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Erica Bankston

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I believe in the power of therapy to help heal, restore, and encourage a greater understanding of ourselves and our stories. I believe that everyone has the potential to change and improve with encouragement, accountability, and support. I meet clients exactly where they are in their unique journey and help them focus and build on their strengths while working through their challenges. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with almost 20 years of experience working with individuals and groups of all ages. Currently my focus has been treating those who struggle with anxiety, depression, illness, self-esteem, trauma, parenting, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with their other life challenges. When not working, I love to spend time with my family (including my husband, 4 sons, & our german shepherd), read, color, write, listen to music, and explore parks.

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Joseph Rifici (He/Him)

Offering therapy in OH
License: M.Ed.,LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with over 13 years of practice in the field of counseling. In 2006 I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and in 2009 I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Arts in Education degree for Community Counseling. I began my career as a counselor at IBH Addiction Recovery Center (Interval Brotherhood Home), a residential treatment center for chemical dependencies in Akron Ohio. While at IBH I worked as part of a treatment team, and delivered individual therapy, group therapy, brief family therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services to adult men suffering from addictions and co-occurring mental disorders. In 2015 I was promoted to assistant clinical director at IBH, which shifted my focus to supervising counselors and case managers, directing the men’s treatment team, coordinating admissions and discharges, and co-administering an electronic health record software. I have specialized training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and addiction treatment. I also received specific, advanced training on Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the Beck Institute in Philadelphia. Since 2018 I have been working in private organizations delivering treatment services to adults with a range of mental health issues. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral methods with a warm approach, and will tailor my style based on the needs of my clients. I live in Ohio and spend my free time reading, listening to music, hiking, visiting with family and friends, and hanging out with my cat, Charlie.

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Kristen Hicks

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW,TRCC,CTRP-C
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
13 years of experience

Everyone’s heart has been broken in one way or another. No one gets through this life entirely intact. We put the pieces back together over and over again, and the repaired cracks make us unique, beautiful, and stronger at the broken places. I'll hold space when you need a safe, quiet container, and I'll be compassionate and honest when you want a reflection. You are the expert when it comes to you, and I'll offer help to co-create a path to your goals. I'm not here to tell you what's "wrong" with you but instead, to explore what you've experienced and how you've survived. I'm an Independent Social Worker, licensed in the state of Ohio with certificates in trauma and resilience and trauma responsive care as well as a deep knowledge of how trauma impacts the physical body and brain. I've also completed a certificate in Eco-psychology, so if you find healing in nature we'll get along great! My background includes many years in direct care and case management for people with developmental disabilities, intensive family counseling, medical social work, and hospice/community bereavement counseling. My passions include experiential approaches such as Adventure Therapy and Eco-therapy. Positive psychology is embedded in my approach, shifting focus from problem to solution when you feel ready. I look forward to meeting you and to honoring the stories you share. :)

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Elizabeth Thiel

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am so glad you are here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio with 19 years of work experience. I have worked in private practice with individuals, families, and couples. I have also worked in hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, prisons, juvenile detention, nursing homes, and religious organizations. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, relationship issues, substance abuse, teen issues, grief, career counseling, & domestic violence. I use a warm, open, and non-judgmental approach to counseling. Using cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy, I can help you recognize self-defeating thoughts and make positive changes. I work alongside you to help you take steps to become the best version of yourself, work through hard times, and meet your goals. Our therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to me. We all have our triumphs and struggles. 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 and I look forward to our journey together.

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Delores Livingston

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Stressed, Overwhelmed, Trouble Coping? Have you been suffering from depression, stress, grief, trauma, mental or emotional issues? Symptoms can include but are not limited to: feeling sad, lonely, irritable, poor concentration, and anger. Life has many different obstacles that can cause difficulty functioning and completing activities related to daily living. Help is available. My 30 + years of experience using Talk Therapy/CBT has been proven to decrease or alleviate symptoms related to emotional and mental disorders. I would like to be on your team, and together we can work on decreasing obstacles. Set goals! Make plans! Follow through! Our goal is to reach a positive outcome using strategies, and coping skills, to assist in changing thoughts and behaviors. 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. 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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Heather Cassill

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Timothy Schuerr's avatar and link to their profile

Timothy Schuerr

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. 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.

This is Michelle Fernandez's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Fernandez

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

This is Alexis Harbison's avatar and link to their profile

Alexis Harbison

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

I am licensed in Ohio with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, Veteran's issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Elanna Wilson-Guzman's avatar and link to their profile

Elanna Wilson-Guzman

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Nevada and Ohio with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

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 Darke, or in the greater state of Ohio.

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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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, Ohio 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 OH, 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 45304 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, Ohio 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 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 Ithaca.

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

45304

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