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Deborah Gershanok

Offering therapy in PA
License: PhD, LCSW, MPH
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

I am a practitioner who has grown personally and professionally by selecting, using and sharing the most useful approaches for resilience and recovery from wounds, conflict, and secrets to move toward mindful insight, patience, discernment, alertness and open awareness. I honor the diverse expressions of all sentient beings. Psychotherapy involves mindful insight and action. Each client's reality is gradually shared as wants, needs and feelings are expressed. No one is lost as everyone has a now. Attitudes of curiosity and humility bring the most awareness of movement from judgement to empathy to self compassion. I offer 30-45 minute afternoon sessions for adults ages 21 and older. Honing the scope of clientele's age span allows for specialization in adult life stage concerns and by understanding that time is actually non-linear. Necessary limitations to my psychotherapy practice are: couples and/or family counseling; domestic violence situations; eating disorders; substance abuse treatment; process addictions; custody battles; any other lawsuit and court related concerns; acute a/o severe mental illness that would preclude rational processing; and disability, FMLA, fitness for duty or related issues. Please also note that crisis intervention within this virtual platform is not appropriate and clients will be referred to their local crisis services. If you are comfortable with my approach, please consider scheduling an initial assessment so we each can assess if we work well as a team. Warmly, Deborah

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Christine Manturuk

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,ATR-BC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome! I honor your interest in seeking out a therapist to work with and hope to provide some information here to help guide your choice. I am a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. I have over seven years in working as a therapist with past experience in community mental health supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a range of concerns including mood and thought disorders, adjustments to life changes, difficult choices, challenges in relationships, and traumatic life events and related stress. My approach to therapy is grounded in my eclectic training and informed by a thoughtful application of theories and interventions that can support your wellbeing and self-expression. I believe that the first step to therapy is offering a supportive relationship that can help you find security in the present moment and from there offering you opportunities for increasing self-awareness, helping you understand yourself and how your choices can affect your health and relationships, and providing the space for you to address what you need to in therapy to grow and heal. I received my Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions in 2015 and have stayed active in seeking additional education and training, including a three year Gestalt training program completed in 2021. I offer this training as a resource to you and consider you the expert of your life.

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April Faust

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My name is April Faust. I am a clinical social worker licensed in the state of PA. I have been working in the mental health field for 13 years and enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I received my DBT certification in 2013 and and I feel that this has been helpful in guiding my therapy techniques. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and I truly enjoy my job of helping people be the best they can be. Taking the first step to start therapy can be very scary and challenging and I hope to be able to help you meet your goals. I believe in a dialectical approach trying to find a balance of acceptance and change by focusing on radical acceptance skills, awareness, and behavior change. I look forward to working with you !

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Sara Scarberry

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
6 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania with over 6 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexual health, parenting problems, career challenges, PTSD and ADHD. Since completing my masters I worked within a Rape Crisis and Victim services agency to help empower survivors to heal for over 6 years and recently began the process of joining a private group practice. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and that the best growth comes from meeting people in a very down to earth approach. I often refer to this as "Human to Human" as we are all only human. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered, humanistic theories as well as information learned through EMDR training. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, sexual abuse and trauma or emotional abuse and domestic violence. I look forward to working with you!

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Cheryl Nelson

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am a board certified, Licensed Professional Counselor ((LPC), in the state of Pennsylvania. My background is in Community Mental Health. I have worked with adults, adolescents and children for 10 years in school, home and outpatient settings, both in person and virtually. I have experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship issues and trauma. My therapeutic approaches are primarily Client Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a Client Centered Therapist, I utilize active listening, compassion, empathy and non-judgement to meet my clients where they are, help them identify their challenges, and develop a plan to help them achieve their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapists help clients explore the connection between their thoughts, feeling and actions. I generally check messages here a few times per day and respond as quickly as I can. My goal is to respond within 24 hours. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times as I may be tending to other clients, or profesional or personal rsponsibilities. I thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of helping you to achieve your goals.

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Eric DeCriscio

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with 15 years of licensed professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, and self-esteem. I have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, compassion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming your challenges. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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John Miller

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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John Ickowski

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is John and I am a licensed professional counselor. I have 20 years of professional work experience. Over that time I have developed skills to help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, finding motivation, exploring self-worth, recovering from addiction and combating depression. My methods include Motivational Interviewing, psychodynamics, and person-centered therapy. I often utilize cognitive therapies, especially in their mindfulness-based forms, like ACT and DBT. But everything from simple conversation to behavioral strategies might be used, as long as the methods are suitable to your needs. Across these last two decades, I have learned that people are fascinatingly different from one another. Yet, almost any one of us can thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Compassionate interaction can result in transformative moments, and to me, those moments are some of the best things in life. You are worth knowing and worth understanding, and the fact that you want to grow has me interested in you already. I am honored to be part of the change you want to make.

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This is Amanda Rosentel's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Rosentel

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Michael Ermalinski

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

Michael holds degrees in Psychology and Education from New York University and Saint Joseph's University and has additional graduate clinical training at ISPP in Chicago. Michael continues to work with individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. He brings a wide range of clinical and research-based experience to his clinical work. Michael works with issues, including but not limited to, anxiety and stress management, depression (bipolar and unipolar) recovery from trauma and abuse, interpersonal/self development. Michael also works with couples and families on a variety of issues and concerns. Michael's approach is informed by the most current ethical research based practices, and he provides an open, warm and non-judgmental therapeutic place to work on the issues with which individuals couples and families are most concerned.

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How to find counseling in Ben Avon Heights

Finding the best therapist close by in Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights. 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 Ben Avon Heights, 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights, elsewhere in Allegheny, 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 Ben Avon Heights area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights, 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 15202 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights 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 Ben Avon Heights, 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.

Ben Avon Heights has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ben Avon Heights.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ben Avon Heights:

15202

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