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Brandon Graf

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoaching
15 years of experience

Brandon's main areas of focus are anxiety, fear, depression, and stress. These are all things that many people experience at some point in their lives. They are also typical of existential and spiritual crises. Existentialism in the context of counseling refers to finding meaning in life, especially when questions start to arise. Questions about personal values and sense of direction are common. These questions can be become especially frequent during major life transitions like starting or ending relationships, jobs, and geographical moves. His experience is wide-ranging and includes private practice, employee assistance, and drug and alcohol settings. His counseling style is humanistic, person-centered. As such, he takes a non-judgmental approach that seeks to meet people where they are and to help them articulate what they’re experiencing including potential solutions for issues needing resolution. This point of view assumes that the therapist is not an expert on the person seeking help, but an assistant on the journey of self-discovery. Brandon has extensive experience in counseling individuals, couples, and families. He enjoys traveling and has lived in and visited over 30 countries. He’s an avid sports fan who also enjoys exercise, hiking, and reading.

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Melissa Strauss

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Melissa Hochbaum Strauss and I am looking forward to working with you. I have over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe that every client can teach me something and my approach is warm and engaging. I hope that you feel you have control over our time as well. Every individual has strengths and it is important to use this in the therapeutic process. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Emotionally Focused and Internal Family Systems Therapy. I tailor each therapeutic style to the individual's needs. My experience includes; Depression, Anxiety, Relational Issues, Family Dynamic Issues, Trauma, Sexual Identity Work, School and Career Work, Infertility and Parenting.

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Kristen Patryna

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyDepression
7 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Kristen Patryna and I have been doing outpatient therapy for 3 years but have been in the field for 13. I have experience working with teens and adults both in an individual and a group setting. I enjoy building a strong therapeutic relationship with my folks and emphasize the equality in the relationship. I find it most beneficial for clients to have a good blend of validation, problem solving and developing skills that can be used outside of session; I want my folks to feel heard and also want to help them produce change. I have experience in using a Person Centered approach, CBT and DBT which includes teaching emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, all which can be helpful for a variety of concerns and used across many different settings. I particularly enjoy treating anxiety and related symptoms. I am very excited to get started and most importantly, I commend you for reaching out for support! I am looking forward to working together and learning more about you!

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Donald Rindfuss

Offering therapy in PA
License: MSW, LCSW, CAADC
AddictionsTrauma and abuse
15 years of experience

Hello all. Thank you reaching out , My name is Donald and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Addiction Counselor as well as a certified YOGA instructor. I enjoy working with others to achieve a happy values based life. Life happens and sometimes we do need some help to get back on track. Sometimes this is brief intervention other times it is an on-going struggle. Either way I can be there to assist you on your personal journey. I have my own experiences with life issues that I share and draw from to assist others as well as an education from The University of Pittsburgh where i received my masters degree in Social Work. Over time I have developed a rather "laid back" approach to therapy, and some have told me I have a calming influence. My experience includes EMDR ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) nd Motivational interviewing. I am also a huge fan of mindfulness (meditation) which has proven efficacy for many life problems. I draw from my experience with yoga and meditation to assist folks with anxiety/depression, grief, and trauma. I graduated U of Pitt Magna Cum Laude and Golden Key Honor Society as Masters in Social Work and certifications in Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health. I have spent much of my career working with addicts, homeless people, veterans suffering from PTSD and readjustment issues. I have recently retired from the Veterans Administration where i worked with the veterans with a wide range of issues. I have also worked as a therapist in Drug Rehabilitation in patient settings. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I may be able to help. SPECIALTIES: Stress/Anxiety Trauma/abuse Grief Depression Anger Management general life issues (not fitting in..) My response time is very flexible as I am mostly retired but my preference is early morning, later afternoons or evenings. I can also be available later at night with advance notice/scheduling.

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Kevin McGarvey

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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. I have most of my experience working in partial hospital settings, working with people with significant mental illness as well as a couple years of experience working in individual outpatient settings, and I have extensive experience working with people who have been diagnosed with personality disorders. My approach to counseling assumes that you are the expert in your life and that the symptoms that you experience are due to the challenges of life. The diagnosis is not as important as what contributes to how you feel and what we can work on together so that managing those stressors can be easier. I have a relaxed approach to counseling and try to learn as much about you, your background, and the issues that cause you to seek help. It is important for me to try to gain perspective of the issues as you see them so that I can provide the most relevant help I can. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to help. I am happy to answer any questions you may have before beginning work.

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Dr. Ella Ray

Offering therapy in PA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have over 35 years of experience as a therapist. It takes courage to begin therapy. I also know that therapy sessions tend to exclusively focus on problems, on what is not working. I will encourage you to see the full picture, define your strengths, and use them to reach your goals. My interest and experience include depression and trauma both physical and racial. I also help individuals whose career or interpersonal success is blocked by factors such as low self-esteem, procrastination, or impostor syndrome. Multicultural issues have always been of interest to me over the years. My caseload reflects a wide range of diversity. This interest and experience are heightened by my interracial and international family. While this does inform me of issues that others face, I also know that all members of a group are not the same and in the service of my work and my clients, I make no assumptions based upon how one looks. During our sessions, I want to hear your story. I also encourage you to question any ideas or techniques that are offered. In my work, I combine cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness. In therapy sessions, we will explore your thoughts about yourself and the world. Unfortunately, as human beings, we are hard-wired to focus on negative interactions with the world and our missteps. I will then use mindfulness techniques to help clear away the anxieties that fog up the mind so that you can focus on what is truly happening. It helps one to be less influenced by trends or social pressures and allows one to live one's own life, to not absorb the noise chaos, and confusion that is so prevalent. I enjoy the respect of my colleagues I genuinely enjoy my work and often feel that I was born to be a therapist. I bring respect for you, expertise, warmth, and humor to my sessions. It is your right to understand suggestions that I offer, and I encourage you to ask for clarification. I look forward to being part of your journey. I bring respect and integrity to my work, and I abide by the ethical guidelines of the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. As such, I am duty bound to collect certain information about you. This information includes your identification, location, emergency contact information and any past and present mental and physical issues. This information must be completed before we can set up our first appointment. While I urge you not to be discouraged by this process, I also must confess that when these regulations first became implemented that I sometimes felt frustrated by having to complete the information prior to seeing my health care providers. But it clearly was in my best interest. This process is here to protect you. Once again, I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel empowered and effective in dealing with challenges in your life.

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Constance Mills

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

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Jesse Schiavone

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Arizona with 13 years of licensed professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have experience working with adults and also adolescents ranging in age from 13-17 years old. 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.

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Ian Diskin

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder & 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. I use a Person-Centered approach along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am here to help guide you to work towards the goals that you would like to work on in order to improve your well-being. 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.

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Jennifer Terry

Offering therapy in PA
License: CRC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Jennifer and I am a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. Eight years in the mental health field has exposed me to many wonderful people in a variety of settings. My professional experience began in residential group homes and then out-patient care. I have most experience working with people who have anxiety, depression, complex trauma, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities. For the past nine years, I have volunteered as a mentor for people who are incarcerated through a national Bible study outreach program. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is that, each person already possesses gifts and talents to overcome even the bleakest circumstance. My passion is to help you uncover the emotional gifts that may have been buried under the corrosion of negativity. This lesson drives me to learn more about each person I am fortunate to meet. I strive to always provide a supportive environment as we work together. At times, I will ask difficult questions that are designed to spur your growth and development to the next level. I provide worksheets and information sheets throughout out our time together to help you learn more about anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being. These also help you discover more about yourself. They are part of our therapeutic work together, take a relatively short amount of time to answer, provide meaningful information, and are at no extra cost to you. I do expect the worksheets to be completed. This world is rapidly changing, and this can become overwhelming for many. I believe in planning for tomorrow but celebrating victories and examining defeats on a day by day basis. We can work through emotions, concerns, and often discover root causes to break the power they hold over you. I know there is a great need for LGBTQ counselors. However, I do not have training in LGBTQ issues and can't provide treatment as it is outside my scope of practice. My role as therapist, is to guide and walk with you along your pathway. Using your values and your priorities as the road map to YOUR success. My primary approach is a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing, CBT and/or EMDR incorporated. I always tailor the treatment to your needs. These are your sessions; I will use my training and experience to help guide you along your journey. Each discussion will promote development of the terrific qualities you already possess in order to help you flourish! Any time you have questions in general or the about the process, please let me know.

How to find counseling in Union City

Finding the best therapist close by in Union City 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 Union City. 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 Union City, 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City, elsewhere in Erie, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Union City area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City, 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 16438 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 Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City, 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.

Union City has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Union City.

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

16438

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