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Todd Witmer

Offering therapy in PA
License: Doctor of Ministry - D. Min.,Marriage and Family Therapist- MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

The decision to talk with a counselor is significant. All of us have developed skills to deal with life. Most of us have also experienced overwhelming circumstances, and in these moments, we realize the coping/managing skills we usually turn to fall short. Counseling provides opportunities to develop new perspectives, additional skills, and insights to apply in our current situation. Together, as counselor and client, we can establish goals to give hope for a future on the other side of the present issue. I look forward to the opportunity to hear your story and work together on formulating the next steps. I began my education in Marriage and Family Therapy over 30 years ago. Out of the desire to understand my own family dynamics, as well as to be of better help to members of the congregation and local community, I obtained my Marriage and Family Therapy license in Pennsylvania. For the past three decades I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of settings, both in more formal counseling offices as well as in our local church. I have experience with clients with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, life-change challenges, parenting and family struggles, career transitions, faith-related issues, and communication, among others. I am committed to hearing people’s stories and assisting them in the process of understanding. As such, to address the issues, I utilize methods such as : cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, client-centered, psychodynamic, multi-systemic, and motivational interviewing therapies are all considered for the best fit.

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Geneve "Evie" Telfer

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S.,LPC
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

The decision to seek therapy can be a scary one but it is also a choice that opens a space in a life for something new to come in. It helps to have someone who is outside the landscape of your life walk with you around that terrain. This companioning can help you see your stuck places from new angles and find new ways of moving forward. I walked with college age young adults in this process for 26 years and in the past 3 years I have been taking this journey of curiosity and change primarily with older adults. I’m a licensed professional counselor with specialized training as a pastoral counselor. I work with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual issues, and loss and grief. Primarily I work from a person-centered and solution-focused approach to therapy. I also integrate techniques from other approaches, such as gestalt, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness, short-term psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy, depending on the client's unique problems and goals. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with you into a new place of hope and healing.

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Kristle Small

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Black therapist with over 10 years of experience working in the field. I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Delaware to provide services. As a licensed professional counselor and life coach, I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marital problems, parenting problems, career challenges, self esteem/self-worth, and more. I have also helped individuals with systematic oppression and micro-aggressions in the work place. My therapeutic style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive behavioral therapy, and I will suit our conversation and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and joyful life! There is a lot in taking the first steps towards change, but I will be here to support you. If you are ready to take that step, I am to empower you. I look forward to helping you!

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Dr. Ella Ray

Offering therapy in PA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have over 35 years of experience as a therapist. It takes courage to begin therapy. I also know that therapy sessions tend to exclusively focus on problems, on what is not working. I will encourage you to see the full picture, define your strengths, and use them to reach your goals. My interest and experience include depression and trauma both physical and racial. I also help individuals whose career or interpersonal success is blocked by factors such as low self-esteem, procrastination, or impostor syndrome. Multicultural issues have always been of interest to me over the years. My caseload reflects a wide range of diversity. This interest and experience are heightened by my interracial and international family. While this does inform me of issues that others face, I also know that all members of a group are not the same and in the service of my work and my clients, I make no assumptions based upon how one looks. During our sessions, I want to hear your story. I also encourage you to question any ideas or techniques that are offered. In my work, I combine cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness. In therapy sessions, we will explore your thoughts about yourself and the world. Unfortunately, as human beings, we are hard-wired to focus on negative interactions with the world and our missteps. I will then use mindfulness techniques to help clear away the anxieties that fog up the mind so that you can focus on what is truly happening. It helps one to be less influenced by trends or social pressures and allows one to live one's own life, to not absorb the noise chaos, and confusion that is so prevalent. I enjoy the respect of my colleagues I genuinely enjoy my work and often feel that I was born to be a therapist. I bring respect for you, expertise, warmth, and humor to my sessions. It is your right to understand suggestions that I offer, and I encourage you to ask for clarification. I look forward to being part of your journey. I bring respect and integrity to my work, and I abide by the ethical guidelines of the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. As such, I am duty bound to collect certain information about you. This information includes your identification, location, emergency contact information and any past and present mental and physical issues. This information must be completed before we can set up our first appointment. While I urge you not to be discouraged by this process, I also must confess that when these regulations first became implemented that I sometimes felt frustrated by having to complete the information prior to seeing my health care providers. But it clearly was in my best interest. This process is here to protect you. Once again, I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel empowered and effective in dealing with challenges in your life.

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Kathleen Walker

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kathleen Walker, a Licensed Professional Counselor. In my thirties, I decided to change careers and began my work in the Mental Health field. During the last ten years of education and practice, my love for this work has grown exponentially. I have a deep respect for people who are attempting to work towards bettering their lives, no matter where they are in that process. So much of my experience involves working with those who are fighting addiction and impulse issues. I have also worked alongside individuals with histories of trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and much more. I believe in using evidence based approaches and techniques that most speak to the individual I am working with – in other words, I believe in meeting people where they are in their lives right now. Whether you are battling addiction or depression or simply wanting support in a life change, I look forward to sharing in your journey toward meeting your goals!

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Dr. Francine Kleinpaste

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
22 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and telehealth therapist in Florida with 24 years of professional work experience. I received a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology from Mountain State University, a Masters in Counseling and Personnel Services and a Bachelors in Community Counseling from Purdue University. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LBGTQIA+-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 passionate about helping others find ways to help themselves. I have an extensive history of working with clients impacted by sexual abuse and domestic violence, as well as the LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle communities. My therapy modalities include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and Reality Therapy. My goal is to ensure my clients find emotional peace and grow confident in order to make positive contributions to this world. In my free time I enjoy traveling and cruising, spending time with my children and grandchildren, and tinkering with hydroponic gardening.

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Shellby Custer

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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.

This is BJ Snader's avatar and link to their profile

BJ Snader

Offering therapy in PA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, 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.

This is Cheryl Sornson's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Sornson

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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.

This is Akia Izzard's avatar and link to their profile

Akia Izzard

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

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Brownsville

Finding the best therapist close by in Brownsville 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 Brownsville. 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 Brownsville, 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville, elsewhere in Fayette, 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 Brownsville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville, 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 15417 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville 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 Brownsville, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Brownsville.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Brownsville:

15417

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