured, Full Professor. I have taught Undergraduates, Graduate students, and Therapists. One thing I discovered over the years is that it is so much easier and less painful to learn new behaviors, change thoughts and adjust core beliefs than it is to step in when there is already a crisis. Everything comes down to you and what your needs are at the time of contact. I have a high regard for individual's strengths and life experience. Let me be clear, you are the Expert of you and I am the Expert to assist you meets your needs. I very much look forward to working with you.

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Patricia Mansfield

Offering therapy in IN
License: MS, M.Ed, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Indiana. I also have a MS in education and an MS in school counseling. My professional life consists of counseling adults in many different areas of mental/behavioral health and working with teens and young adults both in a school setting and in a behavioral health care setting. My past also consists of working with family relationships and parenting concerns. I have helped people with anxiety, depression, anger management, ADHD, phobias and career changes. My counseling techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, rational-emotive therapy, DBT and motivational interviewing. I believe in forming trusting, respectful relationships. I am caring, compassionate and have a sense of humor. I will work hard to learn what counseling techniques work best for you and what you feel most comfortable with. It is not always easy to take the first step to reach out for help and support. I would enjoy being a part of your journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Julia Brown

Offering therapy in IN
License: MSW,LCSW,LCAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Indiana and North Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor with Indiana. Having over 20 years of experience and the last 10 years of experience working directly with active-duty service members and their families. I am able to bring to you a wealth of knowledge and experience that will better assist with working through the difficulties you are facing. My approach to counseling is supportive with a strong emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I look forward to meeting with you and being your guide along this journey.

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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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Matt Givens

Offering therapy in IN
License: LMFT,RPT-S,EMDR-C SATP-C
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
16 years of experience

The Initiation of counseling illustrates that an individual is ready to explore the possibilities of growth and refocusing on their strengths. Gaining the courage to attend the first session can be a major hurdle as we acknowledge that we are vulnerable and something is not working in our best interest. With the stigmatism of mental health, many individuals feel that if they seek counseling they may damaged. This is not the case. Counseling is about individuals seeking a safe environment in which they are able to be supported and gain skills to be able to function more optimally in which their lives can be so much more fulfilling. Change is fostered through acceptance and connection. Reconnecting relationships is a major agent of change, whether between the therapist and the individual, parents and their children, or between partners. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental relationship that will allow for individuals, couples and families to foster healing, growth and repair. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) while also using rapid resolution therapy (RRT) and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) to eliminate the persistent symptoms left over from experiencing a traumatic event. I employ The Gottman Method with couples and play therapy with children. I also treat sexual and pornography addictions as I’m a certified sexual addictions treatment provider (SATP-C). I focus on various other modalities of therapy such as solutions focused therapy, logotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in order for the client to be able to manage stress, anxiety and depression in a more adaptive manner.

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This is Elizabeth Aguayo's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Aguayo

Offering therapy in IN
License: LCSW,LCAC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
17 years of experience

Hello, thank you for visiting my profile and taking time to learn more about me as a therapist. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been licensed and practicing in Indiana for the past 17 years. I have felt compelled to be a compassionate listener and supporter of others throughout my life, I followed this passion by obtaining my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. For the past ten years I have also been Licensed as a Clinical Addictions Counselors. Connection, compassion, authenticity, and empathy are the cornerstones of my therapeutic approach. My experiences with children and adolescents have gifted me unique insight and understanding of many parenting issues including, coping with parenting children who struggle with mental health or behavioral difficulties. I enjoy supporting women as they become mothers, cope with infertility, during pregnancy, or as they manage postpartum depression or anxiety. I have worked with a wide variety of individuals in private practice, school settings, community mental health, and integrated health care settings. Supporting people of any age who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, mood disorder, ADHD, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and health related challenges, has been very rewarding. I have had some additional training in motivational interviewing, CBT, strength based approach, mindfulness, and behavioral health care. I understand the demands of day to day life and demanding schedules which many people balance. In order to meet the needs of my clients I offer evening and weekend appointments. I look forward to learning about your life and how I may work with you on your journey.

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This is Megan Henning “Napier”'s avatar and link to their profile

Megan Henning “Napier”

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & eating disorders. I also have experience working with 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. 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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This is Ashlie Lucas's avatar and link to their profile

Ashlie Lucas

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana and Indiana. I have 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Gloria Whitcraft

Offering therapy in IN
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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This is Dr. Paula Neuman's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Paula Neuman

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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! I am also a trained neuropsychologist. I have experience in brain based and medical disorders of the brain.

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How to find counseling in Portage

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage, 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 46368 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage, 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.

Portage 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 Portage.

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

46368

Popular cities near Portage, IN

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