The town of Colonie in Albany, New York was named after the Dutch colony called the Colonie of Rensselaerswyck. In fact, the entire area was once a part of the Rensselaerwyck Manor owned by the van Rensselaer family. The town now has 25 places listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, which is more than any other city in the Eastern United States.

We all have bad days sometimes and some days we may need a little extra support both emotionally and mentally. Knowing when you need the help and when to reach out is important. There are plenty of excellent therapists and counselors in the Colonie area who are able to listen and understand what is going on. Just reach out for help today.

This is Dr. Maxine Notice's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Maxine Notice

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.,LCMHC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, I am Dr. Maxine Notice. I am a professional counselor with experience practicing in New York, New Hampshire, and Nebraska. My clinical work has allowed me to serve clients in a variety of settings. I work best with helping clients dealing with issues of depression, stress, relationship issues, and unexpected life adjustments. My work in commuity mental health clinics, and hospital settings has made me well rounded in helping clients and their family members adjust to illness, pain management, mental health diagnosis, and grief/loss. I use a series of evidence based practices including cognitive behavior therapy, and solution focused intervention to help clients learn effective skills to gain control over their current life circumstances. I assist clients by creating action plans, tailored specifically to meeting their goals. I am vigilant with staying aware of the latest research, and treatment methods to provide my clients with the most relevant resources to help them succeed. Most importantly, I recognize that life's struggles can be overwhelming and challenging. My goal is to provide you with practical solutions and tools you can apply in all aspects of your life. As my client, we will begin services where you are, while assisting you in identifying healthy solutions to your problems. It is my belief that most people have the ability to grow and build on their own strengths; however, at times, need empowerment and encouragement. Therapy is a collaborative process and I will assist you to learn, grow, and make positive changes that can result in a more fulfilling life.

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Regina Hernandez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed mental health counselor, and I am committed to helping individuals work with difficulties including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, grief, and family conflict. I am invested in exploring the issues that are important and meaningful to clients. I utilize various clinical approaches to treatment including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral and solution focused therapies. In my work I encourage and guide clients in exploring their personal strengths and developing positive tools and skills to help address the difficulties and stressors that bring them to counseling. When working with individual and families, I feel it is important to establish healthy communication skills and enhance awareness and empathy to work through stress and negative events. I believe it is important to empower individuals and to build skills to work through difficulties to increase overall health and well-being. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Amy Van Buren

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

One of my favorite opening lines is from the spiritual classic, The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck. It reads, simply, "Life is difficult." Somehow, most of us expect that it won't be. Or that if it is, we should be able to handle it effortlessly. We criticize ourselves for feeling very human things like loneliness, confusion, anxiety, anger, boredom and depression when things don’t go the way we hoped. Unfortunately, life does not come with a user's manual for how to work with the hard stuff. And yet these very difficulties, the roadblocks at which we find ourselves, are often opportunities in disguise. I see counseling as an opportunity. First and most important, it is a chance to be heard. Things often begin to shift when we can share our inner thoughts and feelings with someone who is really paying attention. I have worked with many people who come up with their own answers when they are able to hear their deepest selves, sometimes for the first time. Counseling is also a chance to learn new life skills. If I had name what I think the most important life skill is, it would be this: psychological flexibility. This means the ability to respond flexibly to yourself, to others and to life. How to get there? By working bit by bit on the following: articulating what matters most to you in life; developing the behaviors that will move you in that direction; handling stumbling blocks along the way; and learning how to respond skillfully to difficult thoughts and feelings that are part of being human. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. The psychological approaches that best inform the way I work are: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Human Givens Approach to Emotional Health and Clear Thinking, and Attachment Theory. The following people have greatly influenced my thinking: Dan Siegel, Stephen Porges, Russ Harris, Karen Horney, Rick Hanson, Mark Tyrell, Milton Erickson, Michael Yapko, Peter Levine, and Pat Ogden. In addition, I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, as well as a Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist. This means I bring a mind-body approach to counseling, including, if you are interested, instruction in basic calming yoga poses and breathing exercises. If this resonates with you, or you are curious to know more, feel free to contact me at any time!

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Nichole Gardner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyDepression
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, my name is Nichole Gardner and I am a LCSW in NYS. As a social worker, my main priority is to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome the different challenges in their lives. I seek to empower all my clients, so they can implement positive and healthy change. For the past four years, I've worked as a psychiatric social worker at a mental health clinic. During this time, I've work with a wide range of populations addressing several different concerns. Some of these concerns addressing symptom management (wide range of diagnoses), implementation of healthy coping, relationship dynamics, finding life balance, and communication skills. One this past year, I've been dedicated to doing my part in assisting others manage the many of concerns of the COVID 19 pandemic. My social work values are integrated into every session, which will create a safe, open, nonjudgemental environment for each client. I believe deeply that mindfulness practice open our hearts, minds, and bodies and that use of cognitive behavioral techniques will build a clear understanding of who we are inside and out. I look forward to joining you on your journey to a happier and healthier you!

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Cesar Winston Vera

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, I am licensed in New York with five years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with death, grief, loss, and bereavement, and LGBTQ-related issues,. 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 and empower you in that journey.. while offering hope for the future.

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Allison Palazzo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Selecting a therapist can be an overwhelming decision. I can offer a therapeutic environment that is supportive, non judgmental and solution focused. Together, we can work through the road blocks that are preventing you from living your optimal life. I am licensed in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, relationship issues, recovering from addiction, processing life transitions and coping with grief and loss. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Jesse Palermo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Leah Manders

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
AddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, My name is Leah Madeline Manders, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). For over 6 years, I’ve been working with adolescents, adults, and older individuals who struggle with a range of challenges related to behavioral and mental health, interpersonal stress, grief and loss, and addictions, among other life areas. I use a generalist approach- which means I draw from a variety of different therapy frameworks, including motivational interviewing and strength-based; I try to tailor my approach to each, unique person I work with, depending on their individual needs. My aim is to create a safe, comfortable space to explore and hopefully resolve stressors- by utilizing your existing strengths and developing new tools and skills to manage challenges and create a fulfilling life.

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Megan Carey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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!

This is Hannah Race's avatar and link to their profile

Hannah Race

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Colonie

Finding the best therapist close by in Colonie 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 in Colonie that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Colonie. 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 Colonie, 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 in the Colonie region and in the state of New York. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Colonie or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Colonie area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Colonie 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 Colonie, elsewhere in Albany, or in the greater state of New York.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Colonie 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 Colonie 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 Colonie 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Colonie online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Colonie, 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 Colonie psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Colonie 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 Colonie helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Colonie 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Colonie 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 in Colonie?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Colonie 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.

Colonie therapists 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 Colonie 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 Colonie 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in NY, therapists 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 12205 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Colonie counselor?

Before seeing your Colonie 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Colonie.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Colonie 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 with a Colonie counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Colonie, 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.

Colonie 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Colonie, New York

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 to customer service 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 Colonie.

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

12205

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