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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Adam Oldham

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.Ed,,LPC,NCSC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Welcome and hello! My Name is Adam and I am an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. I am also a nationally board-certified counselor (NCC) and school counselor (NCSC). I have experience working with children as young as 6 and adults as old as 76, and everything in between! For the past decade, I have worked in various settings with teens, college students, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction, relationship and family conflicts, grief and loss, and life transitions. I help people through the lens of narrative therapy, which means you and I will start our time together talking about your personal stories – the people, the places, and the experiences that make up who you are – and as time progresses, we will process the themes of these stories and how you understand the way the impact your life. I also use strategies and techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). In simple terms, most of my work has been supporting incredible people who are experiencing distressing life circumstances and transitions. I have witnessed many of these people successfully navigate these challenges and thrive through the counseling process. If you are struggling with diagnosed mental health difficulties or just a hard season of your life, I would be honored to support and help you discover healing and growth. I look forward to working with you!

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Denise Bunner

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
27 years of experience

Hello, my name is Denise. I have been a Counselor/Therapist for over 20 years. Through my years of experience, I have found that a client centered approach is often the most effective. Each client's story is unique and I want to have the opportunity to hear their story before going forward with a specific style of therapy. I listen with compassion and then review with the client the key points of their experience. The goals for treatment are then created with the client based on what they feel would be not only beneficial, but easily attainable. Counseling can be hard work, and so I want the client to feel that the goal they are working toward can be possible. All of us have heard the phrase, "these are unprecedented times." Yes, we all have been introduced to extraordinary change in the past couple of years. As a clinician, I am always searching for new ways of helping myself, my family and my community to work with the changes we are experiencing. Change is difficult for many people, but with help, I feel that each of us is capable of making whatever change is necessary to create a better tomorrow. Over the past 5 years, I have been exploring alternative ways of helping people cope with the issues that have led to anxiety, depression, sadness and grief. After reading Bessel Van Der Kolk's book "The Body Keeps The Score," I recognized that the human psyche needs to learn how to release the pain that is stored in the body. I have been taking part in the Eden Energy Medicine program and will share ways to release the pain stored in our body by sharing simple techniques that help to ground and relax the body. I often refer the members I am working with to one of Donna Eden's books that detail many of the techniques that I have been sharing with people. I encourage you to look for Donna's book, "Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body's Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality." Then contact me for questions and guidance on how to integrate these techniques into your life. I do believe that each of us can live with optimal health, joy, and vitality.

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Rachel Lackovic

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have been in the Social Work field for over 14 years and I have been doing individual, family, couples, and group therapy for several years as well. I have extensive experience working with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, marital/relationship issues, hoarding behavior, and those who are having difficulty achieving the goals they have set for themselves. I consider it a blessing that I have the opportunity to work with so many diverse people and help them to achieve whatever it is they believe will enrich their lives. My approach is person-centered, as I do not believe that I am an "expert" on any other person but myself. However, I do believe I possess some of the tools needed to help others to discover how to make the journey from illness to wellness. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as my primary approach. I am also a certified Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) group facilitator. I find that both of these approaches compliment each other well and they both allow the individual to determine the best course of action for themselves. I liken my technique to this metaphor: We are on a journey together. You are in the driver's seat, I am holding the road map. I can make suggestions on where to go or what to avoid to get to the destination you have chosen, but ultimately it is your decision where you end up. I believe that giving each individual person the opportunity to make healthy choices and take personal responsibility for his or her own health is paramount in someone's ultimate success. Yes, we all stumble and make poor choices sometimes; however, I believe that I can help to guide others in a gentle but firm way that will encourage and build upwards toward success. Working in a clinical setting, I often see how the "system" fails people. I am excited about an opportunity to do what I love to do in a different setting and overcome some of those clinical challenges. It takes a lot of courage to make the first step toward recovery and wellness. I am honored to be a helping hand in that process!

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Shania Wilkes

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC,CGCS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with 10 years of progressive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am also experienced as a grief counseling specialist and have had the pleasure of helping people navigate through issues with depression, anxiety, loss, addiction, major life changes, symptom management, relationship conflict and regaining a sense of purpose and personal empowerment. I have a background in education as well, having taught college level courses in general psychology, human growth and development and abnormal psychology. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating my own life experiences and a variety of relevant therapeutic principles and techniques in a way that is tailored specifically to the needs of each individual client. Though techniques and interventions may vary by client, they are consistently fueled by a person-centered and humanistic therapeutic orientation, as I believe it is my role to provide a safe a secure space for you to grow through whatever barrier you are facing, while tapping into and further developing your own innate strengths and uniqueness. You are the expert, I’m only here to help. I like to call my therapeutic approach and personal style “carefrontational,” where I like to confront problematic issues honestly and straightforward with care and compassion. We are not our problem, but how we manage our problems can certainly shape the way we view ourselves. Overall, I’m here to help you find better ways to manage life’s problems and walk away with a renewed sense of peace, self-acceptance and resolve that allows you to fully embrace and appreciate the value behind being you. We all have a story and while I may not have experienced all of the situations you bring to the table first hand in my own life, I am confident that I have dealt with the range of emotions you may be feeling and have worked hard myself at learning ways to acknowledge, understand, express and validate those feelings. It is my belief that with the right support and a healthy alliance, you can make a change for the better and see the beauty in what life actually has to offer. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

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Amy Conwell

Offering therapy in PA
License: MAC, CAADC, LPC
AddictionsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I use experiential techniques to help you recognize the destructive patterns of behavior that may be causing conflict in your life. By teaching you to expose the lineage of self-sabotaging patterns, you will learn to accept them as part of your brilliant landscape. Through this work you will release yourself from the binds that hold you hostage and become truly free to embrace your authentic self. I am a spiritual adventurer who employs humor, compassion and to help you realize you are and have always been, “ENOUGH.” Allow me to support and guide your inner journey of self discovery toward becoming authentically human, and through this process your enlightened being will shine. I have been working in the field of addictions, counseling, and pattern releasing for over 28 years. I have designed my programs to assist individuals to take a deep dive into self-discovery. My approach is compassionate and direct. I utilize several techniques to help open the process such as exploring family dynamics, and relationships through generational patterning, systemic work, family constellation, Field constellation, 12-Step practice, yoga, meditation, eclectic spiritual paths, and lots of humor.

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Jessica Yetto

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC,CPR,Jessica Yetto
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA. I have been in the field over twenty years. I obtained my MA in Counseling in 2004. For the past seven years I have been working in a jail. I deal with patients with significant mental health diagnosis. I evaluate for suicide ideation, complete intakes and provide crisis intervention. I work with the officers to help understand the patients with mental health. As well as provide as needed counseling to officers that find a completed suicide. Prior to that I worked in a transitional housing program that also served people with significant mental health diagnosis. I have also worked as a mobile therapist, behavioral specialist consultant and was supervisor of a family support program. Due to the environment I currently work in I mainly utilize a solution-based focus therapy. Besides the patients with severe mental health, there are numerous patients with increased anxiety and depression. It is very focused on appropriate coping skills for the situation. I collaborate regularly with the CRNP and PA to address medication and physical concerns. I would enjoy the change of meeting with people outside of the jail setting. The therapy I can do there is limited, I would like to be able to expand more and work with a more diverse population of patients/clients.

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Dr. Sharon Young

Offering therapy in PA
License: PhD
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania with over twenty years of experience practicing psychotherapy. I earned a doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology from Georgia State University. I have worked with clients of various ages (e.g., children to older adults) in a variety of settings (e.g., outpatient community mental health and health centers; outpatient private practices; inpatient units of private and public hospitals; a state psychiatric hospital; and a university counseling center). In addition, I have worked with clients experiencing a wide variety of psychological challenges and concerns, including: mood disorders (depression and bipolar); anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety; obsessive-compulsive disorder; and panic disorder); psychotic disorders; attentional difficulties; impulse control and behavioral problems; substance use and misuse problems; and problems associated with significant stress and trauma (acute-, post-, and complex post-traumatic stress disorders). Additionally, I have assisted clients in targeting specific behaviors, including persistent suicidal ideation or acts of self-harm. I have also assisted people in working on life issues and challenges, such as: grief; shame; adjustment difficulties; stress related to employment, education, or relationships; relationship difficulties; parenting challenges; self-esteem issues; problems related to identity; and experiences of imposter phenomenon. While I view clients' difficulties and the therapy process through the lens of psychodynamic theory, my therapy style (or how I am "in the room") is warm, collaborative, empathic, and client centered. I work hard to be present, listen attentively, and understand a client's experience from his/her/their perspective. Also, I utilize techniques and strategies from various psychotherapies, including: cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based-cognitive-behavioral, dialectal-behavioral, compassion-focused, emotion-focused, narrative, and humanistic-existential therapies. I view clients as experts of their experience and work collaboratively on goals established for making psychological changes to improve their lives. You're brave in seeking therapy to explore making constructive changes in your life. I look forward to working with you in this endeavor!

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Kristy Ajax

Offering therapy in PA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in the states of Georgia and Pennsylvania with several years of professional clinical experience. I assist clients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, thought disorders, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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. Meaning your therapy space is client centered and client led. Session will include talk therapy, behavioral modification, mindfulness , and general health and wellness. My approach will assist you with change in mindset and behavior. I am here to help you as you move towards your progress. I look forward to encouraging you as you develop the areas of your life that are most important for you.

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Keith Medley

Offering therapy in PA
Trauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My therapy style is warm and understanding. Your story matters to me and I will take care to find the key points of your story that will help in a therapeutic setting. My clients describe me as warm, authentic and solution oriented. I do this by helping you find the better version of your self. I attribute my my therapy style from my 23 years in the Navy, my 30 years of marriage, and raising two children (27, 22) that has been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder. I approach my clients with the same empathy and care that I show my family. I stand ready to help and support you during you therapeutic journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Winifred (Winnie) Nagle

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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.

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 16602 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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

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