Depression is one of the most common and life-altering mental health issues in the United States and is the most common cause of disability in America. Some of the typical symptoms include chronic fatigue, sadness, sleeping and eating changes, trouble making decisions, and lack of interest in favorite activities. The City of West Chester has many therapists who can treat depression and other mental illnesses. 

West Chester, Pennsylvania has 14 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places including the West Chester Boarding School for Boys, Warner Theater, Butler House, and the Buckwalter Building. When you are depressed, you don’t feel like doing anything like visiting these historic places. It is important that you talk to one of the West Chester therapists right away to get an appointment.

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Patrick Currie

Offering therapy in PA
License: MEd, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hi, I'm Patrick, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience helping people in various settings. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Widener University with a focus on behavioral medicine and health psychology, learning the amazing ways in which we can improve or regain health and wellness using the power of the mind. Then, while working on an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit, I witnessed the damaging effects of trauma, abuse and neglect and so I returned to school at Temple University and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology to be better equipped to help others deal with life's many challenges. I have worked in clinical, educational and correctional facilities providing individual counseling, conducting workshops and seminars on stress management, making healthy choices and other topics, as well as running psycho-educational group programs for violence prevention, drug abuse prevention, relapse prevention and anger management. I have continued to provide outpatient therapy addressing a number of issues - anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief and loss, work and career problems, relationship issues, life transitions and more. No matter what type of challenges you are facing, I believe we all have the capacity to improve ourselves and live more authentic, healthy and fulfilling lives. Success in any endeavor is a process of developing awareness, gaining acceptance and taking effective action. My style is supportive and empowering, using elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and positive psychology to educate and inspire others to master these skills. I take a holistic approach to counseling, looking at every aspect of a person's life to identify strengths, build resiliency and encourage growth. I am also sensitive to the needs and challenges of individuals from different groups, including racial, cultural, LGBT, differently abled or other. I respect the values and experiences of my clients and I aspire to see the world from their perspective as we work towards the life they want to live.

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Christopher White

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions, trauma, grief and loss, and self-esteem. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and reality/choice theory. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Dr. Laurel Buxbaum's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Laurel Buxbaum

Offering therapy in PA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

Stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues and other difficulties are very common in our challenging times. Reaching out for help is the first step in finding solutions for your problems and achieving greater happiness. My job is to compassionately help you along the path toward feeling better by working with you to identify the sources of difficulty and the things that stand in the way of change, and developing a clear, approachable plan of action. My approach in therapy is based on the evidence of what works, and my understanding that the collaborative and supportive relationship you have with your therapist is a really important agent of change. I have a Psy.D. in Psychology with a specialization in cognitive neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation, and have been a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania since 1989. My background means that I have substantial training and experience in providing empathic and supportive therapy, as well as in clearly identifying underlying causes of difficulty and generating solutions. When not providing therapy, I am a research professor in cognitive neuroscience at Einstein Healthcare Network and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In addition to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family conflict, I also specialize in health-related issues and stress, including illness of oneself or family member. By combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with many other different approaches, as needed, in a warm and supportive atmosphere, I can offer clients a number of strategies for success and growth.

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Dr. Jessica MacIntire

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW,DEd
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. I received my Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from Rutgers University in New Jersey and I received my Bachelor's of Arts degree in Social Work from Messiah College in PA. Additionally, in 2019 I completed a doctorate through Penn State University with a dissertation focused on social work education. I have been working with individuals, parents, and older adults since 2013. I started my social work career working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, followed by three years in a medical hospital. I also supported families and children as an Early Intervention therapist. Most recently I work in a school setting providing individual and group counseling to teens and adolescents, as well as providing education and resource coordination to parents, families. And community members. I have experience addressing problems related to disorders such as depression, anxiety, divorce and marital issues, Trauma and abuse, as well as issues surrounding life changes and events. I use evidenced-based approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help with emotional regulation and distress tolerance, andto identify and recognize the client’s thoughts which contribute to their behaviors and feelings. The client can then identify distorted beliefs and thoughts, challenge them and create more balanced thoughts which improves the choices they make, and how they feel about themselves and the environment. In conjunction with focusing on thoughts, behavior modification challenges clients to makes a conscious effort to change negative behaviors to improve their feelings and thoughts. Other approaches I may use include strengths based approach, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

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Laura Hank

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 14 years of experience in various settings, including school, telehealth, and community-based outpatient mental health helping adults, adolescents, and families navigate life’s challenges. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I provide a safe space for clients to share their feelings as they take their first step toward better emotional awareness and mental well-being. I have have expertise in treating a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life changes. I want to help clients develop the skills and insights they need to achieve their goals by using evidence-based approaches such as person-centered, strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness-based strategies. I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow, and I am dedicated to helping clients achieve their full potential by taking the step toward a happier, healthier life.

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Kristen Templin

Offering therapy in PA
Family conflictsGrief
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & 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. When you are authentic, you create a certain energy. The path of spiritual awakening involves uncovering the values and ideas that are authentic to you, regardless of what others think. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Dr. Virginia Koutsouros's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Virginia Koutsouros

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is BJ Snader's avatar and link to their profile

BJ Snader

Offering therapy in PA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Summer-Leigh Post

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPCMH,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a professional Mental Health Counselor with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor as well as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker. I am a National Certified Counselor, certified in Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach, and I have had training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as well as Neurofeedback. I utilize a client-centered approach while counseling individuals, couples, and families who are coping with severe persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, substance use, and any other presenting issues that may be struggling with. I incorporate mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and a family systems approach to assist individuals, couples and families with meeting their goals so they can create the lives that they desire.

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Cheri Ledbetter

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, parenting issues, motivation, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in West Chester

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester, 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 19383 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester, 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.

West Chester 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 West Chester.

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

19380, 19381, 19382, 19383

Popular cities near West Chester, PA

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