In life, you want to be a leader, be it leading your own life or something else, such as a business. But to lead, you need to have a great mental state. When you're depressed, feel anxious all the time, or just feel like you could use a pick-me-up, a counselor based in Bismarck can help.
Bismarck leads North Dakota, and you can be a leader of your own life. By talking to a counselor, you can be the leader everyone deserves. Speak to a counselor today and see how you can lead others.
Cedric Weatherspoon
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15+ years of experience working with teenagers, adults, couples, and families. I am passionate about assisting people with maintaining healthy relationships and finding growth opportunities through life's transitions. I believe life is a journey, not a destination; with the support of family and caring people, we can endure many challenges. Cedric Weatherspoon was also featured on MPR discussing client-centered care in minority communities https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/08/03/mn-slow-to-respond-as-minority-mental-health-needs-grow
Audrey Johnsen
Hello and welcome! I am an LCSW based in Colorado with 15 years of experience in higher education supporting young adults and their mental health as well as in the hospital setting as a medical social worker. I have my BSW from Gordon College and my MSW from the University of Denver. I have worked with clients on a range of issues including stress and anxiety management, career challenges or goals, grief and loss, end-of-life and hospice, patients and caregivers journeying through a medical crisis, and relationship issues. My style is warm and engaging and I desire to develop a trusting relationship to best support you in your mental health and wellness goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution -focused therapies in order empower you to determine your goals and solutions towards your healthier future. It takes a lot of courage to both acknowledge and invite someone into your journey towards mental health wellness. I count that as a privilege and honor. I look forward to supporting your path towards health and wholeness by exploring your past, acknowledging your present, and planning towards your bright future. You are not alone and I look forward to working with you!
Catherine Chapman
Hello! My name is Catherine Chapman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Oklahoma. I earned my Masters of Social work from the University of Oklahoma in 2012. I have been a practicing social worker for 10 years and, additionally, am certified in EMDR therapy which I have been utilizing in my practice since 2021. I have experience working in the hospital and medical field to help patients and their families to find the support and resources they need to get through whatever difficult life situation they may be facing. I feel this experience has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges people may face throughout their lives and the various reactions they may have, whether it be anger, grief, depression, or something else, while processing their own health concerns or those of a loved one. I realize that everyone faces these struggles either in their own lives or through someone close to them and that they can be very difficult to comprehend and accept at times. My goal as a therapist is to help people overcome these situations by providing them a better understanding and tools to guide them through these hard times. My methods focus on using the Strength Based Perspective, Person-in-Environment Perspective, EMDR, and Solution Focused Therapy. I believe you are the expert in your own life and I hope to help you recognize the strengths in yourself while offering support and a non-judgmental sounding board. I will take our time together seriously and give you my full attention to best help you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Brennan Atherton
I am licensed in North Dakota with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
James Cole
Welcome! My name is James Michael Cole (please, call me Michael) and I am a licensed mental health professional. I hold two Bachelor's degrees in Business and Social Work, a Master's degree in Social Work, and two clinical licenses (Minnesota and North Dakota) both in good standing with full diagnostic and treatment privileges to practice as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings with folks from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and have professional experience in everything from diagnostics/prescribing treatments, triage, child welfare, SPMI (serious and persistent mental illnesses), and co-occurring disorders (substance use and mental health occurring at the same time) to couples-counseling, issues of grief/loss, both group and individual psychotherapy sessions, building skills, guest-lecturing at universities, and teaching collegiate level courses to future social workers/clinicians. Currently, I'm the owner/operator of my own small private practice. My approach to services is eclectic in nature, which is to say that I shift my approach to meet your needs, whatever those may be. I do not believe in "cookie-cutter approaches" to this kind of work as each person is unique as are their needs and goals. I strive to be culturally informed and desire to provide competent support to all persons in need. You deserve a clinician that you can trust and who is focused on your specific needs. You deserve someone who will hold space for you, who will not cast judgement, and who will work with you to help you determine what the best path forward looks like. These things are what I strive to provide every client I see. I am very excited to meet you and to get started on addressing the concerns/issues that brought you in to see me. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Thank you!
Cynthia Morris
I am licensed in North Dakota with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression, as well as other concerns. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I work to treat all clients with the same respect and dignity I would expect and want if I were in their shoes. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Keisha Wood
Hello and welcome to my page, my name is Keisha. I love helping people solve their problems and meet their goals. I would love the chance to get to know you and help you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. I am a LCSW—Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas; I have a bachelors and masters degree in social work; I earned my Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in 2005. However, I have been working in the social work field since 2003. I have experience working in a variety of settings (outpatient, school-based, hospital, home health). I've helped children and families as well as adults of all ages. I began conducting online therapy in 2016. I fell in love with this new format of therapy! Outside of BetterHelp I have a private practice that I also run outside of my home. My counseling approach is warm, relaxed and individualized to best meet your needs. I prefer an interactive style to build on your existing strengths. I like to use a variety of evidenced-based approaches, focusing on education to ensure you have the tools and skills needed to help yourself. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and solution-focused counseling, and positive psychology. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am committed to approaching your presenting issue with dignity, respect, empathy, and without judgement. As my client, you will be supported but also challenged in order to develop insight and self-awareness into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy is not just about talking. It is also about learning positive strategies to help facilitate coping, enhance the ability to work through life’s struggles and challenges, and build resilience. Please be selective about the counselor/therapist you choose. It is an important choice and you need to feel comfortable with whomever you choose. Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and you have already taken such an important first step. I am here to support you towards change and a happier life. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals! Being a professional on this platform, it is my goal to contact you within at least 24 hours of receiving a message from you. However, there are times where a 25-72 hour window may be necessary such as the weekend (please note that the weekend takes place each Friday-Sunday so that messages received during this time will be addressed on Monday). Rest assured, I will always get back to you. In the meantime, I would like for you to familiarize yourself with my schedule of availability. There, you can schedule to contact me for a live chat session. If there is a day/time that is not available, but you would like to check to see if it may be available, but you would like to check to see if it may be available do not hesitate to reach out to me via your chat room. I'll let you know if scheduling that day/time is feasible. Also, keep in mind that this forum does not provide any type of emergency services. Therefore, if you or someone you know believes that you/they are in need of urgent assistance and/or that you/they are in crisis (i.e. suicidal/homicidal and/or attempts), please call 1-800-273-TALK (24 hours/day), dial 911 or visit your local emergency room. Looking forward to hearing from you! "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Maya Angelou "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt Some fun facts about me: I am happily married to my wonderful husband Brandon for almost 15 years! I have two dogs: two Bichon Frises. I have been to Scotland four times and got engaged there! It’s my favorite place on earth. I love ice cream!
Dr. Mindy Miller McGuire
I was born and raised in Central New Jersey, enjoying the seasons, playing tennis and vacationing in Florida. Friends asking for advice led to a career in psychology/social work, which was a good fit. After college and graduate school, I moved to Chicago and then ironically, to South Florida! I am Jewish and married for 28 years and have 3 children, ages 24, 21, and 18. My lived experiences in a variety of circumstances allows me to be a very empathetic therapist: Relationships, friendships, spectrum issues, loss, illness, motivation, relational bullying, sociopathy, self-esteem, empowerment/self-strengthening, family issues, career concerns, and sports psychology. At 23, my tennis racket was traded in for figure skates: I have been skating ever since at the Silver Ladies Freestyle Level, in addition to testing in dance. I have been with betterhelp for over 2 years. I feel each of us is unique and our therapeutic pathway reflects that individuality. I enjoy helping clients become motivated to make life changes while exploring their inner self. When experiences are reviewed, they are often examined from a different vantage point, proffering insight to begin the journey of change. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with relationship difficulties, childhood spectrum disorders (ADD, ADHD), parenting, self-esteem and self-empowerment struggles, goal management, career goals/issues, familial concerns, and grief and loss. I'm also interested in the intersection of psychopathy, triangulated interactions (especially related to jealousy), and manipulative tactics within relationships. I take an eclectic approach and enjoy integrating different treatment modalities into session to adhere to the individual needs of the client: Psychodynamic; EMDR (I am EMDR trained), Couples therapy (Gottman Level 1); Systemic, Insight-Oriented, Solution-based, Narrative, Rogerian-Strength-based, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Vulnerability Cycle Approach and Cognitive-Behavioral. My specialty is in relationships, change, organization, and self-control. By helping individuals learn how to respond to others' behaviors and daily stresses in a healthful manner, they are able to perform better, live happier, and become mentally healthier. I assist clients to detect deficient life patterns to pinpoint underlying issues for remediation. In turn, clients are able to strengthen their personhood. I particularly enjoy working with couples, helping them communicate and reflect on themselves, each other, and their relationship. Men and women often have very different perceptual styles. Understanding these differences and how to approach and embrace these unique aspects helps couples become stronger and more unified. If you do not see a time on the scheduler that accommodates you, it does not mean that I cannot do a certain time for you. I often schedule "by appointment," especially on weekends. I also utilize a very honest approach, so if you desire to be lulled into a false sense of security, I am not the therapist for you. Quotes: "Who is afraid of the wolf does not go into the forest." Aljona Savchenko "If you live long enough, you experience everything." Scott Hamilton "If you have the choice to be kind or right, be kind and you will always be right." Anonymous "Thinking is difficult, that's why most people judge." Carl Jung "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln "If you don't have a miracle, you can create one." Nic Vujicic "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time."-Maya Angelou "Your relationship with your therapist will not be perfect." Sue Jacobson. LMHC "If someone isn't nice, be nice anyway." Mother Teresa
Rebecca Daigneault
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Dakota with 5 years of professional clinical social work experience and over 20 years of generalist social work experience in the Southwestern states and North Dakota. I work with adults experiencing a variety of challenges related to anxiety, depression, adjustment/life transitions, and childhood trauma. My therapeutic approach consists of individually tailored strategies that include trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, somatic processing, humanistic, psychodynamic, solution focused, and narrative therapies. I will meet you where you are on your journey, supporting you to build on your strengths and overcome the challenges you encounter along the way. By seeking therapy, you are one step closer to meeting your goals, dreams, and desires, and creating the life you deserve. I look forward to working with you and witnessing your transformation!
Dionne Spooner
I am licensed in Arizona and North Dakota with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find counseling in Bismarck
Finding the best therapist close by in Bismarck 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 Bismarck. 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 Bismarck, 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck, elsewhere in Burleigh, or in the greater state of North Dakota.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bismarck area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck may not take health insurance, some in the state of North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 Bismarck, North Dakota 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 ND, 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 58503 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck, North Dakota 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.
Bismarck 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 Bismarck:
58501, 58502, 58503, 58504, 58505, 58506, 58507