Heather Friend - Mental Health Counselor | The Center for Internet & Technology Addiction

Accepting new clients

8 years experience | Counselor of Color | Intl Clients Welcome

About Heather Friend

Hello, I am Heather Friend, a licensed clinical therapist, and I am glad you have come in for support.

Reaching out takes courage, and a big part of my job is working to promote a safe and accepting space for you. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and open-minded, with a strong focus on helping you recognize your strengths and build a sense of confidence and emotional clarity. I strive to create a space where you feel respected, and free to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced to meet your needs, because this is your healing space.

I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and empowered. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply needing a place to process what you are carrying, we will work together to help you feel more grounded and capable in your day-to-day life. If you feel nervous about starting therapy, that is completely normal. We can take things step by step, at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on building comfort and trust along the way.

I offer daily and evening sessions. I also offer sessions on the weekend. In addition to sessions, you are welcome to message me anytime for additional support. I typically respond within 24 hours. Live sessions are 45 minutes and can be scheduled easily through my calendar at times that work best for you. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible, supportive, and flexible.

Please let me know if you have questions and looking forward to working with you!

Licenses

LCSW

CSW.09927984

LMSW

6801117005

LCSW

149026353

LCSW

19767

Professional experience

Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Bipolar disorder
Career difficulties
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Coping with life changes
Depression
Eating disorders
Family conflicts
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
LGBT
Parenting issues
Relationship issues
Self esteem
Sleeping disorders
Stress, Anxiety
Trauma and abuse

Additional Focus Areas

Abandonment
Adoption and foster care
Aging and geriatric issues
Antisocial personality
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Avoidant personality
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Blended family issues
Body image
Cancer
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Dependent personality
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
Fertility issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
Hearing impaired
HIV / AIDS
Hoarding
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Immigration issues
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Intellectual disability
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Narcissism
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Paranoia
Personality disorders
Phobias
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Postpartum depression
Pregnancy and childbirth
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Somatization
Traumatic brain injury
Trichotillomania
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Visually impaired
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Clinical Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Existential Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Jungian Therapy
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy

Languages

English

15 Reviews

“Heather has helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my life, she helped me gain so much knowledge about myself, including what I can practice each day to continue growing through every chapter. She provided so much support, advice, kindness, and care. I couldn’t recommend her enough!”

“Heather is absolutely wonderful! I finally feel like I’m starting to get my life back track thanks to her expertise. She’s given me a sense of myself back. I’m extremely grateful. ❤️”

“Heather Friend is an open minded, non judgemental therapist who helps you see things clearly. Highly recommend 👍🌱”

“Awesome support”

“Very helpful and encouraging”

“Heather has been understanding, supportive and strong in the suggestions she offers for the concerns I bring to her. Thank you Heather.”

“Heather really is just an amazing person. I love her approach and the way she treats me. I wouls have no problem recommend her to anyone.”

“Heather has been great to talk to. She listens to my needs and meets me where I'm at mentally. She is very understanding. She has great tools to help me through things and shares a lot of knowledge with me.”

“Heather remains a solid, steady, and encouraging source of support in my therapy journey.”

“Heather if a very caring individual. She takes time to listen and offer assistance”

“My therapist gives me suggestions and worksheets and helpful learning tools and tips. I appreciate the materials and advice she shares.”

“Heather has provided excellent, comforting and helpful advice. I really appreciate our sessions.”

“She’s helpful and knowledgeable!”

“Heather is nothing short of amazing. Creative and attentive and compassionate.”

“Great help, compassionate and thoughtful approach.”

These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.