Leigh Sturm
I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania with over 18 years of experience. I earned my Master's degree from Slippery Rock University in 2002. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including trauma, Veteran's with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life changes, and stress. I am a board certified telemental health provider and I am looking forward to working with you. I am also a certified EMDR therapist. I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach to adapt to the unique needs of each client, depending on needs and goals.
Megan Thorry
Hi! I'm Megan and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have been working as a therapist for 9 years and have worked with a variety of ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I also have experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, vocational issues, transitions in life, and family/relationship conflict. My therapeutic style is most importantly providing trust and empathy to build a strong therapeutic relationship. I know what it's like to look for a therapist of my own and to build that therapeutic relationship. So I know how important that bond needs to be (on both sides) for there to be progress in the growth you're looking to make. My approach to therapy is a mixture of cognitive behavior therapy, humanistic (person-centered), motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapy. Everyone's experiences in life are different and it's important that you feel as if your experiences are important. I want you to have a genuine and authentic experience with a therapist and I hope that can be me.
Margot Myers
Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to explore entering therapy and considering me for the journey. The fact that you are reading this says you are ready to explore making changes! Changes are often seen as difficult; yet, changing because we want something different in our life is rewarding! My perspective is everyone can benefit from therapy - whether it is in response to something that has happened to you, or if it is because you are looking to make a change in your life proactively! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania where I re-located to after graduating in 1996. I earned my master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Virginia. I have additional education and training in Animal Assisted Therapy and Education, Trauma Informed Counseling, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in addition to other topics. Most of my work has been in the community (home-based settings, out-patient settings, school settings, university settings). I have experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and families. I have extensive experience working with trauma, mood disorders and life changes. I am a LGBTQI+ affirming therapist. I believe all of us are unique and important and worthy of life that we can be our authentic self. Injury and hurt often happen within relationships. I believe healing happens through relationships and therefore, you are a partner in the therapeutic process. This is your journey, and it is your goals and health we are focused on. Therapy is not always easy; healing is not always comfortable; yet the process is rewarding. I respect you and your experiences and strive to create an environment where you feel encouraged, supported, and motivated to reach for your goals. Therapy works best with there is collaboration and mutual respect. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities that are customized to each person with whom I am working. Taking the step to enter therapy and finding a therapist that is the right fit is an important decision. I would enjoy being invited to be part of this journey with you. If you believe I would be a good fit for your journey, please do not hesitate to reach out! I look forward to hearing from you!
Thomas Smith
My name is Thomas Smith and I graduated with my MSW from Marywood University in 2001. I use a variety of treatment modalities and work with the client to select the best approach to treatment. I am a seasoned clinician with over 20 years of experience in providing individual, group and family counseling. I am a Clinical Social Worker, with experience treating military members and their families, veterans, individuals with serious mental health conditions, substance use disorders, chronically ill patients, adolescents and families. I have extensive training in trauma treatment modalities, family violence, mood disorders and interpersonal effectiveness.
Kasey Anderson
My experience offers effective outpatient, individualized, and psychological care. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. This is achieved by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. The goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. Depression & Anxiety Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, I am here to help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. Trauma & PTSD Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger after post traumatic events. The goal is to help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing. Relationships Relationship counseling can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Therapy sessions are held with couples and are a supportive place to discuss issues and solutions to better strengthen your relationship.
Amy Conwell
I use experiential techniques to help you recognize the destructive patterns of behavior that may be causing conflict in your life. By teaching you to expose the lineage of self-sabotaging patterns, you will learn to accept them as part of your brilliant landscape. Through this work you will release yourself from the binds that hold you hostage and become truly free to embrace your authentic self. I am a spiritual adventurer who employs humor, compassion and to help you realize you are and have always been, “ENOUGH.” Allow me to support and guide your inner journey of self discovery toward becoming authentically human, and through this process your enlightened being will shine. I have been working in the field of addictions, counseling, and pattern releasing for over 28 years. I have designed my programs to assist individuals to take a deep dive into self-discovery. My approach is compassionate and direct. I utilize several techniques to help open the process such as exploring family dynamics, and relationships through generational patterning, systemic work, family constellation, Field constellation, 12-Step practice, yoga, meditation, eclectic spiritual paths, and lots of humor.
Dr. Brian Shaffer
Brian is a Licensed Professional Counselor with education, training and clinical experience in the fields of Mental Health, Addiction, Trauma, Grief, Loss and Bereavement and Spiritual Care. He provides counseling, assessment and intervention services that help clients meet their goals for a life in recovery. Brian has a passion for providing quality care, support and services to his clients through a person-centered approach that incorporates interventions from various theories and methodologies. He believes in helping clients process through past traumatic experiences that have contributed to current struggles with substance abuse and mental health symptoms. Brian also incorporates client’s spiritual beliefs into the treatment protocol in order to holistically address their needs. His extensive experience and passion for this field has helped guide individuals through the process of recovery in order to experience freedom from their past and a hope for their future.
Phillip Gardner
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, PTSD recovery, grief, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, geriatrics related issues, Veterans related issues, Queer related issues (LGBTQ+). I believe in treating everyone with respect, positivity, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek help to take the first steps towards a change. Providing psycho-education and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are common intervention but I value a person centered approach to collaborate on a treatment plan. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Linda Gardepe
I am licensed in PA & MA with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & 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!
Alexis Wise
Hello! My name is Alexis Wise and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional School Counselor. I have been working in the School Counseling field since I earned my Master's degree from Kutztown University 3 years ago. I work with teens and adults on a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, confidence, and self-esteem. Therapy sessions are warm, supportive, and directed primarily by the client. Together, we will create an environment where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without fear of judgment. I focus on unconditional acceptance of my clients and strive to help all clients be the best they can be. Taking the first step to get support takes courage. If you are looking to make some positive changes in your life, let's chat!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Union Dale
Finding the best therapist close by in Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale. 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 Union Dale, 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale, elsewhere in Susquehanna, 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Union Dale, 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 18470 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 Union Dale counselor?
Before seeing your Union Dale 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. Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale, 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.
Union Dale 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 Union Dale, 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 Union Dale 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 Union Dale:
18470