If you’re navigating issues like low self-esteem, mood disorders (like anxiety or depression), or you just want to work on being more at peace in the present moment, psychotherapy may be worth trying. 

When you’re searching for the right therapist, Altoona, PA has a range of options to consider. For example, if you’re looking for preventative mental health services to improve your wellbeing, you might want to consider counseling psychology services at an outpatient counseling clinic like Blair Family Solutions—which is in Altoona, PA, 16602. This clinic offers both psychology and psychiatry services (psychiatrists are medical Drs. who specialize in mental health). In contrast, people who want to address family conflict and are interested in faith-based services may want to try family counseling at a clinic like the Christian Counseling Associates. 

Many people prefer online therapy services to in-person therapy, because it’s typically more affordable and it’s easier to schedule sessions at a time that’s convenient for you. Additionally, while in-person therapists often have long waiting lists, most people using online therapy services are matched with a licensed provider within 48 hours. 

The licensed mental health professionals listed below all provide online therapy services in Altoona, Pennsylvania. You can read through their profiles to learn more about each therapist’s background, professional experiences, and licensing information. On their profiles, you’ll also find client reviews, which highlight how these therapists can help you achieve your mental health goals.   

This is Avia James's avatar and link to their profile

Avia James

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, and congratulations on your first step in becoming BetterHelped. With blended experience in different therapeutic settings and modalities, including Inpatient, Outpatient and Corrections, I am confident that I have the tools, experience and knowledge to assist and support you in your endeavor to rise above life challenges. I hold a Master's of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling and I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I am certified as a Co-Occurring Counselor by the Pennsylvania Certification Board and specialize in providing counseling to those affected by both mental health and substance use disorders. I believe that having a strong therapeutic alliance is at the core of successful outcomes. I believe that having a good connection with your counselor is key to putting theory into practice. That being said, my main goal, with any therapeutic encounter I have, is to create a working environment that feels safe, positive and non-judgmental. I employ creative methods in my effort to encourage and allow you to be YOU and to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. I strive to empower you as an individual and help you bring all your personal strengths out to the forefront. I aim to assist you to strengthen the connection with the inner voice I am confident you have deep down, as I aspire to get you to see your ability to self-heal. Thank you for considering me as your next counselor and I look forward to being a part in your self-search endeavor.

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This is Jeffrey Finkbiner's avatar and link to their profile

Jeffrey Finkbiner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi. I imagine that you are seeking relief for a painful situation or challenge in your life. I hope to meet with you to learn about yourself and your situation. I believe that together, we can discover healing, relieving, strengthening next steps in your life journey. ABOUT ME I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I have 30 years of experience in therapy practice. I have worked with people in a variety of life situations with a variety of presenting problems. I have significant experience using a secure online platform to conduct remote therapy. I have worked hard to develop therapy competency as indicated in the variety of therapy approaches that I use. More importantly, I deeply value your opportunity to make choices as you address your life situation. I know that deciding to take the chance to work on issues can be difficult. Please know that I am most interested in discovering the next steps that will work for you. Please give the healing process a chance.

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This is Megan Mercurio's avatar and link to their profile

Megan Mercurio

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Counselor License Type(s): M.S., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

Megan Mercurio is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 years of expertise treating emotional concerns, relationship conflict, and addictive tendencies. She has a Master’s degree from Capella University in Marriage and Family Therapy and specializes in relationship dynamics. She uses a systemic approach to explore patterns within individuals, couples, and families to gain insight and facilitate change geared toward their desired goals. Megan also has expertise in trauma informed care and specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) therapy. EMDR is a therapy used in reducing emotional distress and symptoms related to anxiety, fears, and trauma. EMDR is also used to address negative core beliefs that may be the culprit to worry, depression, low self-esteem, and unhealthy patterns related to use of substances Megan’s work experience has included various D & A facilities that treated an array of addictive tendencies, centers that specialize in eating disorders, and private practice where she would practice EMDR. Her last appointment was clinical supervisor at the intensive outpatient center for addictive problems. Megan’s clinical skill set and theoretical approaches include areas of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic approach, Mindfulness, and Trauma informed care. Her knowledge and expertise have led her to have a clinical understanding and eye for how the use of substances and emotional concerns go hand in hand. Her specific areas of interest and background with treating presenting problems include areas of trauma and PTSD, various addictive tendencies, eating disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, OCD, depression and negative thinking, and relationship and attachment issues. TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: Megan has a keen, investigative approach to seeking underlying issues related to the problems that bring people to seek therapy. She has a view on doing therapy that involves a collaborative approach by matching the client’s personality and style and works at a pace comfortable for her clients. She believes therapy can be informative, insightful and the awareness that clients obtain about themselves assists in the cathartic change they are seeking. She strives to assist people in obtaining relief from what it was that brought them into therapy and bring about more frequent, authentic contentment with themselves and their relationships. “People may often be struggling to the point that they are not operating at their full potential and feel ‘stuck.’ I often find that people may be suffering or tolerating more than they should in life just to maintain or working hard at managing their symptoms leaving them feeling little or no relief. I believe that people are capable of managing their own lives in healthy, constructive ways and I view therapy as an opportunity to work from a psychodynamic, investigative approach on identifying the roadblocks that limit one’s aptitude, and hence, become unstuck. I like to connect with people on collaborative levels while working on navigating through the barriers that block and sabotage people’s full potential.” --Megan Mercurio

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This is Jacqueline Mollick's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Mollick

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. Reaching out for help is by far the hardest part of starting therapy. Thank you for visiting my page! I am a licensed clinical social worker, who has been practicing social work for over 10 years. I have experience helping clients overcome trauma, postpartum depression and stress, depression, anxiety, dealing with addiction/dysfunction in the family, and many more life issues. It is an honor to be part of your journey and I hope that our time together is meaningful, helpful, and transformative.

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Kathleen Walker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kathleen Walker, a Licensed Professional Counselor. In my thirties, I decided to change careers and began my work in the Mental Health field. During the last ten years of education and practice, my love for this work has grown exponentially. I have a deep respect for people who are attempting to work towards bettering their lives, no matter where they are in that process. So much of my experience involves working with those who are fighting addiction and impulse issues. I have also worked alongside individuals with histories of trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and much more. I believe in using evidence based approaches and techniques that most speak to the individual I am working with – in other words, I believe in meeting people where they are in their lives right now. Whether you are battling addiction or depression or simply wanting support in a life change, I look forward to sharing in your journey toward meeting your goals!

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This is Danielle Hagerich's avatar and link to their profile

Danielle Hagerich

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, & coping with life changes. 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. 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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This is Brenda Antonacci's avatar and link to their profile

Brenda Antonacci

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pa. I have obtained over 25 years of Mental Health & Counseling experience providing individual therapy to adults, as well as, individual & family therapy to adolescents. Clinical interests are broad with an eclectic approach blending different therapeutic techniques, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, & a client centered holistic approach focusing on the client's strengths. Areas of specialty include but are not limited to: Stress & anxiety management, depression, mood regulation, relational issues, mental health, grief & loss, self esteem, parenting issues, & family therapy.

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This is Danica Nichols's avatar and link to their profile

Danica Nichols

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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This is Beth Robosky's avatar and link to their profile

Beth Robosky

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping 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, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 Maureen Colligan's avatar and link to their profile

Maureen Colligan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Altoona
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Altoona

Finding the best therapist close by in Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona. 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 Altoona, 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona, elsewhere in Blair, 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Altoona, 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 16602 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 Altoona counselor?

Before seeing your Altoona 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. Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona, 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.

Altoona 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 Altoona, 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 Altoona 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:

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

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

16601, 16602, 16603

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