Life is a train, and sometimes you don’t know where that train is going. That train may feel like it’s crashing, or it can feel like it’s going to an uncertain destination. Either way, a counselor based in Altoona can help you navigate the unknown by giving you a map and a clear goal. 

Altoona is known for its trains. If you live here, you're probably surrounded by tracks and trains. As for your life, you can find the right train, but you may need a counselor to help you. Speak to one today and learn how. 

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George Dymiotis

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S., LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I have been working in the field of helping people through counseling for over 15 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship problems among other. My counseling approach is client centered and I view counseling as a collaborative process. I concentrate on developing a therapeutic relationship and cultivating a safe environment where clients can share freely. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. Developing resiliency, and transferring coping skills from therapy to the outside world are also things I strive for. My approach to therapy combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfullness, and Rogerian. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes courage to reach out and seek counseling. I look forward to working with you!

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Brittney DeLine

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! Way to go, you are ready to make yourself a priority. This might be the first thing you’ve done for yourself in a long time. Congratulations. I am excited to start this journey together, whether that is to learn to better take care of yourself and your happiness; work through lows, darkness, stressors, or anxiousness; or process a relationship or career you are struggling with. Whatever brings you here, I offer you a nonjudgmental listening ear, support, feedback, and help to achieve your goals. Therapy takes time, I don’t have a magic wand I can wave and make it all better, but we can work together and put you on a track to keep thriving. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, originally from Colorado, I have lived in several states and countries, I love getting to know new people, places, and cultures. I have experience in working with high school and college students, as well as adults in crisis due to mental health, domestic violence, suicidality, homelessness, and substance abuse. In working with teenagers, I work to improve family dynamics, communication, and provide support to parents. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults because they are curious, exploring, and eager to figure out who they are, who they want to be, who they want to love, and everything in between. I also think that is what a lot of us adults are still doing. We’re just not as open about it. I use a person-centered, multicultural, solution-focused, and a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy. I seek to provide a safe place where you feel comfortable having uncomfortable conversations because therapy isn’t always easy, but I want you to be your authentic self while we work together. Britt

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Erika Gilmore

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

**Not Available for Evening Hours** Erika Gilmore, M.S.Ed, LPC is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school age children, teenagers, and adults in individual and family counseling settings. Erika Graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, then began working with children and their families who were in different stages of permanency within the Adoption and Foster Care System. Erika continued her work with aiding clients of all backgrounds and ages in processing through their life events and creating their own narrative while delivering Trauma-Focused services within the community, school, and outpatient setting. The past few years Erika has specialized in working with families who have experienced traumatic and stressful events in their lives, allowing them to create a joint-narrative, develop positive communication skills, learn effective ways of coping and strengthen bonds within the family. Erika also has experience with integrating other models within her practice depending on the needs of the client, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Psychoeducation/Parent Consultation, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Erika believes that every client comes to her with individualized strengths and interests that can be built upon in a safe environment to develop positive coping skills and techniques to heal from the past and move towards a healthier future.

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Lauren Strunk

Offering therapy in PA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello,   I am a Licensed Mental Health Counseling who has been helping young adults and teens for over 10 years.  I have worked in a variety of settings including private elementary school, public middle school and high school, as well as universities and community mental health agencies.  My experiences have provided me with a unique set of skills to be creative in my counseling approach.  I am a huge advocate of holistic wellness and therefore will work with each of my clients to assess how they are taking care of themselves and their environment in which they live, work, and play. I have a foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and often use those techniques when working with clients.   I like to meet clients where they are at to ensure that I understand their goals for therapy and work with them to achieve them for lifelong happiness.

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Laura Trubnick

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the psychiatric field for most of my life. Most of my experience has been working with clients who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. I also have specialized experience working as a sleep therapist for clients with insomnia, difficulty waking, and sleeping too much. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, and Intensive Outpatient settings. My initial goal in working with clients is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space. In doing so, a trusting and therapeutic relationship can develop so that clients can feel comfortable to explore and work on the issues they want to address. I approach each client according to their specific needs and use multiple treatment modalities to individualize each person’s therapeutic journey. Clients have shared with me that they appreciate my compassion and dedication to their needs.

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Dennis Forfa

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

When you feel like you're spinning your wheels, therapy can provide traction you need to get your life moving forward again. Therapy can help you learn how to stop struggling with creative stagnation, worry, self-doubt, lack of motivation, loneliness, homesickness, or the pain of loss. Therapy can help get you unstuck from repeated struggles with yourself and difficulties with others. In our meetings, you and I will work together to identify roadblocks that keep holding you back. I will assist you in creating permanent strategies for getting past those roadblocks, empowering you to: * Navigate life's transitions with clarity and intention * Strengthen relationships, improve communication skills, and cultivate more meaningful connections * Unleash your creativity and problem-solving abilities by exploring new perspectives, embracing your unique talents, and tapping into your deepest artistry * Embody your core values and connect with integrity and purpose * Process grief and come to peace with losses * Foster resilience and mental toughness to face challenges with determination * Explore fatherhood concerns and men's issues, so you can embrace your roles and thrive Together, we will work on unlocking your potential to build a more complete, fulfilling, dynamic, and purposeful life. I am available for live sessions (video or phone) from early morning through afternoon on weekdays. Early risers, take note! Depending on the day, I may have morning appointments available as early as 5:00 AM Pacific/6:00 AM Mountain/7:00 AM Central/8:00 AM Eastern (and sometimes even earlier). I am licensed to provide therapy when you are physically located in California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Vermont.

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Margaret Roberts

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!

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Dawn Wolf

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Masters level clinician and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (LPC) with 20+ years of professional work experience. My work experience includes diverse clients from preschool aged through young adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, anger management, emotional regulation, sensory issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience with parenting issues, ADHD related concerns and neurodiverse clients. My therapeutic approach is comprised of elements from Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Client-Centered Therapy as well as techniques based on Mindfulness and overall wellness. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is very important to me and I will seek to establish a genuine, caring therapeutic relationship with my clients. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take a lot of courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Nour Alabase

Offering therapy in PA
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoachingADHD
5 years of experience

Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life. I offer a custom approach for each of my clients. I start with understanding where you are now and the challenges you are facing. I help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and I celebrate your successes along the way. I offer an inclusive, safe space with virtual appointments to suit your schedule. Helping people live a better life is my passion. It might mean learning to set boundaries, working through a loss or life transition - it could be changing a pattern of behavior that is keeping you stuck. My goal is to help you feel better so you can live better. Contact me today we’ll get started on your journey together!

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This is Ashley (Nikki) Griffin's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley (Nikki) Griffin

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, pregnancy and birth experience, infant mental health, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Altoona

Finding the best therapist close by in Altoona can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Altoona. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Altoona, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Altoona or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Altoona area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Altoona, elsewhere in Blair, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Altoona area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Altoona therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Altoona due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Altoona may not take health insurance, some in the state of Pennsylvania may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Pennsylvania you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Altoona, Pennsylvania working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Altoona above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Altoona helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Altoona therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Altoona therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Altoona therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in PA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 16603 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Altoona counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Altoona licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Altoona, Pennsylvania can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Altoona has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Altoona.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Altoona:

16601, 16602, 16603

Popular cities near Altoona, PA

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