Dr. Samantha Cole
My name is Dr. Samantha Cole. I have a doctorate degree in clinical social work. I am also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 19 years of experience in serving young adults, couples and families. I value applying evidence-based practices in my work with client. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into my work with clients. I believe firmly in an approach that acknowledges the natural strengths and resilience of each that I serve. I also believe in the power of connection within the change process. I think that an authentic, trusting relationship can be reached no matter the distance. My areas of specialty include adult populations both male and female. When possible, I like to do work conjunction with other professionals to get a comprehensive view of how best to help you. Currently, I work with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulty, self-harm, low self-esteem, grief/loss, and trauma. I look forward to building a connection with you and helping you find the answers that you most need.
Cynthia Odell
I know the kind of courage it takes to recognize being stuck and then to realize a shift is necessary. Not knowing what direction to head in is really hard and can be very scary. It's sad to realize that you are on a journey and maybe you're on this journey alone. The other important people in your life just don't see things the way you do and you can't find common ground. It's frightening to take that leap and wonder if you're going to be caught. It's painful to realize you've outgrown who you are and painful to grow into who you are becoming. It may feel like you're lost and it's very, very confusiong when you don't have a clear sense of direction but KNOW, absolutely KNOW that you've got to do something different. One of the greatest comforts my clients have reproted is that I have many years of practice reading road maps, the kind of road maps that will take you from here, where you are today to where you want to be, tomorrow, next week, next year. I love to explore new sites and find places of interest. When we begin to work together, it's easy. We start where you are today. I work with you to identify and clarify what is and has been so challenging. I'll be with you to uncover where you feel stuck. I'll help you dream and encourage you to create your vision. Then, I’ll help you set goals that match your desires and dreams. I’ll help you remember your destination – where you want to go. Then, together we’ll develop your own personalized road map for this journey of self-discovery, sort of like your own AAA Trip Tik. As you begin the journey into your greater self, I’ll be there every step of the way with you; you’ll never be alone. I have lots of navigation tools to move you from one point to the next. I have amazing strategies to shatter the roadblocks that have stopped you from moving forward in your life. I can help you get the life you never dreamed possible, the life you deserve. You are amazing. My job is to reflect that back to you, so you can see yourself as I see you; whole, perfect and complete.
Christine Reid
I am a Vermont and Maine licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working as a therapist, supervisor and program manager in community mental health and outpatient settings. I have worked with individuals, children and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self-esteem issues, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many individuals and teens who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive, balancing humor and tasks in a way to create a safe space for you to explore, heal and grow. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, which essentially means that my focus is on you as an individual and I will adjust my treatment methods and plan in order to meet your unique and specific needs. Our sessions are for you and I want to make sure that you are able to get the most out of them that you can by learning and partnering with you on your journey to wellness. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change by reaching out for help. I know that is not always easy to do. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Daniel Miller
I am licensed in Vermont with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & 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.
Denise Mason
Hi! My name is Denise and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina and Florida as well as a Licensed Independent Social Worker- CP in the state of South Carolina. I graduated from Norfolk State University's Graduate School of Social Work in 2000, concentrating in Family Systems Practice and Hampton University with a Bachelors of Arts in 1995. I have been a therapist for over 15 years with degrees in psychology and clinical social work, as stated above. I specialize in mood and adjustment disorders such as depression and anxiety as well as trauma associated disorders, but have worked with a variety of disorders dealing with, but not limited to behaviors, relationships and grief. I currently work with adults, children and families. I enjoy working with people and bring my genuine self to the work that I do. I am honest, open and direct, but warm and encouraging at the same time. I love to see the humor in different situations where some might not expect. I believe that humor can work in therapy when needed. I provide support from the initial session and throughout the entire counseling experience. I am here to work together with you to get you to the life that you want for you and your loved ones. I incorporate goal-setting for your mental health, personal and professional life. My counseling approach is client centered and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change as therapeutic interventions that will help you with the issues you struggle with.
Celena Benjamin
I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked with clients over the 24 years helping them to process and work through individual challenges. Some of those included, ADHD, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, changes in life, parenting problems, relationship issues, career challenges and self-injurious behavior. I am very interactive. Much of therapy begins with understanding your own coping styles, strengths, skills and boundaries. I will work with you on strengthening different skills in order for you to make changes in your environment and life. My style includes a lot of listening and questioning to help keep you focused on your treatment goals and developing different action plans. It is necessary to make changes in the environment to make improvements in relationships, heal from trauma, grow and become empowered. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!
Natalie Gomez
Hello, Thank you for reading my profile. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / LPC in the states of Florida, New York and New Jersey. I have over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. The majority of my experience has been with victims of trauma, sexual abuse or rape. I also specialized in men's issues. I also have experience working with clients who have HIV/AIDS . Coming from a multicultural military family, I understand the stressors and situations that come from being in a military lifestyle. I also understand the challenges that come with being multicultural. I offer a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental environment for each individual to express themselves openly and address the issues of concern. Although I do follow the therapeutic approach of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I am eclectic in my therapeutic approach, based on the fact that each person I meet with is a unique individual. so as a therapist I must adapt to your needs and provide assistance and insight into the issues that are causing you concern. Remember that therapy is the first big step to freedom, and I appreciate your courage. I look forward to working with you! Specialties: Multicultural Military Trauma - Rape, Sexual Assault & Abuse HIV/AIDS Self-esteem issues
Alfred (Al) Thomas
I'm Al, Licensed Professional Counselor located in South Carolina. I know it is not easy to take those initial steps to reach out to someone to address things that have been going on in your life, so I commend on doing so. I appreciate your ability to be self-aware and realize that seeking out a professional could be beneficial. I'm here to meet you where you are and discover what you would like to accomplish while you and I work together. I pride myself on building strong relationships with everyone I work with. I see this as a partnership. A partnership which must start with you and I building strong rapport. I believe the relationship between you and I is the most important part of the process. If I show an ability to be open, honest and transparent, you will be more receptive of my recommendations and feel far more comfortable opening up about the things that brought you here. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is having an understanding of how our thoughts, emotions and behavior are all linked. Even though most times we are not aware of our thoughts because they happen automatically. We are only aware of how we respond and how we feel emotionally. We will definitely explore this in greater detail in the future. I also utilize Motivation Interviewing and elements of Clinical Hypnotherapy in addition to CBT to help address the emotional subconscious parts of us that are impacted by our life experiences as we navigated life from childhood. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I'm an open book. I'm excited to have this opportunity and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you! Talk to you soon. Al
Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe
I am licensed in Vermont with 25 years of professional work experience. I am a Certified Advance Grief Specialist and Certified Grief Professional. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Lisa McCann
I am licensed in New Hampshire and Vermont with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, & 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. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Albany
Finding the best therapist close by in Albany 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 with therapists in Albany that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Albany. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Albany, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Albany region and in the state of Vermont. 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Albany or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Albany therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Albany area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Albany 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 Albany, elsewhere in Orleans, or in the greater state of Vermont. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Albany area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Albany therapist?
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 Albany 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Albany may not take health insurance, some therapists in the state of Vermont 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 Vermont you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Albany online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Albany, Vermont 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Albany psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 therapist, including the therapists in Albany 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Albany helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Albany 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Albany therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Albany?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Albany 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in Albany therapy sessions.
Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in VT, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 05820 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Albany counselor?
Before seeing your Albany 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. Albany therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy in Albany.
Should I find a 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 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 from a therapist. A Albany 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 with a Albany 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.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. 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 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 psychologist in Albany, Vermont 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.
Albany 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Albany, Vermont
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 Albany 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 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.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Albany:
05820