As the county seat of Lewis and Clark County and state capital of Montana, Helena is a popular place to live. This town was built on the gold mining camp during the Montana gold rush back in 1864 where more than three billion dollars of gold was found in twenty years. Strangely enough, the city is now one of the least populous state capitals in the United States, so you are not going to be annoyed by traffic and crowds everywhere.
Being the birthplace of actors Dirk Benedict and Gary Cooper, singer Charley Pride, and philosopher Brand Blanshard, the town has had its share of superstars but even they need emotional help sometimes. Luckily, there are many dedicated therapists in town for this purpose.
Tiffany Riley
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Montana with 22 years of experience in the behavioral health field; 19 of which as a therapist. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Montana and my Master of Science degree from the University of Great Falls. The clients I work with present with a wide range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, familial issues, parenting challenges, interpersonal relationship troubles and academic issues. The ages of my clients ranged from 2-70 with diverse backgrounds. My approach to providing therapy focuses on what you choose to bring to sessions. Overall, I treat people with dignity and respect while offering unconditional positive regard, genuine concern, sensitivity, and compassion; just as I wish to be treated. I consider therapy a journey; one that is challenging yet fulfilling but it takes work and time to tackle issues. When individuals feel heard, validated, and supported, they choose to do the work and engage in therapy. People and their issues are like onions; they have many layers and a lot of those layers are protective. If you are ready to start your journey, I will gladly walk it with you, So, let us start peeling away the layers to get to the underlying issues causing you distress so you can begin to feel better and live your fullest life. I look forward to working with you.
Diana Stonehouse
Greetings! My name is Diana Stonehouse, LCSW, and I was born and raised in Montana, where I have been practicing child and adult therapy since 2016. I take a non-judgmental approach to create a relaxing, safe space for clients to share freely and openly, decompress their minds, process traumatic events, build healthy communication skills, build emotional regulation and coping skills, and experience valuable personal growth. My treatment modalities include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques, along with traditional Psychotherapy. **Please note that I have very limited availability at this time and can only do lunch hour appointments during weekdays. Please message me to schedule. Thank you!**
Shawna Buffalo
Shawna Buffalo is a licensed mental health therapist. She works with all ages and treats many different issues. Shawna is client-centered and culturally sensitive in her treatment approach. She is a nice, caring and compassionate therapist. Shawna studied psychology at the University of Montana and Social Work at Walla Walla University. She has been practicing since 2013. Shawna uses a wide range of treatment approaches. She offers both in-person and telehealth services. Shawna will work at your pace and help you develop the right treatment for you.
Jenna Plouffe
Hello! I am a licensed therapist in Montana with 8 years of professional work experience, briefly within an outpatient setting with a variety of client needs, although the majority of my experience has been with elementary school children within a school setting, along with working with their families . I have experience in supporting clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem and confidence development. I also have experience working with families through specific life changes and the surrounding challenges that arise as those changes progress. I am in the process of earning a certificate in grief counseling, in addition to my LCPC licensure. I additionally have specific interest in supporting those struggling with addiction and trauma. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming a variety of life challenges. 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. For the time being, I am happy to engage in messaging in addition to video and phone chat to supplement, or in replacement, for those who are more comfortable doing so. I have additional time in the evenings to do so. I am excited to speak with you!
Marie Hayes
I am licensed in Montana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Pieter Sween
Hello! I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy, and enjoying beautiful Montana! Thank you for taking the courageous first step in your consideration to participate in counseling! I am a licensed Montana LCSW counselor with 7 years’ experience. I received my Clinical Master of Social Work degree from Walla Walla University in 2013, completing 3,000. hours of clinical counseling practice and supervision. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ support, related issues, coping with grief, loss and restoring motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Vocationally, I have also worked 25 years as a First Responder, and I now offer duty stress resiliency work-shops to this audience. While I have experience providing counseling services using varied theoretical frameworks, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Arts, Somatic body- based solutions, Gestalt and Existential work, I always enlist my client’s choices for what modalities interest them for doing their self-work. One of my favorite models, is the psycho-educational model, in which the client completes a short self-study, (usually a one-page article). Using this model I will gently challenge you with ideas that may help you explore alternative ways of thinking. Maybe you feel as though something is missing, or you are anxious wanting your life to unfold. Maybe you feel a little bit lost, as many do in this complex time. Maybe you have some sadness to embrace about things not working out, before you can move on. As your counselor, it is my promise to meet you where you are at and most importantly to honor your personal world view. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. I am here to support and empower you on your journey.
Tara Kloker
I am licensed in Montana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.
Ann Truesdell
I am licensed in Montana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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.
Melody McKibbin
Hey there! I'm Melody, your go-to gal for therapy vibes. I have three years of counseling experience and would like to welcome you! By day, I'm a certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, specializing in all things personality disorders and rocking a DBT Level II Accreditation. I love working with BPD, and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the state of Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Washington, and Texas. I am a Christian, and my faith guides my life. Therefore, I offer Christian faith-based counseling upon your request. If you wish, I am happy to include The Bible and/or counseling from a Christian perspective I am on a mission to prove that life's challenges are just plot twists in our epic story. In the therapy arena, I consider it an honor to be the sidekick in your journey of self-discovery. PHILOSOPHY OF COUNSELING I believe everyone has their own set of experiences, thoughts, and feelings (and maybe a few quirks); I strive to craft a cozy, client-centered space where folks feel as snug as a bug in a rug—heard, valued, and ready for some serious self-love. Counseling is a tag-team effort. I try to be all ears, actively listening and dishing out tailored feedback. What is the formula for great counseling? Individualized care, collaboration, and a non-judgemental space. Are you ready to join me in the quest for positive change? As a trained Enneagram Informed Mental Health Professional, I can integrate this approach into our sessions for more focused and effective support. Other focus areas include grief/loss (particularly child loss), depression, adoption/foster care, and anxiety. In my downtime, you'll catch me diving into the world of fiction. I'm currently cooking up a murder mystery comedy about mannequins! When I'm not writing, I enjoy family hangs, cozying up with my Russian Blue cats, tackling puzzles, and adding a splash of color to life through my paintings. Let's chat and see if we are a match. "From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the towering rock of safety." Psalm 61:2
John Engebretson
I am a mental wellness counselor licensed in Ohio, Colorado, and Montana, currently residing in Ohio, with 20 years of experience working as a counselor in community-based settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, impulse-control disorders including substance use, and Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. I also have worked with many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Motivational Enhancement and Rational-Emotive Counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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 support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
How to find counseling in Helena
Finding the best therapist close by in Helena 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 Helena. 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 Helena, 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena, elsewhere in Lewis and Clark, or in the greater state of Montana.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Helena area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena may not take health insurance, some in the state of Montana 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 Montana 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 Helena, Montana 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena 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
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 MT, 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 59626 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 Helena 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 Helena 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 Helena, Montana 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.
Helena 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:
- 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 Helena:
59601, 59602, 59623, 59624, 59625, 59626