Avia James
Hello, and congratulations on your first step in becoming BetterHelped. With blended experience in different therapeutic settings and modalities, including Inpatient, Outpatient and Corrections, I am confident that I have the tools, experience and knowledge to assist and support you in your endeavor to rise above life challenges. I hold a Master's of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling and I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I am certified as a Co-Occurring Counselor by the Pennsylvania Certification Board and specialize in providing counseling to those affected by both mental health and substance use disorders. I believe that having a strong therapeutic alliance is at the core of successful outcomes. I believe that having a good connection with your counselor is key to putting theory into practice. That being said, my main goal, with any therapeutic encounter I have, is to create a working environment that feels safe, positive and non-judgmental. I employ creative methods in my effort to encourage and allow you to be YOU and to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. I strive to empower you as an individual and help you bring all your personal strengths out to the forefront. I aim to assist you to strengthen the connection with the inner voice I am confident you have deep down, as I aspire to get you to see your ability to self-heal. Thank you for considering me as your next counselor and I look forward to being a part in your self-search endeavor.
Casey Sbat
Hello and welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Casey and as a licensed therapist in the state of Pennsylvania, my job here is to provide online counseling through the BetterHelp platform. I am board certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC) and have experience in a variety of settings. I started my career in the mental health field in 2009 when I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. I started as a Therapeutic Staff Support doing in home work with children and families. I have worked as a Crisis Intervention Specialist in an emergency room setting from 2014-2019 assessing and providing care to patients who are experiencing crisis situations. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have been a counselor since 2015 in the emergency room, outpatient, community, school, and residential treatment settings and roles. I have experience working with a variety of clients including children and adults with a vast variety of mental health needs including conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, bi-polar, adjustment disorder, and more. I have helped clients through life transitions, adjustment issues, relationship issues, parenting, trauma, grief, abuse and more. I have experience providing individual, family, and group counseling services, as well as, crisis intervention. My goal as a counselor is to help people in their desire to close the gap between where they are right now and where they want to be in the future, with the support of individualized therapy sessions. I typically utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help my clients focus on connecting thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I want to help people understand how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions relate and influence one another to restructure thinking in an attempt to develop healthier thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. I utilize motivational interviewing skills as well to help clients resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find motivation to change behaviors. I work from a strengths-based approach in which I focus on a client’s strengths, resiliency, and resourcefulness, and less on weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings. I like starting off and focusing on a positive mindset to help clients change their worldview to one that is more positive and goal oriented. I aspire to utilize my experience to help make a valuable contribution to others by promoting mental health through service, advocacy, and education. I strive to aide clients in developing mood stability and safety to live their best life. I am happy you have reached out for some assistance. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for additional support. I am here to listen, respond, and support you through reaching your personal or professional goals. Together, I believe we can reach both long-term and short-term goals through the client-therapist relationship!
Jennifer Hayward
My name is Jennifer Hayward, ATR-BC, LPC. I am a Board Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. I am licensed in the state of Pennsylvania and have 11 years of counseling experience. I have worked in an outpatient facility with children, an outpatient facility with adolescents and adults, and a residential facility with individuals diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia. I have the most experience working with, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sexual identity, LGBTQ community, life stressors, grief and loss, and anger management. I utilize two different methods of counseling. The first one is the practice of Art Therapy. Art Therapy is a non-verbal way to express feelings and work on overcoming obstacles. If a client is open to trying Art Therapy, there are many techniques I can provide to help with life stressors. By providing a therapy using art supplies, such as, paint, colored pencils crayons, markers, clay, etc., a client can discover key themes in their artwork. Through learning about these key themes, a client can better discover their own way of finding personal solutions to their goals of therapy. The second practice I utilize is a Person-Centered Approach. A Person-Centered Approach basically means I want to help a client find ways in which to overcome stressors through positive support and understanding. By using a Person-Centered Approach, I help to guide a client into reaching their own personal growth and change. I do this by assisting clients with what they feel needs to be worked through. I am here to listen and support, with no judgement present. It is my aim to empower and motivate clients through the therapy process. I look forward to learning more about you and helping you achieve all the goals you have set forth. Thank you for looking at my profile and allowing me to help you achieve a happier and healthier life.
Dante Bruno
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of counseling experience. Prior to working in the world of telehealth, I worked with agencies and private practices. Through these opportunities I held various positions such as; Outpatient Therapist, Mobile Therapist, and I worked as a School-Based Therapist as well. Through my years of counseling, I have helped clients living with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and other mental health concerns as well. I am also trained in LGBTQIA+ topics and concerns. My treatment modality is eclectic, and is built from a core base of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is my aim, to help each of my clients reach positive solutions, striving to help them improve their mental health. I look forward to helping you! Dante Bruno, MS, LPC
James 'Jim' Disantis
I am Jim Disantis and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) who has been a psychotherapist for 35 years. I have worked in settings from child development to geriatric. I also have experience with inpatient and outpatient mental health, both non-profit and commercial as well as private practice. I have supervised other therapists among additional professionals. Life has taught me that non judgmental based therapy can be successful and I am able and willing to help you deal with issues by using well established professional methods. This includes interventions of cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. I also help those who are in recovery. Your spiritual and religious beliefs are "safe" to bring to the table with me if you choose to do so in a "guilt free zone".
Kimberly Simerly
*NO LIVE SESSION AVAILABILITY AT THIS TIME* *PLEASE NOTE AT THIS TIME I AM AVAILABLE FOR ASYNCHRONOUS MESSAGING ONLY* "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Regardless of what you have been through, Jesus loves you deeply and He hurts when you hurt. At this time, your journey may be more difficult than you thought and more lonely than it should be, but trust me when I say, you are NOT alone. Your past doesn’t have to define your future… God gives second chances. Even if and when people turn their back on you, God will never leave you. Your life does have a purpose and you are significant. I would love to have the opportunity to work with you to help you learn more and/or strengthen your relationship with Christ and how living a Christ-centered life can be more fulfilling than you ever imagined! As a Christian based therapist, my goal is to help others live a healthier and more fulfilling God-centered life, in which one can look back on in 20 years and say, “Yes I have had struggles, and yes I have been challenged, but they didn’t define who I became!” I truly believe we are creatures of habit and are all a work in progress. We can limit ourselves by choosing to avoid uncomfortable and unfamiliar emotions that are associated with change. I believe by utilizing a holistic approach in examining all areas of our lives, we can only then be knowledgeable and intentional about taking responsibility for and making necessary changes to truly allow us to be the truest and healthiest version of our self. Together we will explore and improve your emotional, behavioral, and relationship functioning by utilizing skills learned through Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Between academia, career, and life experiences in general, I have been blessed to encourage, challenge, and empower many others to live their best life. A life they are in control of and can wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and be proud of who they have become and are still aspiring to be. If you are uncomfortable in the life you’re living, stuck in your own head and patterns, then let’s talk and get to work! I challenge you to seek therapy and to be intentional about not only surviving but thriving in this amazing God given journey called life. Through our sessions, we will be working together to establish where you are in your faith and living a Christ-centered life. We will be exploring goals to help you reach your unlimited potential. I would be honored to be by your side every step of the way! If at any point you feel we’re not making progress or we are not a good fit, we can discuss alternative treatment options, such as making a referral to someone who might be a better fit for your unique situation. “Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you work hard on your job you’ll make a living, but if you work hard on yourself you’ll make a fortune” - John Rohn My personal statement of faith is in direct alignment with that of Faithful Counseling's online platform: Statement of Faith "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul's message for the Corinthian church calls us to a very high standard. When we observe the many denominations and theological rifts within the Christian church today, it can seem a daunting task to be "perfectly united in mind and thought." Despite this, I believe that these differences in thought that exist in the church needn't outweigh the greater truths that bind us together, and it is important that all members of Faithful Counseling--therapists and members alike--make an effort to strive toward being united in Christ under what matters most. I believe this will lead to the most successful therapy sessions, and any further details around theological leanings needn't be pressed. In order to reach common ground on what I believe are the most fundamental truths, and being a member of this platform, have agreed to the following core tenets of faith: 1. I believe that the Bible is the word of God, a collection of divinely-inspired writings that have been preserved for each generation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice. ("All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) 2. I believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism), that He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 ESV) 3. I believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. ("Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 ESV) 4. I believe salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. ("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)
Melissa Ray
Hi :) I’m Melissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I specialize in helping individuals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in difficult patterns, struggling with self-esteem, or weighed down by past experiences that continue to impact their daily lives. Many of the people I work with are used to holding everything together on the outside while feeling exhausted, frustrated, or misunderstood on the inside. You might find yourself overthinking, being hard on yourself, questioning your worth, or reacting in ways you wish you wouldn’t. You may even know what you “should” think or do, but still feel stuck. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep carrying it by yourself. I work with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, self-worth challenges, and life transitions. Together, we’ll gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface, identify practical tools that actually fit your life, and help you build a stronger, more stable sense of self so you can feel more grounded, confident, and at peace. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused CBT, always through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, understood, and supported—without judgment. I also bring both professional and personal experience with foster care and adoption, which gives me a deeper understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families in these spaces may face. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward a life that feels more steady, confident, and aligned with who you want to be. Warmly, Melissa
Susan Wolfe
I am licensed in Arizona and Pennsylvania with 30 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.
Joseph Almeida
Hey there! My name is Joseph Almeida and I'm licensed in two states. I'm a LMHC in Florida and have my LPC Provisional License in Pennsylvania. Most of my experience has been with youth, teenagers, and college students. I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. I then received my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University. My style of counseling is very person-centered which allows the people I counsel to have freedom and time to express what they are going through and I enjoy walking with them and help supporting them regain the helm of their life back. I have a heart for getting to know people's stories and helping them discover what brings them joy and also how to solve the challenges they face in their lives.
Venessa Williams
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Aimee Senott
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania with 21 years of professional work experience. I have worked in private practice for the last 10+ years. I have 20+ years of specialized experience in helping clients with sexual related issues[within the norm & otherwise including: issues of deviance, paraphilias, fetishes and issues of offending. As well as issues that arise from sex related employment i.e. working in the pornography industry, as an exotic dancer, or as a prostitute], I also have significant experience in working with those who struggle with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship & intimacy related issues, and trauma and abuse. I also see clients who have more general issues. I'm casual, friendly, and nonjudgemental, making me extremly easy to talk to. I have a great sense of humor that I find extremly valuable in the therapeutic process. Despite that humor will likely happen, I assure you that you will be treated with respect. However as a caution those who desire a highly professional, more formal, relationship with their service provider, or those whom are sensitive, substantially serious, or are highly religious may not be a successful match with me. I believe that you know you best and that you have a multitude of strengths and talents that will assist you in overcoming issues that challenge you. Your unique strengths and talents will aid in your success. Making changes to encourage a growingly meaningful and successful existence takes time, courage, and work. I would be honored to work with you, support you in this process, and watch you be succeed in meeting your goals.
Christian Geirsson
I am licensed in Pennsylvania and have worked in the mental health field for over 12 years. I have experience working with clients in higher levels of care (residential, and partial hospitalization) treatment, as well as weekly outpatient therapy settings. I believe it is our role to understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to recognize the changes we want to make, and implement the changes we want to see in our lives. I am familiar and comfortable teaching Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, including reframing thoughts, managing intense distress, and practicing mindfulness as a method of calming our anxieties. I also give clients the space to explore their own emotions, thoughts, memories, and reflections, and allow memories, images, or symbols from their unconscious to arise and speak to them. I have experience and feel comfortable treating anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorders, disturbing dreams, substance abuse, and personality disorders. I tailor my treatment and methods to what my clients prefer, and how the want to understand and heal from their mental health struggles.
Amber Cooper
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have 25 years of experience in the mental health field; 18 of those years were providing outpatient mental health therapy. I have worked with clients of all ages, providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, trauma, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I take your concerns very seriously, but I am very casual and will most often be joining sessions in a sweatshirt with my dog sitting next to me. I regularly use the messaging feature to check in and provide feedback. My schedule is limited to mostly evening hours, with occasional Monday and weekend hours. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I know it can be difficult to talk openly and trust a stranger; I appreciate you letting me help you on your journey.
Cassie Surplus
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience in many different areas, including substance use issues, grief, and trauma. My therapy style is creative with a focus on you and what you want to work on emotionally, no matter what the problem.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in New Salem, Pennsylvania
Finding a therapist near you in New Salem, Pennsylvania starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Pennsylvania is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Pennsylvania, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Pennsylvania, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Pennsylvania
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Pennsylvania, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Pennsylvania
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Pennsylvania
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Pennsylvania through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Pennsylvania
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Pennsylvania, including residents in New Salem.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Pennsylvania do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in New Salem, Pennsylvania
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving New Salem and the surrounding PA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.