Onalaska has some of the best recreational places in the country including the Great River Landing, Rowe Park, Van Riper Park, Lost Island Winery, Lake Onalaska, and the Great River Trail, which is a 24-mile trail that runs alongside the Mississippi River. This is a great place to get some exercise, which is excellent for both your physical and mental health. 

The City of Onalaska also has some of the top mental health experts in Wisconsin and they are available in person or online anytime. If you or someone you love has a mental illness, it is important to get treatment so contact one of the Onalaska counselors right away. 

This is Laura Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Johnson

Offering therapy in WI
License: MS,LPC,SAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I also applaud you on taking your first step of this journey. Remember, "life is a journey, not a destination". Just a little bit about me. I graduated from in 2015 from Viterbo University with a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior at Capella University. I have a passion for working with others to assist them in living their "best life". I have been blessed with having a wide range of experience including working with parents with custody and placement issues, addictions, Court systems and jail population, Alaskan Natives, children, adults, and military members and their families. I am experienced in individual, group, couples, and family therapies as well as psycho-educational groups. I use an integrated approach to therapy which has a foundation in client-centered therapy. This means that we will work together to develop a tailor-made plan just for you. I believe in working alongside each other as a team. This is your time and your plan. I believe that most people will say I have a gentle demeanor and a caring personality. I want all my clients to have a positive experience in therapy and feel comfortable sharing their cares, concerns, and dreams. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs hanging out at the house, the camper, or riding the ATV/UTV trails. I look forward to working together for a better tomorrow.

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Courtney Peterson

Offering therapy in WI
License: MSW, , LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! My name is Courtney Peterson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Wisconsin and a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). I earned my Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work Degrees from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. With over 15 years of social work experience, I have worked in a large variety of settings. These include: working with children who had emotional and behavioral difficulties in a day treatment setting, case management for elderly and physically disabled individuals, medical social work for individuals and families going through the hospice journey, and providing school based and intensive in-home counseling services for kids and their families. I have worked with people from the age of 2 to 102. You can expect a calm, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment. I will be an empathetic and safe place for you to share and explore your story while holding space for you to be your authentic self. I utilize a variety of different therapies, strategies, and perspectives including solution-focused, existential, cognitive behavioral, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral, attachment, behavior and mindfulness therapies. I believe in a person-centered and strengths based approach. My goal is to empower you and help you find the strengths within you. I look forward to working with you on your journey to a newfound beginning!

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Alisyn Cundiff

Offering therapy in WI
License: LCSW,SAC-IT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin and Washington with over 5 years of experience working as a counselor. I earned my Master of Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I have worked with clients aged 14 and up with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and a variety of addictions (alcohol and other drugs, sex, gambling, and exercise). I also have helped people who have experienced a range of past traumas. My counseling style is empathetic, supportive, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-center, strengths-based, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing counseling techniques. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs and work toward your desired goals. It takes courage to improve areas of life which may lead to some of our most uncomfortable feelings. It is in those moments of discomfort that the impactful changes happen. Throughout my experience working with clients I have found the most important aspect is connection, the therapeutic relationship, and rapport. I will work with you at a pace you are comfortable with, while always taking steps towards your identified goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Kristen Paeth

Offering therapy in WI
License: LCSW,CSAC,CSOTP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Wisconsin. I have been working as a therapist for the past four years, and have several years of experience as a social worker who has worked in Child Protective Services and in-home Autism therapy. I have worked with clients who experience a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, sex addiction, alcohol and drug addiction, incarceration and legal problems, and sex offenders. I have the most experience working with adult males who are reentering society after a period of incarceration, but I'm comfortable working with anyone. When it comes to scheduling, I am looking to add additional clients for weekends and some evenings during the week! I graduated in 2017 with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin - Madison! Go Bucky! My undergrad experience was completed at University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I enjoy talking and learning about others through their experiences and stories, and I find that I am a great listener. My counseling approach is client centered! I enjoy building rapport with clients and challenging them to reach their full potential. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness techniques, as well as focusing on meeting you where you are at in your journey. My goal is to help you reach your goals by providing support and motivation! Change requires vulnerability, empathy, and willingness. Taking that first step means you're on the road to improving your life and I hope to be a part of that journey. I look forward to working with you.

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Randall Kahn

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hello. If you’re seeking a senior therapist, with many years of experience and continuing education, who is known for his compassion, wisdom, experience and sense of humor, you may have come to the right place. After some years as a carpenter, building and remodeling homes, I returned to school to complete a B.A. in psychology and social work followed by an M.Ed in counseling psychology. I’ve worked in a variety of settings as a therapist, starting as a psychiatric technician in a trauma care hospital in 1993, later developing a rural mental health clinic with five other therapists and my last eight years of practice in the student counseling department for the University of Wisconsin. I have been licensed in Washington state as well as in Wisconsin as an LPC. I also have a substance abuse treatment licensure. I’ve had a lot of training along the way and have learned a great deal from my clients as well. My approach to helping my clients is based in this experience, training and a caring sense of the uniqueness and value of every individual. I draw on a variety of technical models of therapy, based on what my clients seem to need and who they are. While I have provided therapy in several different settings utilizing several specialties, as a semi-retired counselor I am now focused on working with clients who are seeking support for wellness, personal growth and/or anxiety or depression, using MINDFULNESS based approaches. I consider myself very wholistic in my approach to therapy. I recognize that there is a seamless interaction of processes between the mind, body and spirit. I believe that if we fail to recognize these connections, we may miss the mark in achieving the healing and growth we're hoping for. My goal is to help you achieve this healing and growth. I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Helena Stevens

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Racheal Pluim-Bergmann

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin and Arizona as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, and building motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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 Brianna Kulibert's avatar and link to their profile

Brianna Kulibert

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression and anxiety. 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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David Hanizeski

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorder
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, mental illness, & intimacy related issues. 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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Michelle Boodry

Offering therapy in WI
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & 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!

How to find counseling in Onalaska

Finding the best therapist close by in Onalaska 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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska, 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska, elsewhere in La Crosse, or in the greater state of Wisconsin.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska may not take health insurance, some in the state of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Onalaska, Wisconsin 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 WI, 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 54650 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska, Wisconsin 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.

Onalaska 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 Onalaska.

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

54650

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