When it comes to finding a therapist, Buffalo, NY has options, but it isn’t so simple to find the therapist that’s right for you, even in a big city. Treatment methods vary, and even evidence-based practices may be more effective on some mental health conditions than others. A therapist who specializes in the therapeutic method that works best for you may not be available in your area. Or may not be a good personality match. 

Online therapy through a service platform like BetterHelp offers over 30,000 licensed mental health care providers who specialize in treating a variety of conditions from obsessive compulsive disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder. By simply filling out a simple online questionnaire BetterHelp will match you with a therapist that meets your personal needs. And because a strong therapeutic relationship can be key to your success, if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, you can switch for no additional cost. 

Online therapy can also be a convenient solution for busy professionals, parents, or students. Sessions fit easily into any schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. 

Therapy can help you to process past experiences, manage worry and stress, and establish a foundation for mental health and happiness. If you have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, whether to find relief from trauma in your history, learn healthy coping strategies to manage stress and heal relationships, or simply to take a more holistic focus on your health and wellness, contact BetterHelp to get started with a licensed professional who can help you build the life you deserve. 

This is Charlene Esquilin's avatar and link to their profile

Charlene Esquilin

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Thank you for considering Better Help to be a support for you! Change is easier when you feel heard, understood, validated and empowered. I believe that a trusting and honest relationship where your therapist helps you feel that you are the expert to your experience is extremely important to your belief that you can achieve the goals you set for yourself. My name is Charlene Esquilin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York. I earned my Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in 2013. I identify as a Hispanic/Black Female and I believe my identity can be relatable for many. I grew up in a community where getting support through counseling was not very supported. As I've gotten older I began to understand the importance of feeling supported, validated and getting guidance from someone that looks like me and can relate to me . Having that connection was and is so vital to how I developed and are continuing to develop my identity and confidence. My desire is to be this support for others. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience in the field. I earned my Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in 2013. I identify as a Hispanic/Black Female and I believe my identity can be relatable for many. I grew up in a community where getting support through counseling was not very supported. As I've gotten older I began to understand the importance of feeling supported, validated and getting guidance from someone that looks like me and can relate to me. Having that connection was and is so vital to how I developed and are continuing to develop my identity and confidence. My desire is to be this support for others. I have found that using a client center approach in sessions is very beneficial to building a safe and supportive environment. My goal in therapy is to create a comfortable space where clients feel that they are seen as people, that they can share whatever they feel comfortable to share at their own pace and that they feel heard and that their feelings and and valid no matter how big or small. It is also a goal of mine to provide an environment where I come alongside clients in a collaborative way to support them to accomplish the goals that are important to them. During my time in this field I have learned that providing a respectful, nonjudgmental environment is what contributes to a healthy therapist-client relationship where the client can thrive and feel most empowered. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families which include working with children and adults with disabilities, working with individuals who have open ACS cases, as well as adults, children, teenagers and families experiencing challenges connected to emotions likes anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, addictions and adjusting to different life situations. I also have experience working with parents in a group setting providing them support as they improve their parenting skills. I have worked in a variety of settings such as foster care agencies, schools, clinics and religious organizations. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. I will usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I will offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with evening availability Monday through Thursday and Morning and evening times Friday though Sunday. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

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Erin Riley

Offering therapy in NY
License: MS,LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Erin. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. I have over three years of post-graduate experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with various concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, sexuality concerns, drug/alcohol addiction, and with crisis issues. I also helped many people who have Intellectual Disabilities and their families. Lastly I have worked with clients who are on the Autism Spectrum. My counseling style is warm, interactive, light, and motivated. I believe in treating every person with respect, compassion, and I always meet a person where they are at in order to work together towards goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help, even when you know that you can help yourself most days. Together, we can find the empowerment that can be difficult to reach sometimes! I look forward to working with you!

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Mahroo Moshari

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I strongly believe that everyone has the right to be a mentally alert, physically healthy, emotionally secure, and socially competent person. Remember, no health without mental health and social well-being! I am a multicultural therapist based in New York City with over twenty years of experience, using a universal multicultural approach and provide culturally sensitive therapy and strongly believe that faith in our collective abilities to improve the lives of our children, adolescents, and families. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I have extensive experience with youth and families. I welcome clients of diverse backgrounds and orientations, who grew up in an individualistic or collectivist society, who may experience difficulty with low self-esteem, identity confusion, social anxiety, or immigration and acculturation issues because their feelings have never been validated due to cultural stigma or may experience difficulty in coping with life’s challenges. Are you experiencing anxiety/panic attacks, depression, self-doubt, identity confusion, feelings of powerlessness, or social anxiety? Do you fear the future? Are you suffering from low self-esteem because your feelings have never been validated due to cultural stigma? Do you want to make a positive change in your life, starting today? Working with me: You will learn self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies. You will overcome your fears and negative thoughts, and harmonize your relationships through effective communication. My approach is drawn from various modalities and techniques and is tailored to the client’s unique needs. My goal is to understand your individual situation and to help build self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies, and to assist you in harmonizing your relationships through more effective communication. Together we will establish trust, respect, mutual understanding, and, of course with humor, tackle the problems, and help you to achieve solid self-esteem.

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Andrea Spence

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW-R,CCM
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
24 years of experience

Hello, I am a License Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of clinical experience. I am also a Certified Case Manager. I received my masters in social work from Adelphi University, Garden City. I have worked with the Adult and Geriatric population for more that 20 years. I am experienced and well verse when dealing with the Behavioral Health/Mental Health. I am a good listener and tentative to my patients needs. You are making the right choice to improve your well-being . My main goal is to help you gain better understanding from whatever aliment is currently holding you and keeping you from being your true self. Please let me know how I may assist. How can I help you?

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This is Gemma Cairns's avatar and link to their profile

Gemma Cairns

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York State with over 6 years of professional experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with 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. My counseling style is fairly laid back and I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate. I use a person-centered and solution-focused approach to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult and to provide a safe place to allow for healing and growth.

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This is Kristin D'Amico's avatar and link to their profile

Kristin D'Amico

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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 Teresa Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Teresa Kelly

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 Paroda DeCavallas's avatar and link to their profile

Paroda DeCavallas

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with addiction, PTSD, depression, stress/anxiety, grief/loss, motivation, self-esteem, and family work. 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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Frank Noll

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 Haley Hernandez's avatar and link to their profile

Haley Hernandez

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Buffalo

Finding the best therapist close by in Buffalo 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 Buffalo. 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 Buffalo, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo, elsewhere in Erie, or in the greater state of New York.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo may not take health insurance, some in the state of New York 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 York 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 Buffalo, New York 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 NY, 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 14272 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo, New York 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.

Buffalo 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 Buffalo.

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

14201, 14202, 14203, 14204, 14205, 14206, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14210, 14211, 14212, 14213, 14214, 14215, 14216, 14218, 14220, 14222, 14231, 14233, 14240, 14241, 14260, 14263, 14264, 14265, 14267, 14269, 14270, 14272, 14273, 14276, 14280

Popular cities near Buffalo, NY

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