Avia James
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.
Heather Brown
My name is Heather Brown. I am a Licensed Professional Counseling living in Pennsylvania. I am a mother of three and work in a federal penitentiary. I provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to inmates participating in a modified therapeutic community within the prison. My experience in the counseling field began with adolescents. I provided individual, group and family counseling for adolescents participating in an after school program. The program was based on a Cognitive Behavioral approach and involved the clients working through thoughts and feels that were leading them to make poor decisions in their lives. We would work through struggles such as self-esteem issues, substance use, criminal behaviors, family issues, trauma and any other problem area the client would identify during sessions. I had decided that counseling was a great fit for me during this time and wanted to make this my professional career choice. I decided to further my education and obtain my Master's Degree through Capella University. I loved having the flexibility that came with going to school online. It allowed me to work full time and raise my son while furthering my education. I completed my internship at Crossroads Counseling providing individual and group counseling for clients struggling with addiction issues. While completing my internship I began working in the prison setting. I was able to obtain a Drug Treatment Specialist position for an addictions based modified therapeutic community within the prison. I then moved into a psychology program that was more focused on criminal behaviors at the penitentiary level. Within this position I have worked with a variety of diagnoses from substance use to Antisocial Personality Disorder to Depression to Borderline Personality Disorder to Schizophrenia, and various others. I have conducted family counseling with adolescents. I worked with families on examining their relationships, what was effective and ineffective within these relationships and how to work together to resolve any issues that came up. Relationships are difficult and no two people are the same. It's important for couples to consider one another's perceptions and thought patterns. With understanding comes acceptance and compromise. I like to examine the love language of each individual and facilitate discussions on how to ensure these are met for each individual. The theoretical approach I subscribe to is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I feel it’s important for clients to understand that in any situation they have choices. It’s important to consider each choice and what desirable and undesirable consequences may result from making each choice. Clients and I work to challenge negative thinking patterns and think in ways that lead to positive feelings and positive actions. There are many ways this approach can be utilized within the therapeutic setting and empowers the clients to examine choices and make the best one for their personal situations. I also utilize the Solution Focused Therapeutic Approach. This allows for clients to scale feelings and examine life situations that contribute to certain places on the scale. It provides a tangible way to track progress and recognize situations that contribute to negative feelings and/or behaviors. I also utilize Reality Therapy in counseling which also focuses on the fact that client's have choices and the importance of examining consequences related to each choice before making decisions. William Glaser identified five basic needs of human beings, power or a sense of self-worth, love and belonging, freedom/independence, fun, and survival. Clients and I would examine which needs are met and which need strengthening within their lives. I am have a great deal of experience in the counseling field. I have been counseling for 13 years with various populations. I am compassionate, genuine, open-minded, objective and understanding. I want what is best for my clients and desire to be a tool in their journey to emotional well-being.
Erika Gilmore
**Not Available for Evening Hours** Erika Gilmore, M.S.Ed, LPC is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school age children, teenagers, and adults in individual and family counseling settings. Erika Graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, then began working with children and their families who were in different stages of permanency within the Adoption and Foster Care System. Erika continued her work with aiding clients of all backgrounds and ages in processing through their life events and creating their own narrative while delivering Trauma-Focused services within the community, school, and outpatient setting. The past few years Erika has specialized in working with families who have experienced traumatic and stressful events in their lives, allowing them to create a joint-narrative, develop positive communication skills, learn effective ways of coping and strengthen bonds within the family. Erika also has experience with integrating other models within her practice depending on the needs of the client, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Psychoeducation/Parent Consultation, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Erika believes that every client comes to her with individualized strengths and interests that can be built upon in a safe environment to develop positive coping skills and techniques to heal from the past and move towards a healthier future.
Kristen Gaughan
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania with over 20 years of clinical experience in the behavioral health field. I've worked in a variety of treatment settings with a wide range of clients. I have extensive experience treating mental health issues, as well as substance use and process addiction (gambling, eating, sex, spending, etc.) issues. I am truly passionate about helping people in need, having decided to become a counselor at the age of 13. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and double minors in Criminal Justice Corrections and German. I also received a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. My work as a counselor is not just a job, but a true vocation. I am committed to helping each and every one of my clients to live their healthiest life. I look forward to continuing to work to help people to find the peace, joy, and contentment they deserve in their lives. Please note that due to the nature of the Betterhelp.com platform, I am unable to write letters on my client's behalf.
Robert Ross
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am not a drug and alcohol therapist. 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!
Shawn Brisbane
Have you already tried therapy and had a negative experience? Are you convinced it isn't for you and you're grasping at straws to get real genuine help? I've been in your shoes and that's why I am sincerely committed to my purpose of helping others. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Brenda Antonacci
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.
LU ANN PRAH
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Matthew Menard
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.
Carolyn Galbally
Everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves and unconditional support when you’re facing challenges can really help. As a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania with 18 years of professional work experience, it is my privilege to be able to help clients work on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem & career difficulties. I am sincere, compassionate, dedicated and nonjudgemental. I want the therapeutic process to be collaborative and for us to work together to remove the obstacles on the pathway to your goals. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Let’s fill the journey with helpful resources, individualized coping skills and effective solutions that work for you!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Unionville
Finding the best therapist close by in Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville. 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 Unionville, 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville, elsewhere in Centre, 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Unionville, 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 16835 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 Unionville counselor?
Before seeing your Unionville 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. Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville 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 Unionville, 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.
Unionville 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 Unionville, 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 Unionville 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 Unionville:
16835, 16844