Olivia Varney
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, baby son, and our dog. I am a continual learner in this life. I enjoy going on walks, writing, and spending time with loved ones. My passion and experience is working with young adults struggling with the challenges that accompany life stressors and transitions relating to health, career, relationships, family dynamics, school, finances, etc. Many clients I work with experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or low self worth. My style is a collaborative approach in which my clients become the experts in themselves in their needs through deepening their skills of self-reflection. I meet my clients where they are at on their journey of life. Together, we will practice nonjudgementally assessing your current obstacles . You will learn to use your inner strengths and external supports to foster growth and achieve your goals- whatever they may be. Just reading this page shows that you have the courage to look inward and begin your journey of self-growth. I am here to help you see that you are NOT alone, that whatever you are feeling is real and valid, and that it is never too late to begin the journey of discovering your worth and overcoming your stressors.
Georgette Ventura
I am a Licensed Psychologist in PA. I have worked in the mental health field since 1986 and have been in private practice since 1992. I have worked with many and varied individuals and families during these years. My early training was in Structural Family Therapy and I continue to seek to understand the role the family system plays, and has played, in each client's current life challenges. I strive always to meet the client where they are in their current situation so that I can begin to understand their needs and goals in seeking treatment. As I learn more about a client and their situation, we can then determine together what treatment modality would best fit their needs and proceed from there. When clients are not quite sure how to express these needs and concerns, the first goal is then to determine what is causing the current distress and what can be done to resolve it. Again, meeting the client where they are in the moment and walking with them through the resolution of any underlying issues is the primary goal of all treatment. Therapy can be very difficult at times and some sessions are more difficult than others. I can't guarantee that you will leave each session "feeling good" or even "feeling better" as there are often tough things to address. However, it is important to note that this is also a critical part of the therapy. Even in tougher therapeutic times, I will continue to provide support and encouragement to you. So, welcome aboard Better Help! I hope I can make your life easier in some way.
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with substance use disorders (i.e. opioids, stimulants, alcohol, etc.) in conjunction with other concerns including depression, anxiety, and trauma as well as relationship conflict related to these issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced learning differences, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. My counseling style is approachable, non-judgmental, and empathetic. I believe in treating individuals with respect and compassion and have worked respectfully with the LGBTQ+ community. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing forms of counseling. I will customize our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals. It takes courage to reach out for help and take the first step towards change. I know taking this first step may not seem like a big deal - but it is! If you are ready to take this important step, for you, I am here to support, motivate and empower you on this journey! I am truly looking forward to working with you. Warmly, Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD.
Dr. Harriet Heath
My work is mostly with parents. Parents, trying to figure out how they want to nurture and guide their children and to find guidance and help. My approach encourages parents to observe and describe situations that relate to their concerns and to brainstorm possible solutions. I frequently add to their list of possible solutions thus giving information and suggesting relevant skills. Parents decide which of their brainstormed ideas to implement by answering questions about their beliefs, values and the needs of their family members. Discussions about the questions and solutions gives parents an opportunity to raise additional parental concerns such as those related to work outside the home and those of being at home, family conflicts, stress and anxiety in parents and such issues as sleeping, eating problems and just plain misbehavior in children. Clients are encouraged to try different solutions and to report their degree of effectiveness and, if necessary to look for other solutions and to raise additional issues.
Vickee Williams
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania with over 35 years of experience working individuals, groups, and couples (women, men, and adolescents) as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief , OCD, and ADHD. I have supported women and teens in their recovering from abuse, particularly narcissistic abuse. My credentials and life experience makes me uniquely qualified to support these survivors. Members of the BIPOC communities will find culturally informed care and a safe space to discuss the intersection of race, racism, gender, and misogynism. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We will focus on your goals for therapy, harm reduction, pain relief, and living life on your terms. I de-emphasize stigmatizing labels and focus on symptom reduction. My therapeutic approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with psychodynamics to help identify patterns and functions of present behaviors. I use eclectic techniques to promote self-discovery and light the path to the change you are seeking. The therapeutic process, goal setting, and treatment planning will be tailored to meet your unique needs. Many speak of living a happier and more fulfilling life. It takes courage to seek it and take the first steps necessary towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to partnering with you!
Catherine Nakonetschny
I am licensed in New Jersey with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I 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!
Susanne Walsh Felizzi
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michael Sickels
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jacob Herber
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I am EMDR (Eye Movements Desensitization and Reprocessing) certified, and am in the process of gaining certification in IFS (Internal Family Systems). 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Ian Sherman
I am licensed in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find counseling in Birmingham
Finding the best therapist close by in Birmingham 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, elsewhere in Huntingdon, 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 Birmingham area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 16686 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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.
Birmingham 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Birmingham:
16686