Sunbury, Pennsylvania may not be a huge and bustling city, but there are many exciting and fun things to do in town that are great for both your physical and mental health. For example, you can hike along the Susquehanna River on one of the many trails in Shikellamy State Park or enjoy the beauty of the flowers at Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens.

However, if you are feeling anxious or depressed, you may not want to do anything, let along go out and try to enjoy a park. Sometimes, your emotions can stop you from enjoying life, and unless you get help, you will not even realize what you are missing. Talk to one of the Sunbury-area counselors to talk about any emotional or mental health concerns you may have.

This is Rachel Wilson-Snyder's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Wilson-Snyder

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania with over 20 years experience providing counseling across a variety of professional settings with a diverse clientele. A well-practiced and experienced professional, I am comfortable assisting with a broad spectrum of clinical issues. Areas I am exceptionally well-versed in include: development and adjustment issues over the lifespan, career challenges and unexpected life changes, developing a stable and positive sense of identity and self-esteem, and finding a deeper meaning and sense of purpose in one’s life struggles. Key issues include anxiety, depression, parenting issues, ADHD, ODD, developmental issues and/or special needs, supporting adults with autism, PTSD, sexual abuse or trauma issues, and helping adults recover from a traumatic or life-altering event such as a brain injury. As the parent of child with autism, there is a special place in my heart for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, their caregivers and their loved ones. I am adept in helping individuals develop skills in a variety of areas including setting and achieving life-changing goals, bettering themselves in key life areas such as relationship skills, parenting skills and support, time management and organizational skills, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution skills, executive functioning, and developing a daily routine that reflects their individual goals for their life. My counseling style is warm, empowering, and collaborative. My approach combines humanistic and cognitive therapies and employs motivational interviewing and reality therapy to help you develop a clear vision of the life you want for yourself, determine the steps necessary to achieve that life, and provides coaching as you work towards achieving your goals. I look forward to joining alongside you on your life journey.

Get started View profile
This is Jessica Hervatin's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Hervatin

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
36 years of experience

Hi, my name is Jessica. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. I have been a therapist for 33 years. I have worked as an employee assistant counselor, therapist for psychiatric disorders and as a drug and alcohol counselor. I have worked as a crisis counselor and with incarcerated individuals. My career has been my passion. I utilize several therapy techniques. I want you to know it is courageous reaching out for help. My approach is open and compassionate. I have worked with thousands of clients throughout my career suffering from all kinds of problems. I promise to meet you where you are at and to assist you in moving towards a positive direction you choose. There are many types of counseling and I will work with you to assist you in accomplishing your goals. Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, addiction, personality disorders and trauma. I currently work as a mental health therapist in a local hospital. I have worked in several diverse settings since the start of my career and taught a course at a local university, " And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" Anais Nin

Get started View profile
This is Dr. John Bixler's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. John Bixler

Offering therapy in PA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
34 years of experience

I am a psychologist licensed in the state of Pennsylvania with over 30 years of training and experience in helping people working through many of life's struggles. My doctoral studies were in clinical psychology, and my first masters degree was in marriage and family systems. Across the years I've worked in with many different concerns ranging from: depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, fears, and emptiness ... to ...struggles adapting to change of roles and growth through life ... to ... thought disorders ... to ... PTSD from war related experiences, molestations, and rape. I too have been in therapy several times across the years, and so offer my services as someone who has been greatly helped by this process as well as having extensive training and practical experience. I appreciate how difficult it is to seek help, and how frightening it may be to need help. My approach is centered around helping you become more of who you are at the deepest levels rather than what anyone else believes you need to be. I offer my services as a guide to help you through your own world of thoughts, feelings, and experiences in an attempt to find meaning. Across the years I've worked in community clinic settings, private practice, Federal prisons, nursing homes, and in-home/community children's services. My therapeutic style is a casual and caring person centered, including skills sets and models derived from Existential, Jungian, Object Relations, Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. I approach this work with a keen awareness of spirituality and use this to inform our discussions without pushing any specific religious model. Personally, I was raised in Japan for 10 years as a young child during the Vietnam war. I experienced racial hatred and fears as students rioted in front of my house. My father would take me with him to visit wounded soldiers from a very young age. I know personally about the pain of trying to live, sometimes living up to our dreams and at other times failing. Through the years I've been honored by numerous people who have shared their hopes, dreams, fears and wounds. I look forward to the opportunity to explore healing with you.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Stephanie Smigiel's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Stephanie Smigiel

Offering therapy in PA
License: Phd,LPC,LBS
Stress, AnxietyLGBTCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I'm a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed behavioral specialist (LBS) in Pa. I've graduated with my Ph.d from Robert Morris University focusing on improving quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I received my masters in clinical counseling from Waynesburg University. I've worked with all ages from preschool, school age , young adults and adults. I enjoy supporting individuals transition from childhood to adulthood. I've work directly with coaching parents with behavioral modification with children. In addition, I have worked with adults with history of trauma from abuse/neglect/ptsd. My counseling style is client centered. I believe everyone has a story to be told and will help you write it. I am grounded in humanistic counseling and pulls from other techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. I use creative techniques in order to help express oneself. By working together we will create your unique story and develop a healthy future. I'm committed to working with my clients. I will listen, empower, and support you on your personal journey.

Get started View profile
This is Shania Wilkes's avatar and link to their profile

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!

Get started View profile
This is Connie Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Connie Thompson

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 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 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!

Get started View profile
This is Emily Fries's avatar and link to their profile

Emily Fries

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have experience in helping clients navigate challenges with anxiety and depression, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also am very familiar with the effects that grief and loss have on a person’s life—whether through the death of a loved one OR grieving the loss of the way you thought your life was going to look like. In addition to several years of clinical counseling, my professional background includes working as hospice social worker and as a social worker in an outpatient oncology practice. Personally, I have been a member of the First Responder family for the last twenty years. I would love to talk with anyone who is facing the unique challenges that being a first responder (or loving one!) brings. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel the freedom to speak freely about anything that is on your mind. I have a pretty laid back, informal style to therapy and will follow your lead on what you hope to get out of our time together. Taking the step to reach out to someone to talk to is a big deal and I would be honored to be the one to listen.

Get started View profile
This is Nara Pezolano's avatar and link to their profile

Nara Pezolano

Offering therapy in PA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Nara Pezolano and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) in Pennsylvania with over 18 years of professional mental health experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, motivation, relationship issues, self esteem and confidence, career difficulties, personality and mood disorders, anxiety & depression, grief, and end of life issues.  I take an eclectic, person-centered approach where you are in the driver seat in your own recovery. I am here to support you in that process and will meet you where you’re at, without judgment. Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule a session with me today! I am a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, sex positive. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Michelle Bixler's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Bixler

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I am a trauma specialist, as well as a Board Certified Music Therapist. 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 will support you in the therapeutic process. My therapy style is positive, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and curiosity. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you, and I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Carolyn Wolff's avatar and link to their profile

Carolyn Wolff

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Delaware and Pennsylvania. I have over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of mental health. Working extensively with clients experiencing stress and anxiety, relationship and work issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to helping yourself make a change takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Sunbury

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury, 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 17801 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury 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 Sunbury, 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.

Sunbury 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 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 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 Sunbury.

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

17801

Popular cities near Sunbury, PA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist