This is David Alvarez's avatar and link to their profile

David Alvarez

Offering therapy in NJ
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey, and have worked in the mental health field since 1996. I obtained my Master of Arts in Counseling, from Montclair State University in May 2003. During my career, I have worked in both individual and group settings, including adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders in hospital and residential settings. These populations including depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and OCD. Additionally, I have experience working with LGBTQ individuals and adolescents. As a therapist, I believe in a holistic person-centered approach that employs motivational interviewing techniques. For me, it is important to meet each person where they are at, allowing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. My role is to engage with you, understand more about you and what has brought you to therapy. It is additionally important for me to work with you to identify changes and a plan of action we can formulate. An empathic, non-judgement approach is important in helping you on your journey in creating a happier and healthier life. I look forward to working with you!

This is Mee-Hyea Kim's avatar and link to their profile

Mee-Hyea Kim

Offering therapy in NJ
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

** Only seeing out of USA clients at this time ** Hello, my name is Mee-Hyea Kim. I have 7 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. I have a Master's Degree in Psychoanalytic Counseling from Centenary College affiliated with the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis. I am trained in Modern Psychoanalysis as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have 15 years of experience working for mental health agencies in both Bergen and Morris Counties. I have worked with children, adults and couples from all religions, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, who struggle with depression, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, trauma, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. I have experience working in a variety of clinical settings including, in-home therapy, residential treatment centers, group homes, partial care programs, psychiatric hospitals, and have extensive experience in crisis intervention as part of the Bergen County Psychiatric Screening Program. My therapeutic approach is to partner with you in a supportive, non-judgmental, down to earth and thought-provoking way which allows you to develop and foster a positive change in your life as well as learn mindfulness, healthy coping skills and gain insight into your emotional well-being. I am here to listen to your story, to help you navigate through past traumas and experiences, which will allow you to break free from unhealthy patterns that cause anxiety, depression, panic, and stress. I am available via phone and telehealth sessions for your convenience. I look forward to working with you on this journey.

This is Valerie Wright's avatar and link to their profile

Valerie Wright

Offering therapy in NJ
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Greetings, my name is Valerie Wright, and I am a board certified licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey. Thank you for taking the time to review my professional profile. In life, circumstances and events can cause us to feel we have little to no control. I can assure you that at one point or another most of us have felt this way. I am excited that you have made the decision to start therapy and can imagine the process of selecting a therapist a daunting task. I hope that after you have read about my professional experience and my passion for helping others your choice will be easier. I have over 9 years’ experience providing confidential, compassionate therapy in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. I have a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling and am a certified competent disaster mental health clinician (C-DMHC). I volunteer at the local, state, national, and international level providing trauma informed therapy. I believe in treating clients holistically. In other words, we will address your social, psychological, biological, and spiritual needs, and how they affect your mental health. My philosophy is to listen, support, and assist you using evidenced based approaches that will empower you with insight and an improved awareness of your “best” self. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you and identify the source of your pain. I utilize an eclectic approach based on your unique characteristics, culture, needs, and personal goals. Together we will unearth sources of strength both within and around you to restore balance in your life and help you live up to your full potential!

This is Lisa Franey's avatar and link to their profile

Lisa Franey

Offering therapy in NJ
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello! If you are exploring Better Help, it is likely that you are struggling with something important in your life. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is vital. If you don't have a good connection with your therapist, you won't make the progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me, in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I believe every person has a unique story, and I focus on creating a plan together that makes sense. I use a patient focused model that is realistic for day to day life, and provides skills that can be taken outside of the sessions. I strive to create a safe environment where every individual feels accepted and is able to openly share their experiences and thoughts. I have been a Social Worker for more than 20 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds and ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, issues with sleep, interpersonal relationships as well as the challenges of parenting. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be caring and nonjudgmental, and they appreciate that I am honest and direct with them. You can expect me to work with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself, the way you interact with the world. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better and I am available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you. I presently have limited availability and it is only in the evenings, but I check messages at least once during each weekday. My availability is currently limited, and I am only able to take members who are seeking sessions on weekday later evenings. If we correspond initially and our scheduling looks to be an issue or we are not a good match, I will request that you select an alternate therapist from the many choices here on BH I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who you feel a connection with, and I assure you that you are in good hands.

This is Dr. Daphney Rene's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Daphney Rene

Offering therapy in NJ
GriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in New York and New Jersey with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, adhd, anger management, & 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.

This is Caroline Hartman's avatar and link to their profile

Caroline Hartman

Offering therapy in NJ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York and New Jersey with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Laurie Peter's avatar and link to their profile

Laurie Peter

Offering therapy in NJ
LGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

This is Patrice Levy's avatar and link to their profile

Patrice Levy

Offering therapy in NJ
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
11 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in NY, NJ, PA, WA, CA, IL, and CO as well as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor with 12+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family issues, adolescent/teen specific issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Feel free to check out my professional site for additional info about me as a clinician: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/patrice-m-levy-commack-ny/1081272

This is Suni Kuriakose's avatar and link to their profile

Suni Kuriakose

Offering therapy in NJ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

This is Laura Johnson-Rodriguez's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Johnson-Rodriguez

Offering therapy in NJ
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Merchantville

Finding the best therapist close by in Merchantville 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 Merchantville. 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 Merchantville, 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville, elsewhere in Camden, or in the greater state of New Jersey.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville may not take health insurance, some in the state of New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 Merchantville, New Jersey 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 NJ, 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 08109 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville 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 Merchantville, New Jersey 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.

Merchantville 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Merchantville.

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

08109

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist