Founded in 1881 when the railway selected the area, Altoona was not incorporated as a small town until 1887 and although they have grown, the community strives to keep the small-town atmosphere. Bordered by the Altoona River and Otter Creek, Altoona has become a favorite recreational area for many.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or are new to Altoona, you are welcomed here with open arms and this includes the health care providers. In fact, the Altoona area has some of the best mental health providers as well. If you have any kind of mental or emotional concerns, talk to one of the counselors in the Altoona area for help.
Dr. Kim Gorecki
I provide a calm and supportive environment for clients to be heard, validated and understood. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, having relationship difficulties, or want to improve your mindset, I can help. Together we'll find threads of hope and resilience. I use a positive, collaborative and strength-based approach to therapy. Through treatment, clients can find clarity and peace while creating more organization and balance in their life. I have 18 years of clinical experience, mostly in outpatient mental health clinics. I have also worked in correctional facilities and psychiatric hospitals. My specialties include misophonia, anxiety, adjustment, stress management and relationships. Clients can learn a variety of coping and communication skills to reduce symptoms and improve relationships. I provide both short-term solution-focused therapy and longer more in-depth therapy. We'll figure out together what best fits your needs. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology in 1996 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and my doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2005 from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology. I have been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2009.
Amanda Thooft
Amanda specializes in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions and relationship challenges. Whether you’re adjusting to a new stage of life, experiencing changes in family dynamics, or wanting to build healthier, more fulfilling connections, Amanda provides a safe and supportive space to explore what’s most important to you. Her approach is strengths-based and flexible, tailored to your unique needs and goals. Amanda believes therapy works best when it feels collaborative and personal, and she draws from a variety of methods to create a style that fits you—not the other way around. Clients who work with Amanda often appreciate her compassionate, encouraging, and direct style. She offers both warmth and honest feedback, helping people move through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Amanda is passionate about helping clients grow through change, strengthen their relationships, and step into a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
Thomas Kaufman
Hello! My name is Thomas Kaufman, and I am an LPC working out of Madison, WI. For the past 20 years, I have worked with families, couples, adults, and adolescents. Using cognitive-behavioral theory with narrative techniques, I help empower clients to explore areas within their lives that present challenges and inhibit change, and assist them with finding solutions that will work for them. However, I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is a vital component within any program, which means that I believe that any work needs to be collaborative between myself and my clients. I am certified to deliver trauma-focused treatments as well as providing services to help manage stress and anxiety.
Gillian Van Dien
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and self-esteem challenges with a compassionate, holistic approach. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate meaningful connections. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women, young adults, and individuals experiencing midlife transitions. My approach is collaborative, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop resilient coping strategies. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients work through issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, workplace stress, and personal identity exploration. My goal is to support you in building self-compassion, understanding your unique strengths, and creating positive life changes at your own pace.
Michael Johnnson
I have thirty five years of experience serving people with a variety of issues. I work comfortably with individuals, couples, and families of any age and ethnicity. I have advanced training experiences in Family-Systems Therapy, and Motivational Interview. When I am given the honor of serving someone, I will offer an approach that feels most comfortable, and is the most effective for that person. Your experience, history, and current issues should guide the work we do together. I can use a quick 'solutions' focus. However the depth, complexity, and confusion of your experience will guide the style and pace of our work. I am a 72 year old Christian man with the experiences of marriage, divorce, a blended and inter-racial family, non-binary family members, vocational issues, addiction recovery, and ADHD. I can counsel from a Christian perspective, if you prefer. You will be my partner in the formation and execution of your treatment plan. I ensure that you know the purpose, process, and desired outcome of each element of our work together. My effort is directed by your thoughts, feelings, and expressions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Claudia Asztalos
My therapeutic philosophy is that it's not what is wrong with you but what happened to you. I believe that symptoms like anxiety and depression are not signs of weakness but messages to our mind and body telling us that something is not right and needs to be addressed. Maladaptive ways of coping may have once served us by dulling stress or pain but are not working any more, and so we have to learn new, healthier, more adaptive coping skills. I believe both the body and mind work together and are ultimately designed to survive, heal and thrive. Sometimes we just need understanding, validation and support to navigate the process. I love to help clients and empower them to help themselves. I understand how important it is to find a counselor you can connect with; one that is caring, respectful and skillful. I have had my own therapy during my life and approach clients the way I wanted to be treated.I can relate to clients that have attempted therapy more than once and are frustrated and tired. I understand what that is like and commend you for trying again. Change can be scary but often less scary than staying stuck. Seeking out counseling takes a lot of courage and strength. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over five years of experience working with clients with various concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Assertiveness/Boundaries, Attachment Issues and Emotional,Sexual and Physical Abuse. Being a more mature counselor brings with it life experience, insight and knowledge; at the same time I am flexible, open and always seeking emerging therapeutic approaches. I believe in treating clients as individuals that have unique strengths and resiliencies and do not fit neatly into diagnostic categories. My counseling style is warm, approachable and authentic. I relate to clients with compassion, non-judgment and empathy. My approach is eclectic and tailored to meet clients where they are at. I practice through a trauma-informed lens and use modalities such as Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, Existential, Spiritual, Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Somatic therapy. I will work with you to find the best treatment approach that meets your specific needs and goals. I consider it an honor to collaborate with clients in pursuit of their well-being. If you are ready to take a step I am here to support you.
Susan Williams
Hello everyone! I am Susan Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have almost 15 years experience working with individuals, couples and families focusing on Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem Issues and Trauma. I have a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to assist you in developing goals to become empowered and move forward towards a positive change within your life. Through therapy we will work towards self-discovery and becoming more self-aware while challenging negative cognitions that prevent you from moving forward with healing. I look forward to working with you!
Jessica Halaska
Most people don’t come to therapy because they “have anxiety.” They come because something in their life feels stuck — and often, that place is their relationships, work, life, and self identity. I specialize in relationship-focused therapy for individuals navigating conflict, emotional distance, repeated communication breakdowns, or uncertainty about the future of their partnership. Sometimes a partner is unwilling to attend therapy. Sometimes you are unsure whether the relationship can improve. My work helps you gain clarity, emotional stability, and direction — even if your partner is not in the room. I take a structured and direct approach. I do not simply validate feelings or revisit the same arguments. We identify the interaction patterns driving the distress, clarify attachment dynamics, and strengthen your ability to respond differently within your relationships. As emotional regulation improves, conflict becomes more predictable and less destabilizing. Many individuals I work with initially present with anxiety, stress, or frustration, and then we discover that the root issues lie within relational patterns, self identity, career stress, and deep rooted patterns formed in early life, that have never been clearly understood. When those patterns become visible, decision-making becomes more grounded and less reactive. If you are motivated to understand what is happening in your life, your relationships, and the patterns beneath repeated conflict, anxiety, and repeated cycles, and want a focused, intentional process, we may be a strong fit.
Lisa Leong
My approach is supportive and practical, focused on making real, steady progress in ways that feel sustainable. I work with individuals navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, workplace stress, social anxiety, low self-esteem, communication challenges, conflict avoidance, perfectionism, people pleasing, relationship dynamics, identity questions, grief, and life changes. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and more grounded in the life you want to create. Together, we’ll find tools that work for you so you can meet future challenges with more clarity and confidence. People are complex, and each person brings their own history, strengths, and struggles. I meet you where you are, stay steady through the hard parts, and keep the work collaborative and respectful.
Linda Skoug
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I have over 20 years of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, trauma-informed care that addresses a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and personal growth. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, particularly focusing on young adults, older adults, and individuals processing trauma, attachment issues, and life transitions. My therapeutic style emphasizes creating a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop stronger, more authentic connections with themselves and others. My expertise spans multiple areas, including stress management, intimacy-related concerns, social anxiety, and supporting individuals through significant life changes like divorce, midlife transitions, and personal identity exploration. I am committed to walking alongside my clients, offering empathetic guidance and evidence-based strategies that empower personal transformation and emotional resilience.
Christianne Griffin
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and family dynamics. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate challenging life transitions, from workplace stress and relationship difficulties to personal growth and self-discovery. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. My work spans a wide range of focus areas, including social anxiety, trauma recovery, mood disorders, attachment challenges, and multicultural concerns. I particularly enjoy supporting young adults, men, women, and families as they work through complex emotional experiences and seek greater self-understanding and resilience. By integrating evidence-based approaches with empathetic, client-centered care, I aim to empower individuals to reconnect with their inner strengths, build self-compassion, and create more fulfilling lives.
Lester Menke
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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!
Anna Holland
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 20 years of professional work experience. Most of which has focused primarily on adolescents and adults covering a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trust, trauma, abuse, anger, identity, self esteem, grief and loss. I have also worked with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and to strengthen emotional connections. My view is that people are naturally capable and that each of us is unique in our own way. We are created to live, grow, develop, experience and change. We are gifted with energy, strengths, and abilities that enable us to make choices that can lead to positive outcomes. However, life happens and life is not flawless. Often, problems arise. I am here to help. My counseling approach is integrative and client-centered. I begin wherever you are then tailor my work to meet your unique needs. It takes courage and support to make changes and work toward a sense of well-being and a more rewarding and a happier life. I applaud you for taking that first step toward change and growth. I am here to join, support and empower you during your journey.
Yelena Drozdov-Clawson
I am a licensed therapist in Wisconsin. I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and healthy coping strategies, particularly for those navigating depression, anxiety, career difficulties, and interpersonal dynamics. My practice focuses on addressing diverse needs, including women's issues, multicultural concerns, caregiver stress, family problems, and challenges related to aging and immigration. I bring a compassionate, subtle perspective to supporting older adults and individuals seeking a thoughtful, conservative therapeutic approach. Drawing from in-person and virtual clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional needs, build self-esteem, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My work is grounded in appreciating each person's unique journey and providing tailored, empathetic guidance. I am committed to providing individualized goal plans, honoring client's personal experiences and helping them cultivate greater self-love, emotional balance, and personal empowerment.
Find a Therapist Near You in Altoona , Wisconsin
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Wisconsin can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Wisconsin is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Wisconsin, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Wisconsin (WI). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Wisconsin, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Wisconsin with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Wisconsin
When searching for a therapist near me in Wisconsin, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Wisconsin, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Wisconsin.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Wisconsin want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Wisconsin
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Wisconsin without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Wisconsin (WI)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Wisconsin
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Wisconsin, including residents in Altoona.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Wisconsin do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.