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Mark Awdykowyz

Offering therapy in WY
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
31 years of experience

Having been raised as an only child and a second generation American, my father was a functional alcoholic who taught me the meaning of hard work and relational disconnection. My Italian mom was nurturing, provided unconditional love and began teaching me how to cook at age 13. When my parents divorced when I was a young teen, it left me feeling hurt, angry, confused, lost and alone. At seventeen, I joined the US Marines, hoping to prove my worth or die trying in Viet Nam. Fortunately, I was never shipped overseas. That four-year stint resulted in drug addiction, two meritorious promotions and a spiritual awakening that has kept me sober since November 1976. After an honorable discharge, my formal education began in the allied health profession, followed by biblical studies, a Masters in Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Community Counseling. My spiritual journey began taking root in 1978 through The Navigators ministry. In 1982, I married my one and only wife; she has been instrumental in helping me develop into a better man. After completing seminary, I served in inner city rescue ministry for nearly 12 years, then returned to active duty as an Army Chaplain due to 9/11, and retired in December 2013. I then worked for the Veterans Health Administration in a psychiatric residential treatment facility for mental health and substance abuse disorder; I retired in September 2019. Life is full of uncertainties and it rarely turns out as we had planned. I believe that we are sojourners in this world and need the support of a healthy community of family, friends and a life grounded in the truth that's wrapped in love. We all have made mistakes and poor choices along the way; I know that I am no exception here. I also know that the world isn't always a safe place and some of us have suffered trauma at the hands of others. Sometimes, those whom we had trusted to keep us safe actually caused the harm. So whether we struggle with guilt and shame, anxiety, depression, anger, substance abuse, addictive behavior or simply can't seem to make sense of life, we shouldn't allow ourselves to journey alone. I believe that there are solutions to life's challenges. Those solutions, though not always easily uncovered, are designed to be revealed by embracing the struggle together and pushing through them. We are not designed to navigate life alone, nor avoiding life's difficulties through denial, self-medication or any other unwanted or unhealthy behavior that masks the pain. I believe that as humans in the Western culture, we tend to suffer in silence. What is that about? Consequently, I believe we should all begin with a very short, but profoundly deep question: "Do I want to become well?" During my four plus decades of recovery, it has been a privilege to assist people as a chaplain, teacher and counselor. Listening to my clients' stories has also helped me become a better person and certainly, a more empathic listener and less of an interrogator. I consider myself a fellow pilgrim in this journey called life who longs for a place where righteousness, peace and joy abounds. I enjoy working out daily, cooking, reading for personal growth and professional development, teaching, encouraging others, meeting positive and like-minded people, driving my 1972 VW and seeking to maintain a healthy balance in my life. .

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Dr. Sheri Wester

Offering therapy in WY
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello! If you are exploring Better Help, it is likely that you are struggling with something significant in your life. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is very important. If you don't have a good relationship with your counselor, you won't make the progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I am a professional counselor licensed in Wyoming and Colorado and a National Certified Counselor. I have been counseling individuals since 2003 when I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. In 2018 I graduated with a Ph.D. in General Psychology, which added to my knowledge base. Throughout the years, I have worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health centers, and schools. I have worked with people of all ages experiencing a wide variety of struggles, from everyday issues to depression and anxiety. My approach is client-centered and I use theory and techniques from humanistic therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I understand that each person's experiences and needs are unique and I will tailor our work to fit your goals. We can interact in the modality that is most comfortable to you - live voice, live video, or live chat. In between live sessions, we can use the messaging system to discuss scheduling and outside assignments, share thoughts and questions that come up between sessions, and share and discuss journal entries (if you use that feature). My availability is primarily in the evenings and on the weekends. I know finding a counselor can be difficult and I would be honored to take this journey with you.

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Dr. Ryan Bair

Offering therapy in WY
License: DSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of counseling experience. I have been a Social Worker for over 20 years and have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. I have worked with a wide range of concerns from environmental, and situational to severe mental illness. I have worked in schools, community mental health facilities, and hospice. I believe in transparency and collaboration in practice. I believe in behavioral activation and a person's ability to overcome thinking errors through solution-focused goal setting and follow-through. I am confident that in working together, we can find tools and strategies that will assist in current and future concerns that effect your well-being. Congratulations on taking this first step and I look forward to meeting soon.

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Dr. Lori Dougherty

Offering therapy in WY
License: DMFT,LMFT,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
10 years of experience

I am a couples and marriage and substance use counselor licensed in Colorado and Wyoming with 10 years of experience in the field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life challenges, and substance use. I will strive to connect and understand you through developing a strong therapeutic relationship, which I believe is of the utmost importance for healing and recovery. My goal is to work to inspire you to develop new approaches and solutions to address issues in your complex life. Working from the belief you have the innate ability to heal yourself, I treat the therapeutic process as an opportunity for you to uncover the tools that will support your personal growth. I understand your know yourself best, therefore your concerns and goals form the basis for counseling strategies as I act as a guide to help you find your strengths, and a coach to help further develop them. While I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs, I combine tenets of client-centered, dialectical behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, and motivational interviewing. I understand it takes courage to reach out and ask for support when you are feeling alone. If you're ready to take that step, I look forward to working with you on your journey.

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Amanda Wetz

Offering therapy in WY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am Amanda Wetz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a combined 19 years experience in social work services with 10 years experience providing clinical services. I value being a supporter in day to day stressors and planning. I am experienced in a variety of specific areas of issues as well as other issues such as anxiety, depression, feelings of inadequacy, coping skills, and problem solving skills. I have experience with specific populations. I have provided individual, group, and family therapy services. I value increasing coping skills and building confidence to have a fulfilling life. I have provided services to individuals for personal issues as well as individuals with professional/profession issues. I believe in the importance of supporting caregivers of those with mental illness and disease process changes. It is important to have strength around us in our intimate and professional relationships. It is important to have many different circles of support and I specialize in helping others identify those supports and have them in the most supportive position for you. My therapeutic approach is supportive in nature. I value person centered approach with recovery based principle. This provides you as the client control of your progress and change. I view myself as a guide and mentor in therapy. We work together to provide a choice based plan and support you in developing coping skills and strengths to create your desired path forward. I value short term brief therapy. I feel therapy can be 8 to 12 sessions and you can gain the skills and confidence to continue on practicing them in your day to day. I prefer to only provide these timeframes of therapy to client and can provide supportive therapy after 12 sessions. I am a strong proponent of strengths based approach. We will identify your strengths and build on them to assist you in overcoming areas of less strength. Not weakness just less strong. We will work together to increase your confidence and strength to have a satisfying and fulfilling life. It takes courage and strength to reach out for additional support in making changes. I am here to support and encourage you as you make decisions and changes to better yourself. I am here to support, guide, and provide options as you make your way forward. I am here to walk with you on your journey.

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Dr. Judith Naginey

Offering therapy in WY
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I have a Ph.D and am a licensed psychologist. I have a master's degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a doctoral degree from The Colorado State University in Counseling Psychology. I have been licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania and am currently licensed and practicing in Wyoming. I have been engaged in the general practice of psychotherapy for more than 30 years using a broadly cognitive behavioral approach. My professional interests include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma and stress management. I am excited to explore the unique potential of telehealth services and grateful to be a part of a strategy that will make psychotherapy services more easily available to all who need them.

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Jennifer Haney

Offering therapy in WY
License: Mississippi and Alabama Licensed Professional Counselor,NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed and experienced in providing counseling on the various challenges life throws our way. Everyone goes through times of stress, tragedy, turmoil and angst. Seeking professional advice during these times can help to ease these difficult feelings. As a therapist, I have helped individuals and couples overcome tough times in life such grief, loss, marital strain and divorce as well as other career and lifestyle transitions. My professional counseling style mirrors my personality in that I am kind, compassionate and have a heart for helping others in need. Please know I am here to help you overcome whatever difficulties or transitions you are experiencing. Collaboratively, we can help you set some personal goals, challenge your inner strengths and help you overcome these challenging times of your life.

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Holly Allen

Offering therapy in WY
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Wyoming with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

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Danielle Warren

Offering therapy in WY
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Wyoming with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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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Elaine Noland-Sepko

Offering therapy in WY
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Marriage Couples and Family Counseling, with an emphasis in Crisis and Trauma Counseling. My experience ranges with many different age groups, an I have worked with a diverse client base over the past 12 years. I started off working with Survivors of Sexual Trauma, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking. I have worked with children, adolescents, Teens, young adults, adults and the Elderly, providing Individual Therapy, Family Therapy and Couples Therapy, with extensive experience in Group Therapy for adolescents and adults. As well as individual and group therapy for adolescents with substance abuse/addictions. I am currently adding in a focus of Perinatal Mental Health. As I have continued in this field, I have educated myself as much as possible to be able to work with different cultures, races and minorities in order to better serve more populations of individuals who may not have been able to receive the help and the support they need. My Theoretical Foundation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, however, I integrate other Theories and interventions in order to meet the individual needs of clients. These include Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Social Learning Theory and Gottman's Sound Relationship House Theory. I am trained in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach is Client Centered, with my focus being on the Client and the Client's needs. I work with the Client to identify goals, and work together with the the client to achieve these goals. As a Therapist, I listen, I help identify challenges, process feelings, and help problem solve and then Client takes action to create change. This is not easy, and trusting this process can be difficult, and I never ask my clients to do anything that I would do myself. I am a trauma survivor and because of my experience, I chose to be therapist in order to help others, because it can be difficult to understand the feelings that accompany trauma unless you have lived through a traumatic event yourself. My hope is to create a safe space where Clients can seek help, feel listened to, feel respected, and hopefully find answers and learn new things to help them cope with the challenges that they have been facing. I am flexible throughout the day with my work schedule which can change from day to day. I do not work on the weekends, and will not be able to answer any messages until Monday. Please let me know what works with your schedule and I will do my best to accommodate you. In some cases I may be able to book sessions the same week of enrollment. Not always and appointments may be a week out. I do have set times in the evenings and weekends for appointments that are consistent. I check my messages multiple times throughout the day, and will respond as quickly as my schedule allows. At times I am very busy and cannot answer right away. I will answer as soon as I can, generally within 24-48 hours. Please know that when I respond, it does not mean I am available for a back and forth chat in the portal. I am responding as quickly as I can between sessions and I am not able to answer each message immediately. If you have an emergency please reach out to your local services for immediate assistance. As I am not able to respond to emergencies or immediate needs. I want to make sure you have the help you need right away.

How to find counseling in Buffalo

Finding the best therapist close by in Buffalo 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 Buffalo. 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 Buffalo, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo, elsewhere in Johnson, or in the greater state of Wyoming.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo may not take health insurance, some in the state of Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Buffalo, Wyoming 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 WY, 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 82834 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo, Wyoming 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.

Buffalo 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 Buffalo.

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

82834

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