She is great, very helpful, and has helped me out immensely
Cara Bonsma, LPC
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Cara is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Cara. View 3 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in New Jersey
Recent reviews
Sometimes I go days without answering Cara, as I'm very busy. But I will get messages constantly asking me how I am, and in a respectful time frame too. I know she's checking in because I've expressed how busy I am, and I appreciate that. It helps me remember that there's someone there to talk to.
More about Cara
- 7 years' experience
- Female
- LPC
Welcome, and thank you for your time in learning more about me! My name is Cara and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey. I have had over 7 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including school, in home, and hospital settings. What this means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, family conflict, relationship conflicts, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience working with depression, ADHD, and mild autism.
I like to use a person-centered, holistic, and eclectic approach in treatment, meaning your treatment is shaped to your individual needs while taking into account your own background and experiences and how that has shaped your current feelings. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I would describe my style as direct but warm and supportive at the same time. Together we can work on establishing goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Intimacy-related issues
Depression
LGBT
Trauma and abuse
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Licenses
Cara Bonsma's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1073164695.
- LPC · New Jersey · 37PC00679400 · Expires November 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Cara Bonsma
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
She is great, very helpful, and has helped me out immensely
Sometimes I go days without answering Cara, as I'm very busy. But I will get messages constantly asking me how I am, and in a respectful time frame too. I know she's checking in because I've expressed how busy I am, and I appreciate that. It helps me remember that there's someone there to talk to.
So far I have only had one phone call with Cara but have been messaging back and forth with her for two weeks. I find her advice and insight incredibly helpful in confirming what I’m feeling. She always gets back to me quickly and even in a few sentences or less, helps me with whatever I’m dealing with.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cara Bonsma offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Cara Bonsma works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Cara Bonsma speak?
Cara Bonsma speaks English.
How many years of experience does Cara Bonsma have?
Cara Bonsma has 7 years of experience.
Where is Cara Bonsma licensed to practice?
Cara Bonsma is licensed to practice in New Jersey.
Does Cara Bonsma accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Cara Bonsma does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Cara Bonsma?
Cara Bonsma can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Cara Bonsma?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.