The Illinois River is a beautiful stretch of water that winds and weaves its way through Tahlequah and other parts of Oklahoma. The river may serve as a reminder to many of us about the winding nature of life - how no path follows a straight line.

Sometimes these windy paths can be difficult. Sometimes they can be easy. If you find yourself navigating a difficult part of life's river, take solace knowing Tahlequah-area therapists are here to help see you through choppy waters. No matter what the need, qualified mental health professionals are ready to help when you need an extra hand.

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Brianna Auge

Offering therapy in OK
License: M.Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I help discouraged, overwhelmed women create clarity and self-empowerment within their various roles as young adults, moms, partners, nurses, and teachers. Through respectful, encouraging and empathic interactions, you will be supported along the path to having more confidence, hope, and peace within the life you live! If you want more hope and joy in your life, and you are ready to chart your path forward… & If you are willing to pivot and make way through the challenges… Then I am here to walk beside you along the path you choose. My name is Brianna Auge, Licensed Professional Counselor, and I feel privileged to be a part of people's self-discovery and healing journeys! However short or long the path is, I will empower and encourage you to explore new perspectives. Through conscious awareness of how you have been and how you are being now, the path to how you want to be can be revealed. When you enter the virtual therapy room with me, you can safely explore and reflect upon your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts while learning new and helpful coping skills. More than anything I will be a trustworthy and compassionate sounding board as you begin unpacking and processing through all of the stuck, messy, uncomfortable emotions. You will learn emotions are not the enemy but rather messengers to help understand what the self needs. You are a unique individual who deserves to be heard, seen, and understood. So if you want to vent and process through life experiences – I’m here for that too. When you are ready, we will work collaboratively as you craft the mind-set and actions to release self-limiting patterns and expand your horizons. Together we will walk the path, take breaks to breathe, reflect and connect the dots which ultimately design how you want to live as well as to cultivate hope!

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Aaron Duckworth

Offering therapy in OK
License: LCSW,LADC/MH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hi my name is Aaron Duckworth .I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2010. I am a Licensed Clinic Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Mental Health (LADC/MH). I am licensed in the state of Oklahoma. My experience consist of assisting individuals with addiction and co-occurring disorders, relapse prevention, veteran issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, impulse control issues, self esteem issues, and self harm. I really have a passion for working with clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts. My style of therapy is that of building an alliance with a client to assist the client in managing their current struggles. I believe in self determination which allows the client to decide what is important for them to change without judgement. My approaches to therapy include solution focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness. I strive to maintain a very small case load which allows me an opportunity to assist each client on their journey to change.

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Michelle Grimmer MS LPC-S NCC

Offering therapy in OK
License: MS,LPC-S,NCC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Michelle and I am a licensed professional counselor in the State of Oklahoma. I have been working in the mental health field for 8 years. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including family conflict, depression and anxiety, stress-related issues, domestic violence, trauma, anger management, communication challenges, self-esteem, and many more. My counseling style is warm , calm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, existential, and motivational interviewing methods of counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sherlyn Conlan

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma with 22 years of professional work experience. I have worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, and parenting issues. I have extensive training in understanding the short term and long term impact of trauma on daily functioning and relationships. I believe that people have the ability to find their answers when given a safe space to process through sources of difficulty and to examine options and alternatives. I strive to create that safe space and supportive relationship that allows people to reach their full potential. 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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Dr. Nicole Altimari

Offering therapy in OK
License: PhD,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Nicole and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oklahoma with over nine years experience providing therapy and assisting my clients reach their goals. I have worked in many therapeutic settings to include child welfare, a holistic treatment center for co-occuring disorders that offered four levels of care and private practice, where I spent many years. I take a client centered approach and tailor therapy to best meet the needs of each client. I think it is important to meet my clients where they are and encourage them to play an active role in determining the course of therapy; after all, they are the experts of their lives. Treatment modalities that I pull from are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Client Centered Therapy. I believe we are all capable of making changes that contribute to a happy, healthy life and achieving our goals. I truly enjoy walking alongside of my clients during their therapeutic journey and assisting them in reaching their goals. *You might not see any availability on my scheduling tab but do not worry, I manage the appointments to ensure everyone's scheduling needs are accommodated.

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Sharon Smith

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Oklahoma with over 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult, adolescents and teenage clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and improving 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. I have worked for many years with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression and anger management issues. I feel great confidence that you and I can work together to help you see your strengths and decide what goals you want to achieve. I am a more nurturing clinician and will provide encouragement and help you become more comfortable with your strengths to achieve your goals and help you get on track to achieve a more comfortable, positive life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Brittany O’Hara

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Samayra Tavakoli

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Bennisha McKinney

Offering therapy in OK
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jennifer Howell

Offering therapy in OK
DepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma with 3 years of professional work experience. 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.

How to find counseling in Tahlequah

Finding the best therapist close by in Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah. 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 Tahlequah, 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah, elsewhere in Cherokee, or in the greater state of Oklahoma.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah may not take health insurance, some in the state of Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Tahlequah, Oklahoma 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 OK, 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 74464 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah, Oklahoma 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.

Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah.

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

74464, 74465

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