Depression is one of the most common and life-altering mental health issues in the United States and is the most common cause of disability in America. Some of the typical symptoms include chronic fatigue, sadness, sleeping and eating changes, trouble making decisions, and lack of interest in favorite activities. The City of West Chester has many therapists who can treat depression and other mental illnesses. 

West Chester, Pennsylvania has 14 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places including the West Chester Boarding School for Boys, Warner Theater, Butler House, and the Buckwalter Building. When you are depressed, you don’t feel like doing anything like visiting these historic places. It is important that you talk to one of the West Chester therapists right away to get an appointment.

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Dr. carissa ferguson-thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I hold a Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University. I am a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have provided individual, couples, and family therapy for more than twenty years. I am trained as a cognitive behavioral therapist but my approach is eclectic, person-centered and trauma-informed. I work with the individual where they are and together we explore and develop plans to overcome the challenges they are facing. I have worked with clients in various settings and helped them address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I can also help you navigate intimate relationship difficulties, family issues, life transitions, grief and loss. Starting therapy can be stressful in itself but I can help ease that stress as I provide a safe, judgement free environment and provide compassion and understanding that allows you to speak freely about your thoughts and feelings. I believe a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship is the most important part of creating lasting change. We will work together to address your concerns, overcome barriers, and identify your strengths to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Lourna Charles

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

My name is Lourna Charles. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania. I have over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with individuals, couples and families seeking counseling for various challenges. I appreciate the courage you displayed in seeking professional help. Many have endured these challenges in silence. This journey ahead may be challenging. It is my hope that I can assist you with finding peace, strength, and to develop appropriate strategies to cope and overcome life’s challenges. Through your therapeutic journey, I hope to empower and motivate you to make the necessary changes that would promote personal growth. This may involve discovering a different path, building skills to manage obstacles or working to eliminate obstacles altogether. My role also consists of helping you find courage, inspiration, and simply being present with you as you face and navigate through life’s challenging moments. My style of therapy involves providing a welcoming, warm, and encouraging environment. The two theoretical approaches that influence my style of therapy are Cognitive and Humanistic perspectives. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. My approach to therapy is to meet people where they are. As your therapist, I would guide you in navigating your challenges and provide the appropriate support to help you reach your goals. Sharing personal problems with a stranger can be difficult. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathetic environment for you to discuss sensitive issues with assurance of confidentiality and emotional support. I believe that each significant event in one’s life impacts them in a unique way which creates resiliency. I hope to create a therapeutic setting where you feel safe to be open and honest with yourself about what you need and desire out of life. I am excited about the opportunity to assist you in identifying your strengths and natural supports to improve your overall happiness.

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Erin Morris

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

If you are here, it’s probably because you are at a breaking point. Tired of feeling down? Tired of feeling exhausted? Maybe you feel alone or ignored? No matter what you are dealing with, it is my honor to walk beside you. My approach to counseling is one of empathy and understanding. I want to help you develop deeper insight into your thoughts and emotions and how they impact your behavior. I will not simply give advice. I will, instead, help you to see yourself from a different perspective. I use an eclectic blend of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. My goal is to help you not only recognize thought patterns but also to be aware of the framework from which these patterns have emerged. You are in control of this process and my hope is that through this process you will begin to find your voice, find hope and see change in your life.

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Yen-Pei Huang

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am a license professional counselor with over 10 years of experiences. I believe life is an adventure and everyone has the ability to decide their own routes and to make changes. I believe people has the ability to heal themselves. Through therapy, I assist my clients to learn about themselves and find their unique ways to heal from their life challenges. My Therapeutic approach is client-centered, collaborative, holistic, and integrative (drawing effective interventions from different therapy theories such as CBT, Gestalt therapy, Narrative therapy, expressive art therapy based on client’s need). Graduating with an undergraduate degree in clinical psychology and a CACREP accredited graduate program in counseling (Indiana University Bloomington), I thus have a strong background in counseling theories/ techniques, assessment, and diagnosis. My specialties include, but not limited to grief/lost, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, couple and family issues, interpersonal problems, communication, stresses, self-esteem, and anger management. As an avid backpacker and a psychotherapist who has experienced working with diverse clientele, I am open-minded, flexible, and am competent when interacting with diverse communities. I am also effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese.

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Elaine Gilmartin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Tiffany Chenery

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Texas with over 7 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults. 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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Traci Krider

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Rachel Roundtree

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & relationship issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kari Ann Noechel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Michael Daniels

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Chester
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with 30+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. Helping adopted teens with attachment-related issues is a specialty. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional postive regard, that is: acceptance, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in West Chester

Finding the best therapist close by in West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester. 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 West Chester, 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester, elsewhere in Chester, 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in West Chester, 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 19380 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 West Chester counselor?

Before seeing your West Chester 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. West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester 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 West Chester, 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.

West Chester 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 West Chester, 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 West Chester 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 West Chester.

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

19380, 19381, 19382, 19383

Popular cities near West Chester, PA

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