Life can feel like a rose. It can be beautiful to look at, but if you're holding it, it’s a challenge for you to do so without being pricked or without you dropping it. There is a way to handle a rose, just as there is a way for you to handle life, and a counselor based in Lancaster can help you. 

Lancaster is known as the Red Rose City. In life, you can sometimes feel like you're being poked by the rose, but there is hope. A counselor can help you grab life by the thorny parts and tear them off, leaving the beauty behind. 

This is Paulette Chobot's avatar and link to their profile

Paulette Chobot

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS, NCC, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
30 years of experience

Hi, My name is Paulette Chobot. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have thirty years of experience in the behavioral health field. I specialize in individual, group, and family therapy. My approach to therapy is from humanistic experience. Each person has their own life experience and has a right to live life in their own way. My goal is to gently assist moving through any emotional discomfort to healing and change. We will work together to navigate the challenges or obstacles that may be in your way to healing and change. I will be fully present while each step is taken with purpose and intent towards healing. My therapeutic experience is diverse. I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with many different populations over the years. For 30 years, I have worked with children and teens with emotional and behavioral disturbances, autism, as well as those diagnosed with mental illnesses. For 25 years, I have worked with adults overcoming drug and/or alcohol addiction, victims of domestic violence, and adults with diagnosed mental illness. For 10 years, I have performed executive and professional coaching. I look forward to working with you to navigate whatever difficulties you are facing at this time.

Get started View profile
This is Ashley Hershberger's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Hershberger

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am an Licensed Professional Counselor in PA, with a focus in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. I enjoy working with a wide age range of clients. As a therapist I take a holistic approach to counseling, focusing on wellness, mind body connection, building self esteem, building healthy expressions of self, and overall mental health. I am also a CTRS who enjoys working on the effects of recreation on building healthy lifestyles and communication. I have my Master's in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. I am presently working on my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Get started View profile
This is Georgette Ventura's avatar and link to their profile

Georgette Ventura

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
36 years of experience

I am a Licensed Psychologist in PA. I have worked in the mental health field since 1986 and have been in private practice since 1992. I have worked with many and varied individuals and families during these years. My early training was in Structural Family Therapy and I continue to seek to understand the role the family system plays, and has played, in each client's current life challenges. I strive always to meet the client where they are in their current situation so that I can begin to understand their needs and goals in seeking treatment. As I learn more about a client and their situation, we can then determine together what treatment modality would best fit their needs and proceed from there. When clients are not quite sure how to express these needs and concerns, the first goal is then to determine what is causing the current distress and what can be done to resolve it. Again, meeting the client where they are in the moment and walking with them through the resolution of any underlying issues is the primary goal of all treatment. Therapy can be very difficult at times and some sessions are more difficult than others. I can't guarantee that you will leave each session "feeling good" or even "feeling better" as there are often tough things to address. However, it is important to note that this is also a critical part of the therapy. Even in tougher therapeutic times, I will continue to provide support and encouragement to you. So, welcome aboard Better Help! I hope I can make your life easier in some way.

Get started View profile
This is Dawneisha Spratley's avatar and link to their profile

Dawneisha Spratley

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS, LBS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 20 years experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, social conflicts, PTSD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical & emotional abuse. My therapy style is diverse and engaging. I value treating everyone with dignity, kindness, and am sensitive to their needs. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, eco systemic, humanistic, play, and trauma focused therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is not always easy to reach out for support and It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. It takes commitment to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to help. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Theresa Bradbury's avatar and link to their profile

Theresa Bradbury

Offering therapy in PA
Trauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoachingADHD
26 years of experience

I am a Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist. Over the past 25 years, I have provided mental health services and support to children and their families, helping clients gain control over emotional and behavioral dysregulation and learning difficulties. I worked for over a decade on the child and adolescent units of a psychiatric hospital. As the educational consultant, I assessed children carrying a variety of diagnoses including ADD, ODD, Tourettes Disorder, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Anorexia, Depression, OCD and others. Unique IEP's or 504 Plans were developed for students before their return to their home schools. I also worked in the public school sector as a school psychologist for twelve years in Pittsburgh, PA and for five years since moving to the west coast. I have administered and interpreted hundreds of psychoeducational tests over the years and while in person assessments are on hold during the pandemic, families may have questions about their child's school progress. My experience in both the medical and educational systems allowed me to gain a unique understanding of school systems from an educational and legal perspective as well as expertise in the the development and monitoring of a successful IEP. In private practice, my areas of advanced study include PTSD, Anger Management, Depression, and ADHD in both children and adults. The pandemic has affected all if us in ways we may not yet fully understand. And now we are all dealing with inflation and the related financial concerns. If you feel the need for support, this would be a good time to call.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. James Supplee's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Supplee

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 30 some years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is DiSheena Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

DiSheena Thomas

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf 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, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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.

Get started View profile
This is Susan "Suzie" Chaleby's avatar and link to their profile

Susan "Suzie" Chaleby

Offering therapy in PA
LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

Please call me Suzie! **Right now I’m only offering services via live chat and messaging so if that’s your thing, we will likely be a good match.** Welcome to Better Help! I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you. I'm a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience with over 10 years as a licensed therapist. During times like these, it’s understandable that you’re looking for guidance and support. I'm best characterized by my ability to validate, affirm, be supportive and sometimes use humor to build rapport, soften tension or to just "break the ice!" I’m experienced in helping clients of all ages in all populations with trauma, abuse, low self esteem, LGBTQ+ related issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD/other neurodivergencies, school related issues, work place conflict and much more. My approach is person-centered which means I strive for an experience that is nonjudgmental, empathetic, reflective, and validating with the use of open ended questions to obtain an understanding of your life and the challenges you are experiencing. By empathetically understanding your unique challenges, we can work together in a collaborative and goal-driven manner to tackle the problems you're facing. I believe you are the driver on this road of healing, Allow me to be the passenger so I can help guide you on your journey.

Get started View profile
This is Mabel Castro's avatar and link to their profile

Mabel Castro

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the states of Florida, New Jersey, District of Columbia and Utah. The clients I work with are full of diversity and have a variety of issues in their day to day lives. Together, we overcome relational turmoil, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I love helping my clients heal through trauma, pain and/or negative thoughts - that’s why I named my practice Meraki Therapy. The word Meraki means to place creativity, soul and passion in what you do - I believe that is the beauty of what we do in therapy. The first couple sessions, you can expect us to dive into the root of what is getting in the way of your happiness. I take pride in being non-judgmental and easy to talk to this way you can feel comfortable in sharing your story. My therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which means you can expect to complete homework assignments focusing on your inner-self. At the moment, I am available for telehealth sessions including phone and live chats. I am very flexible in my responses and get back to you within 24 hours. It's important keep transparent communication with each other in order to build a strong therapeutic alliance.

Get started View profile
This is Michele Manyko-Baranowski's avatar and link to their profile

Michele Manyko-Baranowski

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Lancaster

Finding the best therapist close by in Lancaster 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, elsewhere in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 17607 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, 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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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

17601, 17602, 17603, 17604, 17605, 17607, 17608, 17622, 17699

Popular cities near Lancaster, PA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist