In the county of Rockingham, New Hampshire is a small town called Portsmouth that is a popular seaport and tourist destination. It may be hard to fathom how anyone can be depressed in such a place, but depression is not just a feeling. It is a mental illness that needs treatment. Luckily, Portsmouth has many great counselors who can help. 

When someone has depression, they are more than just sad, they are exhausted, confused, have trouble making decisions, have trouble sleeping or staying asleep, and may even have chronic pain. Set an appointment with one of our Portsmouth counselors to find out what you can do to get better. 

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Jo-Ann Anstett

Offering therapy in NH
License: LMHC,QS RMH,QS CSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Over the 20 years I have been working with individuals providing services, I have found therapy is about facilitating conversations to help someone build self-awareness and healthier relationships with oneself and others. The experience of watching an individual grow beyond their current mindset of sadness, depression, feelings of hopelessness or unworthiness into an individual who truly knows and believes in their personal value is why I love therapy. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, as well as survivors of domestic violence. I have also supervised a number of therapists and direct care providers so I have first-hand experience in helping caregivers be successful while also practicing good self-care strategies. Clients often describe me as easy to talk to, down to earth, and compassionate. I have a great sense of humor and an open mind which allows me to quickly connect with others and create a safe therapeutic environment. My natural positive energy helps my clients improve their lives by developing better cognitive and emotional skills. I understand that the idea of starting therapy can be full of anxiety – after all, you are making a decision to start a new path for yourself! Change – even positive change – can be stressful. However, I am glad that you are feeling empowered to take your first step towards personal growth with me. I am looking forward to working together!

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Susan Rair Krug

Offering therapy in NH
License: OH - MSW,LISW,LICDC ,NH-MSW, LICSW, MLADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for taking time to view my profile. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. If you are browsing this website you may be seeking support to manage your mental health or substance use disorder. You may be interested in learning more about yourself. You may just need a place to sit and talk to guide you in understanding your own story. I will assist you in identifying problem areas while guiding you to use your strengths. Areas of expertise, I am a licensed independent social worker( LISW) and a license independent chemical dependency counselor(LICDC) in Ohio. Additionally , I hold the same licenses in the state of New Hampshire; (LICSW & MLADC). I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy modality which teaches you about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how to alter these to achieve the results you are working towards. I am available to "meet" with you through a secure, confidential Telehealth program. My goal is to work together to achieve your identified goals through broad discussion and skill building which is consistent with your learning preferences.

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Brittini Cusson

Offering therapy in NH
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in Maine and New Hampshire with 8 years of professional work experience working with children, adolescence, teens and adults. I have experience ranging from helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, depression, grief and the grieving process, motivation and self-esteem, gender identity struggles & more. During the day time I am a high school social worker, and by night I work to help the growing demand for mental health support. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment through any means of communication, 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 that change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. #MentalHealthMatters #StopTheStigma #EverythingIsFigureoutable #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay

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Wayne Castro

Offering therapy in NH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
43 years of experience

I am licensed in New Hampshire with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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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Mary Yost

Offering therapy in NH
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed in New Hampshire with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am grateful to support you in getting started!

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Debbie Esque

Offering therapy in NH
License: LCMHC (LPC)
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina. I have worked with all ages and walks of life in my 20 plus years experience. As a seasoned therapist I believe that a successful outcome of therapy goals begins with a harmonious relationship with the client. This begins with a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy and Integrative therapy are used to reach the best desired outcome for the client. My approach is to have a kind, caring and sensitive demeanor, yet direct and firm as needed to achieve success. I strive to listen well and give appropriate feedback. I attribute my successful record as a therapist to having the education, knowledge, work experience, and confidence to work with each client, and consider it a privilege to work with each one. I have gained volumes of wisdom through training and personal experiences in my life. My desire is to resolve emotional and behavioral problems and disturbances, and to help people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. I would be honored to work with you.

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Alberto Chang

Offering therapy in NH
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with almost a decade of relevant psychotherapy experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, trauma, grief/loss, & depression. 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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Amber Violette

Offering therapy in NH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Hello, my name is Amber Violette, I am licensed in New Hampshire. I have had the pleasure of supporting my clients with struggles such as stress and anxiety, relationship issues, personal motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression along with many more for more than 16 years. 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 sign up for therapy and support can certainly be difficult. No one should struggle alone, we can be in this together. I look forward to getting to know you better!

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Jason Lantz

Offering therapy in NH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in New Hampshire with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, grief and loss, 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. 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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Barbara Leigh

Offering therapy in NH
License: M.S.Ed., LPC-S, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in helping you overcome life's speed bumps - being stuck, restlessness, grief, depression, anxiety and trauma (I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, families and with partners/marriages. I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual! My "pet topics" are neuropsychology, PTSD/ADHD and media psychology. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neurotherapy (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor...and because I'm real. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

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How to find counseling in Portsmouth

Finding the best therapist close by in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, elsewhere in Rockingham, or in the greater state of New Hampshire.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth may not take health insurance, some in the state of New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 Portsmouth, New Hampshire 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 NH, 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 03804 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, New Hampshire 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.

Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.

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

03801, 03802, 03803, 03804

Popular cities near Portsmouth, NH

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