Lauren Pauling
Lauren Pauling is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the counseling field since 2008. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Millersville University in 2011, her Masters in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University in 2013, and her LPC license in 2016. Lauren has worked in almost every level of care, starting out her career as a therapeutic support staff, working as a behavioral specialist and mobile therapist, a school-based therapist, a therapist at an inpatient hospital and partial hospitalization program, and most recently an outpatient therapist. She has been an outpatient therapist for the past 5+ years and enjoys the 1:1 dynamic, getting to build rapport and having the opportunity to work towards meeting treatment goals. Lauren is trauma certified and has experience running a Women’s Trauma Group for the past few years, working with women over the age of 18 who have experienced trauma/painful experiences. Though, she has worked with all ages in an individual setting to address trauma/painful experiences. She also has experience in providing short-term counseling (EAP services). Lauren's style is flexible to meet the client's personality and treatment needs. She is able to adapt effective interventions to meet the client where they are at. She is excellent at building rapport because she truly cares about the person seeking help and recognizes that that is not an easy step. She utilizes talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, distress tolerance skills, interpersonal relationship skills, communication and coping skill-building techniques, and psychoeducation. Lauren likes to focus on goal-setting, problem-solving, self-care and self-compassion as these components are crucial to successfully meeting treatment goals and having ongoing mental/cognitive/social/physical/emotional wellness.
Dr. Tayibah Bemiah
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 5 years of experience working as a School Psychologist and Therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered and motivational interviewing during counseling. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique needs and specific goals. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you through the process. I look forward to working with you!
Vanity Ray
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania and Delaware with over 18 years of experience serving in a variety of therapeutic settings including out-patient clinics, residential treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and in homes. I have experience with children, adolescents, families, couples, individuals living with chronic health conditions and those who have experienced grief & loss. I like to take a Client Centered/Strengths Based approach to therapy. While I prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic techniques, I understand that the therapeutic process should be uniquely tailored to the individual and a variety of therapy models may be needed to achieve client success. Choosing a therapist is a big step and it is my objective to build a positive rapport, inspire trust and work with you towards goal achievement.
Eileen Bauer
Do you feel lost on your path? Our life's journey is not always as clear as we would like it to be. We find ourselves in doubt and unsure - sometimes about work or family life or our romantic relationships. You realize that life seems off balance and wonder how to fix things.As we hurry through life fulfilling multiple roles, we can lose touch with our authentic Self and symptoms of depression may appear. Valleys are a natural part of everyone's life but you do not need to suffer through these alone. As you reach out for help you will come to realize that it is during these time exactly, when we grow the most - find your balance, and find your path. I will be here for you, to listen and give you the safe space to figure things out.
Donna Bolinger
I am a licenced clinical social worker providing individual therapy in Maryland and Pennsylvania. I have 25 years of experience working with individuals facing a wide range of issues and stressors including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, family issues, life challenges and healthy adjustment to life changes. I have extensive experience working with the aging population, caregivers, chronic and debilitating illness, and death and dying. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, warmth, compassion and understanding. I believe a person is much more than a category or label and use a strengths based approach with multi-modal forms of therapy. I will work in collaboration with you to identify your goals and treatment needs and believe in open and honest dialogue that will empower you and assist you in meeting your goals. It takes courage to face changes and challenges and I am here to support you. Donna Bolinger, LCSW-C
Dean Moyer
I offer an individualized approach in counseling my clients. I am collaborative, eclectic, and pragmatic in my approach using a client-centered, strengths-based, solution-focused framework. I will use the therapeutic methods that work best for you. I have been honored to share many people’s lives and experiences in my more than 30 years working in this field and have continued to be reminded of our ability to be resilient and grow through difficult and overwhelming circumstances. One of the many things I’ve had the privilege to learn in doing this work is that when we accept our experiences and learn from them, we can obtain clarity and value from all experience. I have worked with clients and families with diverse origins on a variety of concerns and many have shared that they find me to be warm, supportive and easy to talk to. Some of the techniques I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). I specialize in anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and family/relationship issues. It would be my honor to share my training and experience with you in hope that our collaboration will help you experience a richer fuller life. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) SPECIALTIES • Stress, Anxiety • Addictions • Relationship issues • Self esteem • Depression • Family conflicts • Parenting issues • life changes • Compassion fatigue • Mood Disorders • ADHD
Jessica McMahon
You have chosen to take the first step in seeking out a mental health professional. Whether you are struggling to manage your emotions, experiencing the stresses of parenthood, or having difficulty coping with emotions and negative thoughts, I am here to help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 12 years of experience. I have worked with teens and adults on the Autism spectrum, clients dealing with mood and anxiety disorders, college students, and parents in all stages of their journey. My counseling style is warm and non-judgmental. I believe in meeting you "where you are at" and that therapy should be a collaborative approach, with you as the expert on your life. We will work together to create goals and process through challenges. I look forward to working with you!
Alyssa Rimer
I am licensed in Ohio and Pennsylvania with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. I have worked with children as young as 2 years of age and have also worked with teens, young adults and older adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe in meeting my clients where they are at in their healing process. I enjoy utilizing worksheets, reading, journaling, role playing, and humor to explore emotions and experiences. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Susanne Walsh Felizzi
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Jessica Heitzer
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find counseling in Birmingham
Finding the best therapist close by in Birmingham 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, elsewhere in Huntingdon, 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 Birmingham area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 16686 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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.
Birmingham 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Birmingham:
16686