If you’re navigating issues like low self-esteem, mood disorders (like anxiety or depression), or you just want to work on being more at peace in the present moment, psychotherapy may be worth trying. 

When you’re searching for the right therapist, Altoona, PA has a range of options to consider. For example, if you’re looking for preventative mental health services to improve your wellbeing, you might want to consider counseling psychology services at an outpatient counseling clinic like Blair Family Solutions—which is in Altoona, PA, 16602. This clinic offers both psychology and psychiatry services (psychiatrists are medical Drs. who specialize in mental health). In contrast, people who want to address family conflict and are interested in faith-based services may want to try family counseling at a clinic like the Christian Counseling Associates. 

Many people prefer online therapy services to in-person therapy, because it’s typically more affordable and it’s easier to schedule sessions at a time that’s convenient for you. Additionally, while in-person therapists often have long waiting lists, most people using online therapy services are matched with a licensed provider within 48 hours. 

The licensed mental health professionals listed below all provide online therapy services in Altoona, Pennsylvania. You can read through their profiles to learn more about each therapist’s background, professional experiences, and licensing information. On their profiles, you’ll also find client reviews, which highlight how these therapists can help you achieve your mental health goals.   

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Jill Ott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionADHD
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in the states of Florida and Pennsylvania. To see my other certifications, please refer to my bio. I live in Florida and have over 25+ years of experience in both the mental health and the medical professions. I have worked in private practice as well as hospital and outpatient settings over the years and have experience with depression, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, career related issues, medical and chronic pain issues, eating disorders and addictions. I have not met a client that I haven't enjoyed working with. My career goal has always been to be a therapist-it's just who I am. I am comfortable utilizing many different approaches depending upon the individual and their presenting issue. Some of those include: Cognitive Behavioral; Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT); Humanistic; Psychodynamic: Behavioral; Solution-Focused or Brief therapy; or Trauma based to name, but a few. The most important thing for me though, is to gain your trust. If you aren't comfortable talking with me and don't feel like I understand you, it doesn't matter what approach I use or what credentials I have, it's not going to work for you. So, the main thing I do in the beginning is to take a little time to build trust between us so you feel that this is a safe space. I am very open and honest and I strongly encourage that with everyone I work with. All feedback is welcome. That is important to me. In my spare time, I'm an artist and I paint when I find time. I do local art shows and commission work. I've taught art in the local elementary school for their special projects during the years. And in a previous life, I've been a musician and have taught music lessons both privately as well as in middle school. I write a mental health blog that you can look up at www.themoodswing.blog and get either information or some humor depending on the subject and my mood when I'm writing. I have been rather absent from it for awhile due to life's ups and downs, but I hope to return soon. I look forward to meeting you and working together to find a solution that is helpful for you.

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Julie Guido

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
28 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! I'm glad you're here. You have taken the first step toward changing what doesn't work for you. That takes guts. With hard work and a bit of humor I would be happy to help you find ways around any obstacles in your path. If there is anything I have learned in the 28 years that I have been doing this therapy thing, it's that life is unpredictable and demands some flexibility from us at times. Asking for help is so important, no matter your age, intelligence level or socioeconomic status. Pain and discomfort do not discriminate. My approach to therapy is rather eclectic. I am disciplined in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, which work on goals and ways to achieve them from short term to long term. This works well for people who like to see their progress ongoing. Because I am a Clinical Social Worker, I have been taught to see the whole, big picture in a person's life. Family of origin (Systems) therapy includes genograms which help build an understanding of how individuals become who they are today. We learn coping skills (or lack of), conflict styles, roles we've adopted, mannerisms, prejudices, etc. from our adoptive families and/or our families of origin; not to mention what we've been given in our genetics. I can help you explore this area. which can be an important tool in your understanding of yourself and/or partners and extended family members. I have a long, successful track record spent helping individuals, couples and families better communicate, work through conflict resolution and work toward being their best selves. From working with parents with infertility to getting to the core of a person's unknown sadness takes honesty with someone you feel safe with . This can take time, but it's worth all the effort. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get right to a problem and work through it. Anxiety and depression combined with difficult circumstances make for some very uncomfortable feelings and behaviors. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Like addiction, trauma stunts a persons' emotional growth making it difficult to cope with discomfort. I have a great deal of experience helping people grow this part of themselves that is so often neglected. I'd like to help you realize that you're never quite as alone in this world as you may think. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have worked in private practice for the majority of my 28 years; however, have also worked in psych hospitals, residential treatment centers and outpatient mental health centers . Age groups span from 8 to 86. With regard to availability I check and respond to messages at least twice daily Monday through Friday and once or twice on weekends. I also offer live chat and video sessions on select days/evenings. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to get started on your new path forward.

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Benjamin Shoch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
LGBTTrauma and abuseGrief
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi I'm Ben. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I have been a counselor since I graduated from school in 2015. I have worked with children experiencing behavioral problems, teenagers and adults with substance use disorders, and people of all ages with concerns related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, developmental trauma, and OCD. I have worked as a counselor in an outpatient mental health agency, outpatient drug and alcohol clinic, university, and outpatient private practice. I have particular interest in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people experiencing problems related to drugs and alcohol. My counseling style is eclectic. I use a variety of counseling techniques and approaches when I am working with a client. The approach I take and techniques I use depend on what the client needs and what is the best fit for them. Some of the techniques I frequently utilize come from Experiential, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Person-Centered Therapy. I am a very easy-going person. I am very approachable and easy to talk to. I have a good sense of humor and use this in my work with client's when appropriate. I look forward to meeting you if you decide to have me as your therapist.

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Sarah Matas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to find out more about me. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families manage life’s transitions. I received a Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and have worked primarily in the world of hospice, medical home care and long-term care, visiting clients’ homes to help navigate chronic health issues, stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss and caregiver burnout. My approach to therapy is to start in the here and now and to focus on my client’s strengths. I strongly believe that all of us, as individuals, are doing the very best we can with the tools we have on hand. Lasting change can and does occur when we develop new tools, new ways of seeing ourselves and new ways of interpreting the world around us. I take a humanistic approach to my work and recognize that each client is the real expert in this work we call therapy. My job is simply to understand, to show genuine, heartfelt concern and to empower each client to grow and change in the ways they envision. I also believe that our thoughts are powerful motivating forces but can also serve to de-motivate us. Have you ever experienced feeling sad or lonely because of the way you thought about something, only to later find out that your thinking was distorted? How crucial it is to uncover our dysfunctional thoughts! Being a social worker is who I am, not something I do. Over the course of my life I’ve been a mother, including a stint as a single mom, a grandmother, a colleague, a boss and a caregiver and I know that I can help you get to that “better place” you envision for yourself.

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Kristin Rinehart

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): MSW LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello my name is Kristin Rinehart. I am excited to offer counseling through BetterHelp because it gives access to counseling in different ways that traditional counseling does not. Reaching out for help for your health and wellness is so important and can be difficult to do for the first time. Good job for considering putting time into your self. Just a little about me: I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Otterbein College and Master of Social Work degree from The University of Pittsburgh. I have been a licensed independent social worker for 30 years. I am licensed in the state of Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. I am passionate about treating clients of all ages struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management and life transitions. I find helping others achieve peace and happiness to be the most rewarding part of the social work profession. I have worked in settings such as community mental health, crisis residential treatment, crisis intervention, school based counseling and integrated behavioral health in a Federally Qualified Health Center. My therapy style includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Time Line Therapy, Strength and Faith based approaches. I believe the most important aspect of a therapeutic relationship is for my clients to know they have someone on their team encouraging them to move beyond the past, live in the present while working toward reaching goals for the future. I am available for messaging, live chat and phone appointments at this time. I prefer to schedule directly with my clients so they get the appointment day and time that works best for their schedule. Video is provided as requested.

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Seleena Lindsey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): MA,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a nationally certified licensed professional counselor with a passion to journey alongside clients in their discovery and movement towards hope and healing. My approach to treatment is integrative and holistic in nature. I utilize multiple theoretic foundational approaches in therapy to best fit the healing needs of the client with respect to individuality and culture. This includes incorporating strength based and trauma informed principles to a variety of treatment modalities such as acceptance commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, client-centered therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and motivational interviewing. I work with clients to manage a broad range of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety and adjustment, depression, anger management, mood management, bipolar, attention and focus, stress management, improving self-esteem, coping with grief and loss, and developing healthy relationships and communication patterns. I seek to encourage the development of healthy patterns of relating to self and others, identification of and connection with core values, and forward movement towards hope, healing, and acceptance.

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Mark Miller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Counselor License Type(s): MEd, LPC
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, I’m Mark. I believe in helping individuals to build on their strengths while developing the tools to overcome adversity and live life to the fullest. I will work with you at your pace to help you achieve your therapy goals. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Temple University in 1989 and my Master’s degree in Education/Counseling Psychology at Temple in 2000. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2005. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, substance abuse treatment, HIV medicine, reproductive health, managed care and private practice. Much of my work has been with gay and queer men. I have also facilitated groups for HIV positive individuals. As I navigate my own aging, I have become increasingly interested in working with men as they work through their life stages. In addition to being a therapist, I am an artist. I am an avid film photographer working primarily in black and white.

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Amy Baker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Monday through Thursday 7am-5pm I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I am a certified Addictive Behavior Specialist, a certified Autism Specialist, and am EMDR Trained. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Holly Keene

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker with five years of post-graduate experience. I currently work with veterans experiencing debilitating diseases and have significant history working with clients experiencing homelessness and interpersonal violence. I use empowerment and unconditional positive regard to put clients at ease and at the center of their behavioral health treatment. My clinical interests include addictive disorders, mood disorders, trauma processing, and issues specific to gender.

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Angela Angiolieri

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA
Self esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Welcome to my space of support and empowerment! I'm Angela, a licensed professional counselor based in Pennsylvania with over 11 years of experience. My passion lies in assisting women in mid-life looking for support in the areas of career counseling, self-esteem, and women's issues. Life is a journey marked by various phases, and I help women navigate the complexities that arise during critical life transitions. I am here to support you if you find yourself grappling with burnout, chronic stress, or low self-esteem. I am best suited to work with clients that are interested in receiving support in the following areas: * career exploration and discernment * career changes or loss * exploring a second career or side gig * increasing self-esteem * managing menopause and mid-life concerns * parenting young adults * planning for and redefining the empty nest period * planning for retirement * navigating toxic workplace environments In our sessions, we embark on a journey together to explore what isn't working in your life and work towards guiding you back to a place of balance. I believe in a holistic approach that addresses the interconnected needs of your mind, body, and spirit. By fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship, we will work towards creating positive changes in various aspects of your life. My approach is rooted in creating a safe, accepting, calm, and compassionate space. This environment is designed to empower you to share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. You can expect to feel heard and validated in session and to spend some time outside of our sessions working on therapeutic techniques that will help you reach your goals. I will not give you more work to do outside of the session than you can handle, but it is important to know that you will see changes and reach your goals faster if you can spend a few minutes outside of the session working on relevant techniques. I want you to know that you have control over what you want to talk about and the goals you want to focus on. I will ask questions to try to understand your history and patterns, but you do not have to discuss any area of your life that you are not fully ready to share with me. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, build resilience, and find a renewed sense of well-being. Details about my training: I have earned an MS in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University and a BS in Organization Psychology from Geneva College. All professional counselors are required to continue their education annually. I consistently exceed the Pennsylvania requirement for continuing education because I value professional development and delving deeper into therapeutic modalities ultimately benefits you and your therapeutic journey. I have received specialized training in the following areas: * career preparation and development * techniques designed to increase self-esteem and self-worth * expressive arts therapy * mindfulness-based stress reduction * self-compassion therapy * nutrition for mental health If you are ready to take the next step towards positive change and improved well-being, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to navigate life's transitions. Your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life begins here.

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How to find a therapist for 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 in Altoona that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

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 in the Altoona region and in the state of Pennsylvania. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor 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, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Altoona 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) about therapists and mental health services

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 with a therapist 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Altoona 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 Altoona psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, 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, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • 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 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 in Altoona?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Altoona 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.

Altoona therapists 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 Altoona 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in PA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 16603 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists 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 Altoona 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Altoona.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. 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 with a Altoona counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Altoona, Pennsylvania

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 to customer service 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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