Your mental state can feel like a clock. When it’s going well, it’s ticking along just fine and you feel like you have enough time to do anything. However, when you feel depressed, anxious, or don’t know what to do in life, that clock can feel like it’s spinning fast, and you feel like you don’t know how to turn it back. A counselor in Waltham can help you reset your clocks. 

Waltham is known for its watch manufacturing. While they’re good for telling the time, a counselor is good for telling you about how much of your own time you can manage. Speak to a counselor today. 

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Kristi Ayer

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

My name is Kristi Ayer, and I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts. I have over 13 years experience in the mental health field and have worked with individuals who are suffering from substance use, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, low self worth, spiritual distress, and trauma including military-related PTSD. My therapeutic style is eclectic and my experience has led me to approach mental and emotional health holistically. I believe in whole human, whole story, whole life experience. My approach is rooted in the belief that we must take accountability, set boundaries, and reclaim ourselves by stepping out of conditioning and into worthiness. I am known for: - Offering an alternative perspective rooted in psycho-spiritual concepts, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. - Providing a safe space to help you better understand your emotions and behavioral patterns so that you can make powerful and healthier decisions for yourself. - A laid back approach that allows for vulnerability which fosters the awareness necessary for change and growth. - Encouraging alignment with your authentic self by restructuring negative subconscious beliefs. - Quickly building a strong therapeutic relationship where you will be seen as an individual not a label or diagnosis. Let me join you in the journey of self acceptance, understanding, and love as you work towards goals that will lead you to a more fulfilling and purposeful life!

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Hollis Greenspan

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello, I'm Hollis Greenspan, a licensed independent clinical social worker. Welcome to my profile page! By choosing to enter into therapy, you've taken the first step towards self-empowerment and making positive life changes. Change is a strange thing. Sometimes, the things that aren't working in our lives require altering something that we'd prefer not to let go of. Very often it's an idea or perception that needs to be released, and it's important to gain an awareness of the thoughts that maintain troublesome behaviors. As an advanced graduate of a transformation-oriented counseling program, I have gained skill in helping people to release stuck patterns of thinking and behavior. I primarily use Mindfulness, a form of thought reframing called "Reality Therapy", Focusing, and Psychosynthesis counseling to assist clients. Let me tell you a little about these latter two techniques. Focusing is a body-oriented practice that you can learn to do for yourself. It involves tuning in to deep levels of bodily sensations and accurately naming them, familiarizing yourself with a felt sense of the problem areas. Psychosynthesis is the foundation of a newly popular modality called "Internal Family Systems" therapy. The goal is to become aware of different, sometimes conflicting parts of your personality, to help them communicate and cooperate with each other. All parts of the personality are seen as having value, and this leads to acceptance of your self as a whole and diverse being. I have worked with people from all walks of life, different ethnicities and cultures, and make room for everyone's point of view. My practice is grounded in Buddhist philosophy, but I don't push anyone to learn or practice that particular view of reality. Here's the nitty gritty: I have a degree in cultural anthropology from Tufts University, a master's in social work from the University of Connecticut, and an advanced certification in counseling from The Synthesis Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. I have a special interest and many years of study in self-care, including nutrition, sleep hygiene, and other ways of embodying wellness. Other areas of interest and expertise: Body dysmorphia, aging, creative blocks and perfectionism, death and dying, career choices and difficulties, pet loss, existential crisis, gender identity. My experience working with depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, chronic illness, grief and loss, relationship problems, personality issues, and LGBTQ issues is extensive. I approach psychotherapy with humor, love, and compassion. You are in the driver's seat, and self-empowerment is the ultimate goal. You will find me open-minded, caring, gentle, and flexible. I look forward to meeting you.

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Chabreah Alston

Offering therapy in MA
License: MA,LMHC,RDT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Drama Therapist. I received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy from Lesley University. I use a Trauma-Informed approach to treat individuals and I have experience in Expressive Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Substance Use Prevention and Treatment, Sober Living and working with Court-Involved youth and families. I believe in utilizing my own creativity and enhancing others’ creativity in the therapeutic process; as well as ensuring that individuals/families feel safe, seen and heard throughout the therapeutic process. I am passionate about supporting individuals/couples/families throughout their process of growth. I am here to support you on your healing journey.

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Steven Nikolsky

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

Hi, and thank you for reviewing my profile. my name is Steven Nikolsky, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts and an Independent Licensed Social Worker in Florida. I have my graduate degree from Boston University in Massachusetts. My primary location is in Massachusetts. I believe that to have a successful outcome in therapy that the client and therapist must first build a strong rapport and trust bond in their relationship. I utilize a range of types of therapy depending on the individual and the presenting problem and have had some training in hypnotherapy for stress and anxiety. I have worked in private practice therapy, and hospital emergency room crisis work with a specialization in mental health and addictions. I work with the courts regarding 90-day involuntary commitments for substance and alcohol abuse as well as 72-hour holds for severe mental health commitments. I work with "young adults" through "older adults". I also work with various insurance companies in providing “Employee Assistance Programs” for work related issues. I have a firm belief that not every client and therapist will be a match and encourage changing therapists if there is any discomfort or issues. I look forward to working with you and wish you happiness and success in your journey.

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Jacob Page

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients ranging from teenagers and adolescents to adults, with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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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Brenda Amundson

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Michael Panza

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with over 20 years of professional work experience. No matter what situation you may find yourself in I want you to know there is hope...hope for a more fulfilled life, relationship, or career. You have the ability to turn your situation around and start feeling satisfied and happy. Maybe you’re depressed. Maybe you’re anxious and worried. Maybe you’re unfulfilled in your relationship or job. Often times people are missing the necessary skills or tools to improve their quality of life or relationship. I would like to help you obtain these skills and provide you with the tools you need so that you can get to that place you desire to be. Feel free to visit my website for more information at momentum-counseling.org. Thanks!

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John White

Offering therapy in MA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Wisconsin (and still active in Connecticut). I have 17 years of experience working with the Veteran population. My career began as a Combat Stress Control specialist in the Army, assisting troops in Iraq. My passion is focusing on men's wellness. This includes handling of past traumas, self-worth, forgiveness, fatherhood, loneliness, sexual health concerns, relationship issues, physical fitness, anger management, depression, and career choices. I am considered personable and genuine. I know life is difficult and sometimes there is no good answer to many of our daily--or lifelong--concerns. I think it is smart to go forward with guidance and care. I have worked with trauma and solution-focused therapy. I think there are many healthy options for but it starts with exploring where you are and what you need. When you believe you could benefit from discussing matters that weigh you down or make you feel stuck, please know that I am here to work with you. I provide honest, thoughtful, and compassionate listening and will work with you to discover or form a path that may work for you. Let me know when you are ready to start.

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Julia Caruso

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Howdy! My name is Julia and I am an LICSW licensed in Massachusetts. My areas of expertise are attachment related issues, trauma/PTSD, self esteem, and addiction. I am a musician, artist, animal and outdoor enthusiast, and an avid gamer who thinks it can be immensely rewarding to connect our fantasy worlds with our inner worlds. I believe in holistic approaches, treating you like a human being, and being your life guide. I am a strong believer that everybody is an expert of their own journey and I am here to help you help yourself. I take on a direct but empathic support style. Even reading this description means you've taken an incredibly brave step towards your true self and I am proud of you for that. I generally schedule for 45 minute sessions as I believe giving you ample time to be heard is important. Please let me know if you would prefer a text session or video before the session. I do ask that that for new clients, the FIRST session be on video as it is important to meet my clients face-to-virtual-face to kick off the process. Please allow 24 hours for me to respond to messages. I am unavailable on the weekends as boundaries and work/life balance are important, but if you are in urgent need of support or in crisis, please call 911, call or text 988, or text MHA to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor from Crisis Text Line. I look forward to working with you!

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Amy George

Offering therapy in MA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am an experienced clinician in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, mood regulation, and relational conflict. I work primarily with adolescents and adults. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming practitioner and understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families. I am a strong and committed advocate for social justice. I provide clients with a safe and compassionate space for which to explore, process, and heal emotional pain. Patience and acceptance throughout the therapeutic process is paramount to my practice. I utilize a strength-based, resilience-focused approach that helps clients build a stronger and more cohesive sense of self.

How to find counseling in Waltham

Finding the best therapist close by in Waltham 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 Waltham. 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 02451 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 Waltham 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 Waltham 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 Waltham, 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.

Waltham 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 Waltham.

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

02451, 02452, 02453, 02454, 02455

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