PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

TW Portrait of Tara Wagner
Online therapist

Tara Wagner

Experienced LCSW focused on practical support

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
12 years
Licensed in
Indiana
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Tara

Tara Wagner is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Indiana. She brings 12 years of experience across inpatient and outpatient settings, medication-assisted treatment, and academic work. Tara focuses on practical help for people facing addiction, mood challenges, anxiety, and stress.

She aims to meet each person with respect and compassion and builds treatment around individual needs. Her approach begins by listening closely to what matters most to the client.

Background and approach

She uses methods that fit the situation, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and client-centered techniques. Sessions are collaborative and goal-focused so progress is clear and concrete. Tara has worked with adults on issues that include grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting challenges, and struggles with self-esteem.

She also has experience addressing trauma, eating of addictive behaviors, bipolar and depressive disorders, and co-occurring conditions. That breadth helps when problems overlap or feel complicated. In therapy she will tailor conversations and plans to what the client wants to change.

Expect straightforward discussion, practical steps, and regular review of progress. Tara emphasizes each person’s inherent worth while helping them move toward healthier choices. Clients meet with Tara for support with coping skills, motivation for change, and clearer communication.

Her style blends empathy with real-world techniques to make daily life more manageable.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting conversation. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflecting concerns and priorities so sessions match what matters most. This approach supports people who need a respectful, paced space to sort feelings and decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It breaks problems into smaller parts and teaches practical skills for coping with anxiety, depression, or stress. Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change and strengthens motivation when habits or addictions feel stuck.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Tara collaborates with each person to pick methods that fit their goals, preferences, and current challenges. She checks in regularly and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives and to get support when travel or scheduling would otherwise be a barrier. Licensed professionals can use these tools to offer consistent care and to practice the same therapeutic approaches used in person.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Tara commonly address?
Tara works with adults on addictions, trauma and abuse, depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, and self-esteem concerns.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then uses goal-focused methods to build steps clients can try between sessions.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has 12 years of clinical experience across inpatient and outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, and academic environments.
What are her credentials and practice location?
She holds an LCSW, license number IN LCSW 34007711A, and practices in Indiana.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Tara?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Tara

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point