Working with a therapist can help you overcome a variety of life’s challenges, like family conflict or daily stress, and learn to manage the symptoms of a chronic mental illness. But even if there are independent practices or outpatient centers conveniently located near you, barriers to treatment can make it challenging to get appropriate care. Clients need to consider factors like insurances accepted, commute time, scheduling availability, and if the practice is accepting new patients.
If you’re looking for a therapist in New Bedford, MA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp. BetterHelp can make therapy more flexible, allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule.
While BetterHelp does not currently provide services to children or treatment approaches suitable to younger clients, like play therapy, the experienced professionals on the platform offer adults one-on-one treatment to help them manage various challenges. Whether you need support managing the symptoms of anxiety disorders or learning disabilities, coping with work stress or tension with family members, or learning techniques for anger management, online therapy can help.
If you are in the New Bedford or Fall River area and feel lost about how to get started or are ready to take the next step, connect with one of the therapists below to learn more.
Celeste Souza
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are facing challenging times in their lives. Sometimes the most valuable think I can do for you is to listen and care. Other times, you might need help identifying the underlying cause of a feeling or conflict in your life. I am trained as a Relational-Cultural Therapist and believe the work of healing happens in relationship (between the client and the therapist as well as in relationships in day-to-day life). I utilize therapeutic skills from a variety of models including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). No matter how big or small the issue you want to discuss, I believe that my therapeutic techniques will be helpful to you. Contact me when you're ready to get started.
David Procaccini
I believe that your mental health is vitally important to your overall wellness and quality of life. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I aim to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that will allow you to feel confident that we will be able to work through your concerns and meet your goals. I very much enjoy the work I do and working together and helping you be successful in treatment is my number one goal. I have been working in the mental health field for nearly 15 years with adolescents, adults and families. My clinical competencies include working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, ADHD and substance use to name a few. My approach to treatment is multi-dimensional, using a person-centered and strength based approach providing different techniques from a range of models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College.
Elizabeth Aponte-Perez
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts with over 20 years of counseling experience. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, traumatic events, chronic illness, and parenting issues. I look forward to working with you! My therapy style is warm and interactive. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach to treatment depends on the issues brought to the therapy session. Therapy is hard work and needs commitment. I'll guide you to make the most out of your therapy session. The treatment modalities I utilize are: are Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am certified to treat children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Together we can work on a treatment plan to address issues in therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. But if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. You have taken the first step to learn more about yourself and facilitate change. If you are ready to take that step, I invite you to schedule a first-time appointment. I'm looking forward to working with you. There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't." ― John Green. "Self-care is how you take your power back" — Lalah Delia.
Marianne Auger
Hi! Thank you for exploring my profile. I am a licensed therapist in Massachusetts with over 16 years of professional work experience. Throughout the years I have worked with every age group - from 4 years of age to much older! I have taught many different groups including anger management, DBT and Mindfulness. I am a certified Mindfulness Instructor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I think people don't care how much you know - until they know how much you care! 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.
Melissa Gilgun
Hi! My name is Melissa, and I am a licensed clinician in Arizona and Massachusetts with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, attention issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, coping with grief and loss, and depression. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about goal-setting and helping my clients be able to manage their symptoms through the use of coping strategies and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I believe strongly that counseling provides the empowerment, acknowledgement, and validation that is necessary to help process feelings and work through concerns. I would love to be the therapist to help you today. Please contact me if you feel my experience would be a good fit for you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Andrew Walker
I am a licensed psychologist with 5 years of experience working in psychotherapy and psychological assessment, providing services to people who are navigating challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and other concerns. My therapeutic approach is tailored to your specific needs. However, broadly speaking it can include helping you learn practical CBT-based skills to address your daily challenges and provide a safe and supportive environment for your deeper exploration based on Jungian depth psychology and other approaches. My specialized training in neuropsychology allows me to bring a strong science-based approach to our time together.
Sara Roesler
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who are managing depression, anxiety, chronic illness and life changes. I received my social work degrees from the University of Kansas where the Strengths Perspective paradigm was developed. The Strengths Perspective recognizes the human capacity for resilience, courage and thriving. I also have a Masters in Public Health from Boston University. My MPH has given me more skills to help people with health prevention. My approach to therapy and coaching, is to focus on your strengths to help identify where you want to change and grow. I look forward to working with you!
Nina Vitello
I am currently licensed as an LICSW to provide psychotherapy in Massachusetts and Connecticut , and have over 20 years of professional experience. We are wired to flourish in connection, authenticity, mutual empathy, and mutual empowerment. Seeking help and beginning your transformational journey requires you to be vulnerable. We will work together to create a safe non-judgmental space for you to explore what has brought you to therapy, and identify what you would like to change through our work together. I specialize in treating complex trauma, grief, feelings of chronic disconnection, depression, anxiety, substance use, relational conflict,life transitions, career counseling and difficulty with self esteem. I am LGBTQIA+, ethical non-monogamy, and kink allied. I use an eclectic person centered approach drawing from different theoretical orientations and treatment modalities based on your unique needs
Jenny Dunne
I am licensed in Massachusetts with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, life stage transitions, & career difficulties amongst other issues. I am certified in Intuitive Eating and specialize in working with anyone who wishes to heal their relationship with food, body and movement. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Miriam 'Mikki' Pugh
I am licensed in Massachusetts with 5 years of professional work experience. I am IFS-informed, and offer a mindfulness-based approach. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, parenting issues, & 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. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in New Bedford
Finding the best therapist close by in New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford region and in the state of Massachusetts. 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find New Bedford 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 New Bedford, elsewhere in Bristol, or in the greater state of Massachusetts.
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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). 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 New Bedford online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a New Bedford 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.
New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 MA, 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 02744 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 New Bedford counselor?
Before seeing your New Bedford 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 New Bedford.
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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford, 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.
New Bedford 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 New Bedford, Massachusetts
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in New Bedford:
02740, 02741, 02742, 02744, 02745, 02746