Finding the right therapist in Altoona, PA can feel more manageable when care fits real life. If anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD have been weighing on you, working with a licensed therapist may help. People looking for counseling in Altoona often want options that are easier to start and simpler to fit around work, school, or family life, and online therapy can help reduce those barriers across this part of Blair County and nearby communities like Hollidaysburg and Duncansville. You also do not need to be in crisis to find a therapist in Altoona, PA—many people start during stressful seasons, relationship strain, or major life changes.
For those exploring online therapy in Pennsylvania, BetterHelp connects adults with licensed professionals, including providers using approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible clients' average copay is $23. With more than 30,000 qualified providers worldwide and matching that meets 93% of user preferences*, it can be a practical way for people in Altoona to get support from home.
Dr. Stella Diai
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The primary focus of my practice is to help my clients to reach their potentials. I have been privileged to work in the helping profession for the past fifteen years. I believe that the entire process begins by identifying those stumbling blocks in the lives of the individuals that prevented them from achieving their desired goals. I maintain a high level of openness with my clients having realized over the year that what matters most in therapy is the client /therapist relationship. I truly believe that it is the relationship that heals. My practice incorporates the client-centered, non-directive approach, the cognitive behavior approach and the eclectic approach with the understanding that every individual is unique and should be treated as an individual. The use of compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are the core elements of treatment in my practice. I specialize in psychotherapy with individuals of all ages with various mental health diagnoses and behavioral issues. I have extensive experience working with families and children. Additionally, I run Anger management courses. I look forward to working with you.
Shasha Jones
“Life is 90% perception and 10% truth. I strive to show individuals that perceived major problems are just actually little situations that can be mastered step by step, if we change our perception. If I can get you to clean the mirror before looking in it...then you are fulfilled and thus I am too.” Philosophy: SHASHA D JONES, MS, LPC, NCC, CPRP, CBIS is the CEO of Regal CommUNITY Consultants, LLC (RCC) and the CEO/Founder of Outside the Box Strategies, LLC (OTBS) providing HCBS Waiver Agency Program and Therapeutic/Counseling Services. Ms. Jones is a graduate of Delaware County Community College with an Associates Degree in Behavioral Science, a graduate of LaSalle University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology. She also is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), certified in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). Ms. Jones is also licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Ms. Jones has been employed in the Customer Relations and Accounting/Finance field for over 15 years. She has held various positions in this field such as: Customer Relations Supervisor Negotiation Specialist Financial Credit Manager Accounts Receivable/Payable Representative Corporate/Business to Business Collections Officer She is also a Veteran of the United States Air Force, with an honorable discharge, having served over 8 years where she has specialized in Command and Control, Operations Resource Management, and Aircrew Life Support (including Survival Specialist Re-certification Trainer). Ms. Jones has also worked in the Mental Health field for over 10 years. She has held various positions in this field such as: Residential Aid Direct Care Worker Case Manager State Compliance Representative-PA 6400 Regulations (Community Homes For Individuals With An Intellectual Disability) Government Constituent Services Representative Recovery Guide Drug and Alcohol Counselor Outpatient Therapist (IOP/OP) Mobile Therapist Psychotherapist Behavioral Specialist Consultant Brain Injury Cognitive Therapist Vocational Therapist Ms. Jones has extensive and verified experience providing services to the following populations: Children (3 to 11) Adolescents (12 to 19) Adults (20 to 65) Geriatric (65+) Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR) Veterans Vocational Sex offenders and victims Addictions (substances, eating, gambling) Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups Ms. Jones has specialized in working with individuals that are diagnosed with: ADHD, ODD, CD, IDD, OCD Bi-Polar Disorder I/II, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD Adjustment Disorder, Trauma (Women and Men), Bereavement Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Gambling Disorders, Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring), Relationship Conflict, Suicide Ideation Sexuality (Gender Dysmorphic, Identity, Heterosexual, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender/Gender Nonconforming, School and Academic problems, Vocational/Career issues, and Self Esteem issues Ms. Jones uses the following types of treatment approaches sometimes in combination to fit the individual receiving therapy: Rehabilitation, Cognitive, and or Behavioral interventions; Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Ms. Jones also uses stories, metaphors, modeling, humor, normalizing, and only when and if assessed beneficial to the client, self-disclosure strategies to enable her clients to enrich their lives to live life to the fullest. Ms. Jones seeks to help individuals focus on their strengths instead of focusing on their perceived weaknesses and or diagnosis(es) that they may have been “labeled” with during their life. She believes that no one is their weakness. Instead, the strengths of a person are truly who they are. She seeks to help individuals increase their resilience to traumas, disabilities, and negative life situations by helping them to recover and maintain their ability to live fulfilling lives. Ms. Jones implements the teaching and use of positive coping skills to deal and cope with the everyday stresses of daily life. In addition, she has a knack of helping individuals challenge their automatic negative thoughts, feelings, and thus maladaptive behaviors. She helps to facilitate individuals in recognizing insight into the "stage of change." that individuals are in. Ms. Jones helps to facilitate the insight of the thoughts and feelings and turn into positive action plans. She appreciates who they are and what they want out of life and how to implement wants into positive changes. Ms. Jones has extensive knowledge and experience with: 55 PA code Chapter 6400 Regulations, 55 PA Code Chapter 5100 regulations, 55 PA code Chapter 3800 Regulations, 55 PA Code Chapter 1101 Regulations , Title 49 Pa Code Chapter 41, 17, 47, 48,49 CBH/DBH/Magellan policies and procedures The Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Work Daily, monthly, and quarterly progress note documentation Behavioral Support Plans (BSP), Treatment Plans, Individual Support Plans (ISP), screening, intakes and creating Bio/Psycho/Social assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), Illness Management Medication management, case conceptualizations, outreach, consultation Crisis Intervention and Crisis Intervention Plans (CIP), involuntary/voluntary commitments to hospitals, implementing assessments, referrals, resources for community integration at low to no cost Assessing Level of Care (LOC) and Pennsylvania Client Placement Criteria (PCPC) Ms. Jones is skilled at gathering, formulating and producing quantitative and qualitative data for any agencies involved with the participants care. Observation tools/charts, data, graphs, percentages, case conceptualizations, and narratives are all part of the documentation process to assess progress, regression, stagnation, and or changes needed in the individual’s goals and objectives. She has documented history of utilization of quantitative outcome measurements not only to evaluate clients, but also to evaluate her quality and effectiveness of services rendered, and of employee/staff members quality and effectiveness of services rendered with clients. She encourages and incorporates collaboration of family members, peers, and other provider services that is necessary to provide the upmost effective continuity of care for the client.
Dr. Victor Manocchio
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (PA) with more than has more than 25 years of experience as a Mental Health Therapist. I hold a Doctorate of Social Work, which was completed in October 2019. I treat children, adults, and families - specializing in trauma, anxiety, autism, and substance abuse from a strengths perspective. I have over 200 hours of specialized training in treating trauma and abuse, with completed certifications in autism, as well as substance abuse. I have helped many patients with many concerns over the past 25 years. I treat from a holistic approach - body, mind, and spirit. Research states that treatment should include physical, mental, emotional, culture, religion, spirituality, and everything that makes you who you are. "Holistic" has become somewhat of a buzzword. Let me describe what holistic means to me. It means that counseling will not fix a thyroid problem. Holistic means that a problem in one area of your life will affect every area of your life. For example, let's talk about depression. Sometimes, people do not have depression. Instead, they might need to work at forgiving themselves or someone else; or maybe they just need hope that life will get better. Alternatively, they might have an underlying medical condition. Sometimes, we just need help to grieve the loss of a dearly loved person or a beloved animal. I help people to find healthy coping skills, people to trust, and ways to live life to the fullest. Be at Peace, Dr. Vic (he/ him) Dr. Victor John Manocchio, II, DSW, LCSW License PA- CW014668; NY – 090111 NPI 1487828554
Deborah Kulp
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has had the privilege of gaining experience in a variety of counseling settings. I offer individual and family counseling. I provide a holistic approach to counseling by addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. I approach therapy in a very integrative, client-centered manner to ensure the highest quality care is provided. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques to include cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-informed, mindfulness, and more. I promote growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere so that you feel heard, validated, and empowered.
Irina Sundukova
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, & anger management. 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.
Catherine Edwards
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of professional work experience. I work with Individuals, Couples, and Family groups. I specialize in helping clients navigate through stress and anxiety, and in healing from trauma and abuse. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. I believe the answers we seek are often found within the very question that challenges you, and that focussing on strong moral values can offer new perspective to personal strengths and the ability to self advocate. Still, It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If finding a heart at peace, and a voice to speak, is your destination; I am here to support & empower you in The Journey Through.
Quiana Watson
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Stephen Geibel
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Erin Ridley
As a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, social fears, and trauma recovery. I specialize in creating affirming, compassionate spaces where individuals can explore their inner experiences and cultivate deeper self-understanding. My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that honor each person's unique journey. I'm particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and those seeking a progressive, non-religious therapeutic environment. Through collaborative, strengths-based counseling, I help clients develop resilience, build self-compassion, and create meaningful pathways toward healing and personal growth. I believe in meeting each person exactly where they are, offering gentle guidance and unwavering support as we work together to transform challenges into opportunities for profound personal transformation.
Jennifer Kalligonis
I'm a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. Throughout my career, I've worked with clients across the lifespan—from young adults navigating early adulthood to older adults coping with the reality of retirement. I specialize in helping people manage stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships, and build confidence in themselves and their abilities. I'm particularly passionate about supporting college students of all ages who are navigating the transition to college whether they are traditionally aged students or have taken time off while working or caring for their families. Assisting college students experiencing academic setbacks is a speciality of mine as well. I also enjoy working with individuals through midlife transitions, caregiving responsibilities, and questions about life purpose and meaning. My approach centers on improving communication, fostering self-awareness, and helping you develop practical coping strategies tailored to your unique situation. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to clarify your values, address what's holding you back, and move toward a more fulfilling life. I'm honored to support you on your journey, and I'm here to help you navigate whatever brings you to therapy with compassion and genuine care.
Majeeda Muhammad Solivan
As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication skills, and overcome challenges like social anxiety and feelings of isolation. I'm passionate about guiding people toward understanding their life purpose and healing through compassionate, personalized therapeutic strategies. My practice focuses on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, build meaningful connections, and develop resilience. I believe in empowering individuals to transform challenging experiences into opportunities for self-discovery and emotional healing. Whether you're struggling with social interactions, seeking deeper self-understanding, or working to overcome personal barriers, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Jessica Philippi
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience helping adolescence, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges. I’ve always been drawn to helping people in meaningful ways. I initially planned to become an art teacher, but I quickly realized I wanted to work more personally and one-on-one with individuals. That path led me to Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I found my passion for supporting people through healing and growth, using art. I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care. I draw from person-centered, Art Therapy approached, DBT/CBT, trauma-informed approaches, and solution-focused strategies to create a supportive space where you feel heard and accepted. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can show up as you are. Clients often describe me as approachable, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I believe therapy is a partnership, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you work toward healing, clarity, and meaningful change.
Alysia Kirk
I'm a therapist with years of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions and struggles. Throughout my career, I've worked with clients across the lifespan—from young adults navigating focus and purpose, to midlife transitions, to older adults facing aging and life changes. I specialize in helping people work through anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, and the emotional toll of major life events. I'm particularly skilled at supporting those managing mood disorders, panic, social anxiety, and the unique challenges of caregiving. I also have deep experience with ADHD, compassion fatigue and women's issues. My approach is grounded in compassion and genuine connection. I believe that healing happens when you feel truly heard and understood. I work collaboratively with each person to build coping skills, improve communication, and reconnect with a sense of purpose and self-love. Whether you're facing workplace stress, relationship challenges, isolation, feeling unfocused or simply feeling lost, I'm here to help you find clarity and move forward with confidence and resilience.
Zora Wesley
I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complexities with warmth, authenticity, and cultural awareness. My work centers on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, and the relational challenges that often accompany them, including family dynamics, communication struggles, and commitment concerns. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and bring particular expertise to issues around identity, sexuality, self-esteem, and body image. I'm also passionate about addressing the intersecting challenges many face, including experiences of prejudice, discrimination, and multicultural concerns. Whether you're working through guilt and shame, social anxiety, workplace stress, or family-of-origin wounds, I'm here to support your journey. My approach is grounded in affirming your authentic self and helping you build meaningful connections with others and with yourself. I believe in creating a space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered to grow at your own pace. I'm honored to walk alongside you as you work toward greater self-love, clarity, and peace.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Finding a therapist near you in Altoona, Pennsylvania starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Pennsylvania is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Pennsylvania, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Pennsylvania, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Pennsylvania
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Pennsylvania, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Pennsylvania
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Pennsylvania
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Pennsylvania through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Pennsylvania
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Pennsylvania, including residents in Altoona.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Pennsylvania do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Altoona and the surrounding PA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.