Founded in 1881 when the railway selected the area, Altoona was not incorporated as a small town until 1887 and although they have grown, the community strives to keep the small-town atmosphere. Bordered by the Altoona River and Otter Creek, Altoona has become a favorite recreational area for many.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or are new to Altoona, you are welcomed here with open arms and this includes the health care providers. In fact, the Altoona area has some of the best mental health providers as well. If you have any kind of mental or emotional concerns, talk to one of the counselors in the Altoona area for help.
Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in the helping profession for over 25 years. My journey has had many twists and turns that have been personally and professionally rewarding. My career path has been non-traditional over the years as I have been active in a variety of positions: Auto Industry, Mentor and Tutor, Educator and Art Therapist, Business Owner and Business Consultant, which have encompassed into a unique set of skills and knowledge for a Professional Counselor. My professional experiences have been in public and private business and include for-profit and not-for profit organizations. My counseling and life philosophy are open and flexible. I believe that finding methods that work for you can help with life's challenges. Life is a journey filed with opportunities, lessons to be learned, hardships to overcome, and joys to celebrate. I believe that an individual can be in control of their journey once they take ownership of the decisions they make and paths to follow. Looking forward to hearing from you, Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst
Jessica Benash
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Wisconsin with over 18 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked in residential treatment, day treatment and outpatient therapy. I am also an adjunct professor and teach in the Social Work department. My years of experience include working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, caregivers for people living with chronic pain/illness, survivor's of those that have lost loved ones to suicide and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines using a client centered solution focused therapy along with cognitive- behavioral therapy that challenges negative thoughts and meeting the client where they are at in the moment. I like to focus on what the client needs and find strengths in their own lives that can help them to find ways to meet their goals. Through my life and work experience I am here to support the client anyway I can. It takes courage to seek out change. I really believe that having a positive client-therapist relationship is an essential piece to the puzzle that will help make the change process easier. Thank you and I look forward to working with you! Jessie
Augustina Garba
Hello and welcome! My name is Augustina Garba. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a master’s degree in Counseling in May 2002. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I started out working with adult mental health individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. During my internship, I was exposed to working with severely abused and neglected children. This experience was what inspired me to work with children and families. I now provide individual and family therapy sessions targeting anger management for children and at-risk teenagers. My passion has always been to help bring about changes in the lives of individuals and families while partnering with them to create hope in their future. In 2009, I went into Private Practice. I now work with children, adults, and families, providing individual and family therapy sessions. I also work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. My focus is to help them heal from their trauma and overcome related issues and problems that could develop due to their abuse. These could range from depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and stress. I work with many individuals and couples in relationship building. I counsel couples with relationship and divorce issues, anger management and domestic violence. My focus in counseling is to work with you to resolve issues that challenge you and restore self-efficacy to couples, individuals and families. I am supportive in therapy and a good listener. I will collaborate with you, using teaching skills and give you tangible assignments to help you succeed in achieving your goals of finding a long-term meaningful solution. I am consistent and believe in building a trusting and reliable client-therapist relationship. I look forward to working with you!
Nicole Jackson
Nicole has many talents. Her passion in nestled in the likes of helping others. She is currently employed Full-time with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and pool behavioral health staff with Columbia-St. Mary’s. Nicole’s other job duties include Federal Re-entry, clinical supervision, counseling (individual and group), consultation, AODA, Mental Health, and Trauma education and training, as well as administrative tasks. Nicole has diverse ability to use many counseling modalities however Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and corrective thinking techniques are primary in Nicole’s work. Most of Nicole’s work surrounds the adult population, specifically in the criminal justice system. Nicole was also trained as a Parenting/Nurturing facilitator and sex offender treatment. Nicole completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and drug counseling at Alverno College, where she joined PSI CHI, The National Honors Society in Psychology. She went on to complete her Masters degree at Mount Mary College, now known as Mount Mary University in community counseling with a focus on mental health and trauma.
Elizabeth Malchow
Hello, I'm Liz! Thank you for taking time to read about me, and my therapy approach. I earned my Master Degree in Social work with an emphasis in Mental Health in 2018 and am now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Clients would best describe me as warm, kind, and reflective. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Treatment approaches that I find most beneficial are cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, attachment theory, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and family therapy modalities. I find using activities to help clients gain skills in mindfulness are beneficial. This can include creative projects that are thought provoking, sometimes artistic, and most importantly increase awareness of who you are before the world got its hands on you. I will tailor our time together and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs! It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take the step, let's get started in writing a healthy and new chapter in your life. I look forward to working with you!
Vanessa LaRose
I am licensed in Wisconsin and have been working as a therapist for over 11 years. I have experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, self-esteem concerns, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I work to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being honest about what they are experiencing without fear of criticism or shame. Reaching out for support takes courage, especially when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work through challenges together. I believe therapy works best when people feel genuinely safe, understood, and able to show up as themselves.
Stephanie Sayles
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges you face. It takes courage to share your challenges and take steps to improve your quality of life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Michael "Mike" O'Neill
I am licensed in Wisconsin with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.
Jasen Livermore
I am licensed in Wyoming with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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!
Lauren Piper
Hi, I'm a licensed therapist in Wisconsin with three years of professional experience. I support clients navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, low self-esteem, and confidence challenges. I believe you are the expert of your own story. My role is to help you tap into your strengths, gain clarity, and build the tools you need to move through life's challenges. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I'm really glad you're here.
Brittany Russotto
I’m a therapist who believes that meaningful change happens in a space where people feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. Many of my clients come to me during moments of overwhelm, transition, or emotional stuckness. My role is to offer a calm, compassionate environment where you can slow down, explore what’s beneath the surface, and begin building a life that feels more manageable and worth living. I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I also support individuals who struggle with coping around substance use, as well as their families, who often carry their own layers of worry, confusion, and hope. In addition, I work with those experiencing disordered eating, helping them understand the emotional patterns behind their relationship with food and develop healthier, more sustainable ways of caring for themselves. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence based practices. I integrate cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and trauma informed care, tailoring each session to your unique needs and pace. I see therapy as a partnership — one where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to reconnect with yourself in a deeper, more grounded way. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or navigating challenges within your family, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity. In our first session, you can expect a relaxed, supportive conversation focused on getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I take a down to earth, collaborative approach and appreciate humor as a way to help ease nerves and create connection. We’ll talk about your goals, what’s been feeling challenging, and what you want from therapy—at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and understood from the very beginning. My ideal client is someone who is trying their best but feels overwhelmed by the weight of their experiences. They may be navigating anxiety, trauma, or patterns that feel hard to break. They might be a teen trying to make sense of big emotions, an adult moving through a major life transition, or someone noticing their substance use is getting harder to manage. I also connect deeply with individuals who struggle with disordered eating or who use certain behaviors to cope with stress, shame, or uncertainty. What matters most to me is not where someone is starting from, but their willingness to show up honestly — even if that honesty looks like “I don’t know where to begin.” My ideal client is open to exploring their story, curious about understanding their patterns, and ready to build healthier ways of coping. They don’t need to have everything figured out; they just need a desire for things to feel different.
Ellen Daubert
As a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and self-esteem concerns. I have a deep commitment to supporting older adults and individuals experiencing isolation, loneliness, and social anxiety. My therapeutic approach centers on fostering self-love, exploring life purpose, and healing from experiences of guilt, shame, and attachment wounds. I provide compassionate guidance through significant life transitions, including divorce and separation, and offer specialized support for caregivers experiencing stress. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner world, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strengths, build self-compassion, and create more fulfilling connections in your life.
Angela Kalsbeek
Angela describes her counseling style as meeting the client where they are at using compassion, connection, and kindness. She identifies as an eclectic counselor, meaning she seeks to discover and implement the most effective treatment for each child and family she works with. She utilizes a variety of art and play therapy methods when working with children and believes in unconditional acceptance, and fostering a safe place to share. Angela understands we all learn differently so she caters therapy to each child’s needs by utilizing a strength-based approach which includes cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, mindfulness interventions, and psychoeducation to teach the child how their body is regulated and what impact their life experiences have in response to their emotions. This helps the child understand how their brain and body are connected and they learn ways to rewire their thinking. Outside of work, Angela enjoys walking her dog, Ruby, gardening, spending time with family, doing DIY seasonal projects, listening to music, and going to concerts. Specialties: Adjustment Disorders, Attachment Concerns, Anger, Anxiety, Boundaries, Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Emotional Processing, Foster care, Grief & Loss, Life Transitions, Neurodivergent, Parenting Shame & Guilt, Sensitive Children, Self-Esteem, Self-Identity, Self-Harm, Separation Issues, Stress Management, Student Issues, Trauma, Relationship Issues Population: Children, Youth, Teens, Young Adults, Parents, & Families Modalities: Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), Sand Tray Therapy, Therapeutic Play through connection
Jasmine Gaines
I'm a licensed therapist in Wisconsin with extensive experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. My work focuses on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, family conflicts, and relationship concerns with compassion and skill. I specialize in supporting people as they work through self-esteem issues, communication difficulties, isolation, and questions about life purpose. I'm particularly skilled in helping clients heal from trauma and abuse, address attachment patterns, and build healthier relationships. I also work with individuals facing mood disorders, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and the emotional weight of major life transitions like divorce, separation, and midlife changes. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep commitment to meeting each client where they are. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences and discover your own strength and resilience. Whether you're navigating workplace stress, body image concerns, caregiver burnout, or questions about identity and belonging, I'm here to support your growth. I work with clients across the lifespan and bring cultural responsiveness and inclusivity to my practice. Starting therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Altoona, Wisconsin
Finding a therapist near you in Altoona, Wisconsin starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Wisconsin is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Wisconsin, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Wisconsin, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Wisconsin
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Wisconsin, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Wisconsin
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Wisconsin
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Wisconsin through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Wisconsin
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Wisconsin, including residents in Altoona.
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 Wisconsin 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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Altoona, Wisconsin
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Altoona and the surrounding WI area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.