Your mental state can sometimes feel like animals that are not under anyone’s control. They rampage through your mind, trampling across your hopes, dreams, and your motivation to do something with your life. When your anxiety is out of control, who can help? One person who can is a counselor based in Bridgeport. 

Bridgeport is known for PT. Barnum, known for his circus. When life feels like a circus that has lost control, you need a new ringmaster. A counselor can make sure your life is entertaining for everyone and treats you right. If you need control over the circus that is life, speak to a counselor today. 

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Jennifer Malkin

Offering therapy in CT
License: LPC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
16 years of experience

Counseling provides opportunities to gain understanding of your behavior, choices and patterns. Most of us deal with emotional, intellectual, social, physical and spiritual needs. It's important to choose positive behaviors which affirm us in a safe, non-judgemental environment. **Please read NOTE at bottom, Thank You** Jennifer Malkin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in addition to a Nationally Certified Counselor. Jenn has a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Connecticut State University. Jenn has her first Master's degree in Education as well as a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, both from Hofstra University. Jenn is certified in B-R-I-E-F Mediation Specialization Training Therapy is a joint effort between therapist and client. "The relationship between us is collaborative, empathetic, and supportive. I'll seek to understand your perspective, help clarify goals, and help you find your strengths to make positive changes. Although I commit to make every effort to provide effective care, your commitment is needed as well to achieve success. Together we will discuss progress and challenges in an honest, trusting and confidential manner in order to achieve your desired outcome." In the 15 years Jenn's been practicing, She has helped numerous individuals and couples find greater happiness and harmony in their lives. Jennifer is skilled and broadly trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, but she finds Choice Theory to be especially helpful. Together, we will discuss a treatment plan and use it to guide you on your journey. "I will challenge you and hold you accountable for your behavior, particularly when a person fails to do what he or she has expressed an intention to do." SPECIALTIES Individual psychotherapy Couples issues Improved communication skills Blended families Family Therapy Parental Boundaries Reconciling differences in parenting styles Divorce Custody Abusive relationships Anxiety Depression Grief Stress management Goal clarification/Goal setting Utilization of strengths Self-defeating belief systems Career and life transitions Confidence/awareness LGBT counseling ******PLEASE NOTE******* I do work for BetterHelp part time, and I live in the EST zone. I have a second job and am a Full Time Mom to a toddler. I love being a therapist and working to guide clients towards their goals! However, I am busy. I work for BetterHelp.com Monday through Friday, and the hours vary. If I sign on at 10am, and you write me at 4pm.....you may not hear back until the following day. I do try to reply within 24-48 hours on THOSE days. That's also BetterHelp.com's recommendation on response times. Saturday and Sunday I am off but can usually be available to write back if message is marked urgent! I am not continuously online at BetterHelp. I log in, as you do. I am also available for "Live" sessions; real-time typing and live phone sessions, which are a scheduled appointments. I do hope to be able to fit into your schedule. If it doesn't, I understand and wish you the best on your way to finding a counselor that can meet your needs :)

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Aili Wachtel

Offering therapy in CT
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello and welcome - I appreciate your visit to my page! I see counseling as a collaboration between client and counselor - clients want to feel their best and function at full potential, and my role is to provide quality, customized care to help them do that. I am a big believer that even small changes can significantly impact internal well-being and external influence. I partner with clients to identify and build on strengths so they can face challenges, create solutions, and feel better. Licensed in Illinois and Connecticut for 20 years, I have worked as counselor, consultant, coach, and advisor in both higher education and private practice. Much of my work has been with clients transitioning from one life phase or role to another. Change can be hard, and people who ask for help as they face it are brave. With an approach specific to each individual, consisting of a personalized set of strategies drawn largely from humanistic, cognitive, acceptance and commitment, and solution focused therapies, I support and encourage clients as they work to adjust to new roles, situations, expectations, and realities and help them cope with the resulting symptoms and feelings. It is a privilege to help clients work through a difficult time as they progress through life’s inevitable changes, and I would be honored to work with you!

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Kim Leoni

Offering therapy in CT
License: MA,LPC,CTMH
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
26 years of experience

Welcome!!! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the state of Connecticut, with 26 years’ experience, assisting individuals of all ages with personal, social & emotional health. I work with people struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, social issues, motivation and parenting. My counseling style is very down to earth, reality-based, and client centered. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help individuals learn more positive and productive coping skills and techniques for handling what life throws at us. We can explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, in order to understand how our negative thought patterns can contribute to our problems, and then we will develop strategies to combat them. I pride myself on being caring, warm, encouraging, a great listener, non-judgmental, authentic, skilled, patient and extremely supportive. I provide a genuine, safe and caring atmosphere for you to feel comfortable sharing, and trusting that I have your best interest at heart. I am passionate about using my experience and education, to help others learn how to reach their maximum potential to live a productive, positive, and happier life. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help, you have made the first step. Now let me help you with the next steps for improving your life. In order to make therapy more convenient and accessible, I offer a very flexible schedule, with evening and weekend time slots available, when requested. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

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Eric Bolella

Offering therapy in CT
License: MS,LMFT
Trauma and abuseGrief
10 years of experience

Hi, I’m Eric. I’m a licensed psychotherapist. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2013 with my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I’ve worked in outpatient settings with inner city youth and low income families in New Britain, CT. I’ve been a clinician for a therapeutic adolescent boy’s group home. I’ve managed a therapeutic adolescent girl’s group home. Most recently, I managed a non-profit, state funded clinical domestic violence program focused on helping to reform abusive behaviors and heal family bonds in an effort to keep families together and prevent state intervention. I’m currently practicing privately utilizing telehealth services. I’m a very systemic thinker and practitioner. I’m very trauma focused. My therapeutic approach is grounded in solution focused strategies mixed with a socratic conversational style with deep influences from Dick Schwartz’s (IFS) Internal Family Systems, Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry, as well as narrative methods. Clinical Strengths: -General life stress -Grief and loss -Depression and anxiety - Issues surrounding trauma - Intimate relationship issues - life stress and life cycle transitions

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Dr. Lori VanMeter

Offering therapy in CT
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

You have taken the first courageous step to improving yourself. I am here to support you in this process. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals, families, adolescents, and children. With a non-judgmental approach, I help clients feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. Relationship issues, mood disorders, parenting challenges, issues of young adulthood including separation, self-confidence and identity, and family conflict are some of the areas I have explored with my clients. Cognitive-behavioral interventions and a strength-based solution focused approach allow individuals to gain insight into patterns of thoughts and behaviors and motivate them to make changes. Becoming aware of skills you have and harnessing them to meet your goals will result in greater satisfaction. My authentic, honest style allows individuals to quickly establish rapport and trust and leaves them feeling cared for and understood. I look forward to meeting you.

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Jewel Robinson

Offering therapy in CT
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, BUT rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.-Maya Angelou We can either grow or stay stagnant through the life challenges, transitions and situations we face. My name is Jewel Robinson, and I am a systems-based therapist trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I completed my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University, and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with minor in Psychology. My philosophy is we all have a self and what we need to succeed in life. But through life experiences and transitions, we sometimes forget our strengths because all we see is the difficulties in front of us, or we are clouded by the stress. I work off creating relationships to meet you exactly where you are, and I am grateful to work together and assist my clients in tackling whatever brings them in.

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Danielle Deramo

Offering therapy in CT
License: LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
9 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in New York with over 5 years of experience working as an eating disorder therapist. I have worked with and continue to work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and relationship issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is gentle and warm. I treat anyone that I interact with with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines CBT, DBT and ACT however I create treatment plans based on your goals. I will plan your treatment around your unique and specific needs. It's a very brave decision to seek treatment for whatever ails you and my goal is to encourage and empower you on your journey! I look forward to working with you!

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Noor-jehan Ghaffar

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Louisa Peluso

Offering therapy in CT
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hi! I'm Louisa Peluso, a Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have over 30 years experience in managing change. My training consists of a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Masters in Business Administration in Organizational Change from New York University, and thousands of hours in organizational change and community mental health. I love to help people create positive change in their lives, their families, and their communities. ABOUT MY APPROACH My approach stems from our basic human drive for happiness and wellbeing. We do not only want to survive – we want to thrive! We want to enjoy life at its fullest! As your partner and guide, I will help you explore your unique journey, past, present, and future. In therapy, we will identify, explore, and notice patterns that help you to make sense of things and define a way forward. We will work together to identify plans of action every step of the way. As Chinese Master Lao-Tzu set forth in his writings nearly 2500 years ago -- “Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life”. An essential element to our work is confidentiality and trust. The therapy I practice is Person-Centered. YOU are the expert in your life. Through empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, we will build a rapport in therapy that empowers and motivates you to achieve your therapeutic goals. I look forward to meeting you!

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This is Ashley Caceres's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Caceres

Offering therapy in CT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 7 years of professional work experience and 3 years in private practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Bridgeport

Finding the best therapist close by in Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport. 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 Bridgeport, 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, elsewhere in Fairfield, or in the greater state of Connecticut.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport may not take health insurance, some in the state of Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 CT, 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 06602 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, Connecticut 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.

Bridgeport 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 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 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 Bridgeport.

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

06601, 06602, 06604, 06605, 06606, 06607, 06608, 06610, 06673, 06699

Popular cities near Bridgeport, CT

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