Life can bring you down. Be it a mental problem like depression or anxiety, or a sudden change in your life, you can fall down and feel like you can’t get back up. Just know that you can do it, and one person who can help you is a counselor based in Portland. 

Portland’s motto is “I will rise again!” If you go to counseling, follow their advice, and work hard, you can rise above anything life throws at you. Talk to someone to see what you can do to rise to the top.

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Danielle Wargo

Offering therapy in ME
License: LCPC,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

"It's a good day to have a good day". This quote hangs in my office and serves as a reminder that you can take control of your day and how it is perceived. Today is a new beginning and an opportunity for change. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LCMHC) with several years of experience in treating a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have almost 10 years of experience working with adolescents and teenagers and have attended several evidence-based trainings specific to children's mental health. I also have extensive training in trauma work and cognitive-behavioral therapy. At this time, my work is focused on children 12+, adults, and couples. My approach to counseling is patient-driven. I believe that in order for counseling to be effective, my clients need to feel safe and have trust in our working relationship. Therapy isn't about being told what to do and using a "one size fits all" approach to happiness. It's about guiding you to discover what you need and working together to meet your goals. I'm here to listen to your needs and develop goals that we can work on together.

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Leslie Mulligan

Offering therapy in ME
License: MS, EdS, LCPC, LCMHC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hi, I'm Leslie. I help individuals ages 14-90, couples, families, and groups. I’ve been a mental health therapist for over 24 years. I help people find peace from mood instability; relationship, intimacy and family problems; health, sleep and career stress; aging, death, bereavement; sexuality, life-stage, and spiritual challenges. I provided military combat and sexual trauma recovery services to active, reserve, guard members and their families, and first responders for a decade. My counseling approach is warm, direct, present-centered, creative and interactive. I am an objective, non-judgemental therapist with wide experience to help you clarify this stage of your journey. My trauma-sensitive approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness, wellness and art therapy tools. Our dialog, guided by your specific needs and goals, is to deepen your enjoyment of your life and empower your being. I value being human - with respect, honesty and cultural sensitivity. I am a holistic, body-centered practitioner. Mind, body, heart, thought, spirit and life experiences all contribute to life quality and meaning. My joy is to get you to your “there”. Let's connect to make it better for you. Leslie

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Angela Currier

Offering therapy in ME
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hello! If you have decided to reach out via Better Help, you are likely struggling with something significant in your life. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is very important. If you don't have a good relationship with your counselor, you won't make the progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me to help you decide if my experience and style are the right fit for you. I have been a social worker for more than 17 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and the challenges of parenting. I have spent a lot of my career working with families in crisis who are in danger of child protective involvement both when a report is made and when a family is ready to reunify. I have been a clinician in a residential program working with at-risk youth for the last 10 years. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be honest and direct, non-judgmental, and a good listener. I believe that a clinician is someone who can walk with you through some of life’s difficulties that people have to face. I feel that often just being heard is helpful. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable with. I believe that it is important to meet clients where they are at and I am open to working in via video sessions, phone calls, and messaging. The first meetings should focus on establishing a therapeutic alliance so that you feel like the person you are working with is a good fit for you. At this time most of my availability is in the evenings and on the weekends but I check messages often during each weekday. I know how hard it can be to find a counselor with who you feel a connection with and I would be honored to work with you through this stage of your life.

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Christine Reid

Offering therapy in ME
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionADHD
28 years of experience

I am a Vermont and Maine licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working as a therapist, supervisor and program manager in community mental health and outpatient settings. I have worked with individuals, children and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self-esteem issues, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many individuals and teens who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive, balancing humor and tasks in a way to create a safe space for you to explore, heal and grow. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, which essentially means that my focus is on you as an individual and I will adjust my treatment methods and plan in order to meet your unique and specific needs. Our sessions are for you and I want to make sure that you are able to get the most out of them that you can by learning and partnering with you on your journey to wellness. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change by reaching out for help. I know that is not always easy to do. 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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Deanna Jefferson

Offering therapy in ME
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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!

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Steven Kirkilas

Offering therapy in ME
License: Msw,Lcsw
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR therapy and enjoy using somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles. Lastly, I believe every person deserves to be understood, please feel welcome.

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Hunter Bishop

Offering therapy in ME
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor credentialed in Maine with 3 years of professional work experience in regard to those licenses. I have been working the field of behavioral health for the past ten years though as a behavioral health technician working my up to an individually licensed provider. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Molly O'Brien

Offering therapy in ME
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine who has been working with clients who face chronic illness, loss, and other life changes. I love being a social worker because it allows me to meet so many different kinds of people everywhere and learn new perspectives. My style mainly focuses on identifying your already existing strengths and resources to work toward your goals and objectives. We may also work on basic education about mental health and different coping strategies for symptom management. I would love to meet you, hear about your experiences, and find solutions together.

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Jessica Hancock

Offering therapy in ME
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Maine and Utah with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Margaret Matthews

Offering therapy in ME
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Maine, I specialize in guiding teens and adults through life's challenges, offering compassionate support for managing depression, anxiety, and ADHD. With a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, I prioritize creating a safe and empowering space for my clients to explore their experiences. My holistic approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, fostering collaboration and trust to facilitate meaningful progress. Together, we'll work towards instilling a sense of safety and strength, helping you navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and insight.

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How to find counseling in Portland

Finding the best therapist close by in Portland 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 Portland. 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 Portland, 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland, elsewhere in Cumberland, or in the greater state of Maine.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland may not take health insurance, some in the state of Maine 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 Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 ME, 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 04108 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland, Maine 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.

Portland 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 Portland.

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

04019, 04101, 04102, 04103, 04104, 04108, 04109, 04112, 04122, 04123, 04124

Popular cities near Portland, ME

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