If you like whale watching, digging for clams, walking on the beach, or touring the local lighthouses, the town of Gloucester is a great place for you. The community started as a shipbuilding center and is now famous for its seafood business, being the place where the iconic Gorton’s Fisherman from the fish fillet commercials came from. 

The town was also the site of 16 different movies such as The Perfect Storm, Moonlight Mile, Manchester by the Sea, The Bostonians, and the television series Wicked Tuna is still filmed there. Whether you like these shows or not, sometimes you don’t feel like watching television or doing anything else you usually enjoy. This can be a sign of depression, so you should talk to one of the dedicated counselors in Gloucester, so you can get treatment. 

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Sharon Dinges

Offering therapy in MA
License: M.Ed.,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
13 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Sharon and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years. I have experience working on an inpatient psychiatric unit, as a crisis clinician in the emergency rooms and in the community, and as an individual outpatient therapist in a mental health clinic. I have worked with clients of all ages and with a variety of diagnoses. I have experience working with mood disorders like Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and I have also worked with many people who have serious and persistent mental illnesses like Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and other psychotic disorders. I enjoy working with clients who have addiction issues, as well. I like to use a solution-focused approach in my counseling work and tend to be pretty straight-forward. Therapy that is person-centered is my goal, so being honest and being genuine are also things that are important to me. Counseling with me is always judgment-free, and establishing a mutual respect is something that I strive for early in our interactions. I think that for a therapeutic relationship to work, there needs to be trust, and so helping you to trust me will be an important task. Asynchronous messaging through the BetterHelp platform is my preferred method of communication. I have limited live sessions available on a weekly basis for people who feel that they need live sessions to communicate. I am always willing to do a phone or video session to get started (so that you can be comfortable and confident that you are talking to a real person), as well, but I prefer to maintain communication through messages a majority of the time. Presently, I have availability for live sessions on most Sundays and on one or two afternoons/evenings during the week. I look forward to getting to know you better and to getting to work on the things that are important to you! Setting goals will be critical to our success, and I am eager to be your biggest cheerleader throughout the process. I am glad you have made the decision to seek some support at this time, and I hope that through working together, you can get your life to where you want it to be!

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Jamie Sullivan

Offering therapy in MA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I have a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, and I'm licensed as a mental health counselor in Massachusetts. I have a very friendly, laid-back personality and am always eager to help and use a lot of humor in my general approach; however, I am also very comfortable working through serious and difficult subjects in a calm, supportive way. I'm a very happy, positive person and can always find a silver lining in almost any situation! I’ve been in the human services field since 2011, and my experience is very diverse. I have a lot of experience with substance abuse, depressive and anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. Additionally, I have experience with domestic violence, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), foster care regulations, and the Massachusetts legal system. My therapeutic approach pulls from several different types of therapy, and though I'm mostly based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I'm also able to utilize different approaches and techniques as needed. I am very open and welcoming to feedback, as well as flexible, so I always encourage people to share what they want and need while we're working together so that I have a chance to help or adjust accordingly. I’ve also worked with clients of all ages from all kinds of ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. Once we build a positive relationship with open and honest communication, I am confident I can help and support you in reaching your goals! If you're not familiar with counseling, a great way to think of it is having a warm, welcoming place to discuss any thought or problem you've been dealing with without having to worry about judgment, pressure, being misunderstood, or not being heard. I will always work at your pace, so you'll never feel rushed, and we'll always focus on whatever issue you feel is most important at that moment. Remember, you know yourself better than anyone else ever could, so I will never assume that I know what's best. I also welcome any feedback you might have for me on how I can better help you. My job is to listen, support, and provide you with the tools to be able to manage your feelings, your life, and help you accomplish the things you hope to achieve!

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Christel Charlesworth

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I am glad you are here. I understand that coming to the decision to start therapy can be a challenging one and can come with lots of emotion. It also comes from a desire to have a happier, healthier life. Since graduating from Simmons College School of Social Work in 2006, I have worked in various healthcare settings as a social worker. In my work in community health, hospice, VNA/home care as well as in care delivery within a health plan, I have always been drawn to alternative and holistic ways to heal the mind, body and spirit for myself and my clients. With a particular interest in mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction techniques, I have a passion for working with people to find their happiest, healthiest and most authentic self. I truly pride myself in being open-minded, authentic and approachable. I feel truly honored to be doing this work and feel great responsibility in being entrusted to provide a safe, open place for people to heal, grow and to work towards being their most contented selves. I am a certified professional organizer as well as trained in Reiki Level II, Yoga Nidra and am trained in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I look forward to speaking with you!

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Marykate Shorter

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Massachusetts. I have 14 years of clinical experience with adults, adolescents, children, and families, both in individual and in group counseling. I have worked with individuals facing a variety of issues and challenges, including anxiety, depression, family relationship issues, couples issues, LGBTQ+, domestic violence, trauma, unemployment, disability, and school performance issues. My clinical approach combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I will look at your current situation from a strengths perspective and assist you to identify and use the strengths you already have to cope with the issues you are currently experiencing. I am here to support you. Connection to others is an important need for everyone that has been more difficult than ever to foster and maintain during the pandemic. I look forward to hearing from you to set up an appointment!

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Dr. Andrew Walker

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist with 5 years of experience working in psychotherapy and psychological assessment, providing services to people who are navigating challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and other concerns. My therapeutic approach is tailored to your specific needs. However, broadly speaking it can include helping you learn practical CBT-based skills to address your daily challenges and provide a safe and supportive environment for your deeper exploration based on Jungian depth psychology and other approaches. My specialized training in neuropsychology allows me to bring a strong science-based approach to our time together.

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Dr. Claudia Orfao-Martin

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
44 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jacob Page

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients ranging from teenagers and adolescents to adults, with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Carol LeBlanc

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Maine with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and will tailor our dialog/ 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Carol Fletcher

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Lawrence Flynn

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficulties
24 years of experience

Experienced and compassionate behavioral health and wellness therapist driven by an authentic desire to guide and support anyone facing challenging individual and or life difficulties. I am licensed in Florida, Wyoming, and Virginia with 24 years of providing supportive therapeutic mental health, addiction, crisis management, and wellness services for adults, couples, adolescents, children, families, aging adults, and veterans. I also provide Resiliency coaching and mentoring to individuals, managers and executives. Resilience has been identified as the most important core element of goal achievement and overall success. I will specially tailor our interactions, dialog, and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals. It takes great 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. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am committed to promoting enhanced mental health and well-being through client-centered and ethically supportive therapeutic practices. My clinical approach is always client-centered with a focus on blending client concerns, circumstances, and personal goals with specific treatment and rehabilitative best practices strategies to ensure an effective treatment plan that is unique and individualized to you as the client. I work with clients from a perspective that emphasizes their personal strengths, goals, and resources to create the positive change they are seeking. This therapeutic approach is referred to as Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) which is a strength-based approach based on problem-solving and solution-building regarding the current reason(s) the client is seeking therapeutic services. If you have any questions or concerns before our first session, please don't hesitate to reach out via the BetterHelp platform. I look forward to our sessions and the positive changes we can work toward together! Warm regards, Lawrence

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How to find counseling in Gloucester

Finding the best therapist close by in Gloucester 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 Gloucester. 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 Gloucester, 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester, elsewhere in Essex, or in the greater state of Massachusetts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester may not take health insurance, some in the state of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Gloucester, Massachusetts 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 MA, 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 01931 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester, Massachusetts 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.

Gloucester 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 Gloucester.

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

01930, 01931

Popular cities near Gloucester, MA

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