Erica Holtz
Welcome! It takes a lot of courage and strength to seek therapy , you should feel proud of yourself for taking the first step in reaching out. My name is Erica Holtz, M.A., LMFT and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. I also have a Certificate in Child Sexual Abuse Treatment from Widener University. I graduated from La Salle University in 2007 after a year long internship at a family therapy agency in Philadelphia, where I continue to assist in training other therapists and interns. I also am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, which means the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy required me to do an extensive training program to be able to supervise therapists who want to be licensed to practice marriage and family therapy. My therapeutic approach is based in Systems Theory, which is the basis for couples and family therapy. Systems theory differs from purely individual therapy models in that all affected parties are included in therapy, whether they are present in the sessions or not. This means there is a focus on the family relationships you had as a child and how they have affected current relationship issues. It focuses on patterns of behavior between people, and what is happening between people that maintains the problems. The first choice is to Include all parties affected in the problem (s) because it helps enhance the quality of relationships and create positive lasting changes often at a more rapid pace. However, I have done systemic work with individuals with great progress. My goal is to help individuals, families and couples who are struggling with painful emotions, distressing relationship problems and who feel “stuck”, confused or frustrated with their current life situation. I specialize in couples therapy, working with various types of families and working with individuals with trauma histories. I also work well with families who have a member with Autism. My therapeutic style is adaptable as well as empathetic . I often use humor and authenticity in my approach with clients, which allows the therapeutic relationship to grow and evolve by creating emotional safety from a "real" person. I have also been a client before, so I know what it is like to enter the therapy room feeling anxious, unsure, and vulnerable. I look forward to working with you and creating lasting change and growth!
Julie Guido
Hi! I'm glad you're here. You have taken the first step toward changing what doesn't work for you. That takes guts. With hard work and a bit of humor I would be happy to help you find ways around any obstacles in your path. If there is anything I have learned in the 28 years that I have been doing this therapy thing, it's that life is unpredictable and demands some flexibility from us at times. Asking for help is so important, no matter your age, intelligence level or socioeconomic status. Pain and discomfort do not discriminate. My approach to therapy is rather eclectic. I am disciplined in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, which work on goals and ways to achieve them from short term to long term. This works well for people who like to see their progress ongoing. Because I am a Clinical Social Worker, I have been taught to see the whole, big picture in a person's life. Family of origin (Systems) therapy includes genograms which help build an understanding of how individuals become who they are today. We learn coping skills (or lack of), conflict styles, roles we've adopted, mannerisms, prejudices, etc. from our adoptive families and/or our families of origin; not to mention what we've been given in our genetics. I can help you explore this area. which can be an important tool in your understanding of yourself and/or partners and extended family members. I have a long, successful track record spent helping individuals, couples and families better communicate, work through conflict resolution and work toward being their best selves. From working with parents with infertility to getting to the core of a person's unknown sadness takes honesty with someone you feel safe with . This can take time, but it's worth all the effort. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get right to a problem and work through it. Anxiety and depression combined with difficult circumstances make for some very uncomfortable feelings and behaviors. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Like addiction, trauma stunts a persons' emotional growth making it difficult to cope with discomfort. I have a great deal of experience helping people grow this part of themselves that is so often neglected. I'd like to help you realize that you're never quite as alone in this world as you may think. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. I have worked in private practice for the majority of my 28 years; however, have also worked in psych hospitals, residential treatment centers and outpatient mental health centers . Age groups span from 8 to 86. With regard to availability I check and respond to messages at least twice daily Monday through Friday and once or twice on weekends. I also offer live chat and video sessions on select days/evenings. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to get started on your new path forward.
Erika Gilmore
**Not Available for Evening Hours** Erika Gilmore, M.S.Ed, LPC is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school age children, teenagers, and adults in individual and family counseling settings. Erika Graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, then began working with children and their families who were in different stages of permanency within the Adoption and Foster Care System. Erika continued her work with aiding clients of all backgrounds and ages in processing through their life events and creating their own narrative while delivering Trauma-Focused services within the community, school, and outpatient setting. The past few years Erika has specialized in working with families who have experienced traumatic and stressful events in their lives, allowing them to create a joint-narrative, develop positive communication skills, learn effective ways of coping and strengthen bonds within the family. Erika also has experience with integrating other models within her practice depending on the needs of the client, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Psychoeducation/Parent Consultation, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Erika believes that every client comes to her with individualized strengths and interests that can be built upon in a safe environment to develop positive coping skills and techniques to heal from the past and move towards a healthier future.
Karen Gano
"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 Hello. My name is Karen Gano, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Australia. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and I have over 30 years of clinical counseling experience. My specialty is what I call Empowerment Counseling. I have a Motivational Interviewing style, and I use Compassion-Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, and Strength Based therapies to assist clients in improving their outlook and life. I have a holistic and goal oriented practice, working primarily with women who are going through some type of life transition whether it be separation, divorce, career changes, relocation, empty nest, illness, etc. I also provide counseling to healthcare workers as I have been a practicing medical social worker throughout my career, and I have worked in trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, palliative care, and domestic abuse. We can all benefit from talking to someone now and again. It is my primary goal to empower clients so that they can build and expand their "team," discover their voice, increase self-awareness and esteem, and make wanted changes in their life. My professional and personal mantra is "Self-Care + Time = Healing." I can help you with healthy coping strategies and tools to guide you from surviving to thriving. I very much look forward to working with you!
Cathryn Shorday
Do you find you are frequently feeling sad, anxious, or angry? Is this an especially challenging time in your life, with more stress than you feel you can manage? Deciding to seek help for challenging times can feel daunting, but therapy can provide support, resources, and insight. As a compassionate and skilled therapist, I have helped many clients move from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless to a place where they feel fulfilled, regain confidence, and find life meaningful again. There are many paths to healing and I personalize my treatment approach to each unique situation. Having worked in the field for 10+ years, my experience includes working with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I work to empower individuals with the tools needed to overcome obstacles, improve self-awareness, recognize strengths, and break down barriers to enhance their quality of life.
Paul Pangburn Jr.
I have been working as a Clinical Social Worker since 2005 after 30+ years in the Chemical Industry. I have a good understanding of what it means to be human and my life experience has led me down many paths. I believe that therapy provides us a way to discover ourselves. . Based upon my own experience with therapy, I find that having a connection with another human being can help us clarify our own needs and find a path to recovery. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but also use facets from other types. I like DBT and Mindfulness therapy and borrow from them. As a therapist my goal is to help you find the answers that you are seeking. I believe we are in control of our own lives but sometimes we need some help finding our path.
Tiffany Chenery
I am licensed in Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Texas with over 7 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults. 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!
Erica Roland
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 8 years of experience doing individual therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health (postpartum, infertility, pregnancy related onset), parenting issues, & 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.
Michelle Bixler
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!
Sarah Poplinski
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Alexandria
Finding the best therapist close by in Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Alexandria, 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Alexandria, elsewhere in Huntingdon, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 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).
How is a licensed therapist on this Alexandria online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 professional, including the therapists in Alexandria 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 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 today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified 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 is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used 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 - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Alexandria 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.
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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 16611 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 Alexandria counselor?
Before seeing your Alexandria therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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 or feel unsure about what to talk about. Alexandria 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.
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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Alexandria 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 with a Alexandria 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 Alexandria, 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.
Alexandria has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria:
16611