In life, there’s a fire in all of us that burns brightly. Sometimes, it leads us to our destination by giving us life. Other times, it burns everyone we know and love. Your inner fire needs to be controlled, and a counselor based in Peoria can help you control any fire you may face in life. 

Peoria means “prairie fire,” which is the perfect symbolism for life. Your life can be like a fire, and it’s up to you to figure out how to contain it and use it for good. Speak to a Peoria-based counselor to see what they can do for the fire in your life.

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Sarai Darbandi

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
9 years of experience

I'm delighted that you've found your way here! In my practice, I'm passionately dedicated to guiding individuals towards transformative solutions & resolutions in the areas that I specialize in which include: anxiety, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, religious/cult/control dynamics trauma, perfectionism, codependency, emotional eating, addictive patterns, relationships issues, high performance, entrepreneurship, & reclaiming & integrating the true self within. I also specialize in psychedelic & plant medicine preparation & integration. I am most versed in Ayahuasca, but also have training in Ketamine, Cannabis, MDMA, & Psilocybin. I provide a trauma-informed, evidenced-based approaches combining Mindfulness, Breathwork, Somatic Experiencing, Inner child & Re-parenting Work/Internal Family Systems, & EMDR. I will listen deeply as you share your personal intentions for your work that you want to accomplish and we will collaborate as a team to see what approaches will work best for you. I am looking forward to supporting you in your inward journey and discovering more about where you are at in your life. Feel free to email me or call for a free consultation. In your consultation, we will get to know each other, see if we are a good fit, and have a plan of action in how to move forward. Please note I only offer virtual sessions.

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Lori Smith

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LPC,MSPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I have been a Licensed practicing therapist for 7 years. My approach is to treat the whole person. I am also a Holistic Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist and Life Coach. I believe the most successful treatment can be attributed to two important factors. The first is understanding how the mind, body and spirit connects; as the mind and body are not separate and to treat the mind the body must also be treated and vice versa. The second is in understanding and healing the roots of the past. I specialize in Trauma Therapy and am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR) and believe the root of most issues lies in the past. Understanding how past beliefs affects your present circumstances and through understanding and identifying your values and beliefs is the second important element of healing. I work with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety disorders, panic, personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma including PTSD, and list of other issues and challenges. I enjoy counseling and educating my clients. My approach is eclectic and integrative style of psychotherapy. I adapt my sessions to the unique needs of each specific client, depending on the problem, the client's expectations, treatment goals and motivation. Some of the common forms of therapeutic techniques I use includes: Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Dialectical Behavioral Techniques, Solution Focused Techniques and EMDR and Exposure therapy. I understand that no two people are alike and each client needs to be dealt with individually. I believe every person is a miracle and every person has an unlimited potential. I feel it is important to help each person understand their worth. Every person is important and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. I believe it often takes courage to get help and if you are ready to take that step, I am looking forward to working with you.

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Jean Dili

Offering therapy in AZ
License: BC-DMT,LISAC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hello and Blessings As a seasoned clinician working with a Native American Tribe for over 18 years I bring a unique perspective to my work. My own ancestry can be traced to the Chickasaw Nation. My training is steeped in expressive arts therapy, existential philosophy, and systems theory. I believe accessing the creative mind and recognizing the patterns of our life experiences is a main pathway to healing from any number of personal challenges. I also have understanding of historical trauma, and believe that each person carries a story that can only be understood through their unique experiences and ancestry. My faith is rooted in both Christian principles as well as the certainty of life cycles in the environment that reveal deeper truths meant for human beings to understand. I look forward to getting to know you!

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Lucinda Foster

Offering therapy in AZ
License: MEd,NBCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I received my Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Wichita State University in Kansas. I am a national certified counselor as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in a wide variety of settings, from a day program for the severe and chronic mentally ill, academic advisor, and welfare officer I relocated to the Phoenix area and began work as an outreach counselor and Special Education Counselor serving the Reservation and the surrounding towns in Pinal County. In this capacity I worked with children, parents, and schools on a variety of issues; from relationship/communication, parenting, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and anger management. I have also dealt with addiction and marriage problems. Each job gave me a wealth of experiences. I have completed a wide array of trainings such as Levels I and II in Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing (EMDR); training addressing Gambling Addiction, Rational Emotive Therapy, Reality, Sand Tray therapy, several different Play Therapy modalities, and have a credential in Distance Counseling. I am married and have three wonderful boys, an extended family that I keep close even though all are very far away. I have come to realize that success doesn’t come by the work of one, but the support of many to help achieve our desires and to deal with the struggles of everyday living. My goal is to help you when you need it most, to teach you how to grapple with life's little ordinary problems, to make life worth living. Too many people in the world are hurting on the inside and trying to "go it alone" and are either afraid or don’t know how to ask for help. I can offer an un-biased ear, a sounding board and support to help you reach your goals or get past a roadblock in life. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. I have over 19 years of experience with a wide variety of issues, including relationship, Parenting, Anxiety, Gambling, Substance Abuse and Depression. If you feel I may be a good match for your therapy needs, I am available.

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Dr. Andrew Mendonsa

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in various states with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. There isn't much I have not seen and helped folks through. My professional background has included working within criminal justice settings, psychiatric settings, community mental health, with high-wealth clients, everyday folks, and folks from all walks of life. Besides my clinical psychology doctorate and master degrees, I also went to business school and earned an MBA which allows me to bring perspectives and interventions that other therapists might be missing. I have owned, managed and sold businesses and bring that experience to those who need it. 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. If you are looking to be in therapy your whole life with me, I am not your match. I believe in getting goals developed, getting folks some solid progress, and then, when ready, using therapy as needed. Like a car, folks should take themselves into the shop for tune-ups throughout their life. No car stays in the shop the entire time you own it? Why should you stay in therapy your whole life? Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Feel free to learn more about me at www.AndrewMendonsa.com.

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Melissa Cumella

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Samantha Whelan

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Samantha Whelan and I am an LPC currently licensed in Oklahoma, Alabama, and New Hampshire with 12 years of professional experience. I decided to take a sabbatical to raise my two children while continuing to keep up with professional development thru continuing education. During these years the ups and downs of everyday life with family, kids, and friends gave me more insight into personal life struggles than I could have acquired by only reading a textbook or sitting in my office. I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to help people who may be experiencing a personal, family, or relational challenge by providing support, practical feedback, skills-sets and tools that I have acquired in my many years of conducting group and individual psychotherapy sessions. The majority of my professional counseling career was spent prior to the birth of my children. This period of intense focus on my development as a counselor provided me with the chance to develop the capacity to exhibit sympathy and accurate empathy when working with some of society's most challenging circumstances. During this critical time of professional growth, I had the distinct honor to work with people struggling with the grip of addiction and mental health challenges. Because of the bio-psycho-social nature of the disease of addiction, I was challenged to become competent in addressing a myriad of my clients social, emotional, spiritual, physical, legal, familial, and financial issues caused by the trauma of unhealthy habits and poor decision making. It was during these early years that I developed my own personal style of counseling and psychotherapy. This style of therapy is deeply rooted in the discipline of cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral theory, motivational interviewing, and client centered therapy . These styles allow both you and I to work together during our therapy sessions. I would also like to mention that I myself have been where you are. I have sought out counseling as well and as a counselor myself I had very high standards. I feel like this experience also gave me such great insight into what it felt like to be "on the other side of the desk" and I truly knew how it felt to be heard and validated and I hope that I can make my clients feel the same way. It is my belief that most individuals fall somewhere along a continuum of change. Many times a person’s lack of awareness of where they might be placed on this continuum is a starting point for our counseling sessions. Change doesn't happen overnight. But, my hope for you is that we can find out what you would like to improve and find out what types of behavior change need to happen in order for you to accomplish your personal growth goals in a safe, confidential setting. Always remember your agenda is my agenda. I look forward to working with you!

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Michael (Mike) Sherman

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
9 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Mike and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Utah. I obtained my Master's in Social Work from University of Southern California. I have worked as a social worker for over 8 years with families and individuals in community, outpatient, and inpatient settings. A lot of the work I've done has been extensively with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues. My approach leans heavily on CBT, solution-focused, and strengths-based modalities, which helps me to empower clients and help them to feel more at ease in a setting that can typically feel uncomfortable. I have a genuine passion to help others work towards their best self. I consider myself a very approachable and down-to-earth person and therapist, and I pride myself on being able to make sessions feel as inviting, friendly, and fulfilling as possible. When not working, I am often trying to keep myself busy by playing video games with my son, going to rock concerts, or watching any movies or TV shows that can make me laugh.

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Bridgette Terrazas

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I'm honored to walk this journey with you and we will work together in creating your 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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Tanya Underwood

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!

How to find counseling in Peoria

Finding the best therapist close by in Peoria 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 Peoria. 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, elsewhere in Maricopa, or in the greater state of Arizona.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria may not take health insurance, some in the state of Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Peoria, Arizona 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 AZ, 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 85373 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, Arizona 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.

Peoria 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 Peoria.

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

85342, 85345, 85373, 85380, 85381, 85382, 85383, 85385

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