In life, it’s hard to find the perfect fit. Sometimes, we take anything we have, be it a career or another life choice, even if it doesn’t fit you. This can affect your mental state, and because you're struggling, you find it hard to change yourself, creating a tough cycle to break. What can one do if they're faced with a situation such as this one? One thing that can help you is by talking to a counselor who is based in Worcester. 

Worcester used to be known for its glove making. In life, you need to find something that fits you just like a glove. This can be quite the tough task to accomplish, but by finding someone who can provide guidance and mental healthcare, you can achieve your perfect fit. 

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Christina DeSantis

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW,CCM
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hello, my name is Christina DeSantis. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons College. I have been in the Human Services field for over 15 years. I’ve worked as a therapist in various capacities for over 10 years. I have worked with individuals of all ages. The areas in which I have the most exposure are with people dealing with addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, people dealing with life changes, and people who are struggling with emotional distress due to medical conditions. I do not subscribe to one treatment modality in particular. I think it is important to customize treatment based on the person’s individualized needs. I do have experience in using Cognitive -Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. As a therapist, I consider my most important values to be the ability to be open-minded, empathetic and non-judgmental. I believe the thing that sets me apart from other therapists is my ability to be real and authentic but being compassionate at the same time. I strongly believe in honesty within a therapeutic relationship. I commit myself to being honest to the people I work with. In return, I hope to provide a safe space for people to be comfortable and candid. I understand that therapy can be hard work, and taking the steps towards working on you can be scary. My hope is to be a guide in this experience and to offer support as you tackle some of life’s biggest challenges. I look forward to walking through this important journey with you.

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Marian Maguire

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
20 years of experience

Hello and welcome to Better Help. My name is Marian Maguire and I am a clinical social worker who graduated with a Master's degree from Boston University. I have over 20 years of clinical experience. My approach to working with my clients is an eclectic one. My focus is on combining solution based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, along with rational-emotive counseling. We will work together, as a team, to help you reach your goals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and disability issues. It takes courage to take the first step towards a change and a fuller life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support , empower and mentor you. I look forward to working with you!

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Susan Landers

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I am a licensed, independent, clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience working with people in mostly out patient settings. I am trained in many different modalities, and enjoy tailoring a treatment approach that best matches the individual person I am seeing. That being said, I guess if I had to choose an over-arching treatment approach, I would say I am client centered. I am also body centered, meaning that I believe the body carries our wounds and is a great source of information and potential healing. And I use expressive arts in my work with some clients, exploring issues through music, art, movement and play. I have a master's degree in social work as well as a master's in feminist counseling and have taken many graduate courses in expressive therapies. I have been a foster parent and adoptive parent and have a great deal of experience, personally and professionally, working with attachment issues and early childhood trauma.

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Pam Bolarinho

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

Pam Bolarinho, LICSW, currently a full time VP of Acute Care Services. I have worked in the field of social work for twenty plus years in various clinical support and leadership roles. I started her career as a social worker with the Healthy Families Program and then as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families until obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University where I was also the Class Representative for her MSW cohort. In addition to my role as the ESP Director for the past three years, my prior experience includes working as the Clinical Director for inpatient psychiatric facility as well as the Social Work Manager at an acute medical hospital for over seven years. I am a proud Portuguese American who immigrated to the United States at age five. SI have have dedicated my life to helping those in need, especially the most vulnerable populations. I have been working closely with many community providers including the Suicide Prevention Coalition, Help & Hope Southcoast, Labor & Human Trafficking, and Opioid Taskforce to name a few. I was instrumental in starting a co-response program with the local Police Department nearly three years ago resulting in over 400 patient’s being seen in the community as part of the co-response model; I am proud of the great work that program is doing in keeping over sixty-five percent of those individuals home who may have otherwise ended up in a local emergency room. I have worked closely with individual providers, community agencies, local police departments and with the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and Beacon Health Options in identifying ways to continue to divert patients from seeking the emergency room as their first line for their behavioral health needs. I have always been a patient centered/strength based clinician and find that when you take that approach people tend to respond to treatment in a positive way with positive outcomes. Throughout my career I have worked with trauma victims, end of life, foster care/adoption, individual suffers from reactive attachment disorder, elders, adults suffering from addiction as well as ongoing mental health and chronic mental health.

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Elizabeth Aponte-Perez

Offering therapy in MA
License: Ed.D,LMHC,LEP
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Addictions Counselor in Massachusetts with over 35 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, parenting issues, and aging and substance use 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.

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Maria Maloney

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Janet Muse

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Colleen McKay's avatar and link to their profile

Colleen McKay

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. 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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This is Meghan Clark's avatar and link to their profile

Meghan Clark

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Jessica Colangelo's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Colangelo

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Worcester

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 01604 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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester, 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.

Worcester 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 Worcester.

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

01601, 01602, 01603, 01604, 01605, 01606, 01607, 01608, 01609, 01610, 01613, 01614, 01615, 01653, 01655

Popular cities near Worcester, MA

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