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Dennis Curcio

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with over 15 years of experience working in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF), private practices , and non-profits such as crisis shelters. I have worked with clients dealing with a wide range of issues to include depression, anxiety, anger management, ADHD, and self-esteem. I have also worked with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma to include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. While every counseling experience is unique to the individual my goal is to create and provide a safe and judgement free atmosphere where you can explore your issues and concerns. I use an eclectic approach consisting mostly of Rogerian (person-centered), Trauma Focused (Sanctuary Themes), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral), and Mindfulness theories to empower clients to find answers I believe they already have to the issues they struggle with. Through therapy one can improve self-management and self-awareness skills to make life's difficulties more manageable. My role as your therapist will be to empower you to open the door to personal growth and new possibilities in all areas of your life. You can expect the first few sessions to be a time of rapport and trust building. After that, we will create a treatment plan of goals that will focus on your therapeutic process in supporting you to achieve what you feel inspired to do. I know it can be difficult to take the first steps towards healing and growth in one's life. If you feel as if you are ready to take that first step, I am here to support you through the process and hopefully to help you realize that on the other side of life's obstacles is a life you deserve to be living. I look forward to working with you!

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Donna Marie Clark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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. 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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Stephanie MacMurtrie

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. 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!

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Rebecca Hixon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I have worked with clients struggling with various mental health disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. With my therapy style, I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I work to create a safe space through a compassionate and interactive style. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but 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! An important part of therapy is finding a therapist you feel best fits your needs and personality and look forward to helping you with the next step if that's me! I look forward to working with you!

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Michelle Kisler

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, depression and Neurodivergent individuals . I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Heather Hodges

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
AddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, anxiety, depression, & career difficulties. 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!

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Shakina Small

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
25 years of experience

As a Messianic Jewish Believer in Yeshua (Jesus) as my L-rd and Savior, I believe that Counselors are born and not made, As stated in Isaiah 9:6. When requested, providing Christian-based therapy to those who need a holistic approach. Furthermore, I am a licensed professional counseling and National Certified Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, licensed behavioral consulting, and minister. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, marital, couples, and family issues, depression, parenting problems, career challenges, learning disabilities, teens and youth, and adoptees. I have also worked in diverse settings, such as prisons, schools, churches, residential treatment programs, group homes, inpatient, outpatient, foster care, and more. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual, emotional, and physical trauma and abuse. My therapy style is empathetic, engaging, educational, and when necessary, direct and will speak the truth in love to bring forth growth. I believe in treating all clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while providing a safe, free zone to share their intimate feelings. My approach combines an eclectic therapy approach that draws on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques to serve my clients better, e.g., Biblical, ESFT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, REBT, Psychodrama, Writing/Poetry therapy, and other forms of creative therapeutic expressions help evoke feelings to bring about change in a nontraditional setting. My mission as an abuse survivor, adoptee, and once a young mother is to help individuals identify the root of dysfunctional behavior and break the cycle of sin or toxic patterns and general curses. People often “move forward with time, but never move on,” from past hurts. My desire as a Psychotherapist is to help clients move on to live a productive and healthy life without being haunted by past trauma. Let’s move forward together! @cheartservices.

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Lawrence Mintzer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Francis Haggerty

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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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Dr. Sr. Marian Mikhail

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, Palo Alto
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hi, My name is Dr. Marian Mikhail [Doctorate of Min., L.C.P.C. Advanced , PhD Clinical Pastoral Counseling, M.Div., LMHC, LPC, M.A. Rel. Ed.]. I am a licensed therapist in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I graduated from Pennsylvania State University 2009, with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I continued my path of education afterwards. In 2018, I received a double Masters from Fordham University. The first Masters is in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care. The second Masters is in Religious Education, specializing in youth and young adult ministry. In 2020, I further joined Holy Sophia Online University to obtain a Masters in Divinity. Concurrently, I graduated in 2022 after 4 years of studying Orthodoxy from the Coptic Orthodox Institute. In 2023, I received my PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from the Colorado Theological School. In 2024, I received my Doctorate of Ministry degree, specializing in pastoral counseling, from Liberty University. I am currently working with Saint Luke Clinic, where I am able to offer comprehensive care to those seeking health services in person. You can learn more about the clinic and its offerings at https://stlukehealth.com/. Additionally, I collaborate with various other healthcare agencies and accept a range of health insurance plans, which helps ensure that care is accessible and affordable for a broader group of patients. This network of partnerships enables me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and meet their healthcare needs effectively.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Palo Alto

Finding the best therapist close by in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, elsewhere in Schuylkill, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 17901 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 Palo Alto counselor?

Before seeing your Palo Alto 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. Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, 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.

Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, Pennsylvania

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto.

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

17901

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