Stress, life changes, family conflict…these factors can all contribute to us feeling overwhelmed at one point or another. Therapy can be beneficial to most anyone, with therapists offering tools and support to heal past trauma, manage stress, and promote mental health and wellness. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Portland, ME may offer more options than many surrounding rural communities, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than simply reaching out to the nearest therapy practice. One reason for this is that within the wider mental health field, there are a wide variety of therapeutic approaches and specializations. A licensed mental health counselor may provide psychotherapy in inpatient or outpatient settings, utilizing the techniques of anything from gestalt therapy to existential therapy, working alone or using a collaborative approach.  What you want or need from a therapist isn’t necessarily going to be located and available near you. This is where online therapy can help. 

BetterHelp is an online platform that utilizes talk therapy from local online-based therapists who have expertise in a broad range of specialties from motivational therapy for professional goal setting to cognitive behavioral therapy for people experiencing chronic illness. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

BetterHelp also offers a convenient solution for many busy professionals, parents, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. 

If you live in the Portland area and have been thinking about therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp or check out the list of local online-based therapists below to get started.

Psychologist Christina McGuire providing different types of therapy in Portland

Christina McGuire

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,CCS,CADC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

My name is Christina McGuire and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maine with 15 years of experience providing mental health therapy to young adults, individual and families. I am a graduate of the University of Southern Maine where I earned my Master's in Social Work and I am also a graduate of the University of New Hampshire where I studied the practice and administration of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning. Within the past 5 years I have become licensed to provide support to people struggling with Substance Use issues. Much of my training has come from working and teaching in both the outdoors and within traditional settings like schools, health centers and people's homes where I have therapeutically supported people to "learn from their experience". I believe that our lives provide us with a wide variety of experiences that impact us. Depending on our relationships, resources, personal health /wellness and resiliency, the stressors that we face can become thought provoking to overwhelming and life changing situations that can require a great deal of support to work through and learn from. I became a mental health therapist because I believe that being with others through life changing experiences and helping them to learn the skills to improve their ability to cope is a privilege. My therapeutic style is laid back, person centered, strengths based, relational and goal oriented. I believe that through working together, individuals can make great changes in the quality of their lives and the lives of others.

Psychologist Darcie Kelly providing different types of therapy in Portland

Darcie Kelly

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
20 years offering treatment

My name is Darcie Kelly, and I have over 16 years of experience as a clinical social worker. I am licensed in several states and have training in multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities. This means that I can tailor your therapeutic experience to fit with your needs and preferences. I have experience helping clients recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, and other life interfering stressors. I take a direct approach to healing, and I enjoy meeting her clients where they are, and at in any point in considering making change. I earned my license as a Clinical Social Worker by first earning by BS in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington, and then my Master of Social Work from Walla Walla College in Missoula, Montana. I have also completed the non-terminal master's program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Montana State University, so much of my work fall under behavior change. I have used several evidence-based approaches to therapy including but not limited to, Solution focused and other Brief therapies, Cognitive Behavioral therapies that include Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and other forms such as Attachment Theory. I am also knowledgeable about sexual issues as they relate to traditional and nontraditional relationships. I am told I have a warm, endearing, relaxed, and inviting style to therapy that makes therapy feel welcoming, supportive and without judgment. I utilize both knowledge of brain science and psychotherapeutic approaches to provide a truly holistic and comprehensive approach to improving one’s mental health. When you join me, I will hold unconditional positive self-regard for you, and I will work to ensure that you feel supported and successful in achieving their goals.

Psychologist Cory Bedtke providing different types of therapy in Portland

Cory Bedtke

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
9 years offering treatment

Hi there! I am a licensed clinical social worker with 9 years of experience, currently licensed in Illinois, Tennessee, and Maine. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Education from Illinois Wesleyan University. My social work practice began as a school social worker, providing therapy to students as well as support to their families, but I have been working with BetterHelp since April 2021. In my BetterHelp practice, I enjoy working with individuals in the college and young adult range, as well as folks in middle adulthood. The clients I have served have presented with a wide range of social, emotional, and psychological concerns including social challenges, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, and parenting challenges. I have also worked with people with different neurodivergent classifications such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities as well as other mental health disorders. I have helped many families and individuals who have experienced emotional and physical abuse, a variety of traumas, and stressors stemming from disabilities as well as financial strains. My counseling style is relaxed, yet attentive and compassionate. I have a strong belief that a therapist should be approachable and that the therapeutic environment should be an inviting setting, particularly for those who are newer to therapy. Throughout the duration of a counseling relationship, I value respectful and direct interactions and enjoy using humor to put my clients at ease. My clinical approach is a combination of the following: client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. Though I've received formal education and training in these different approaches, I value making therapeutic concepts and theories simple to understand and easy for clients to apply to their own lives. For whatever reason you are seeking out therapy, I am here to take the journey with you and I look forward to taking those first steps together.

Psychologist Karen Gano providing different types of therapy in Portland

Karen Gano

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
33 years offering treatment

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin Hello. My name is Karen Gano, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Australia. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and I have over 30 years of clinical counseling experience. My specialty is what I call Empowerment Counseling. I have a Motivational Interviewing style, and I use Compassion-Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, and Strength Based therapies to assist clients in improving their outlook and life. I have a holistic and goal oriented practice, working primarily with women who are going through some type of life transition whether it be separation, divorce, career changes, relocation, empty nest, illness, etc. I also provide counseling to healthcare workers as I have been a practicing medical social worker throughout my career, and I have worked in trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, palliative care, and domestic abuse. We can all benefit from talking to someone now and again. It is my primary goal to empower clients so that they can build and expand their "team," discover their voice, increase self-awareness and esteem, and make wanted changes in their life. My professional and personal mantra is "Self-Care + Time = Healing." I can help you with healthy coping strategies and tools to guide you from surviving to thriving. I very much look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Danielle Allen providing different types of therapy in Portland

Danielle Allen

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Pennsylvania and Maine and have been working with clients struggling with mental health issues for over 18 years! I have worked with many different populations over the years and specialize in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, stress issues, aging issues, and other life changes! I also have worked as a hospice social worker and have run grief and loss, support groups! My counseling style is compassionate and warm, and I believe in treating everyone with respect! I also focus more on a collaborative style which allows you to be in control of the pace and focus of your sessions, while also offering feedback and alternative ways of thinking and problem-solving. I tend to use several approaches while working with individuals, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and problem-solving approaches. I believe that every individual can make changes and their lives and I aim to empower them to meet those goals! Therapy can be a big step for individuals and change can be scary, but the results are very rewarding! I offer video, phone, and live chat as options for our sessions and I can be flexible to meet the hours that you need for your busy schedule so that sessions do not have to be an added stressor to your life. I look forward to working with you and helping you to live the life that you deserve and that you desire!

Psychologist Tim Masters providing different types of therapy in Portland

Tim Masters

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Wyoming , Maine, and Ohio with 6 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy takes commitment and hard work, and I am excited that you have chosen to start down the path to recovery. I look forward to working together!

Psychologist Amanda Evans Powell providing different types of therapy in Portland

Amanda Evans Powell

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
16 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maine with 16 years of professional work experience, 23 if you count pre-masters experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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.

Psychologist Annette Nelligan providing different types of therapy in Portland

Annette Nelligan

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maine with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

Psychologist Jayne Weisberg providing different types of therapy in Portland

Jayne Weisberg

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteem
18 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maine with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. 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!

Psychologist Julia Burns providing different types of therapy in Portland

Julia Burns

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maine with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Find a therapist serving clients in Maine

What types of therapists are available to clients in Portland?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Portland that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Portland available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Portland therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Portland therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Portland region and in the state of Maine.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Portland can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Portland may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Portland offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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