As the county seat of Lewis and Clark County and state capital of Montana, Helena is a popular place to live. This town was built on the gold mining camp during the Montana gold rush back in 1864 where more than three billion dollars of gold was found in twenty years. Strangely enough, the city is now one of the least populous state capitals in the United States, so you are not going to be annoyed by traffic and crowds everywhere. 

Being the birthplace of actors Dirk Benedict and Gary Cooper, singer Charley Pride, and philosopher Brand Blanshard, the town has had its share of superstars but even they need emotional help sometimes. Luckily, there are many dedicated therapists in town for this purpose. 

This is Dr. Jason Newcomb's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jason Newcomb

Offering therapy in MT
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficulties
21 years of experience

Hello, I am Jason! I believe my skills best match with people struggling adjusting, encountering stress or anxiety, needing encouragement, dealing with grief, or experiencing some depression. My approach is to build a trusting, honest relationship with you. I want to provide you compassion, acceptance, respect, and empathy while also being honest and real with you. I use an eclectic approach, primarily a mix of person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and REBT. I also use a lot of encouragement and support. I provide links to articles and videos, personal feedback, and various worksheets to help give you insight, and build new skills. Although my focus is on our relationship and empathy, I am future-thinking. I think this helps with troubleshooting and goal-setting. Research has shown that having a solid therapeutic relationship often is supportive of a positive therapeutic outcome. If something isn’t working, let’s have a conversation about it. I can be flexible. I have many years of experience working with all kinds of people with different kinds of struggles. I'm licensed in Montana but now live on the East Coast. I work a day job and communicate with my clients primarily in the evenings. That is also when I am available for appointments, usually between 7 and 10 PM EST. I understand if that does not fit your schedule. I typically respond sooner than 24 hours. For this reason, it’s pretty challenging for me to respond to urgent messages. I am available for chat, phone, or video sessions. I typically do 1-hour appointments. I have availability mostly in the evenings. By partnering with me, I believe I can instill hope, restore confidence, and support you as you make the changes necessary to get you where you want to be. Just like having a gym membership doesn't make you fit, having a subscription here won't help you by itself. This will take work. It will take communication. Be an active participant in your mental health. You’re welcome to write messages or make appropriate appointments that fit your life’s routine. This is your service to use as you see fit. I look forward to working with you. Thank you for trusting me. You can do this, and I can help.

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This is Denise Stuntzner's avatar and link to their profile

Denise Stuntzner

Offering therapy in MT
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

Hello! Congratulations for your willingness to reach out to the BetterHelp community! Change and peace of mind are absolutely possible to achieve and therapy is a helpful and effective way to reach your goals. I understand the importance of picking a therapist you can relate to and who possesses the experience and skill set that will work best for you. My name is Denise Stuntzner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Oregon (since 2006) and also, licensed in Montana, currently working with a small private practice in rural Oregon. I have a total of 22 years providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, though I have worked in multiple areas of human services since 1984. I graduated from Portland State University in 1990 with a Master in Social Work. For the first 9 years, I worked for a child & family mental health research institute and in a domestic violence agency. While raising my 2 sons for the next 20+ years, I returned to clinical practice in child & family mental health, rehabilitation, hospice, medical settings, and child welfare. Specifically, I worked for 10 years with the Coquille Indian Tribe as their Wellness Program Coordinator, assisting tribal members and employees on health improvement strategies and then as a Qualified Mental Health Professional for Bay Area Hospital, mostly on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and conducting emergency psychiatric evaluations in the ED. For 3 years after that, I worked as an Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician at our area's largest outpatient medical clinic, primarily with patients in Internal Medicine, Family Practice and OB. I have also served as a Field Instructor for the Graduate School of Social Work at Portland State University and am also a state-certified Clinical Supervisor for those in the process of getting their LCSW. On a side note, I am an accomplished competitive swimmer: a former Big 10 Champion & record holder in the 100 & 200 Butterfly events, NCAA All American, and a 2014 Masters World Champion. I continue to swim, love to ski and travel. I enjoy time with my sons, pets and extended family. My approach is active, straight-forward, goal-oriented, and client-centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. I often intertwine Mindfulness practices and neuroscience into my interventions. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and behaviors. The goals are to identify barriers or cycles and create a plan together to change patterns of thinking or behavior that underlie difficult situations and affect a person's functioning at work or home, and in relationships. This helps people address patterns of coping, reacting and thinking that are no longer helpful and to learn to live better with life's full variety of stressors. With Covid2019 a part of our reality now, stress is a bigger problem than ever. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience, but they don't have to rule a person's life. Seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth requires establishing rapport and trust. Change is not easy, but it is possible. It would be my honor to work with you.

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This is Raylene Franklin's avatar and link to their profile

Raylene Franklin

Offering therapy in MT
License: LCSW,LAC,CCATP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi, my name is Raylene Franklin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana. I have experience working with troubled teens, chemical dependency, developmentally disabled, mental illness including depression and anxiety, physically handicapped, and hospice (end of life) care. I have learned in my 15 plus years of professional experience that life can sure throw us some curve balls, some being more difficult to navigate than others. Over the last four years I have been working as a life coach, helping people transition through their personal struggles and regain the confidence to reclaim their life. My style is person centered and easy going. I like to think of myself as a coach who enjoys meeting people where they are at and helping them navigate through whatever challenge they are facing. I take a solution focused approach. I have been trained in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and am a certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). I enjoy getting to know each client as an individual who is experiencing a unique time in their lives and I look forward to working with you.

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This is Chad Petrulis's avatar and link to their profile

Chad Petrulis

Offering therapy in MT
Family conflictsParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & life stressors. I have a particular interest in helping teens as well as those with developmental disabilities. 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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This is Cecilia Zinnikas's avatar and link to their profile

Cecilia Zinnikas

Offering therapy in MT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorder
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma and Montana, with 32 years of professional work experience. I have a nickname of the velvet hammer….I speak truth with compassion, encourage authenticity and share earthy and at time humorous insights. My approach utilizes DBT, CBT, Somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems and EMDR. I am experienced working specifically with healthcare professionals who may have occupational licensure concerns; eating disordered clients; clients navigating young adulthood; clients healing from trauma and adults healing from chaotic childhood environments. 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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This is Jeremy Royal's avatar and link to their profile

Jeremy Royal

Offering therapy in MT
License: MA - Master's of Arts in Applied Health Psychology,MBA - Master's of Business Administration,LCPC
Self esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho and Montana with 8 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 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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This is Tracee Anderson's avatar and link to their profile

Tracee Anderson

Offering therapy in MT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington and Montana with 37 years of professional work experience, as a private practitioner and as the Assistant Director of Counseling at Whitman College and the Director of Counseling at the University of Montana. I am currently retired from working in a college setting and am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with clients on a part-time basis through BetterHelp. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My approach is warm, empathic, and non-judgmental, and I strive to meet each person at the intersection of all their unique experiences. I tailor my approach to fit each person’s individual needs, and my hope is that each client feels empowered to recognize and reclaim their inherent strengths. I honor each individuals unique identity and have a keen awareness of the marginalization of many people and groups. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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This is Maggie Shutey's avatar and link to their profile

Maggie Shutey

Offering therapy in MT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. 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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This is Tressa Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Tressa Johnson

Offering therapy in MT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Joanna "Jo" Hadley's avatar and link to their profile

Joanna "Jo" Hadley

Offering therapy in MT
GriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Hi. My name is Jo. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Montana. Most recently, I have spent the last 6 years as a dialysis social worker. I am also a certified grief educator. I have been a social worker for the past 25 years and have worked with many different populations including families who have fostered and adopted youth, teen parents, and LGBTQ. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss, relationship issues, motivation, and self esteem. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our conversation and 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 a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Helena

Finding the best therapist close by in Helena 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 Helena. 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 Helena, 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena, elsewhere in Lewis and Clark, or in the greater state of Montana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena may not take health insurance, some in the state of Montana 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 Montana 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 Helena, Montana 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 MT, 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 59626 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena, Montana 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.

Helena 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 Helena.

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

59601, 59602, 59623, 59624, 59625, 59626

Popular cities near Helena, MT

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