Poughkeepsie has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
Poughkeepsie is known as the “Queen City of the Hudson,” probably because it is right on the Hudson River. For such a small town, they have quite a few historic districts such as the Academy Street Historic District, Balding Avenue Historic District, Dwight-Hooker Avenue Historic District, Garfield Place Historic District, and several others.
If you are a history buff, this is the place to be. There are also a large number of dedicated counselors in Poughkeepsie who can help you if you need it. If you or someone you know is having any kind of emotional or mental health issues, call one of the many professionals in Poughkeepsie today.

Michael Pfisterer
I look to help you identify your strengths and utilize them so that you can achieve your desired outcomes. My approach is to utilize multidimensional psychodynamic tools based upon your life course and inherent difficulties. In conjunction with the client, goals will be developed and guidance will be provided in order to achieve the optimal short term gains and long term objectives. Change is achieved through solution focused and task based theories to help achieve change. These tools can be particularly helpful for those coping with negative thought patterns, depression, anxiety, developmental differences, executive functioning difficulties and challenges associated with trauma and transitions. My practice has entailed work with a wide variety of individuals and focused upon the needs of each person. I have also engaged in practice with individuals with autism, those impacted by a wide range of environmental challenges as well as those having difficulty making life transitions. I have also participated in family based crisis management, helped families develop a range of techniques to improve relationships with their significant others and acted as a conduit between family members coping with trauma. I live with my wife, daughters and two dogs and have a passion for helping others. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you have your aspirations align with your actions!

Jennifer Geib
“The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift.”― J.K. Rowling Hi! My name is Jennie and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. I have been practicing therapy in a clinic setting for 9 years. I have done work with children to adult clients, but I love to work with adolescents to adults. I am passionate about helping individuals, families, and couples reach their goals. In 2018, I decided I wanted to be able to help a wider range of clients or those who may not have accessibility to in-person therapy and so I started my work as an online therapist. I also have a private practice called Patronus Counseling to provide in-person therapy. Why did I choose that name for my practice? Well, aside from being a huge Harry Potter fan, I found that the Latin word, "Patronus," originates from Ancient Rome and is defined as the protector of a client or patron. Because of this, I chose the name for my therapy practice to convey a desire to help my clients reach a level of healing and ability. In therapy, I strive to provide my clients with a safe, non-judgmental, and caring place to explore anything that may be holding them back from the life they want to live. Life is complex and sometimes we need support. I have dedicated my career to providing that support to my clients in the most person-centered way possible. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, contact me. Even if you are unsure, reach out and we can explore that. My Education: I graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I obtained my Master of Social Work Degree from the Greater Rochester Collaborative of SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College. I have been trained to provide psychotherapy for all kinds of issues including trauma, depression, grief, and substance abuse. I started my career at Rochester General Hospital as a Primary Therapist before relocating and taking an Outpatient Therapist and Forensic Therapist position for a county mental health clinic. Most recently, I have switched gears to establish my private therapy practice and continue my work online. Accreditations and Trainings: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Safe Zone Training (LGBTQAI+) National Association of Social Workers Member Certification in Motivational Interviewing Trained Bariatric Consultation Therapist Narcan Training Trained Forensic Consultation Therapist Certification in Trauma-Informed Therapy About Me: I am happily married and we have a chihuahua named Cedric who is all too spoiled (I did not pick his name despite being a Harry Potter fanatic). I love to travel and have had the opportunity to travel across the US, to Canada, England, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, France, Dubai, India, and South Korea. I love to learn about the world and new cultures. I am a very family-oriented person who is still working on her spider phobia (haven't quite tackled that yet), and I am obsessed with the color green. I think therapy is amazing and personally believe everyone could benefit from it (but hey, I’m a therapist). Ultimately, I want to make therapy trendy. I want to break down any stigma associated with it so that anyone who is interested can benefit from it and feel comfortable asking for help.

Katharine “Katy” Nicholson
Hi, my name is Katy! Are you struggling in communicating with one or several members of your family? Are you having a hard time interacting with your teenager? Or do you have other life struggles that need a helping hand? For 9 years I have been working with families & individuals to improve their lives and interactions with each other. While I often do see the whole family, being a trained Family Therapist, I also enjoy the opportunities to meet with individual members of the family and find out how their needs are not getting met. Oftentimes individuals don’t feel as though they are being listened to in their families or in relationships. I specifically have expertise to offer parents who are struggling with the right approach to parenting and am eager to offer empathetic solutions. With others, I am comfortable working on communication skills and how to nurture difficult relationships. When I meet with individuals I have an empathetic ear, a warm approach and am available to problem solve as needed. I have worked with clients using Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapies, and Internal Family Systems. Because of my experience with family therapy, I am used to thinking quickly on my feet and am not shy about using out-of-the-box approaches to solve complex issues. I won’t give up until we have worked through a resolution together! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in New York and have been working in outpatient Community Mental Health for 8 years. I look forward to serving you through online counseling.

Jill Skelton
My name is Jill Skelton and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) with a license in the state of New York. I graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work in 2006 and I have over 15 years experience as a clinician and clinical supervisor. Much of my career was spent working in the psychiatric field and I have expertise in working with a wide range of diagnoses. I believe that therapy works best when it is a mutual, collaborative process between the client and the therapist. I further believe that each individual possesses the tools, skills and innate strength needed to address different aspects of the their life. As your therapist, I would help guide you in your process by creating a warm, safe, nurturing, non-judgmental, respectful and caring environment for exploration of feelings and experiences. Clients tell me I am a good listener, they feel comfortable opening up to me and feel that I am authentic in my interactions with them. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and for taking the first, courageous step in starting the process of therapy. I look forward to working with you soon!

Elizabeth Raymond
My first month of graduate school I learned that people having mental health difficulties often get better on their own, and that therapy helps speed up that process. Fourteen years later, and I am still honored to be a part of people's efforts to improve their lives. Therapy is a collaboration to address the stressors one faces, be the problems external, such as job or relationship difficulties, or internal, such as thoughts and feelings that serve as barriers to making improvements. I look forward to to learning how I can support you during this process.

Cassandra Duff
I am licensed in New York with over 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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.

Daniel McDermott
I am licensed in New York with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Laurie Wade
I am licensed in New York with 20 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jill Polenta
I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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.

Valentina Paley
I am licensed in Louisiana, New Jersey and New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Stefanie Fernandez
I have over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy to clients of diverse backrounds, and who have presented with a myriad of distinct emotional health issues. My main areas of specialization are adults 21 and over with anxiety, depression, developmental and or physical disabilities, chronic health issues, trauma , loss, grief, PTSD, family and relationship issues, and a multitude of other emotional health issues. I am very experienced in providing individual therapy, my main modality but have much experience with groups, family sessions ,couples counseling and work with older teens as well. I utilize multiple modalities of treatment but the way in which modalities are chosen is based on each clients' individual needs. Therapy is always client driven and client based . We work as a team to identify the most important goals that you wish to address first and communicate together as we proceed along throughout the process, Highlighting developing increased self awareness, mindfulness and self connection are key components of the therapeutic process. I also work as a social work mentor to graduate students and provide supervision to social workers new to the field of private practice.

Marianne Kaukiainen-Russo
With 19 years of combined experience in counseling and college guidance, I am deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their personal and academic journeys. For the past 4 years, as a licensed mental health counselor in New York, I have specialized in personal counseling, offering support tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of each client. Prior to that, I dedicated over 15 years to college counseling, guiding students through the intricacies of higher education decisions and empowering them to reach their academic and career goals. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a belief in the transformative power of thoughtful guidance. Whether you are seeking clarity in personal growth or navigating the complexities of academic choices, I am here to provide compassionate support and actionable insights. Together, we’ll turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Maryjane Nelson
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 am a licensed therapist with 20 years of professional work experience. I look to build a trusting client relationship and provide a safe space for you to share and work through sometimes difficult history and experiences as well as stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Jessica Steinmetz
I am a licensed therapist in both New York and New Jersey with 10 years of professional experience. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals facing challenges related to substance, alcohol, and gambling addictions. Additionally, I have helped clients manage stress, anxiety, low motivation, self-esteem issues, confidence, and depression. I believe that you are the expert of your own story. You possess many strengths that can guide you through overcoming the challenges in your life. Taking the first step to begin therapy requires courage, and I am truly proud of you for making this decision. Together, we can work towards your personal growth and well-being.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Poughkeepsie, New York
Finding the best therapist close by in Poughkeepsie can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Poughkeepsie 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 professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Poughkeepsie or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A 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 Poughkeepsie area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Poughkeepsie, elsewhere in Dutchess, or in the greater state of New York. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Poughkeepsie area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Poughkeepsie due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Poughkeepsie 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Poughkeepsie online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Poughkeepsie psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy 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 professional, including the therapists in Poughkeepsie 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Poughkeepsie therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
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 therapy in Poughkeepsie 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of 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 12601 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Poughkeepsie therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you 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 how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Poughkeepsie 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Poughkeepsie 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 with a 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.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy 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. An experienced clinician 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 licensed clinician in Poughkeepsie, 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.
Counseling with an online Poughkeepsie provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of New York
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 BetterHelp 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
