Starting college can be a trying time and with the peer pressure and humongous amount of work you have to do as well as living on your own for the first time. In fact, this is the age that many young adults turn to drugs or alcohol to help them fit in or feel better. There are many awesome psychologists in Watertown who are committed to helping these young adults through this time. 

The Watertown branch of the Madison Area Technical College is one of the largest of 16 schools in the Wisconsin Technical College System so there are plenty of licensed psychologists, therapists, and counselors who can help your college student with these issues. Contact one of these professionals today. 

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Thomas Pfister

Offering therapy in WI
License: LPC,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety or depression? If you do, come talk to me. Together, we will work on addressing the causes of your difficulties and build a full and meaningful life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin. I earned my Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and my Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with an addictions specialization from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples with a variety of mental health and substance use challenges. My counseling style is supportive, compassionate and collaborative. My approach to treating difficulties includes identifying who or what is important to you, who you want to be and what you want to stand for, and taking committed action to reach these values and goals. I adapt and customize our treatment planning and approach to your unique and specific needs. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling life, and I'm here to support and empower you on your life-changing journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Troy Bruns

Offering therapy in WI
License: MA,LPC,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepression
20 years of experience

An ideal client is one who is being just who they are in spite of all the challenges or concerns they may be dealing with. I have weekend and some evening hours. I work as a counselor and as an instructor for SUDC students at CVTC. I have a masters degree in counseling from the University of Iowa and am credentialed with a LPC and CSAC in Wisconsin. I work with persons who have issues related to emotional well-being, whether mental health, adjustment related, substance-use related, or couple's issues. I have worked in a private practice setting for 12 years. I have experience with emergency work at a ER (primary suicidal assessments). I have worked in substance use disorder agencies (hospitals and clinics, inpatient and outpatient, small non-profit and a few which are profit-based). I have extensive work with employee assistance counseling. I have also worked with clients with correctional issues. Getting to understand what one is going through is a priority. Developing a working alliance with that person is essential. Patient empowerment and collaborative problem solving are cued in on.

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Sarah Benitez

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Sarah. I am specializing in anxiety, depression, and ADHD ages 16 and up. I am passionate about supporting women in their mental health journey, particularly those experiencing pregnancy and/or postpartum. The therapeutic skills and modalities I am currently training in include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma counseling, pet therapy, and humanistic therapy. I have experience working with individuals of all different race/ethnic/cultural backgrounds who have experienced trauma, mental health, and/or substance use challenges. While completing my graduate program, I obtained my Trauma Informed Care Certificate from UW Milwaukee. I have a 2.5-year-old daughter. I enjoy thrifting, exploring the MKE area with my toddler, spending time outdoors, reading, and spending time with my daughter. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss your goals and how I can support you moving forward. Please note I offer live chat and live audio sessions and my hours are Monday's and Wednesday's 8am - 3pm, Tuesday's and Thursday's 9am - 6pm and occasional Saturday availability.

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Jenna Goddeyne

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping a wide variety of individuals assess their strengths, barriers, priorities and provide the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals. 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Lisa Hammes

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! I am licensed in Wisconsin with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. My approach is warm, interactive & with a sense of humor thrown in. I do my best to meet my clients where they are at in their journey. My approach is eclectic as I know everyone experiences life in different ways. I use CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, & mindfulness as my main modalities of therapy. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage! I am proud of you for getting started on your therapeutic journey and look forward to working with you!

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Anjuli "AJ" Simon

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
17 years of experience

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse from UW-Stout. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin with over 17 years of experience. I also have Wisconsin licensure for Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Intermediate Clinical Supervisor. I have worked with individuals ages five to adults with a variety of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders and a multitude of situational life stressors. I believe counseling offers an opportunity to allow individuals to process through unresolved issues and find ways to make life more meaningful and reach their true potential. My therapeutic approach is mainly Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Client/Centered Therapy. I utilize a variety of other therapeutic approaches as needed. I strive to meet you where you are at, then we decide the style that fits your needs, as we are going to be working together to help you meet your goals. I believe in people’s inner strengths and capacity to succeed and grow even during difficult times. My purpose is to help you gain or regain the level of functioning that you desire. I value the courage it takes to make this first step and I look forward to working with you!

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Keith Welsh

Offering therapy in WI
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
23 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: Presently I am only available for unlimited messaging but am not available for live appointments except very sporadically when I have cancellations week to week with my full caseload of clients. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified EMDR Therapist. My primary specialties are treating general and specific anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, "imposter syndrome," anxiety which has led to depression, and confidence issues. I am also well versed in coaching, relationship dynamics, parenting, and family history complications. I am a very solution focused therapist with the notion of helping you achieve emotional wellness and happiness in your life as soon as possible. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and as the Distinguished Military Graduate. I served six years as a Commissioned Officer in the US Army and later spent eleven years in the private sector employed by behavioral health companies. I earned a Masters in Social Work from Temple University, entered private practice and practiced traditional talk therapy including cognitive behavioral interventions, marriage and relationship counseling, family counseling, group therapy, and EMDR therapy.​ I later spent two years working as a therapist and administrator for an International Mission agency based in the UK. While living, traveling and working in fourteen countries on five continents, I gained experience with mental health interventions across cultures in treating trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD. ​During this time I evolved my practice into specializing in EMDR Therapy which I have practiced now for 22 years and virtually since 2016. In 2018 I became a Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. I am honored to serve our all clients including Veterans as I am also a Veteran myself and enjoy serving people from all walks of life. I continue my clinical practice virtually from Pennsylvania and Delaware serving clients all over the United States and around the world, having treated clients on every continent so far except Antarctica!

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Rachel Leahy Hilker

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Steven Kirkilas

Offering therapy in WI
License: Msw,Lcsw
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR therapy and enjoy using somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles. Lastly, I believe every person deserves to be understood, please feel welcome.

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Julia Szpakiewicz

Offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California, New Jersey and Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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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How to find counseling in Watertown

Finding the best therapist close by in Watertown 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown, 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown, elsewhere in Jefferson, 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 Watertown area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown, 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 53094 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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown, 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.

Watertown 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 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 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 Watertown.

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

53094, 53098

Popular cities near Watertown, WI

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