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Karen Gano

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin Hello. My name is Karen Gano, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Australia. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and I have over 30 years of clinical counseling experience. My specialty is what I call Empowerment Counseling. I have a Motivational Interviewing style, and I use Compassion-Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, and Strength Based therapies to assist clients in improving their outlook and life. I have a holistic and goal oriented practice, working primarily with women who are going through some type of life transition whether it be separation, divorce, career changes, relocation, empty nest, illness, etc. I also provide counseling to healthcare workers as I have been a practicing medical social worker throughout my career, and I have worked in trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, palliative care, and domestic abuse. We can all benefit from talking to someone now and again. It is my primary goal to empower clients so that they can build and expand their "team," discover their voice, increase self-awareness and esteem, and make wanted changes in their life. My professional and personal mantra is "Self-Care + Time = Healing." I can help you with healthy coping strategies and tools to guide you from surviving to thriving. I very much look forward to working with you!

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Amy Woodward

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,LCMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Amy and I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Vermont and New Hampshire and am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. I have over six years of experience providing individual counseling and over 15 years working in the mental health field. Through my diverse experiences, I have worked with people challenged by anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and difficult life transitions. I believe that together we can develop a plan that works for you, identify strategies and skills to get you there, and the confidence to keep it going long after. My therapeutic work is informed by evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior therapies. These types of focuses offer you practical ways to manage uncomfortable thoughts and painful emotions. When needed, I also utilize Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Acceptance and Commitment therapy to enhance your skills and insight. I approach clients with sensitivity and compassion, in a non-judgmental environment that allows you the space and safety you need to explore, be honest, and heal. In our work together, we will collaborate and actively pursue your goals to get you moving toward the life you want to live! I look forward to working with you.

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Victoria Seltzer

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, Anxiety
5 years of experience

Victoria is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has over six years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and she works with clients to help them identify how their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings interact. She works with clients in a person-centered approach that focuses on client’s strengths and experience. Victoria offers kind and supportive guidance to help clients identify and work towards therapeutic goals.

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Marlena O'Kane, NCC

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

Hello. I’m so glad you’ve taken the first step to reach out through BetterHelp and choosing us to start the next chapter of your journey. Whether you are seeking hope, healing or support, I feel privileged to provide the safe space for you to do so . Counseling is about finding a therapist who truly listens. If you are ready to be heard, you've come to the right place. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I also hold a school counseling certification, and I am a national certified counselor. I have been in the field for 16 years now working with a variety of populations from children to adults. As a licensed therapist, I focus on Cognitive Behavioral techniques. If this sounds like jargon, it's ok! You only need to approach therapy with your authentic self, and I will do the same. I have worked with people struggling with sadness and depression, addiction, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, anger, relationships, grief, eating disorders, phobias and parenting; just to name a few. It’s my objective to support you in reaching your goals at your own pace. I’m here to facilitate personal growth when you are feeling like it might not be reachable. My goal is to allow you to feel safe, supported and challenged, yet empowered. I will listen, guide and support you to be the best version of yourself you can be! Whether you decide to work with me or another therapist, I am proud of your strength for getting to this step and I wish you health and happiness moving forward. Please reach out if you feel that I could be helpful to you!

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Vanessa Martin

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

I am a licensed therapist with over 8 years of experience working with individuals who experiences grief, trauma, emotional struggle, and stress. I have worked with clients who have challenges concerning anxiety, depression, intimate partner, violence, relationship issues, sobriety challenges, parenting issues, and career struggles to name a few. I also helped many who struggle with discovering who they are among the many roles/relationships they engage in. My passion is to help others. My joy is to be a part of their journey. Individuals, couples, and families rich, with diversity, traditions, and discovery make the journey that much richer. Therapy is an investment in yourself and self-care is the cornerstone of the investment. I like to build relationships of transparency, safety, and trust within the therapeutic alliance. Discovering innate and building coping skills is a part process to be realized in therapy. My focus as a therapist is to assist clients in feeling supported as they discover the prescription for their own healing. My therapy style is adaptive, and interactive and centers on encouraging the development of self-care and accountability in establishing yourself as a priority in your own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psycho-education, and rational-emotive therapy through a strength-based lens. I will tailor our interaction to meet your specific needs and self-expressed goals and outcome. I appreciate the challenge of deciding to create change in your life. The best thing about therapy is you will not have to travel the road toward change alone. Congratulations on living your best life!

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Donna Marie Clark

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

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Lynn Ackert

Offering therapy in PA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, anxiety and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage. I am here to support you on that journey.

This is Kristen Hamill's avatar and link to their profile

Kristen Hamill

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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. 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 Susan Wolfe's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Wolfe

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona and Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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. 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 Carol Fletcher's avatar and link to their profile

Carol Fletcher

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

How to find counseling in Deer Lake

Finding the best therapist close by in Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake. 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 Deer Lake, 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake, elsewhere in Schuylkill, 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 Deer Lake area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake, 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 17961 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake, 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.

Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake.

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

17922, 17961

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