Denise Bunner
Hello, my name is Denise. I have been a Counselor/Therapist for over 20 years. Through my years of experience, I have found that a client centered approach is often the most effective. Each client's story is unique and I want to have the opportunity to hear their story before going forward with a specific style of therapy. I listen with compassion and then review with the client the key points of their experience. The goals for treatment are then created with the client based on what they feel would be not only beneficial, but easily attainable. Counseling can be hard work, and so I want the client to feel that the goal they are working toward can be possible. All of us have heard the phrase, "these are unprecedented times." Yes, we all have been introduced to extraordinary change in the past couple of years. As a clinician, I am always searching for new ways of helping myself, my family and my community to work with the changes we are experiencing. Change is difficult for many people, but with help, I feel that each of us is capable of making whatever change is necessary to create a better tomorrow. Over the past 5 years, I have been exploring alternative ways of helping people cope with the issues that have led to anxiety, depression, sadness and grief. After reading Bessel Van Der Kolk's book "The Body Keeps The Score," I recognized that the human psyche needs to learn how to release the pain that is stored in the body. I have been taking part in the Eden Energy Medicine program and will share ways to release the pain stored in our body by sharing simple techniques that help to ground and relax the body. I often refer the members I am working with to one of Donna Eden's books that detail many of the techniques that I have been sharing with people. I encourage you to look for Donna's book, "Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body's Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality." Then contact me for questions and guidance on how to integrate these techniques into your life. I do believe that each of us can live with optimal health, joy, and vitality.
Michael Zwizanski
If you are having a hard time and thinking about talking to someone, then now is the time to begin therapy. Hello, I am Michael Zwizanski, a licensed individual and relationship therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In my work, I seek to make a connection that will cultivate a safe, judgement-free space to work through challenging issues & promote self-discovery. My stance in life and in my practice is anti-racist, sex positive, LGBTQ+ competent and gender affirming. I recognize my privilege as a white male professional and strive to position myself as an equal collaborator in the processes of growth and change within my clients. Coming from an entertainment industry background, I have worked extensively with artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs and understand the creative process, along with the self-determination that pushes it forward and the self-doubt that can hold it in stagnation. My work with couples focuses on the importance of communication and emotional intelligence as the foundation for healthy and sustainable connection between partners. I am also trained as a harm-reduction and integration therapist for clients interested in working with plant medicines. Reaching out for support is not easy. I commend you on taking the first step toward a more compassionate and insightful understanding of yourself and thank you for putting your trust in me to accompany you through that journey.
Kenlo McGowan
Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with adults over a wide spectrum of issues and life problems and look forward to assisting you in developing goals for your overall success. Much of my experience includes work in preventing or combatting stress, especially career or job-related issues, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions disorders and co-dependency, grief counseling, critical incident debriefing, and working to resolve issues surrounding physical disabilities or trauma. In the past three years much of my work has included helping others deal with or prevent the negative impact of covid-19. I tend to work in a solution-focused framework, helping remove immediate obstacles to allow further work on underlying or longterm issues. I also utilize Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, especially in working through addictions-based problems, to assist in dissolving irrational beliefs that may be holding a client back from fulfillment of goals and dreams. The atmosphere of sessions is one of acceptance and not of judgment for what may have brought a person to talk with me, or what has come before. It takes courage to realize there is a problem requiring assistance and also to believe that the help is available. By tackling that step you have begun your journey. I would be honored to assist you along the way.
Danna Rooth
Hi, I'm Danna. Thanks for being here! It has been my honor to support a diverse and growing client base for over 9 years as a Licensed Counselor and Psychotherapist. I received a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling / Art Therapy from Antioch University many years after I completed a Bachelor's of Fine Art at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and moved into my early career working at nonprofits and public art programs. My interest in therapy grew out of observing the potential of creative process and collaborative approaches to care. While my training in art psychotherapy and expressive modalities can be uniquely helpful at times, there is no requirement and zero skill, experience, or even interest in art is necessary for clients. I have offered counseling services to people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing challenging events, symptoms, and struggles in life. From community health-centers and nursing homes to a prison and an inpatient psychiatric hospital, I have worked with hundreds of clients over the years. This invaluable learning guides my practice today, while I tailor each session to the evolving needs and aspirations of the person in front of me. Working from a perspective that is client-centered and relational in nature, I provide therapy informed by what is happening in my client's life, goals we establish together and experiences in the moment. I believe a customized, transparent therapeutic process helps build trust, healthy communication and self-awareness. My style is warm, accepting, and straightforward. By expanding choices and re-establishing trust throughout, I encourage clients to identify what works for them and advance a sustainable, empowering framework we co-create over time. I appreciate the chance to support your own definition of mental health and a greater sense of well-being in life. Your questions and concerns are important. so please feel free to share them. If working with me seems like a good fit, I look forward to hearing from you!
Meghan Sullivan
Hello to you! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania with 17 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients presenting with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, mood issues, identity development, trauma, and struggle to find meaning and purpose, to name a few. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, and I take seriously the importance of ongoing learning with regard to theory and practice of psychotherapy. My therapy style is warm and engaging with a strengths-based and client-centered approach. I especially resonate with an understanding of human experience grounded in Humanist and Existentialist Theory and Therapy. In working with clients in the process of the support, growth, change, or healing that they are seeking, I incorporate strategies and techniques from a variety of approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I also value the incorporation of a social justice-oriented understanding of the ways that clients' concerns may be caused or effected by systemic oppression such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ablism, ageism, or any other ways that clients' identities may experience difficulty in the world. I am a White, queer, able-bodied ciswoman (pronouns: she/her) of European descent, living and working in Pennsylvania which is the traditional land of the Lenni Lenape people.
Elisha Farley
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.
Jillian Toby
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, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Barbara Gibbons
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Michael Daniels
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with 30+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. Helping adopted teens with attachment-related issues is a specialty. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional postive regard, that is: acceptance, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Angela Gordon
I am licensed in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Hawaii with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Austin
Finding the best therapist close by in Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin. 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 Austin, 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin, elsewhere in Potter, 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Austin, 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 16720 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 Austin counselor?
Before seeing your Austin 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. Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin, 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.
Austin 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 Austin, 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 Austin 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 Austin:
16720