Have you been having nightmares or flashbacks of something that you were subjected to such as abuse, a natural disaster, or terror attack? Sometimes, people who have been affected by a devastating situation are unable to get over it no matter how long ago it happened. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD and needs to be treated by a South Portland therapist.
In 1944, South Portland was the site of a tragedy where 19 people were killed and 20 injured when an Army pilot lost control of his jet and crashed into a trailer park. Some of the victims and witnesses suffered from PTSD. In South Portland, there are many devoted therapists who are trained to treat PTSD and other mental conditions.
Raymond Butts
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor, ( NCC) with other 30 years experience in both counseling and education. I started my professional career as an elementary special education teacher in the early 80's. I obtained my M.Ed in counselor Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas and in 1989 I went to Alaska for the first time as along term substitute teacher. I worked in the Bering Strait School District, in Unalakleet, Alaska. I would return a year later, and work a total of 11 years as a teacher, itinerant school counselor, and village school principal in the district. I would go on to work in two other school districts before retiring from Alaska in 2004. After returning to Arkansas, and home, I worked as a kindergarten counselor in a center with 180 kids and 18 teachers. I fully retired in 2007. In 2009, I became a military and family life counselor and have been doing this for 10 years. My treatment approach is based on my training and my personality. I was trained in CCT and it fit my style, even though I do specialize in crisis counseling. I have found helping the client, and not necessarily directing the client is more effective for me. With over 5 years here at BetterHelp, my goal is to be the most effective therapist possible
Latechia Hester
I am an African American female Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I started my career in the counseling field in 2001, as a group home counselor for at-risk male youths, homeless young male adults, and their families, where we worked on family reunification, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ Issues, job skills, life skills, and independent living. From there I moved more into the substance abuse field working with DUI offenders, court mandated persons ordered to do anger management, and as an interventionist for families, and individuals who struggle with all forms of addiction and co-dependency. Since then, I returned to school to obtain my masters in Clinical Mental Health, during which time I worked with individuals who struggled with family issues, depression, suicide, grief and loss, schizophrenia disorder, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, dually diagnosed individuals, and those with other co-occurring disorders in an outpatient hospital clinic setting. I then furthered my career and obtained a second master's degree in School Counseling, where I enveloped experience in working with students in an inner-city school setting who struggled with body image, depression, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, ADD, OCD, neighborhood trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary therapeutic orientations are cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy; however, I strongly believe that it is essential to meet a person "where they are at" and establish a therapeutic alliance using my developed professional skills and eclectic abilities to provide each individual with a therapeutic orientation is necessary to move them toward a place of peace and healing. I believe in the purpose of counseling and I believe that even the most skeptical can become a believer! METAMORPHOSIS is the process of change into something adult, mature and breathtaking. I would like to think that I've been entrusted by clients to help them transition into living a better life, so that they may spread their wings and fly! My goal is to uplift, empower, teach, and motivate those who struggle to work toward living a healthy and happy lifestyle. My commitment is to provide the best clinical services each person deserves with dignity and respect and there has been no greater pleasure for me other than to be blessed with the opportunities to work with individuals in this field of healing and the transformation of lives.
Carol LeBlanc
I am licensed in Maine with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and will tailor our dialog/ 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Anita Aasen
Hi. My name is Anita Aasen. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years experience. I work with individual, families and couples, I have learned that every journey is unique. Every journey has its trials. We all experience unexpected changes, difficulties and loss; whether it be a death, a marriage , a job or some other. We all experience anxiety in some degree. The pandemic has hit all of us hard. Therapy is a unique way to assist when you are ready to write the next chapter of your life's narrative. Specialties include grief work, stress reduction, self esteem, depression, anxiety and PTSD. I recently has obtained a certificate as. a Certified Grief Informed Professional. and have received a certificate as a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist . I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and in mindfulness. I have worked as a substance abuse counselor and have an extensive knowledge of the 12 steps and "smart recovery" other recovery based programs.. I approach therapy uniquely as a chance to find the lessons in difficulties and the hidden strengths to be discovered and acknowledged. I believe there is therapeutic value in humor, finding gratitude in the small things, and enriching your spirituality. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit.
Crista Shaw
I am licensed in Maine with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!
Amanda Elliott
I am licensed in Maine with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Susan Ryder
I am licensed in Maine with 17 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 that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Cary Jenson
As a licensed therapist with 25 years of experience in Maine, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate life transitions, mood challenges, and interpersonal dynamics. I have deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, grief, and the nuanced emotional experiences of midlife, aging, and young adulthood. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. I offer supportive guidance for individuals facing challenges like caregiver stress, family dynamics, relationship transitions, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with isolation, seeking life purpose, or working through difficult emotions like guilt and shame, I'm committed to creating a safe, understanding environment for your healing process. I bring extensive clinical experience and a genuine dedication to supporting individuals through their most profound emotional transformations. My goal is to help you develop resilience, find meaning, and move toward greater emotional well-being.
Lisa McCann
I am licensed in New Hampshire and Vermont with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Keith Pryor
As a licensed therapist in Connecticut and Maine, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients work through challenges like motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and workplace stress. I'm deeply committed to guiding individuals toward self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach focuses on addressing core issues such as self-esteem, life purpose, communication barriers, and personal healing. I create a compassionate space where clients can explore feelings of guilt, shame, and the journey toward self-forgiveness. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with interpersonal challenges, seeking clarity in your professional life, or working through personal transitions, I'm dedicated to supporting your unique path toward healing and empowerment. My goal is to help you build resilience, understand your intrinsic worth, and create positive momentum in your life. Together, we'll work to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and self-understanding.
Regina Thompson
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 8 years of professional experience and more than 15 years in the helping field. My approach to therapy is warm, direct, relational, and human. I believe healing happens best in spaces that feel safe, authentic, and collaborative; not stiff or overly clinical. I use evidence-based practices such as DBT, CBT, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based approaches. I often use visual tools, metaphors, and real-life examples to help make abstract concepts more understandable and practical. Therapy with me is active and engaged—we don’t just talk about change, we work toward it. My communication style is conversational and supportive, and I value honest dialogue. I aim to meet clients where they are without judgment, while also gently challenging patterns that no longer serve them. I do not believe in minimizing anyone’s pain or comparing suffering—your experience matters exactly as it is. What It’s Like to Work With Me Clients often describe me as: • Warm and approachable • Straightforward but compassionate • Relatable and real • Supportive but not passive • Engaged and collaborative If you’re looking for a therapist who feels human, not robotic—someone who balances professionalism with authenticity—we may be a great fit. That said, if you prefer a very formal, highly structured, or emotionally distant therapy style, I may not be the best match—and that’s okay. Therapy works best when the fit feels right. Who I Help I specialize in working with individuals navigating: • Trauma and complex trauma • Anxiety and depression • Grief and loss • Self-esteem and identity • Relationship challenges • Life transitions • Substance use and recovery • Emotional regulation and stress I also work with clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and want tools—not just talk. My Philosophy I believe healing is not about perfection—it’s about self-understanding, self-compassion, and growth. I value curiosity over judgment, progress over pressure, and connection over performance. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start therapy. You just need a willingness to show up.
Patricia Pattan-O'Neal
Hi! My name is Patty. I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan and Utah with 9 years of professional work experience. My background includes helping clients in all of life's stages with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My special skill is to know when people need a gentle reminder and when they need to be held firmly accountable. I meet people's needs. Let's start where you are and get you where you want to go. I believe you are the expert in your own life. Allow me to be the objective observer to guide and assist you in this stage of your journey by sharing skills of relation strategies, mindfulness, self-awareness and creative expression. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage. Congratulations! I really look forward to working with you.
Randall Melvin
I am licensed in Maine with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Cheryl Loomis
I am licensed in Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington with 18 years of professional work experience helping clients with a wide range of symptoms and concerns including stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes and transitions. I also have experience working with focus, ADHD and other issues. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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.
Find a Therapist Near You in South Portland , Maine
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Maine can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Maine is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Maine, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Maine (ME). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Maine, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Maine with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Maine
When searching for a therapist near me in Maine, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Maine, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Maine.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Maine want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Maine
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Maine without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Maine (ME)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Maine
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Maine, including residents in South Portland.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Maine do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.