Life can sometimes feel like you're chasing after a whale. It’s giant, intimidating, and you have no idea how to chase it. Stress, life problems, and any other trouble you're facing can prevent you from finding your goal in life. This is where a counselor comes in. A New Bedford-based counselor help. 

New Bedford is known as the Whaling City. In life, we are all chasing after our own metaphorical Moby Dick, and a counselor can help you find it by giving you advice and narrowing down how you can catch it. Speak to a therapist and see how they can help. 

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Julie Belmont

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW (MA),LCSW (ME)
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

Hi! I am so happy you have decided to think about talking to a counselor. It's a brave first step! Most people believe they have either have to be "crazy" or to wait until things are really bad to talk to someone. The reality is, no one is actually "crazy," people just have different challenges they face and handle in different ways. It's also never "too soon" to talk to a counselor-the sooner you talk with someone the less likely it will be that your difficult feelings or challenging experiences will get worse. It's much easier to feel better when you aren't feeling you are at your worst. Just to clear the stereotypes, the goal of therapy isn't to "fix" anyone. Therapy is meant to help them think things through differently. If you are looking at my site, I'm guessing you are struggling with something and the reality is you may be coping the best you can but you DESERVE TO FEEL BETTER. I can't make everything in your life different but I can help you figure out better ways to interact within your life and the people who are in it. To introduce myself, my name is Julie Belmont. I am a social worker who is licensed in Massachusetts and Maine. I split my time between medical social work and adoption/infertility social work. I have extensive experience working with parents of chronically ill children as well as young adults coping with the challenges of chronic illness. For the past three years I have worked intensively with patients struggling with obesity including those considering bariatric surgery but also have a strong understanding of diabetes and epilepsy. I have also spent many years working within the entire circle of infertility and adoption. I have worked extensively with women considering placement of a child for adoption as well as couples moving through infertility treatments, considering adoption, working through the adoption process and settling in as new parents post adoption placement. I take a holistic, eclectic approach to therapy including motivational interviewing and solution focused work. I have extensive training in mindfulness and try to incorporate alternative modalities into my work (basic talk therapy isn't the right fit for everyone!). I look forward to working with you!

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This is Kim Tornberg's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Tornberg

Offering therapy in MA
License: LMHC
Family conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I believe in using the therapy relationship as a pathway toward developing greater connection in other relationships. I enjoy helping clients to clear away the mental and emotional clutter and identify values, dreams and talents in order to embrace a more engaged, meaningful life. I am a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts and have worked with adults for over 15 years in multiple settings to navigate a variety of life challenges and mental health symptoms. I utilize a strengths-based approach to help clients understand and normalize their thoughts and feelings in order to move toward more self-compassion and acceptance.

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Denette Abers

Offering therapy in MA
License: MA, LMHC
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
34 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor who has been practicing in Massachusetts for over 30 years, focusing on treatment for depression, anxiety, mood swings and adjustment issues. I have worked with individuals enduring unexpected losses and grief, respectfully working through this change and what their new life might look like. Much of therapy begins with understanding your own boundaries, strengths, skills and coping styles and I would work with you to learn more about these to establish a place where you're feeling better about yourself, interactions and decisions. My style includes quite a bit of listening but also with some challenges to your perspective and how else you might want to respond in a situation. I believe the whole person must be addressed and will consider how your health might be impacting your mood. Finally, aside from being a counselor I am a Christian and am available to discuss your presenting issues from a faith perspective. I look forward to hearing from you and discovering what awaits you in this time of change.

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Erica Sasville

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Erica and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker(LICSW) in Massachusetts. I received my Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in Social Welfare in 2005 from Bridgewater State College. I then received my Masters in Social Work(MSW) from Boston College in 2007. In addition to being a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker I am also licensed as a School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker in Massachusetts. I have been in the helping profession for 14 years. I have worked in different settings including residential, public schools, and outpatient with clients of all ages. I have spent the last 10 years of my career in school social work helping children, teens, and their families make positive changes in their lives and manage daily stressors. My clients have experienced a wide range of behavioral and emotional needs. I know how important it is in a therapeutic relationship to feel safe, valued, respected, and heard to develop trust with your therapist. I do my best to create a safe, non judgemental space so that my clients feel comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts and emotions. I believe therapy works best with collaboration. When a client and therapist work hand in hand to identify goals and explore opportunities for change. My main areas of focus have included depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, family conflict, anger management, life changes/adjustments, family issues, parenting skills, relationship concerns, emotion regulation, trauma, and grief and loss. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Jennifer Wikette

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 26 years of professional work experience in the social services realm. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked with adults and children throughout my career and believe in establishing holistic well-being. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Anitra Myers

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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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Brian Sheerin

Offering therapy in MA
AddictionsLGBTIntimacy-related issues
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & intimacy related issues. 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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This is Jessica Beard's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Beard

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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. 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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This is Juliana Martinez's avatar and link to their profile

Juliana Martinez

Offering therapy in MA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence & depression. I am passionate about helping others. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Jessica Colangelo's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Colangelo

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in New Bedford

Finding the best therapist close by in New Bedford 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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford, elsewhere in Bristol, or in the greater state of Massachusetts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford may not take health insurance, some in the state of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 New Bedford, Massachusetts 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 MA, 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 02742 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford, Massachusetts 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.

New Bedford has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of New Bedford.

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

02740, 02741, 02742, 02744, 02745, 02746

Popular cities near New Bedford, MA

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