Ellwood City is a small town in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania with a motto of “changing lives, living change.” The city was named after Isaac Ellwood who invented barbed wire but was kept alive by R.C. Stiefel who had a patent for seamless tubing and turned it into a city of steel.

Unfortunately, people are not made of steel, so they sometimes need emotional or mental help. If you are an Ellwood City resident looking for some mental health support, whether it’s counseling or more intensive therapy, you can find it here. There are many mental health professionals in and around Ellwood City who are here to help.

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Brandon Graf

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoaching
15 years of experience

Brandon's main areas of focus are anxiety, fear, depression, and stress. These are all things that many people experience at some point in their lives. They are also typical of existential and spiritual crises. Existentialism in the context of counseling refers to finding meaning in life, especially when questions start to arise. Questions about personal values and sense of direction are common. These questions can be become especially frequent during major life transitions like starting or ending relationships, jobs, and geographical moves. His experience is wide-ranging and includes private practice, employee assistance, and drug and alcohol settings. His counseling style is humanistic, person-centered. As such, he takes a non-judgmental approach that seeks to meet people where they are and to help them articulate what they’re experiencing including potential solutions for issues needing resolution. This point of view assumes that the therapist is not an expert on the person seeking help, but an assistant on the journey of self-discovery. Brandon has extensive experience in counseling individuals, couples, and families. He enjoys traveling and has lived in and visited over 30 countries. He’s an avid sports fan who also enjoys exercise, hiking, and reading.

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Diane Smith

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

Hi, my name is Diane Smith. Congratulations on reaching out for help. You have made a huge step towards achieving your goals. I have been working with teens, adults, and couples since 2010. I tailor my treatment approach to each client because I believe each one of my clients is an expert on themselves. I help my clients to recognize, discover and develop their own resources. I use a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities to enable my clients to reach their unique wants and needs. Some of the issues that I provide psychotherapy for are depression, anxiety, panic attacks, O.C.D., trauma, stress reduction, LGBT, family difficulties, couples therapy, grief, and P.T.S.D. I am passionate about helping people and I look forward to supporting you on your journey. Thank you for your time, Diane Smith

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Debi Davis

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.A,C.R.C.,L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I have 30 years experience in the areas of correctional counseling and vocational rehabilitation counseling. I have worked with clients who have had concern in areas such as depression, anxiety, dependency, career challenges, PTSD, ADHD and ADD. My counseling style is interactive, empowering and engaging. My approach utilizes client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy. I look forward to assisting anyone towards improving their life and would to be excited to share in their journey of self discovery and full self potential.

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Dr. Sharon Young

Offering therapy in PA
License: PhD
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania with over twenty years of experience practicing psychotherapy. I earned a doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology from Georgia State University. I have worked with clients of various ages (e.g., children to older adults) in a variety of settings (e.g., outpatient community mental health and health centers; outpatient private practices; inpatient units of private and public hospitals; a state psychiatric hospital; and a university counseling center). In addition, I have worked with clients experiencing a wide variety of psychological challenges and concerns, including: mood disorders (depression and bipolar); anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety; obsessive-compulsive disorder; and panic disorder); psychotic disorders; attentional difficulties; impulse control and behavioral problems; substance use and misuse problems; and problems associated with significant stress and trauma (acute-, post-, and complex post-traumatic stress disorders). Additionally, I have assisted clients in targeting specific behaviors, including persistent suicidal ideation or acts of self-harm. I have also assisted people in working on life issues and challenges, such as: grief; shame; adjustment difficulties; stress related to employment, education, or relationships; relationship difficulties; parenting challenges; self-esteem issues; problems related to identity; and experiences of imposter phenomenon. While I view clients' difficulties and the therapy process through the lens of psychodynamic theory, my therapy style (or how I am "in the room") is warm, collaborative, empathic, and client centered. I work hard to be present, listen attentively, and understand a client's experience from his/her/their perspective. Also, I utilize techniques and strategies from various psychotherapies, including: cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based-cognitive-behavioral, dialectal-behavioral, compassion-focused, emotion-focused, narrative, and humanistic-existential therapies. I view clients as experts of their experience and work collaboratively on goals established for making psychological changes to improve their lives. You're brave in seeking therapy to explore making constructive changes in your life. I look forward to working with you in this endeavor!

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Peter Jastermsky

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold active licenses in California, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. I have more than 30 years of experience helping people in a variety of settings, from Employee Assistance (EAP) to Outpatient Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol. In addition to my counseling experience, I have been a clinical supervisor and trainer of therapists. I am also a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Congratulations for taking this brave first step to find support, and to make positive changes in your life! I offer individual counseling for adults, 21 and up, who live in California, Pennsylvania, or North Dakota. I have a supportive, conversational style. We will start wherever you “are” in your life. I see my role as a guide who will help you consider your choices, to examine the consequences of changing versus not changing behaviors or circumstances, to set meaningful goals, and to support your decisions. In uncertain, stressful times, it is easy to get overwhelmed and “stuck,” but I believe there is always “the one thing” a person can do to take meaningful action. While I agree that knowing “why” we behave in certain ways can be useful, I do feel that people seek out counseling to “move beyond.” I believe that YOU are the expert on you, and I will encourage you to take the next steps to improve your life.

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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.

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Diane Bero

Offering therapy in PA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 25 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Ian Diskin

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issues
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, depression, family conflicts, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder & parenting issues. 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. I use a Person-Centered approach along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am here to help guide you to work towards the goals that you would like to work on in order to improve your well-being. 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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Christine Prebble

Offering therapy in PA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), and Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) in Pennsylvania with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting and assisting clients through coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, neurodivergence, work/life balance, relationship/attachment issues, family conflict, anger management, LGBTQIA+ stressors and transformation, child/adolescent stressors, and couples’ counseling. I have also worked, providing therapy, in a variety of settings including: inpatient drug/alcohol, state prison, community-based behavioral health (wraparound), and outpatient group private practice. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have been described as caring, helpful, and compassionate with a good sense of humor who isn’t afraid to occasionally “tell it like it is.” The evidenced-based treatment approaches I use strategies from most include: Person-Centered Therapy, Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing, Impact Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Reality/Choice Therapy, Art/Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and others. This does not mean I am registered nor certified in all these approaches; however, I have engaged in extensive training to use the strategies I employ from these various approaches. 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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Shakina Small

Offering therapy in PA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
25 years of experience

As a Messianic Jewish Believer in Yeshua (Jesus) as my L-rd and Savior, I believe that Counselors are born and not made, As stated in Isaiah 9:6. When requested, providing Christian-based therapy to those who need a holistic approach. Furthermore, I am a licensed professional counseling and National Certified Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, licensed behavioral consulting, and minister. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, marital, couples, and family issues, depression, parenting problems, career challenges, learning disabilities, teens and youth, and adoptees. I have also worked in diverse settings, such as prisons, schools, churches, residential treatment programs, group homes, inpatient, outpatient, foster care, and more. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual, emotional, and physical trauma and abuse. My therapy style is empathetic, engaging, educational, and when necessary, direct and will speak the truth in love to bring forth growth. I believe in treating all clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while providing a safe, free zone to share their intimate feelings. My approach combines an eclectic therapy approach that draws on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques to serve my clients better, e.g., Biblical, ESFT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, REBT, Psychodrama, Writing/Poetry therapy, and other forms of creative therapeutic expressions help evoke feelings to bring about change in a nontraditional setting. My mission as an abuse survivor, adoptee, and once a young mother is to help individuals identify the root of dysfunctional behavior and break the cycle of sin or toxic patterns and general curses. People often “move forward with time, but never move on,” from past hurts. My desire as a Psychotherapist is to help clients move on to live a productive and healthy life without being haunted by past trauma. Let’s move forward together! @cheartservices.

How to find counseling in Ellwood City

Finding the best therapist close by in Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City. 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 Ellwood City, 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City, elsewhere in Lawrence, 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 Ellwood City area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City, 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 16117 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City, 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.

Ellwood City 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 Ellwood City.

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

16117

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