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.
Patrick Smith
In my 16 years of experience as a therapist, I have discovered that each of us has problems that at times become overwhelming. Many of us know that we are capable, but there are times when each of us find ourselves struggling to cope with certain issues. My counseling approach acknowledges this similarity in all of us. My approach to counseling embraces the reality that all of us will both need and offer help as we journey through life. More importantly, I embrace the value that my clients place upon the issues they present to me. From my perspective, any issue that you feel will improve your well being deserves the benefit of therapy to help you get there. In my practice, I take a non-directive, practical approach to helping. I acknowledge your strengths and embrace you as your own greatest resource. I recognize that each of us experience our distress in our own way. My approach involves listening to you. I believe that therapy is a place for growth and new perspectives. My clients have come to me for many reasons, but much of the time it is because although help is needed, they don't want to be a burden on friends or worry family members that might otherwise be supports. My approach involves exploring your difficult experiences, processing emotions, and building strategies to help you cope with life's challenges.
Dr. Fredric Richmond
Welcome. The fact that you are here tells me you have the courage and motivation it takes to reach out for help, I want to assure you from this moment you are no longer alone. I am able to help you navigate this troubling and stressful time. My name is Fred Richmond, PhD, a graduate of Temple University, and the University of Michigan, licensed Psychologist with a multi decade career in both inpatient and outpatient settings overseeing the care of adults with difficult emotional and behavioral diagnoses. My theoretical approach is both client-centered and cognitive behavioral oriented. My priority is hearing, and I mean really listening to what you think and feel about the things that are troubling you. I will help you develop strategies that will both alleviate your immediate distress and help you gain new perspectives in dealing with challenges as they arise. You have come this far, I urge you to take the second step, first by trusting your decision to reach out, now to trust me to hear and help.
Carey Deeters
I’ve been in the human services field since 2000. I have provided services to children and youth, adults, and the elderly in county, in-patient, hospice, community-based and clinical agencies. I have worked with folks who have an array of issues including substance use disorders, grief and loss, abuse, trauma, parenting and family issues and change of life issues. Some of the diagnoses I have treated include: MDD, GAD, ASD, ADHD, ODD, DMDD, OCD, bi-polar disorders type I and II and personality disorders. My treatment approach is strongly oriented to CBT/ REBT, but the modalities are flexible and allow me to meet you in your journey to becoming a You who is more at peace with how you got to where you are and how you want to get to where you want to go on your way to a more fulfilling life. When you’re ready to begin that journey, I’ll be ready to support and empower you to take your next step forward. Hope to hear from you and take care.
Tracy Clarke
Hi! I'm Tracy Clarke, and I'm glad you have found my profile! I received my master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania, and I have been working in mental health since 2016. I am currently in my last semester of a PhD program in counselor education and supervision from Waynesburg University. My approach is eclectic, and I utilize cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) on a regular basis, as well as aspects of existential theory. I am highly specialized in addictions counseling. I also have over a decade of experience working with individuals with disabilities, including autism and intellectual disabilities. I believe the therapeutic alliance is the cornerstone of successful therapy. I work on building trust and professional relationships, so that we may work together to tackle your adversities. I use a variety of techniques to help you accomplish your goals, which are based on your individual needs and preferences. I look forward to working with you in the future!
Amanda Hillberry
Hello! I am a licensed therapist in the state of Pennsylvania with a broad range of experiences in the counseling field. I have worked with children, teens, and adults with many different backgrounds and concerns in home-based, school-based, in a recovery house, and outpatient settings over the past 8 years. My therapy style is more laid-back but interactive, while also being direct when needed. I am passionate about counseling from a Christian perspective, but I am also able to counsel persons from all religious and spiritual beliefs to help them live more fulfilling lives. Over the past few years, grief has become more prevalent in my own life and the lives of people I have interacted with and counseled, spurring on a new passion to be as present as possible in the grieving process of others, especially those experiencing disenfranchised grief (when the depth of pain is not commonly recognized by society as a whole). While I can’t make the pain of loss go away, having someone be with you in the pain can make a world of difference. My therapeutic approach consists of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Existential theories. Since every person is unique, I will take time to learn your individual needs, wants, strengths and what you respond best to in sessions. It is admirable to take steps to help oneself in greater self-discovery and growth. Thank you for being here, and for being you. I hope you feel heard and can know what it is like to be truly authentic. I look forward to working alongside you!
Amy Wienand
Hello! I am licensed in Pennsylvania and have worked with individuals for over 20 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, as well as grief and loss. 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!
Rachel Phelps
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Stephanie Balbuena
Hello there! Thank you for stopping by and taking the first steps towards your self improvement journey. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, life changes/ transitions, & depression. 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.
Graham Maxey
I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Texas with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Samuel 'Sam' Fuge
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I work with various approaches and theories such as psychodynamic approaches, internal family systems, Gestalt therapy, solution focused therapy, and EMDR for trauma, anxiety, phobias, and more. My passion is finding the core of the issue and working to resolve it so that you feel better for good, not just for a little bit until the symptoms come back. I believe we all hold the solutions to our problems and therapy is meant to help us discover what those solutions are and to use them! Prior to being a therapist, I worked for over a decade as a paramedic and before that I was a high school band director (only for a few years). I have a vast array of experiences and perspectives that are helpful for my clients to gain insight into their own experiences. I live in western PA and I have a sweet, lovable, and protective dog named Miss Marylin. I enjoy theater, music, reading, and talking with friends in my free time. If you feel we might be a good fit, I’d love to talk to you and help get you to your goal!
How to find a therapist for counseling in State College
Finding the best therapist close by in State College 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 with therapists in State College that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in State College. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in State College, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the State College region and in the state of Pennsylvania. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in State College or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A State College therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 State College area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find State College 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 State College, elsewhere in Centre, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the State College area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed State College therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in State College due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 State College may not take health insurance, some therapists 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Pennsylvania you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this State College online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in State College, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 State College psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in State College 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in State College helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified State College 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 State College therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in State College?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a State College 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in State College therapy sessions.
State College therapists 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 State College 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 State College 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in PA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 16805 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a State College counselor?
Before seeing your State College 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. State College therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in State College.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A State College 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 with a State College counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 State College, 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.
State College 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for State College, Pennsylvania
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of State College 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in State College:
16801, 16802, 16803, 16804, 16805