For those looking for a therapist, Scottsdale, AZ offers more counseling services than you’d find in smaller towns or rural areas. However, finding the right therapist to match your needs can be complicated, even in a thriving city. Successful therapy can depend on finding the right evidence-based therapeutic approach for your mental health challenge, as well as finding a therapist with whom you can build a rapport and work closely. This isn’t always available nearby, even in a growing city like Scottsdale. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp allows you a wider range of choice. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 mental health providers, with professional expertise in a variety of therapeutic practices from cognitive behavioral therapy, to EMDR, to a holistic approach. By filling out an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will identify and connect you with a therapist that meets you individual needs, whether you are looking to manage the physical symptoms of stress, or to heal family conflict. In addition, because therapeutic alliance can be a key to client success, if for any reason you need to change therapists, you can do so at no additional cost. 

Online therapy can be a helpful solution for individuals who are suffering from the effects of trauma and have difficulty meeting a therapist in-person, or sharing in an office setting that doesn’t feel safe. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home. The convenience of online sessions may also be attractive to busy professionals, students, and parents. 

If you are someone in the Scottsdale area who has been trying to break free from negative emotions and embrace self-acceptance, a therapist can guide that process and help you find hope. Contact BetterHelp to take that first step toward your wellness journey. 

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Sarai Darbandi

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

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

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Debra Black-Mayo

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Ryan Shelby Butler

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Good day to you, my name is Ryan (Shelby) Butler, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona with 5 years of professional work experience. Originally from Southern California transplanting to Montana then Arizona, along the way I received a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in Psychology, Philosophy, and Business in 2006 from Montana State University. Then a Master of Science in Leadership in 2011, and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling in 2015, both at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. I actually come from a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry, where I was able to apply my unique counseling talents in a diverse community of teaching, accounting/finance, analytics, and guidance for students and school leadership. I spend much of my spare time with family, serving in church leadership, reading/writing, and enjoying the great outdoors. As the youngest of six siblings, as a husband, a father, and trained counselor, I offer a holistic and eclectic combination of person-centered, life-experienced, spiritual/biblical, meditative, and psychoeducational approaches to therapy. Specifically utilizing realistic solution-focused interventions and empirical counseling skills from Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior, Family Systems, Narrative and Existential therapies, and Christian Counseling. In helping clients with a variety of psychological, social, behavioral and emotional needs, I aim to provide a values-based and purpose-driven mental health service. I typically provide services for ages 8 and up from any gender and cultural background, anything involving stress/anxiety, depression, career, abuse, traumas, addictions, relationships, family or individual conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and more. Other than outside forces beyond you or me, in your life-journey I believe you know your story best, and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you and find meaningful fulfillment in your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Let's take the next few steps together, let's walk and talk.

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Carlos D. Ortiz

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience across ages and modalities. Beyond my counselor's training, I expect to complete my PhD in Clinical Psychology by end of 2023. My collective training in mental health is vast and includes providing services to children (foster care), adults, couples and families, law enforcement, elite athletes (NBA and NFL), VIP's, executives and veterans. In addition to my academic training, I also offer unique perspectives to my counseling as a man of color, as a Marine Corps veteran, as a retired blue-collar worker and as a father of two beautiful men (now in their 30’s). I mention these experiences because I want men to know that I care about what they experience at work, military or at home. I understand that many times our roles in life can get in the way of really living. And because many men grow up without a father in a culturally complex world, figuring it out on your own can be truly bruising. Still, most of my clinical experience has been working with women, who are the typical first line of defense in single-parent homes. Here is where I have gained most of my experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. Philosophically, 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. Finally, I also have a Bachelor's degree and years of experience in Pastoral Counseling for those who wish to receive Bible-based counseling.

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Sally Rye-Gomes

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
36 years of experience

I am a client focused therapist with over 20 years of experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship and intimacy concerns, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the writer of your own story and it is my purpose to help you find your voice in the narrative. 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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Amy Freeman

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LCSW-C
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

My name is Amy Freeman and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland, Arizona and Massachusetts with experience working with young adults ( 15 - 22) with developmental disabilities and there families in a non-public school setting. My background includes working with individuals and their families in a school setting with a understanding of the importance of working with clients, families, and multidisciplinary team members (education, speech, occupational therapy and behavior) in order to asses and address areas of need. My nonjudgmental and accepting personality allows for the foundation for an effective therapeutic relationship. Working with me means overcoming and powering through challenges in life by discovering healthier coping mechanisms and thought processes. You took the first step by beginning the exploration for better well-being. All that is needed now is to reach out; I look forward to working with you!

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Thomas Wills

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Melissa Hawes

Offering therapy in AZ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jennifer Malott

Offering therapy in AZ
License: MSW ,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

With 20 years in a helping profession, 12 of which performing clinical/therapeutic services I have had opportunities to work with many unique populations and many amazing clients, all with different strengths and challenges. Some of my strongest work has been with folks struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychotic disorders. My experience as a Vocational Counselor gave me specialized skills to work with those dealing with employment issues and I am passionate about helping others as they struggle with the stress of work, family and other responsibilities. My therapeutic approach is fairly laid back aimed at creating a comfortable situation for individuals to open up. Despite a laid back approach I am still very goal focused and client centered. We will work together to figure out solutions and steps to take so you can live your best life. I am looking forward to working with you and helping on your journey.

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Kimber Brokaw

Offering therapy in AZ
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

First let me say how happy I am that you are seeking counseling support. That takes a lot of courage and shows that you want more for yourself and your life! I've been in the social work field for 25 years working non-profit, in the schools and for the last 13 years in private clinical practice. I also serve as a Health and Wellness Coach for clients all over the United States as my own battle with an auto-immune condition led me to find a more natural path. My overall mission is to bring freedom through health – body, soul and spirit – because when we feel better, we do better! My overall areas of expertise are in helping people get “un-stuck” through a better understanding of how they are wired and how they’ve been wounded. I help clients discover the life they most desire to live and teach them how to get into alignment with that desire. I use cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, narrative therapy, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches but I love to use experiential exercises to help people get out of their head and into their heart to find the answers they need for moving forward into their fullest life. I look forward to working with you, Kimber

How to find counseling in Scottsdale

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale may not take health insurance, some in the state of Arizona may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Arizona you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Scottsdale, Arizona working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in AZ, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 85266 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, Arizona can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale.

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

85250, 85251, 85252, 85254, 85255, 85257, 85258, 85259, 85260, 85261, 85262, 85266, 85267, 85271

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