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.

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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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Alexandra Kerr

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC,LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY, and a LPC-MHSP in Tennessee. I graduated in May 2018 from William James College with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a concentration in Forensic and Correctional Counseling. I have worked in the areas of mental health and substance use for the past 6 years in a combination of community residential, outpatient, and inpatient settings in the community as well as in correctional settings. I have worked with clients who have a wide range of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar and other mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. I have a lot of experience helping clients with transitions including starting sobriety, reentry from incarceration, relationship changes, loss and many various other major life changes that can lead to anxiety/depression. I would describe my approach as warm, empathetic, person centered, and solution focused. I will work with you to help you reach your goals and make positive changes in your life. I use an eclectic approach, pulling techniques from many theories including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I look forward to working with you!

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Angie Dang

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I'm a licensed clinical social worker in New York with experience and interest in issues around anxiety, depression, relationships, as well as aspects of identity including ethnicity, immigration, gender, and sexual orientation. Over a decade of practice experience in governmental, agency and non-profit sector working with diverse clientele with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. My counseling style is warm and relational. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I enjoy engaging individuals seeking a supportive, active, direct, honest collaboration. My goal is to help you understand your feelings and identify patterns in order to have more enlivened, loving connections with others and also with yourself. My therapeutic style combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. Ultimately it is a holistic, multicultural and integrative approach that starts where you are at. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to help you in building the life you want.

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Raven Wilson

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 5 years of experience, including experience with Substance Use Disorders. I have worked with clients of all ages with a wide range of concerns including: depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, addiction, trauma and increased life stressors . My counseling style is relaxed and client centered. I believe in treating individuals with respect and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatization of mental health and strive to create a positive and safe atmosphere to discuss all concerns. My approach is person-centered and includes motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused methods. I am open to adjusting approach as needed to tailor to meet your specific needs. It is a courageous and important step to seek assistance in addressing mental health in a journey to a happier life. If you feel ready to take that step, I am here to support and guide you through whatever process is most appropriate for you to reach your treatment goals.

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Sahntanyna Blackwell

Offering therapy in NY
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, and a Licensed Professional Counselor( LPC)in New Jersey, with over 20 years of providing successful clinical services. I have a track record of effectively working with diverse client populations and with a wide range of clinical concerns including Dual Diagnosis, Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, At-Risk-Teens, Domestic Violence Victims, Parent/Child Relationships Grief & Loss and Multi-Stressed Families. I also provide Marriage and Pre-Marriage Counseling, Faith-Based and Psychoeducational Counseling. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative. I work with clients to improve relationship issues, communication skills, rebuilding trust, intimacy-related issues, family conflicts, forgiveness, motivation & self-esteem, and confidence. I am passionate about developing positive and productive relationships with clients to effectively serve their counseling needs and to encourage their total wellness. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My treatment approach is a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Family Systems Therapy, and Client Centered. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Emmanuelle Lajeunesse

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

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a wide range of emotional and interpersonal problems including depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My therapy approach is a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic, and humanistic therapy. I also operate through a faith-based lens, for those who desire to include that within their process, recently receiving my pastoral counseling degree to improve integration of faith and therapy. 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 in a non-judgmental, respectful, and compassionate way based on your specific needs.

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Ashley Huie

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 9 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Bridgette Boucher

Offering therapy in NY
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I graduated from Ackerman Institute for the Family and New York Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Institute. I am also a licensed clinical hypnotherapist. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Shana Fontaine

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Hayley McLemore

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Poughkeepsie

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 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 Poughkeepsie. 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 Poughkeepsie, 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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie, elsewhere in Dutchess, 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 Poughkeepsie area can be found below:

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

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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie 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 12602 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 Poughkeepsie 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 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 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 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.

Poughkeepsie 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 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 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 Poughkeepsie.

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

12601, 12602, 12603

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