Ithaca, New York is the home of Ivy League school, Cornell University as well as Ithaca College, Ithaca Commons, Hemlock Gorge, and Ithaca Falls. It was also the home of Ithaca Guns, which was made famous by Annie Oakley. Some other points of interest in Ithaca include the EcoVillage, Cornell Botanic Garden, Sagan Planet Walk, and Carl Sagan’s grave. 

On a sunny day in Ithaca, you may find hundreds of people walking in the parks or along the streets of the town, just enjoying life. However, nobody is happy all of the time and when you do feel lost or depressed, it is essential that you get the treatment you need. Contact one of the many dedicated therapists in Ithaca for help today. 

This is Dr. Floyd Phillips's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Floyd Phillips

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW-R, Psychoanalyst, Spiritual
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
30 years of experience

Dr. Floyd Phillips, of the New York Institute of Health and Behavior, Inc. was born and raised in the Harlem community, where he attended the public school system and subsequently graduated from City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. His commitments to the Harlem community lead him into community organizing and civil service employment with Special Services for Children; he was awarded the human Resources Fellowship to Columbia University’s School of Social Work, where he earned his M.S. in social work. Dr. Phillips spent the next 15 years teaching and working with mentally ill consumers, mentally retarded consumers and substance abusers. He later attended the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health. After seven years of study and training, he was awarded certifications in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and group psychotherapy. Dr. Phillips is also licensed by the state of New York as a psychoanalyst and a social worker (LCSW-R). He was accepted into Columbia University’s doctoral program of health and behavioral studies. He completed the course work and extensive research in the area of health education, behavioral health and health disparities; he was awarded an EdD in health education and behavior studies. With the collaboration of 10 researchers, scholars and clinicians, Dr. Phillips found The New York Institute of Health and Behavior (NYIHB); a grassroots nonprofit organization born out of the curriculum and interests of the health and behavior studies department in Teachers College, Columbia University. NYIHB employs research, education and treatment in the areas of mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse, public health and health disparities to enhance health in the state of New York. Dr. Floyd Phillips is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and a licensed Psychoanalyst in New York state with over 25 years of experience working as a psychocounselor and life coach. He has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, substance abuse issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Dr. Phillips employs various methods of psychotherapy including psychoanalysis.

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Gezhou Li

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC,MA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”-- C.G.Jung Hey, I am a bicultural and bilingual licensed therapist based in New York City. I have a master degree in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University. I had about 8 years experience working with people with trauma , problematic relationships, neuroticism, cultural based identity crisis and addition etc. I am skillful in prompting self-awareness which I believe is crucial for successful personal development. It took me years to finally locate my place in the world and find my passionate career. I hope I can smooth your path finding the same things. In all, I hope I can help you take control of your life. Trust me, it's possible :)

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Andrea Graziano

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello! I'm Andrea, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have been privileged to serve individuals, couples and families who have struggled with anxiety, depression and other life stressors for over a decade. Thank you for reaching out and inviting me into your life. As a reminder, I am licensed in New York State and the Commonwealth of Virginia; therefore, if you are not physically present in New York or Virginia, I will not be able to work with you per state regulations. I graduated from Medaille College in 2008 and began my professional journey. My experiences include outpatient and residential counseling as well as case management. It's important for you to know that I appreciate the opportunity to work with you. My goal is to encourage, support and empower you to make the best choices for your desired outcome. It may be helpful for you to know my style of counseling is to follow your lead. I believe that no one will ever know you as well as you know yourself. The therapeutic approaches I use include Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. You will find that I am a compassionate warmhearted listener and avid cheerleader for change. My current schedule allows for appointments Monday throughThursday and occasionally on Friday (Monday and Wednesday: 7:15am - 12:00pm AND 1:00pm-5:00pm * Tuesday and Thursday: 7:15am - 12:00pm AND 2:00pm - 5:00pm). I do not keep hours on Saturday or Sunday, as I have other professional and personal obligations. For your reference, it may be helpful to know that I do not participate in any legal cases; therefore, you may need to consider finding a different counselor if you are involved in any court proceedings, including compensation and disability cases. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Kearyann Austin, PsyD

Offering therapy in NY
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in New York with experience providing mental health services as well as wellness self-management. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at CUNY York College in 2006, my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus in 2010, and my Doctorate in Psychology specializing in Grief Counseling at the American International Theism University in 2023. I have experience working with clients who have a diagnosis of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia just to name a few. I have been able to connect and provide support to anyone who struggles with low self-esteem, low self-worth, engages in negative self-talk, and those who struggle to speak up for themselves. I have been able to educate clients on harm reduction techniques to those who want to refrain from engaging in unsafe risky behavior. I promote and educate clients on proper sleep hygiene and the importance of having a good balance between work and personal life. I believe in helping others at their own pace and providing assistance and guidance to the answers that they seek. My approach is to have unconditional positive regard, as well as being empathetic and patient. My goal is to help you feel comfortable with expressing yourself while we work through your concerns step by step so that you can build up the confidence to achieve your goals. If you are ready to make some positive changes in your life and ready to feel better about yourself, please join me in taking the next steps towards a path of self-fulfillment with undivided support and compassion. Dr. Kearyann Austin, PsyD, LMHC, NPT-C

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Elizabeth Kotkin

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

My name is Beth Kotkin. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in New York and California with more than 30 years experience. I spent half of my career in the San Francisco Bay area, working with families impacted by alcohol and drug issues, as well as trauma survivors and those with depression and anxiety disorders. I also specialize in inner child work and those who struggle with codependency and family of origin issues. I trained with John Bradshaw and designed and directed one of his programs in the Bay Area. I moved back to my home town of NYC in 2009 and have been working with clients in New York since then. I would describe my approach as warm, empathic and collaborative. I will listen to your needs in a nonjudgemental atmosphere, and tailor my approach to meet what works for you individually. I utilize a motivational approach with an emphasis on finding mutually agreed-upon goals and solutions. I am focused on providing counseling to individuals and families who are touched by alcohol, drug or other addictive problems. I also specialize in treatment for abuse and trauma survivors. I have experience with adults in a supportive strength-based trauma-informed approach. My specialties include depression, grief, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and recovery, codependency, survivors of abuse and trauma, and healing the inner child.

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Dr. Scott Cicero

Offering therapy in NY
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist (NY, NJ) with more than 32 years of experience helping clients identify and resolve various life challenges. These have included stress and anxiety; sadness and depression; trauma; job, career, and life transition challenges; family issues; relationship and commitment challenges; and other aspects everyday life. My orientation tends toward cognitive-behaviorism, but I believe that no one theory or practice model will fit every situation and tend to be eclectic in my approach. I have worked with people of diverse backgrounds in many different settings. I believe that if therapy is to be successful, it should focus less on advice-giving and more on identifying one's goals and devising a plan for meeting them. The decision to begin therapy and embark on a journey which can be difficult is to be commended. I hope that I may become part of your journey.

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Dadiana Lopez

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW,CASAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step in improving your well-being! I am a bi-lingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families since 2010. I’ve worked in many settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and substance use facilities. My style is understanding, non-judgmental, nurturing, and supportive. You deserve to be seen, heard, and supported! I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving issues, and collaborate on care plans based your personal needs and experiences. My approach is a mix of holistic and solution-focused. This means that I believe in the mind-body connection and encourage anyone working with me to explore mindfulness and meditation. I also believe in a future-focused, goal-directed approach to therapy, and incorporate evidence-based practices in my work (such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy). Finding the right therapist is an important first step in therapy. I invite you to send a Live Chat request so that we can take a quick 10-15 minutes to get to know each other and see if I’m a good fit for you! My schedule is flexible and will suit most routines whether you prefer early morning (7am) sessions, have time at lunch (11am - 1pm), or prefer sessions later in the evening (6-8pm). I usually check messages a few times a day, Monday through Saturday. I offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and video sessions. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so feel free to message me! I look forward to working with you!

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Angelique Vargas

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome ! It takes great courage and vulnerability to reach out and ask for help when struggling or faced with adversities in life so I want to acknowledge that you have taken a very brave first step by looking into therapy and prioritizing your mental health. My name is Angelique Vargas, I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I view psychotherapy as a creative, collaborative process between client and therapist. I value the uniqueness of each individual client and strive to create an environment of trust, compassion, respect and empathy. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, trauma and abuse, psychiatric disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, & depression. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am a strengths-based, person centered psychotherapist. My style is interactive, authentic and warm. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes strength. I am here to assist and support you on this journey.

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Meghan Gallagher

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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. I believe in building on every clients strengths and to assist individuals in making their lives work better.

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Alessandra Scalia

Offering therapy in NY
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 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 Ithaca

Finding the best therapist close by in Ithaca 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 Ithaca. 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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca, elsewhere in Tompkins, 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 Ithaca area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 14852 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca, 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.

Ithaca 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 Ithaca.

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

14850, 14851, 14852, 14853

Popular cities near Ithaca, NY

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