While mental health counseling can be an effective treatment for conditions like anxiety disorders or depression, therapy can do so much more. Many therapists help people in developing skills for building healthy relationships, stress management, and working with them in an ongoing and positive way to create meaningful change in their lives. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Appleton, WI may offer more options than surrounding rural areas, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than making an appointment at a nearby counseling space. Within psychotherapy there are numerous treatment modalities and therapeutic approaches, and which is most effective can depend on what challenge is being addressed as well as personal preference. Adolescent and adult clients experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder may work best with a mental health therapist utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, while an individual trying to set professional goals may prefer solution focused therapy. What you need may not necessarily be available or accessible near you. This is where online therapy can help.

BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a variety of mental health professionals with expertise in a number of therapeutic approaches and with experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a person centered approach can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists for any reason you can do so at no additional cost.

This is Johanna Lopez's avatar and link to their profile

Johanna Lopez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
35 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I am here for you, to listen and guide. What exactly does that mean? I understand the issues that you bring to our sessions are very important to you. You deserve to be heard. And in the process of listening to you, I intend to question and comment, giving you compassion, reflection, and the sum total of my expertise. That experience is broad and complex. I have a master's degree in Educational Psychology from The University of Wisconsin-- Milwaukee (1983) and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Wisconsin. In August of 2014, I also earned a Certificate of Completion from The University of Wisconsin-- Madison, focused on the topic of Mental Health and the Older Adult. It was important to me to back up my experience with scientific evidence regarding the aging process. After teaching middle school students for 15 years, I discovered that the best part of the school day was counseling individuals after school! So I became a guidance counselor, working in the same school long enough to counsel the children of my former students. I progressed into in-home therapy, working with teens who had a "brush" with the law. Rather than put them in detention, a judge would send them back home, to the same school, but with a counselor (like me!) who worked with them in both the school setting as well as the home setting. I eventually worked with another organization that specialized in helping Medicaid families. They needed counseling in child rearing, budgeting, time management, and basic survival skills. My therapeutic style is eclectic, that is, I use a variety of techniques to reach the goals you, the client, set in the beginning of our relationship. I do more listening than speaking. I move as fast or as slowly as you choose. Hopefully, you will trust me enough to be honest with me, knowing I won't judge you or hurt you with my words. I believe that people can change. If you are ready, I would love to support you in your journey. It would be a privilege to work with you.

This is Dr. Carrington Chatham's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carrington Chatham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Counselor License Type(s): DSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

“Therapy? What? Me?" If you've ever thought or uttered those three words together, then you are at the right place in your life to seek a well-deserved change. I’m a person-centered counselor who aims to make it convenient for anyone who struggles with life’s challenges to get help, anytime, anywhere. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in the great states of Virginia and Wisconsin with over ten years of experience working with clients in situations where a good, healthy lifestyle involves paying attention not only to physical health but also to habits, behaviors, and emotions. My role as a counselor is to help you, to help me, to help yourself. Initially, we want to be successful at targeting any problems that have come up for you at this point, and the success in counseling lies solely within your grasp. My duty as a counselor is NEVER to assume that I have the answers for you. Your inherent resilience and resolve will be your most powerful allies once they are allowed to flourish. I applaud anyone for the effort and courage to seek out help, and I believe that an ethical, culturally attuned, collaborative counseling relationship with my clients is at the foundation of what I can do for them. Because your personality and needs are unique from anyone else, I will employ a counseling style and approach that will utilize a unique set of evidence-based counseling techniques that I believe will best help you reach your goals. To do this, I’m going to spend time with you to get a snapshot of your life; what’s working well and what’s not working so well. We’ll take that information and together we’ll come up with a set of recommendations that seem doable. The recommendations might be things you try on your own like reading some self-help material and practicing various kinds of skills on your own. Or, we may decide to continue our relationship further if we think we can develop some positive momentum on specific skills by doing so. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to help support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Pura Vida, Dr. Chatham

This is Lisa Roth's avatar and link to their profile

Lisa Roth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

It is an inherent need to feel “happy” and satisfied in your life; to have a sense of purpose and direction. There are many barriers that prevent individuals from finding this happiness. My goal is to help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; what they mean, and how they relate to your current barriers to fulfillment. Together, we will work to deepen your awareness and understanding of your needs, desires, and patterns of relating, so you may experience a more authentic and fulfilling life. My goal is to help you discover your strengths so you can thrive at being your unique self, and gain the “knowing” that you deserve the happiness you desire. Walk in faith during your journey, and complete your process with self-confidence and direction. I am licensed in Wisconsin with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients ages 13+ with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, life transitions, and addiction concerns. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Nicole  Heiser's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole Heiser

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Wisconsin with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families with a variety of mental health concerns. I have a passion for working with youth and families with behavioral needs. I have worked closely with individuals experiencing domestic violence. I also enjoy supporting adults while they work through depression, anxiety and a variety of mental health areas. I believe in meeting my clients where they are at and supporting clients in working on goals that make sense in their lives. We will work together to determine what your work in therapy will look like. YOU are the most important piece of therapy. I am happy you have taken this step to reach out and work towards changing your life! I look forward to supporting you in your journey!

This is Kari Bell's avatar and link to their profile

Kari Bell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 20+ 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Casey Mc Carragher's avatar and link to their profile

Casey Mc Carragher

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

This is Valerie Schmude's avatar and link to their profile

Valerie Schmude

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

This is Penelope McGee's avatar and link to their profile

Penelope McGee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.

This is Dr. Alicia Fahr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alicia Fahr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, Washington, and Arizona with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage chronic illness and chronic pain, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, women's issues, aging issues, loneliness, phobias, career changes, and lack of purpose or direction in life. I practice Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Rogerian Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy in my counseling sessions depending upon the client’s needs, goals, and personality. 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!

This is Lyndsy Mirasola's avatar and link to their profile

Lyndsy Mirasola

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WI
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,90200
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years experience working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, career challenges, grief/loss, psychosis and relationship problems. My counseling style is warm, empowering, and interactive. I believe in treating people with compassion, sensitivity and respect. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and the humanistic approach. I also provide DBT, Trauma informed Care, and other modalities if appropriate . I am an EMDR Clinician in Training. I will tailor my approach and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Everyone has a story and I would like to hear yours. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Appleton

Finding the best therapist close by in Appleton 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 in Appleton that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Appleton. 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 Appleton, 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 in the Appleton region and in the state of Wisconsin. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Appleton or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Appleton area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Appleton 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 Appleton, elsewhere in Outagamie, or in the greater state of Wisconsin.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Appleton 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 Appleton 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 Appleton may not take health insurance, some in the state of Wisconsin may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Wisconsin you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Appleton, Wisconsin 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 Appleton psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Appleton 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 Appleton helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Appleton 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Appleton 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 in Appleton?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Appleton 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.

Appleton therapists 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 Appleton 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 Appleton 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in WI, therapists 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 54915 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Appleton counselor?

Before seeing your Appleton 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Appleton.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Appleton 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 with a Appleton counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Appleton, Wisconsin 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.

Appleton 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Appleton, Wisconsin

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 to customer service 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 Appleton.

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

54911, 54912, 54913, 54914, 54915, 54919

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist