This is Katharine Starrantino's avatar and link to their profile

Katharine Starrantino

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW, M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hi there, I’m glad to see you have taken the first step to feeling happier and healthier. My name is Katharine and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have master’s degree in clinical social work and an additional master’s in sex and relationship therapy. I believe that you have the strength in you to make big changes, and I am here to support and empower you to reach whatever goals you may have set. I understand that your relationship with your therapist is integral to you being successful in reaching your desired results. I have an optimistic mindset and work to encourage and build up the clients I see. I work a solution focused approach, which means that I want to help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently. This often means that there is "homework" between our sessions to ensure you are working towards the changes you seek. If you're unsure about the solution focus approach and want to learn more, we can do a session to see if it would be a fit for you. I have worked in different settings including private practice, medical settings, and community based mental health. I have seen clients who are struggling with familial conflict, communication, intimacy issues, body image, grief and loss, anxiety, caregiver stress, and challenging life transitions or adjustments. I look forward to working with you and creating positive change in your life! Regarding my confidentiality and safety practices: I take confidentiality seriously and will not disclose the confidential information you share without your consent, except under the circumstances that I believe you are a danger to yourself or others. Pennsylvania state law requires me to disclose information in these cases. By continuing to seek therapy with me you are agreeing to these terms. If you are not agreeable to these terms, I recommend you find another provider. This can be achieved by logging into your account, click on the icon in the top right corner of the counseling page, and choosing “Change Counselor” from the drop-down menu.

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Shelly Proper

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepressionCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and board certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. I have worked in both private practice and at local agencies, as well as in the school system and in higher education. I have over 17 years of clinical experience with various populations with a wide variety of concerns, ranging from psychiatric conditions, addictions, physical trauma, emotional trauma, grief/loss/end of life, as well as menopause, healthy aging, career and life coaching. I have many years beyond working in the mental health setting in other capacities. I have a post master's certificate to teach psychology and have worked intensively with educational planning. My counseling style is warm, empathetic and interactive. I believe that the most productive therapy happens when clients are encouraged to be the experts of their own lives and that the goals of therapy are to help them find the options, skills and perspectives that can empower them to make changes to live a healthier and happier life. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy in my practice and emphasize maintaining appropriate boundaries within the therapeutic alliance. I see clients who are 25 and older. I look forward to working with you!

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Matthew Breiner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I hope this finds you well! My name is Mathew, Matt for short! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with over 10 years of experience in the health care field. I specialize in assisting people with ill-defined problems, depression, anxiety, stress, and age-related issues. I have received extensive academic and professional training in assisting people with chemical dependencies, complex traumas, and with mitigating deviant behaviors. In addition to my LCSW, I was fortunate enough to earn a Master in Business Administration (MBA) which has allowed me to cultivate a more nuanced perspective as it relates to issues around personal/business related financial issues and money management. I believe therapy presents people with the opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. I look forward to assisting you on your journey!

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Patricia Eckstein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesADHD
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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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Christine Parsons

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. 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. 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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Lauren Krall

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
17 years of experience

Hi! My name is Lauren and I am a licensed counselor in Pennsylvania (LPC) with 15 years of professional work experience. I received my Masters degree from Edinboro University of PA in 2008 and became licensed in 2011. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, and attachment style issues. I am skilled in a variety of treatment interventions and most often utilize person centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is my goal to provide a safe and effective 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! I view the therapy process as a “team effort” and I look forward to beginning your journey with you!

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Emily Standridge

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Courtney Alio

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Stephanie Balbuena

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello there! Thank you for stopping by and taking the first steps towards your self improvement journey. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, life changes/ transitions, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Bethany Mulhern's avatar and link to their profile

Bethany Mulhern

Clinical therapist offering therapy in PA, West Hazleton
Stress, AnxietyLGBTCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Worker in Pennsylvania with several years of professional experience. I have worked in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in West Hazleton

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

Therapists in West Hazleton, 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a West Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 18202 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 Hazleton counselor?

Before seeing your West Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton, 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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton, 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 West Hazleton 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 Hazleton.

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

18202

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