Your mental state can make life a challenge. When you're going mentally strong, it can be an easy task to deal with life, but when one is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other trouble, it’s a challenge. A counselor based in Somerville can help you. 

Somerville is a town with a rich history and it’s a great place to live. Everyone has a history, and a counselor can make you live the best history you have. Speak to a therapist and see what they can do for you. You can break free from the shackles of poor mental health.

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Kerry DeSista

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed independently in the state of Massachusetts. I have over 7 years experience working with individuals and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting support, and self-esteem issues. I believe that shared compassion and empathy are the driving forces behind effective therapy. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques, psycho-dynamic therapy, and solution focused methods. Above all, I believe in a collaborative treatment approach where the client is a "partner" in his/her own treatment. After speaking with you and learning about you I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Susan Landers

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I am a licensed, independent, clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience working with people in mostly out patient settings. I am trained in many different modalities, and enjoy tailoring a treatment approach that best matches the individual person I am seeing. That being said, I guess if I had to choose an over-arching treatment approach, I would say I am client centered. I am also body centered, meaning that I believe the body carries our wounds and is a great source of information and potential healing. And I use expressive arts in my work with some clients, exploring issues through music, art, movement and play. I have a master's degree in social work as well as a master's in feminist counseling and have taken many graduate courses in expressive therapies. I have been a foster parent and adoptive parent and have a great deal of experience, personally and professionally, working with attachment issues and early childhood trauma.

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Brian Simpson

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
31 years of experience

I have been in clinical practice nearly thirty years and am generally perceived as a kind and wise man. I am aware of the latest psychotherapeutic strategies and offer cutting edge treatment recommendations if unable to provide them directly. Influences are: Virgina Satir, Joseph Campbell, Joseph Goldstein, Victor Frankle, Eckhart Tolle. I encourage most clients to begin some awareness "mindfulness" practice. This will increase awareness of subconscious thoughts and beliefs and accelerate the process of treatment. I am goal focused and remain that way throughout. All work is centered on increasing awareness of the unconscious and subconscious thought patterns that perpetuate maladaptive behavior and human misery. Short term and crisis oriented situations are a preference. I am presently giving special attention to awareness of and recovery from narcissistic relationships. "Mind and awareness are different things" "Awareness is Healing in Itself"

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Laura Headley

Offering therapy in MA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Laura Headley and I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts with over 10 years of experience working as a music therapist and 3 years as a counselor. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors in various settings including schools, early intervention, private practice, nursing homes, and group homes. I enjoy working with individuals and families experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting issues, life changes and challenges, and relationship struggles. My counseling approach is interactive, person-centered, and humanistic. You will be met with warmth, empathy, compassion, and respect. My goal is to work with you as the expert of your own life to address your concerns, heal your wounds, and live your life fully. You have already made the first step in caring for yourself by being here. I know it is no easy feat to ask for help. I believe everyone deserves to live their best life. I am ready when you are to take the next step in pursuing the life you want to live.

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Michael Mayo

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

My name is Michael and I have worked as a social worker/mental health counselor for the past 5 years. I went to Boston University where I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology. I then went on and received my Masters degree, in social work, at Simmons University. After graduation, I was hired by Beth Israel Lahey Health; one of the two largest hospital systems in MA. In my first few years, I worked in the outpatient oncology department providing 1 on 1 mental health counseling to patients newly diagnosed with cancer. I also worked on the inpatient liver transplant unit where I dealt with patients who struggled with issues like addiction, depression, strained family dynamics and trauma. In both settings, I gained valuable experience working with patients using different modalities such as psychodynamic perspectives, CBT, mindfulness, attachment therapy, solution focused and narrative therapy as well as motivational interviewing. Through my journey working at the hospital, I also learned that many patients do not have access to providers after 4:00pm. I saw a need to create another resource for working professionals, single parents taking care of young children and others struggling with chronic illnesses (often unable to attend in-person visits). To that end, I started my own virtual clinic, Gaia Counseling Center, LLC where I saw patients at night and on the weekends. I ultimately decided to partner with better help because I truly believe in their mission to try and make mental health care accessible to everyone. My goal as a clinician is to create a space where every patient feels safe and respected. I know how hard working the process can be, but you do not have to do it alone. If you or your loved ones are struggling with mental health symptoms please reach out to the better help team. There are many clinicians, including myself, who are waiting and willing to help. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this profile and I hope you have a wonderful day. -Michael

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Melissa Gilgun

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
24 years of experience

Hi! My name is Melissa, and I am a licensed clinician in Arizona and Massachusetts with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, attention issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, coping with grief and loss, and depression. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about goal-setting and helping my clients be able to manage their symptoms through the use of coping strategies and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I believe strongly that counseling provides the empowerment, acknowledgement, and validation that is necessary to help process feelings and work through concerns. I would love to be the therapist to help you today. Please contact me if you feel my experience would be a good fit for you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

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Tanya Edwards

Offering therapy in MA
License: LCSW
GriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

Hi There ! My name is Tanya Edwards. I am a LCSW with over 10 years of clinical experiences. My practice focus areas include issues associated with depression, grief, self image, career challenges, parental caregiving and entering new life stages. I typically employ Cognitive Behavioral, therapy, Rational Emotive therapy, Narrative therapy ,and Acceptance and Commitment therapy. Other forms of helping are also used as needed. There are multiple ways to arrive at your desired outcomes. I am a strengths oriented practitioner. I believe in the power of collaborative partnerships. My approach to helping reflects this mindset. I walk with, not ahead. I endorse a holistic approach to overall well being and I pride myself on being culturally competent. I look forward to working with you!!

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Jill Clark

Offering therapy in MA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

As a fully licensed clinical therapist, I have had the pleasure of providing mental health support to children, teens and adults in a variety of settings over the last 17 years. I have worked in children shelters, hospitals/clinics, private practice and schools. Throughout my experiences in supporting clients and their families through difficult life events has helped me understand the importance of starting where the client is and being sensitive to each individual in their own process of learning how to cope. I provide counseling and support on issues such as: depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, setting boundaries, relationship issues, addictions, abuse, and trauma. As a social worker, I believe in providing a holistic approach in order for my clients to break out of their mental and emotional traps so they can live a happier, healthier life and meet their treatment goals. In working with me, you will find that I am genuine and down-to-earth, offering a safe and accepting environment. My hope is to partner with my clients in their journey to healing and growth.

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Bryan Wade

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 18 years of professional work experience. 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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LaShan Archie

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. 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 Somerville

Finding the best therapist close by in Somerville 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 Somerville. 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville, elsewhere in Middlesex, 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 Somerville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 02144 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 Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville, 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.

Somerville 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 Somerville.

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

02143, 02144, 02145

Popular cities near Somerville, MA

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