Living in Bridgeport means a life with ample opportunities for recreation, whether it be fireworks, fishing, or fun with sports. But, if you're one of the many residents struggling with mental wellness issues, living a fun-filled life can be difficult to do.

Whether you're dealing with loss, coping with trauma or suffering from mental illness, the support of a Bridgeport-area mental health professional can help you deal with these hardships. Reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor today so that you can get back on a path to enjoying all the fun Bridgeport has to offer once again.

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Charlotte Whipkey

Offering therapy in WV
License: LICSW
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

We will get along well if you are a problem aware individual who is looking for ways to build relationship with your emotions. You want to quit overcoming, conquering, strategizing AT your emotions. You are now ready to get to the root cause of what is troubling you, to experience long term change and learn to show up from an authentic place.

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Debbie McClintic

Offering therapy in WV
License: EdS,LPC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello, I am a graduate of Marshall University with an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling. I am also a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor(ALPS) in West Virginia. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, teens and young adults. I continue to attend conferences and am always seeking to learn new techniques to better assist my clients. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling approach is a combination of humanistic and reality solution therapy. I believe in the goodness of all people and like to place emphasis on the client's self-growth and self-actualization. Through genuine care and compassion, I utilize a variety of approaches to help clients find meaning in their lives by focusing on free will, self-determination and taking responsibility. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Erika Rucker

Offering therapy in WV
License: BS,RN,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I am a therapist that has focused on working with the individual, family, and couples. I am a licensed professional counselor and a registered nurse that has been practicing counseling for nearly 10 years in various settings. I have expertise in addiction, trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and panic, grief and loss, and sleep disorders. I use a wide variety of modalities that include CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, EFT, midfullness, CBT for insomnia and Internal Family Systems. It is important to me to build a strong relationship with clients and develop trust to ensure a good experience and life changing counseling for clients. I focus on the client and what will help them improve them in a helpful way. Seeking out a counselor takes courage and it is important to chose someone who is trusted, has goals to improve each persons well-being, and is mindful of the individual's needs. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Tasheena Donell

Offering therapy in WV
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hi my name is Tasheena, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC and am licensed in both West Virginia and South Carolina. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Charleston and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I have experience providing individual and group therapy sessions to at-risk youth and their families within the court and corrections settings regarding substance use, behavioral issues, emotion regulation, relationships, communication, process addictions, and a variety of other issues depending on the client's needs. I am certified to treat anxiety disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, worry, and panic. I have professional experience with anxiety disorders, depression, young adult issues, relationship issues, as well as domestic violence issues. I'm an advocate for healthy relationships, boundaries, and am passionate about self-care, personal and family growth, managing anxiety, and helping others grow in multiple areas of their lives. My therapeutic approach is eclectic but generally utilize solution-focused, CBT, and motivational interviewing. I value having sessions that include establishing rapport in an environment where clients can feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgment.

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Dr. Tammy McClain

Offering therapy in WV
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
31 years of experience

I have been a clinical psychologist since 1994, and I am currently licensed in West Virginia. I have also been a college professor at West Liberty University since 2006. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting problems, nursing home concerns, career challenges, and PTSD I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Ann Sumpter

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, eating disorders, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Laura Viars

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. For 5 years, I have worked specifically with young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, levels 1 and 2, in a college setting. I have experience in helping clients with communication issues, executive dysfunction, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with adolescents and adults who are coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion. I will work to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. You are the expert on yourself and my hope is that our collaboration can help you start facilitating healthy change in your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Donna Borders

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Sarah Ferretti

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Ashley Stevens

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 counseling in Bridgeport

Finding the best therapist close by in Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport. 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 Bridgeport, 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, elsewhere in Harrison, or in the greater state of West Virginia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport may not take health insurance, some in the state of West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 Bridgeport, West Virginia 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 WV, 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 26330 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, West Virginia 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.

Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport.

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

26330

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