College towns are great for young people to grow into better people. But sometimes they need a little bit of help from a counselor. Luckily, a counselor in State college is ready to help you understand, and better yourself.
It’s the third-safest metropolitan area in the US, meaning that’s it’s a safe location for those young and old. It was originally a town, but it grows to help those that were at Penn State. It is known for the university in the area, but even if you aren't here just to study, having a counselor here will help you feel safe and secure no matter the odds.
Caralee Crary
I believe that a person moves in and out of their various life stages with the desire to learn and sometimes re-learn life lessons. I work with clients to enhance self-awareness, insight, and skill sets for managing life. Our therapeutic experience will be a joint effort in reaching your goals! I work with adult couples struggling in their relationships, communication, and living styles over all stages of life. I work with children and teens in their social, emotional, educational, and family systems. I see adults attempting to clarify and reach life goals involving education, work, independence, esteem, and healthy relationships. My formal training is in psycho-dynamic therapy and object relations but I also received a specialized cognitive-behavioral training through The University of Pennsylvania and The University of Colorado. I have developed a combination of being able to work with and understand behaviors and thoughts, but also deeper set feelings and patterns. I have an intuitive combination of understanding how people learn and feel, to empower them to identify the direction in which they need to go. I am extremely collaborative and offer useful feedback while respecting the growth and change process. I offer an extremely nonjudgmental and safe environment with which to explore those areas people often cannot. Part of the reason I became a therapist was because after having experienced many major life events both as a child and an adult, it empowered me to understand, empathize, and guide others in their psychological growth. I genuinely look forward to working with clients and bearing witness to their story. I am married and have two children. I enjoy reading, gardening, music, yoga/walking, nature, and films. Thank you! Caralee Crary, MEd, MA, NCP, LPC
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
Dr. Robert Wilson
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with conflict in the workplace and interpersonally. 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.
Dr. Dennis Gourley
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 50 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, anger management, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Kaitlin Reichart
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years. I have worked in an RTF, as a crisis intervention specialist, was a paraprofessional for a therapeutic emotional support classroom, a school-based outpatient counselor, and a partial hospitalization therapist. I have worked with a variety of mental health diagnosis, at times with individuals experiencing mental health and substance concerns. I am certified in TARGET and have a Play Therapy Certificate. I have utilized Sand Tray therapy when working with children. I utilize CBT, DBT, Solution-focused and some motivational interviewing when working with clients that are adolescent and older. I strive to be warm and inviting and interacting in sessions that are more like conversations. Each individual is their own individual, meaning not one treatment will work for all. I strive to be the hope for individuals when they struggle to see the hope that things can be better for themselves. Individuals who seek help are brave and courageous, as taking the first step is the hardest. Change takes time and courage, and if you are wanting things to change and be better for yourself, I look forward to meeting with you and working together.
Dr. Thomas Appel-Schumacher
I am licensed as a Psychologist in North Carolina and Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alexandra C Ernst
I am a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with over three decades of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, relationship and career challenges, as well as major life transitions. My work is solution-focused, collaborative, and empowering—centered on helping you build clarity, confidence, and forward momentum, even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. I work especially well with clients experiencing social anxiety, general depression, low self-esteem, caregiver exhaustion, grief and loss, and stress related to relationships, marriage, divorce, family dynamics, and work environments. Many of my clients are navigating midlife transitions, career changes, identity shifts, or the emotional toll of caring for others while feeling depleted themselves. Therapy with me is not about judgment or “fixing” you—it’s about working together to understand what’s getting in the way and identifying practical, meaningful steps toward the life you want. I use Solution-Focused Therapy, strengths-based approaches, and evidence-informed strategies to help you recognize what’s already working, reduce emotional overwhelm, and create sustainable change at a pace that feels right for you. I have extensive experience supporting adults through older adulthood, and I am affirming and inclusive in my work with LGBTQ+ clients. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, grieving a loss, questioning a relationship or career path, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, therapy can be a place to regain stability, direction, and self-trust. I offer affirming, non-religious counseling in a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered to develop meaningful coping strategies and move toward sustainable, positive change—at a pace that feels right for you.
Felicia Roche
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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.
David Silvasy
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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.
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.
Victor Franco
My main goal is to help you become empowered to make the changes you can realistically make to improve your life. We'll accomplish this by helping you grow your confidence and process and heal trauma. My ideal client is willing to explore things they do not understand about themselves and/or those around them and thereby build self-awareness. Their issues fall under the categories of self-esteem, stress and/or mood management, behavioral issues, trauma and PTSD, domestic abuse/violence, teen counseling, grief, family conflict, and spirituality and faith topics. Our words are at times not enough to express the depths of our emotions. I believe in client-directed therapy. I use a client-tailored mixture of art-making and psychotherapy techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychoanalysis, and more! I understand that your current circumstances are difficult beyond words. This is why I'd like to partner with you to find ways to vent and cope with the help of creativity. As we explore those things you're struggling with, we'll also find ways to help you cope and visualize realistic, step-by-step solutions to these struggles.
Kerns Civil
As a licensed therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to mental health care. My professional background spans a decade of working with diverse clients, focusing on addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and career-related difficulties. I specialize in helping individuals navigate communication challenges, feelings of isolation, and struggles with life purpose. My therapeutic approach centers on understanding each client's unique experience, with particular sensitivity to issues of guilt, shame, and self-esteem. My practice is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner world and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I am committed to meeting each person exactly where they are, honoring their individual journey and supporting their path toward healing and self-discovery. Through collaborative and empathetic counseling, I aim to empower clients to build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and create positive transformations in their lives.
Courtney Cannon
Courtney is committed to creating a welcoming, relaxed, and supportive environment where clients feel safe and understood. She believes that a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective counseling. Courtney approaches therapy with the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives, and her role is to help them identify, clarify, and prioritize their needs in a way that feels empowering and meaningful. She recognizes that past experiences can influence present challenges, yet she works collaboratively with clients to help them reshape their narratives and move toward a future that is not defined by negativity or limitation. Courtney uses an integrative counseling approach tailored to each client’s unique goals and concerns. During initial sessions, she and the client work together to identify priority areas and develop a personalized treatment plan. Courtney incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to support clients in making progress at their own pace. She provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults navigating emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. In addition, Courtney offers couples counseling utilizing the Gottman Method to strengthen communication, connection, and relationship satisfaction. Courtney earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. Since graduating, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, and concerns related to women’s mental health. Her professional background includes working with adolescents in a school-based counseling program, followed by providing outpatient treatment for individuals navigating substance use challenges.
Gabriella Gilbert
I work best with clients who are ready to explore patterns, build insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. My ideal clients include individuals and couples navigating Borderline Personality Disorder, neurodivergence, chronic pain or illness, and the emotional challenges that often accompany these experiences. I frequently work with people managing anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, sexually maladaptive behaviors, and relationship concerns. I value working with clients across the lifespan, from children to adults, who are open to collaboration and growth. My approach to therapy is eclectic, with a strong foundation in CBT, DBT, and Reality Therapy. Sessions are flexible, collaborative, and goal-focused, balancing a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe with professionalism, clear boundaries, and intentional progress. I work with clients ages 5 through 65. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, especially if you’ve had difficult experiences in the past or have learned to manage things on your own for a long time. Therapy does not require you to have everything figured out. It simply asks that you show up as you are.
Find a Therapist Near You in State College , Pennsylvania
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Pennsylvania can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Pennsylvania is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Pennsylvania, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Pennsylvania (PA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across Pennsylvania with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Pennsylvania
When searching for a therapist near me in Pennsylvania, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Pennsylvania, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Pennsylvania.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Pennsylvania want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Pennsylvania
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Pennsylvania without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Pennsylvania (PA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Pennsylvania
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Pennsylvania, including residents in State College.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.