It’s common for many of us to struggle with stress, life transitions, and other challenges. Working with a therapist can be beneficial in managing a wide array of mental health concerns, but can also offer tools needed to explore more about yourself and build a more fulfilling life. 

When looking for a therapist, Bend, OR can offer a wider variety of choices than surrounding rural areas, but finding the right therapist can be complicated even in a metro area. This is because there are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches in the field of talk therapy, and which will be most effective can depend on what is being addressed. A licensed professional counselor who works with teens may not have the ability to help an adult who is looking for support for addiction. What you need may not be available at the neighborhood clinic, or a nearby practice may not be taking new referrals. This is where online therapy can help. 

BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to mental health professionals based in Bend, OR, from social workers, to psychologist, to professional counselor associates. These providers enjoy working in an online environment, have expertise in a wide range of specializations, and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a sense of unconditional positive regard can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists at any time you can do so at no additional cost. 

If you live in the Bend area and have been feeling ready to explore options for your mental health and well-being, check out these Oregon-licensed therapists below to find out more. By clicking on a profile, you can learn several things about them including licensure info, areas of expertise and certification, and read reviews from clients. Therapy can help you respect your own abilities, build confidence, and increase self-awareness. Reach out to get started on your own wellness journey. 

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Jeffrey Stambook

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Relationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience as a mental health therapist

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with a diverse set of clients. Licensed in California since 2006 I have had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with a great number of individuals who were struggling with a variety of concerns. My work in mental health began in 1998 in a small farming community just outside of Bakersfield, CA. I was fortunate enough to be hired by a community health clinic to provide mental health case management for children and families. It was there that I realized my desire to help others and found my motivation to continuing me education and training. I went on to work at a variety of jobs including a mental hospital for a period of time so that I would have the skills necessary to serve clients in private practice. I began seeing clients in my own office shortly after getting licensed. I believe that one of the very best things that I can offer my clients is the gift of being heard. I will provide a safe space where clients can share their greatest challenges and know that I am listening. I will not judge them but will do my very best to encourage them and help them find solutions to their problems. I promise to treat every client with the highest level of respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tend to approach my work from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. My work with individuals often involves some effort to change old habits including negative thinking. Marriage counseling has always been a significant part of my work. Those who do marriage well, take time to know what is going on with one another and make time to enjoy each other. I have had training in the methods of Drs. John and Julie Gottman and use their material with most of the couples that I see. You do not need to be “crazy” or be in significant distress to seek counseling. Sometimes our beliefs or expectations of ourselves or of counseling result in a delay in seeking help until situations become serious, or we are already in crisis. Many people tell us that they wish they had come to counseling sooner. Save yourself some avoidable distress and seek counseling earlier rather than later.

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Elise Bascom

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Oregon with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

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Charlotte Gibbons

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Utah with over 20 years of experience working with trauma/abuse, family/relational, and cultural/diversity issues. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems and career challenges. I also help people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, dialectic interventions and family-parent counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes insight and courage to be willing to ask for help. I will honor and support your efforts toward a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Alyssa Nagel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Missouri with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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. 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.

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Tracye Valentine

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Counselor License Type(s): LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Thank you for reaching out! I am a clinical supervisor and therapist licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider and have board certification as National Certified Counselor. I have years of experience working with clients with a wide range of mental and behavioral health needs including: trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, parenting and have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with child and adolescent counseling and adults. I am a counselor who is very client-focused and believe in treatment planning and objectives that are reasonable and attainable. It is very important to build a rapport with the client and the pair working to identify objectives and goals of treatment. Some of the treatment modalities used are cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive therapy, narrative therapy and psychodynamic models of therapy. Therapy models of treatment generally consist of a combination of modalities. I applaud you for seeking help to find resolution and/or to reach lifelong goals by taking steps to achieve them by seeking assistance. It seems like you are ready and I am available to work with you in reaching and creating a plan to maintain those goals! I look forward to working together!

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Emily Kittelson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping with life changes
3 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Oregon with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Wysonda Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Trauma and abuse
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

***I AM ONLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS WHO ARE OPEN TO AND READY FOR EMDR THERAPY AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.*** Hi! I’m Wysonda Smith, but everyone calls me Torri. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas, Oregon, Louisiana, and D.C. I’m so glad that you found your way here. You may feel overwhelmed right now and unable to imagine your life in a better place, but you have already taken the courageous first step of asking for help. I will be by your side as we navigate life’s challenges together and explore the brighter path ahead. I will create a supportive and non-judgmental space where you are safe and free to share your emotions, thoughts, and fears. I will be with you to encourage your growth and celebrate your successes along the way. You can expect an eclectic, integrative, and transpersonal approach to therapy. The combination of therapeutic modalities that I use with each client is individualized and tailored specifically for YOU. We will dive into thought patterns and behaviors that no longer serve you as well as mindfulness and dreamwork. I am especially passionate about trauma and our innate resilience. By looking into counseling, you are already demonstrating that beautiful resilience within. I aim to gain a holistic picture of who you are to better offer guidance and support. Let’s collaborate and create the happiness and inner peace that you’ve been searching for!

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Torrey Thille

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Oregon with 5 years of experience providing Therapy and 13 years of Social Work professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma & life transitions . 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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Julie Knox

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington with 15 years of professional clinical, counseling, and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with clients 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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Jessica Lawrence

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Oregon with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Bend

Finding the best therapist close by in Bend 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 in Bend that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Bend. 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 Bend, 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 in the Bend region and in the state of Oregon. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Bend or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Bend area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Bend 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 Bend, elsewhere in Deschutes, or in the greater state of Oregon.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bend 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 Bend 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 Bend may not take health insurance, some in the state of Oregon may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Oregon you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Bend online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Bend, Oregon 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 Bend psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Bend 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 Bend helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Bend 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 - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • 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 Bend 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 in Bend?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Bend 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.

Bend therapists 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 Bend 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 Bend 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in OR, therapists 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 97708 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bend counselor?

Before seeing your Bend 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Bend.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Bend 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 with a Bend counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Bend, Oregon 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.

Bend 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Bend, Oregon

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 to customer service 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 Bend.

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

97701, 97702, 97703, 97708, 97709

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