The City of Rensselaer, New York is located on the banks of the Hudson River across from Albany. The city has a long history in the industry back to the 19th century and is still a major hub at the site of the Rensselaer Amtrak station. They were the first location in the United States to produce aspirin as well as dye and the city is still prosperous today.

Whether you are an industry worker, train engineer, or whatever your profession, sometimes, you may not feel as happy as usual. Some days, you may not even feel like getting out of bed to do anything at all. These can be signs of a mental or emotional disorder like an anxiety or depression disorder, which are common in adults. Talk to one of the counselors in the Rensselaer area today.

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Angela Burke

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

My name is Angela Burke, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University at Albany in 2004. I started my work in boys' juvenile detention centers, then went to work in an acute psychiatric adult hospital setting. From there I went to work in an outpatient clinic working with adults from 18 through geriatrics. In my career, I have taken on many roles leading me to a leadership role. Because of the path I took in my main career, I wanted to continue my counseling services and practices, so I opted into my own private practice for many years and now have found Better Help and am excited to be here! I've encountered many individuals with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, family issues, trauma, addictions, and many others. Through my years of experience, I have found that being able to relate to the person I am working with is the most important aspect to helping someone through their recovery. Meeting the person where they are at and walking with them through the process to help relieve what they are going through and to give them the tools needed to help. The person you choose to open up to, you need to feel comfortable with and trust that person. I want the environment to be welcoming and that you can open up with out feeling judged, someone that can help you find the positives and give you the focus needed to move through the experience you are going through. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I will check my messaging throughout the day, 7 days a week and will respond. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first.

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Melanie Mullins

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC,LPMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties
8 years of experience

If you need a safe place for saying things out loud, I may be able to help. It is my honor as a therapist to hear and to seek understanding of your journey without judgment. The resulting relationship can have immense therapeutic value and is foundational in my approach. My training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy allows me to help you sort through the stuff of life to discover ways to reduce depression and anxiety. There are places in your life where you do have control - let's find them together and create strategies to make life more enjoyable for you. I’m a licensed mental health counselor that has been practicing for 8 years I’ve got a specialty working with active duty soldiers and Veterans. Duel Licenses in Connecticut and New York. Utilizing evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients.

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Geoffrey Golia

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficulties
11 years of experience

My name is Geoffrey M. Golia and I am a psychotherapist and clinical social worker. I strive to always be a warm, compassionate, and flexible practitioner, with a passion for helping people help themselves. I am consistently awed by people's capacity to overcome challenges and live a life of purpose and happiness, and I feel privileged that I can support them on that journey. Before I became a practitioner, I was a patient who experienced the transformative nature of psychotherapy and a therapeutic alliance with a therapist first hand. That experience inspired me to change careers. I received my Masters in Social Work from NYU's Silver School of Social Work in 2012 with goal of engaging a diverse array of people in therapeutic conversations in a spirit of shared fate and social justice. Throughout my professional career, I have worked with a broad range of people, families, and groups. These include justice-involved and formerly-incarcerated young men, college students, adolescents and adults from 18 years of age to 60, children affected by the foster care system, and people with substance use disorders and co-occuring mental health issues. This work has shaped my view that emotional well-being is at the foundation of one's personal and professional success, and that all people deserve a reflective space to seek change and healing. My practice is eclectic and I've built a diverse toolbox, having completed trainings in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and DBT for Substance Use Disorders, Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and Motivational Interviewing, to name a few. One current that runs through my work is an emphasis on the notion that each individual has the means of their own healing and liberation inside of them. I'm looking forward to working with you.

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Heather Kangur

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp and congratulations on taking the first step towards getting help. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and to take this moment to navigate towards a change you may have always wanted to do and realized that this is the time to do it. Now that you are ready to talk with someone I would like you to know about my background and experience. My career started in the Summer of 1996 working with adults and children with intellectual and physical disabilities. From then on I knew my path in life was to support and help others with any challenges, obstacles and issues they are facing. Throughout my career I have worked with those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, discrimination, parenting challenges, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, grief, loss, family dynamics, career/financial stress, people with autism, traumatic brain injury and physical/emotional/sexual abuse. I have over 15 years of experience in individual therapy, group work, behavioral case management and facilitation. I have worked with individuals of various ages, creeds, races and cultures. I hope to work with you soon. The client/therapist relationship is the key to successfully working together. I can interact with you through video sessions, phone, text, and I check messages daily. My availability is in the evenings and on the weekends. I would like to share a quote with you... "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts" - Eleanor Roosevelt

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Chrystal Allen

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Please feel free to visit my personal website: rejuvenationspacellc.com for additional information regarding my education, experience, and treatment approach.

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Allison Palazzo

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Selecting a therapist can be an overwhelming decision. I can offer a therapeutic environment that is supportive, non judgmental and solution focused. Together, we can work through the road blocks that are preventing you from living your optimal life. I am licensed in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, relationship issues, recovering from addiction, processing life transitions and coping with grief and loss. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Scott Scalia

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Andrea Poluka

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I have experience with adults, teenagers, families, couples and LGBTQ community. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sharice White

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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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Jessica Leslie Steward

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Florida and New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Rensselaer

Finding the best therapist close by in Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer. 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 Rensselaer, 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer, elsewhere in Rensselaer, or in the greater state of New York.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer may not take health insurance, some in the state of New York 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 New York 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 Rensselaer, New York 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 NY, 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 12144 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer, New York 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.

Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer.

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

12144

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