Your mental health can feel like a ship. Built by the right people, it can sail the waters and triumph over the seven seas. No storm can stop it. However, if it’s built by the wrong people, the ship can sink and you're left under the sea. Who can help in this situation? One person who can is a counselor. 

An Erie-based counselor can help by making the repairs needed to your ship. Erie is known for being the flagship city, so make your own ship as strong as possible. Speak to a counselor today. 

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Amanda Taylor

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Amanda Taylor and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and I have my Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been working in the mental health field since 2013. I have worked with clients ranging from age 4 up to elderly clients with multiple different mental health struggles including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, parenting issues, relationship problems, social behavior, and crisis counseling. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and typically focus on a strengths-based model. My overall goal is to help people identify where they are right now and achieve where they want to be in the future, with the support of individualized therapy sessions. I utilize CBT to help my clients focus on connecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I want to help people understand how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are linked and influence one another to restructure thinking to develop healthier thoughts, beliefs, and, behaviors. I pull from the strengths-based approach in which I focus on a client’s strengths, resiliency, and resourcefulness to identify steps that can be taken by clients with their best foot forward. I strongly believe everyone needs help with their mental health wellness at some point in their lives, but it takes courage to take the leap to get the help that is needed. I look forward to working with you to identify where you are and achieve where you want to be.

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Trista Conway

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

Hello! I am a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with over 8 years of experience. I have worked in a variety of settings with adults to assist in a wide range concerns to include overcoming traumas, coping and adjusting to change, dealing with stress and difficulties effectively, finding meaning and purpose in life, developing and maintaining a healthy, positive mindset to minimize depression and anxiety, understanding healthy relationships, and learning to feel whole and complete as you are. I am passionate about promoting self-love and acceptance. I enjoy helping others embrace their qualities to appreciate what makes you your own unique self! Since no two people are the same, one single approach is not the right fit for every individual. I have an eclectic, client-centered style. I am experienced in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Humanistic approaches with a focus on Trauma-Informed Care. I am flexible with my approach to therapy to meet your needs and welcome you to be open about what you feel is most compatible for you. I am a compassionate person and maintain a nonjudgmental approach. I consider myself to be a spiritual person that is very open-minded, and am always open to exploring topics related to your own spirituality if requested. Reaching out takes courage, and I commend you for taking that first step! Change can be scary, but I am here to support you and encourage you throughout your process of personal growth. You deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life! Thank you for considering me as your guide through life's journey.

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Shania Wilkes

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC,CGCS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with 10 years of progressive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am also experienced as a grief counseling specialist and have had the pleasure of helping people navigate through issues with depression, anxiety, loss, addiction, major life changes, symptom management, relationship conflict and regaining a sense of purpose and personal empowerment. I have a background in education as well, having taught college level courses in general psychology, human growth and development and abnormal psychology. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating my own life experiences and a variety of relevant therapeutic principles and techniques in a way that is tailored specifically to the needs of each individual client. Though techniques and interventions may vary by client, they are consistently fueled by a person-centered and humanistic therapeutic orientation, as I believe it is my role to provide a safe a secure space for you to grow through whatever barrier you are facing, while tapping into and further developing your own innate strengths and uniqueness. You are the expert, I’m only here to help. I like to call my therapeutic approach and personal style “carefrontational,” where I like to confront problematic issues honestly and straightforward with care and compassion. We are not our problem, but how we manage our problems can certainly shape the way we view ourselves. Overall, I’m here to help you find better ways to manage life’s problems and walk away with a renewed sense of peace, self-acceptance and resolve that allows you to fully embrace and appreciate the value behind being you. We all have a story and while I may not have experienced all of the situations you bring to the table first hand in my own life, I am confident that I have dealt with the range of emotions you may be feeling and have worked hard myself at learning ways to acknowledge, understand, express and validate those feelings. It is my belief that with the right support and a healthy alliance, you can make a change for the better and see the beauty in what life actually has to offer. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

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Aimee Lighty

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with 22 years of experience across a wide range of domains - career, education, mental health, relationship/family work. I have a particular passion for helping clients to manage stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms that negatively impact their functioning in their relationships or careers. My style is warm, supportive, and light-hearted in general, but I can be intense and emotive when helping clients process through negative experiences and feelings. I don't believe in telling clients what to do, but I do believe in collaboratively exploring problems and designing solutions together rather than spending valuable time talking about things but not doing anything about them. Your time is precious to me, so I strive to ensure that our time together is productive and helpful. The primary modalities I use are cognitive behavior therapy, but I pull from structural and strategic family therapy concepts and techniques to help improve client relationships as well.

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Andrea Gahagan

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania working as a therapist in mental health and substance use disorders. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance use disorder, and childhood trauma. I have also helped many people who experience low self-esteem, and who struggle with body image/self-love. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, strengths-based, and solution focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Lindsey Kosowicz

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC, CAADC, CCTP, ATR
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to stop in and find out a little about me and how I would like to help you. I understand how difficult it can be to acknowledge and accept that there is an issue, and to also seek out help. I am so proud that you are taking the first step to taking back control in your life and recognizing your true potential. My name is Lindsey and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications in Addiction Counseling, Trauma, and Art Therapy. My adventure into becoming a Therapist began 12 years ago when I enrolled in Graduate School for Clinical Art Therapy. Prior to this, I had been a Teacher. Although I thoroughly enjoyed being a Teacher, I felt confined to curriculums and did not like having to place grades upon student's work. Every individual is unique and can not always be held to the same standards as the next. This became clear very quickly and that is when I knew it was time to move on to something that had more freedom and flexibility. I obtained my Master's Degree from Long Island University @ C.W. Post in 2012. From that point, I began working as a Mobile Therapist working with children and their families to help build more positive relationships and to understand how to better utilize community resources. Life happened, and I changed locations moving from NY to PA and began working as an Art Therapist at an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. I spent 5 years at that location, working with every age group and level of acuity. I was given the opportunity to also work at the Partial Program that was associated with the Hospital. I have a wide range of experience when it comes to serving different populations and needs. I moved on from the Inpatient setting and became the Clinical Supervisor for an Outpatient Facility for Addictions where I am presently working. Once obtaining my license, I knew I had the opportunity to reach further out to help those in need. I am an out of the box kind of thinker who is also very creative. I will meet you where you are at and help you develop a plan that is most suitable for you.

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Debra Cosentino

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

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have 4 years of experience in working with a domestic violence/sexual assault agency with youth ages 5 and up to adults. I am also a certified play therapist and like to incorporate that into my therapy- even with adults! I also use CBT, TF-CBT, solution-focused, and humanistic modalities. I have experience in working with victims and survivors of trauma from domestic violence and sexual assault. I also have experience in working with anxiety, self-esteem, and altering to positive coping skills among other concerns. 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.

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John Ickowski

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

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

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Amanda Horwat

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

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

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Rachel Berger

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Rachel M. Berger, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine with more than eight years of experience. I have experience in anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, life transitions, relationship strategies, and self-esteem development. The counseling theories that I draw from include Cognitive-Behavioral-- identifying and understanding thoughts and actions that influence decision making. Feminist--encouraging self-empowerment and advocacy. Humanistic--focused and directed by the client's goals. Dialectical Behavioral--coping with discomfort, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and mindfulness. Rational Emotive Behavioral--identifying, challenging, and replacing irrational thoughts/beliefs. I offer an open and validating environment. I will adjust my methods to accommodate your goals and therapeutic needs. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Woman's University. I am here for you when you are ready to start your journey towards a more satisfying life.

How to find counseling in Erie

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie, 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 16508 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 Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie, 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.

Erie 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 Erie.

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

16501, 16502, 16503, 16504, 16507, 16508, 16510, 16511, 16512, 16514, 16515, 16522, 16530, 16531, 16534, 16538, 16541, 16544, 16546, 16550, 16553, 16565

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