In life, it’s hard to worry so much. When you're depressed, you worry about yourself. When you're anxious, you worry about everything around you. Worry in general is hard to get past by. A counselor based in West Haven can help you. 

West Haven has a motto, and that motto is “do not despair.” You should not be in despair when you don’t have to. Instead, you should strive to have hope. We know it’s not easy to change your mentality, and that’s why a counselor can help you. Talk to a therapist and see how they can help you change. 

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Heather Parenti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
21 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My clients come in with many different troubles and often, the troubles lead to a great many other problems that they have or have had in their lives. There is no problem too big and there is a way to live better. I believe we are looking for contentment. To feel "okay" and, today's society tries to warp us into believing we are not okay because we need something else than what we have right now. We all have the capacity to choose a better life, better relationships, better care for ourselves. The answer is not outside of us but within. I work with children, teens and adults that think they're not enough. We are all enough. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, licensed in both California and Connecticut. I received my degree from California University Long Beach, living in Southern California most of my life until moving to Connecticut in 2017. I am a professional and have worked in many entities including private practice since 2004, the medical and mental health community, the education system, and athletic coaching. I have been a competitive athlete since childhood and continue training and competing through all life transitions. Additionally, I have created space and time to practice yoga and meditation. I have also accepted that I am an artist - writing, drawing and painting through change and growth. My treatment approach is varied based on my client. My main theoretical framework is probably Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but also utilize Mindfulness/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I can help individuals who are experiencing many things in life. I have clients and former clients leading full, enriched lives because of the guidance I have provided through the therapeutic process. .

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Virginia Lawless

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, my name is Ginny and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have worked in a variety of settings providing assistance along the continuum of care for individuals and families experiencing acute crisis situations, to offering less intensive interventions, treatment, and therapies provided in the home, or by phone and internet. My approach is client centered, strengths and mindfulness based, and trauma informed, though I would further qualify my work as integrative. I feel achieving and maintaining the highest level of mental health is accomplished through a holistic approach, which may include nutritional, physical, meditative, and other healing interventions. My work is informed by cognitive and dialectical therapy, and interpersonal therapy among others. Together we will decide how best to deal with your issues. The best outcomes are the result of a collaborative approach to therapy, emphasizing open, candid exchanges. Together we will identify what is standing in the way of getting to where you want to be and doing what you want to do. We will do this through open and reflective dialogue which has been noted by others to be non-judgmental and thought provoking. I have found this style of communication consistently helps develop a means of exploring significant underlying issues causing disruption to the achievement of life goals. It takes courage and commitment to make changes in your life. If you have decided to make that step, I am here to offer support and guidance to help you make those changes! I look forward to our work together!

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Mary ann Yarbrough

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi everyone, my name is Mary Ann Yarbrough and I am a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns with your guided support. I pride myself in meeting you where you’re at as you are the experts in your stories. Therapy is most effective when the therapist and client build a strong rapport through being genuine, caring, and trusting. Even if you just need a safe space to share/vent that is what I am here for. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. I have worked in this field for over 10 years specializing in adolescents with behavioral health challenges and young adults making major life transitions that can be incredibly taxing. Making sure there is adequate social supports is important. I am here for you to manage through your stress, and help you to utilize your coping skills more effectively. First off, you are already incredibly brave to make the first step to look for a therapist so, I want to say that I am already proud of you. I know this is not an easy process and therapy has its stigmas. We can do this together. You can achieve anything, especially to feel better.

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Alfred Mayer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,Certified Professional Inner Coach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, fatigued? Maybe feeling stuck? Perhaps you are experiencing problems in relationships or with family or problems at work. Perhaps it's life in general. You might be thinking of getting help but experiencing problems in asking for or reaching out for help. Well, you are not alone as many, many people find it hard to reach out for help. My name is Al Mayer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Connecticut. I have over 30 years experience in helping clients to make choices to empower them to move forward and reach whatever their true goal is. To feel better about themselves and their circumstances after resolving issues. To feel content, at ease and happier. My experience includes providing individual psychotherapy and counseling; couples counseling; marriage and family therapy; group therapy and drug and alcohol counseling. I am an attentive listener as well as being interactive with you. I believe in treating everyone with sensitivity, compassion, empathy and respect. YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME !

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Vivian Allen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
45 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a talented and dedicated professional with comprehensive expertise in providing effectual clinical services. I enjoy my work immensely. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my exceptional skills in providing therapeutic services to a wide ranging population. My warm, supportive and therapeutic collaboration with clients includes, without limitation, understanding problems, defining goals, developing realistic action plans as well as providing psychotherapy to improve an individual’s health. I offer my first-rate services and diligent work ethic.

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Debra Struzinski

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Connecticut licensed therapist with over 25 years of professional work experience. I’m qualified in helping clients with stress & anxiety, depression, family & personal conflicts, parenting issues, life transitions as well as distinctly Christian counseling. As a marriage & family therapist, I am experienced in working with individuals, couples and families. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, & compassion. I will tailor our dialog & your therapy goals to meet your unique & specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling & happier lifestyle takes courage. I’m here to listen & support you in that process.

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Catherine Jennings

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
16 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Connecticut with 15+ years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, building confidence and self-esteem, life changes, building stronger relationships, and intimacy related issues. I believe that developing a strong rapport with clients is extremely important, so collaboratively, we can work together towards your goals, and make meaningful changes in your life. I will tailor our dialog and treatment to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage - I am here to support you in that process.

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DaShelle Grant-Barco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Connecticut with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Solomon Bogart

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & eating disorders. 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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Christopher Carlin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
36 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Connecticut with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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 a therapist for counseling in West Haven

Finding the best therapist close by in West Haven 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 in West Haven that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in West Haven. 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 West Haven, 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 in the West Haven region and in the state of Connecticut. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in West Haven or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 West Haven area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find West Haven 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 West Haven, elsewhere in New Haven, or in the greater state of Connecticut.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed West Haven 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 West Haven 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 West Haven may not take health insurance, some in the state of Connecticut may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Connecticut you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this West Haven online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in West Haven, Connecticut 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 West Haven psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in West Haven 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 West Haven helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified West Haven 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 West Haven 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 in West Haven?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a West Haven 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.

West Haven therapists 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 West Haven 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 West Haven 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CT, therapists 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 06516 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a West Haven counselor?

Before seeing your West Haven 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in West Haven.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A West Haven 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 with a West Haven counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 West Haven, Connecticut 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.

West Haven 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for West Haven, Connecticut

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 to customer service 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 West Haven.

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

06516

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