Therapists in East Liberty, PA
![Photo of Bari Benjamin, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405af37f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I strongly believe that people have the ability to make changes at any time in their lives. I have specialized training in step-family therapy and recognized they have different dynamics than intact families. I work with people who have depression, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, as well as those needing anger management skills.
I strongly believe that people have the ability to make changes at any time in their lives. I have specialized training in step-family therapy and recognized they have different dynamics than intact families. I work with people who have depression, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, as well as those needing anger management skills.
![Photo of Tracey S. McCarthy, MSEd, BCC, LPC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a43a3984-5c83-4673-b8ca-321bfff5b8d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracey S. McCarthy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, BCC, LPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206 (Online Only)
It’s unsettling to be in the world as it is, especially for queer folks. It’s time to rise up, face our fears, and heal and nurture ourselves. I work exclusively with those in this beautiful, sparkly, rainbow-hued community to help with transitions and troubles, navigate life's journey, and thrive. I give feedback and use my life experiences to connect, to view situations in new ways, clarify ideas, and invite them to try new things.
It’s unsettling to be in the world as it is, especially for queer folks. It’s time to rise up, face our fears, and heal and nurture ourselves. I work exclusively with those in this beautiful, sparkly, rainbow-hued community to help with transitions and troubles, navigate life's journey, and thrive. I give feedback and use my life experiences to connect, to view situations in new ways, clarify ideas, and invite them to try new things.
![Photo of Teion Xavier Ensley-Ellerbe, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d07648a6-a800-4d1f-b284-603d3209507b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teion Ensley-Ellerbe, MS is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Professional that provides services at Calm Pittsburgh. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents to help find, or rediscover, the best version of themselves that they may have lost trying to navigate life and its challenges. I have experience in counseling clients through grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, ageing-related issues and hardships, and overall life transitions and conflict. In practice, my clinical approaches with clients are Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral. I am to meet the client where they are in sessions
Teion Ensley-Ellerbe, MS is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Professional that provides services at Calm Pittsburgh. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents to help find, or rediscover, the best version of themselves that they may have lost trying to navigate life and its challenges. I have experience in counseling clients through grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, ageing-related issues and hardships, and overall life transitions and conflict. In practice, my clinical approaches with clients are Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral. I am to meet the client where they are in sessions
![Photo of Jessica Gurley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f801db3-83af-410c-bf8b-14d8fa2938b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Gurley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206 (Online Only)
We believe nobody wants to live a life below their own values and expectations. Humans are complex & still need love, understanding, & valued even in the worse circumstances. We are currently accepting new clients for EAP, Highmark, Optum, United Healthcare, Medicare & UPMC commercial plans. EAP is an easy and affordable way to get therapy for free with no copay. If you work for UPMC, University of Pitt, PPS Schools, City of Pgh, Port Authority, Woodland Hills, PWSA, or Allegheny County you can request us to be your EAP provider. See our website for more information about EAP services.
We believe nobody wants to live a life below their own values and expectations. Humans are complex & still need love, understanding, & valued even in the worse circumstances. We are currently accepting new clients for EAP, Highmark, Optum, United Healthcare, Medicare & UPMC commercial plans. EAP is an easy and affordable way to get therapy for free with no copay. If you work for UPMC, University of Pitt, PPS Schools, City of Pgh, Port Authority, Woodland Hills, PWSA, or Allegheny County you can request us to be your EAP provider. See our website for more information about EAP services.
![Photo of Brittany M. Kiefer, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0d16f1a-259c-419a-8a5b-576fb875492e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany M. Kiefer
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
At times, life may bring intense and confusing emotions that interfere with reaching our daily goals and aspirations. By working collaboratively within a calm, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, we can begin to become more curious about desired changes. Therapy can serve as a guide to help you gain a better understanding of yourself, how you relate and navigate the interpersonal relationships in your life, and within your environment. I also believe it is imperative to view therapy through a trauma-informed lens, while respecting each individual's background, where trauma's may have left unspoken words.
At times, life may bring intense and confusing emotions that interfere with reaching our daily goals and aspirations. By working collaboratively within a calm, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, we can begin to become more curious about desired changes. Therapy can serve as a guide to help you gain a better understanding of yourself, how you relate and navigate the interpersonal relationships in your life, and within your environment. I also believe it is imperative to view therapy through a trauma-informed lens, while respecting each individual's background, where trauma's may have left unspoken words.
![Photo of Kaitlin Hens-Greco, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0a8c2e5-de3b-4ee8-846c-d6c3e4b97f4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Hens-Greco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
I enjoy understanding and knowing people's life stories and their impact. I approach my work with an eagerness and curiosity to know not just the events, but how the events impact the person. My goal is to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients so that they feel deeply understood and safe to explore parts of themselves that have not yet been fully uncovered. I like to help people find simple words for experiences and understand the impact of their past, their pain, or their fears.
I enjoy understanding and knowing people's life stories and their impact. I approach my work with an eagerness and curiosity to know not just the events, but how the events impact the person. My goal is to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients so that they feel deeply understood and safe to explore parts of themselves that have not yet been fully uncovered. I like to help people find simple words for experiences and understand the impact of their past, their pain, or their fears.
![Photo of Hayley Sweitzer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a625ca7-bfec-4ee1-96a4-389273a02dd3/2/320x400.png)
Hayley Sweitzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
Making that call and advocating for ourselves to get the help we need is big step. My aim is to create a safe space that can foster individual change and help you navigate the answers they already have within themselves. I strive to create a personalized environment for people to explore their feelings and do the hard work to create the lives they desire. Therapy can be intimidating for many and I aim to meet people where they are and use the therapeutic relationship to foster growth.
Making that call and advocating for ourselves to get the help we need is big step. My aim is to create a safe space that can foster individual change and help you navigate the answers they already have within themselves. I strive to create a personalized environment for people to explore their feelings and do the hard work to create the lives they desire. Therapy can be intimidating for many and I aim to meet people where they are and use the therapeutic relationship to foster growth.
![Photo of Amber Moskowitz, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d934abd5-7e25-4ceb-8055-eae0ee51b33b/4/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Moskowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
I am most drawn to supporting individuals interested in empathically instilling acceptance for themselves and the way they have learned to survive within their environment. I work best with teens and young adults who tend to over-think and want to lean to befriend their feelings. If you find yourself struggling with transitions, managing emotions or trusting yourself and others, I would be honored to support you in discovering ways to reduce tension and increase understanding around what your “symptoms” are trying to tell you.
I am most drawn to supporting individuals interested in empathically instilling acceptance for themselves and the way they have learned to survive within their environment. I work best with teens and young adults who tend to over-think and want to lean to befriend their feelings. If you find yourself struggling with transitions, managing emotions or trusting yourself and others, I would be honored to support you in discovering ways to reduce tension and increase understanding around what your “symptoms” are trying to tell you.
![Photo of Lauren McVay - Building Happiness Counseling Services, LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2885b56-76e0-497a-9210-d8f1e3d0cd83/2/320x400.jpeg)
Building Happiness Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206
Everyone has their capacity for happiness and I want to help you find it. Happiness comes from creating connection to ourselves, our environments, our purpose, and others. I help adults looking for assistance in improving their lives and breaking through old patterns of behaviors. I help those looking for direction, purpose, and answers to questions about their experiences. People ask themselves why they keep having the same things happen over and over in their life, I can help figure out those patterns and help to eliminate them so that you can move forward.
Everyone has their capacity for happiness and I want to help you find it. Happiness comes from creating connection to ourselves, our environments, our purpose, and others. I help adults looking for assistance in improving their lives and breaking through old patterns of behaviors. I help those looking for direction, purpose, and answers to questions about their experiences. People ask themselves why they keep having the same things happen over and over in their life, I can help figure out those patterns and help to eliminate them so that you can move forward.
![Photo of Melissa Bilski, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97a15afa-6cdd-4f31-9a2e-1ca602bb350f/2/320x400.jpeg)
The journey to finding greater contentment and satisfaction in life can be challenging and filled with obstacles. You've tried to convince yourself that you can overcome these on your own and you shouldn’t need help. You are realizing that no matter what you’ve tried in the past, it doesn’t seem to bring you closer to what you long for. You desire a deeper, more meaningful connection with yourself and those in your life. You want to better understand yourself and how you got to this moment.
The journey to finding greater contentment and satisfaction in life can be challenging and filled with obstacles. You've tried to convince yourself that you can overcome these on your own and you shouldn’t need help. You are realizing that no matter what you’ve tried in the past, it doesn’t seem to bring you closer to what you long for. You desire a deeper, more meaningful connection with yourself and those in your life. You want to better understand yourself and how you got to this moment.
![Photo of Brittany Littlejohn Maxshure - Littlejohn Counseling & Consulting, LLC, MSW, MPH, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7dd3d40-9831-4748-9469-418f98203f1f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Littlejohn Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MPH, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206
Brittany Littlejohn Maxshure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She's spent much of her career working with individuals with chronic health conditions. Her experience with and understanding of the concerns and stressors of individuals among this population has equipped her with a unique skillset. She has an overall focus on supporting clients as they navigate through life’s transitions and challenges; whether it be in their personal or professional lives. Brittany strongly believes that everyone has the ability to reach their full potential and she has a desire to assist them in achieving their goals.
Brittany Littlejohn Maxshure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She's spent much of her career working with individuals with chronic health conditions. Her experience with and understanding of the concerns and stressors of individuals among this population has equipped her with a unique skillset. She has an overall focus on supporting clients as they navigate through life’s transitions and challenges; whether it be in their personal or professional lives. Brittany strongly believes that everyone has the ability to reach their full potential and she has a desire to assist them in achieving their goals.
![Photo of Alexandra Ditchkus, MA, LAPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9222abd-a6b7-4c80-b0ce-051d83635d0a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) based in Pennsylvania and I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including a college counseling center, a drug and alcohol center, and a therapeutic preschool. I love working with teens, young adults and adults who are navigating through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and grief and loss. Each person’s story is unique, and I’m here to offer a personalized approach that fits your specific needs and goals.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) based in Pennsylvania and I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including a college counseling center, a drug and alcohol center, and a therapeutic preschool. I love working with teens, young adults and adults who are navigating through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and grief and loss. Each person’s story is unique, and I’m here to offer a personalized approach that fits your specific needs and goals.
![Photo of Eric Vogan, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df27111c-5a7f-460f-9160-104d5a798dc6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eric Vogan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206 (Online Only)
I AM currently accepting new clients. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I work from a psychotherapeutic perspective grounded in humanistic and modern psychoanalytic practice. I work with individuals to explore their current suffering, symptoms, problems, and relationships and how these themes are related to earlier patterns of experience. My focus is on gaining a deep understanding of the individuals I work with that pays great respect to the person’s unique personality style, cultural differences, differences in sexual orientation and gender experience, and unique relationship patterns.
I AM currently accepting new clients. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I work from a psychotherapeutic perspective grounded in humanistic and modern psychoanalytic practice. I work with individuals to explore their current suffering, symptoms, problems, and relationships and how these themes are related to earlier patterns of experience. My focus is on gaining a deep understanding of the individuals I work with that pays great respect to the person’s unique personality style, cultural differences, differences in sexual orientation and gender experience, and unique relationship patterns.
![Photo of Kelly Horvath, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83252e06-4f0c-4fd0-99a0-e71b99a55dd9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trauma can affect anyone over the course of their lifetime. Dealing with difficult feelings and experiences can be challenging, but with the right tools, you can manage your symptoms, reclaim your sense of self, and move toward living your best life. The choice to begin therapy can be the first step toward finding relief. My name is Kelly, and I'd be honored to be your therapist. I strive to view my practice through the lenses of cultural competence, progressive social values, a systems perspective, and the Sanctuary Model, among other theories
Trauma can affect anyone over the course of their lifetime. Dealing with difficult feelings and experiences can be challenging, but with the right tools, you can manage your symptoms, reclaim your sense of self, and move toward living your best life. The choice to begin therapy can be the first step toward finding relief. My name is Kelly, and I'd be honored to be your therapist. I strive to view my practice through the lenses of cultural competence, progressive social values, a systems perspective, and the Sanctuary Model, among other theories
![Photo of Rachel Bowser Sex Therapist, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c90f98b-b76e-470d-972b-ca69e617777c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Bowser Sex Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
Let’s talk about sex, relationships, and life! Whatever you are facing, let’s face it together. My clinical style is free of judgement, I ask what has happened to you as opposed to what is wrong with you & will help you recapture a life worth living. I contend the most important piece of your journey, regardless of what your facing, will be the therapeutic bond we develop. I hope you will find me to be a support that uplifts, empowers, & validates. I’m confident that together we can create a positive and safe place for you to not only face your challenges, but also move forward and thrive.
Let’s talk about sex, relationships, and life! Whatever you are facing, let’s face it together. My clinical style is free of judgement, I ask what has happened to you as opposed to what is wrong with you & will help you recapture a life worth living. I contend the most important piece of your journey, regardless of what your facing, will be the therapeutic bond we develop. I hope you will find me to be a support that uplifts, empowers, & validates. I’m confident that together we can create a positive and safe place for you to not only face your challenges, but also move forward and thrive.
![Photo of Matt Wilson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2799c357-1d92-4c10-9d46-16ebca7a7878/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
Not accepting new clients
I help people who are confused by their emotions to develop a sense of control and safety in exploring their thoughts, memories and feelings. I work with people who have experienced sexual/physical/emotional abuse in childhood, or assault in adulthood, community violence, gender violence or incarceration; and who find it hard to control anger, sadness, mood swings, stress, to trust themselves, others or have close relationships. I believe that honest, compassionate discussion lets you approach what you might want to ignore, but won’t go away; or explore what might not have space to be said with friends or family.
I help people who are confused by their emotions to develop a sense of control and safety in exploring their thoughts, memories and feelings. I work with people who have experienced sexual/physical/emotional abuse in childhood, or assault in adulthood, community violence, gender violence or incarceration; and who find it hard to control anger, sadness, mood swings, stress, to trust themselves, others or have close relationships. I believe that honest, compassionate discussion lets you approach what you might want to ignore, but won’t go away; or explore what might not have space to be said with friends or family.
![Photo of Dr. Shelly W Hanlon, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b9cd24d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shelly W Hanlon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Liberty, PA 15206
Hi, I'm Dr Shelly Hanlon. I'm a licensed and board certified clinician with over 30 years of experience. My approach to practicing psychotherapy is to first work collaboratively with you, on identifying and harnessing your innate strengths, and talents. Then together, we will work in a safe and comfortable setting to develop strategies and "life hacks," that will ensure therapeutic change and personal growth. By analyzing existing patterns, within the context of one's own life experience, we will develop a behavioral approach that will result in a greater sense of empowerment and the opportunity for life long success.
Hi, I'm Dr Shelly Hanlon. I'm a licensed and board certified clinician with over 30 years of experience. My approach to practicing psychotherapy is to first work collaboratively with you, on identifying and harnessing your innate strengths, and talents. Then together, we will work in a safe and comfortable setting to develop strategies and "life hacks," that will ensure therapeutic change and personal growth. By analyzing existing patterns, within the context of one's own life experience, we will develop a behavioral approach that will result in a greater sense of empowerment and the opportunity for life long success.
![Photo of Alexa Schwartz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99cacfc5-c5f3-45f9-a9ba-2620e3f636ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Liberty, PA 15206
Are you struggling with changes, self-esteem or relationships? I can help you become motivated, discover and believe in your worth, and build accepting relationships with others. I have experience working with individuals dealing with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use recovery. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Are you struggling with changes, self-esteem or relationships? I can help you become motivated, discover and believe in your worth, and build accepting relationships with others. I have experience working with individuals dealing with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use recovery. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jennifer Matesa, LCSW, MFA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dba570ec-a9a3-468f-bc64-2dc5b2bf7107/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Matesa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MFA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I'm committed to fostering nonjudgmental connections with individuals as they seek to move toward healthy, creative change. I’ve dedicated my professional life to helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I love helping folks explore intergenerational questions and problems. I have a deep interest in helping people learn to live with more ease inside their bodies—to learn more about their own sexuality, to cultivate awareness of cultural forces that would separate us from our bodies, and to develop practices that can reunite our bodies with our minds, emotions and spirits.
I'm committed to fostering nonjudgmental connections with individuals as they seek to move toward healthy, creative change. I’ve dedicated my professional life to helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I love helping folks explore intergenerational questions and problems. I have a deep interest in helping people learn to live with more ease inside their bodies—to learn more about their own sexuality, to cultivate awareness of cultural forces that would separate us from our bodies, and to develop practices that can reunite our bodies with our minds, emotions and spirits.
![Photo of Christopher Good, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5072dfbb-5759-470a-95d1-a9c9dee800ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
When confronted with difficult experiences and challenges in life, we can feel stuck. I believe that everyone is capable of growth and knowing what is best for themselves. However, we sometimes need help to see the barriers and how to overcome them. Therapy is a place to feel safe and encouraged while exploring the most vulnerable parts of our experience. I conceptualize problems from primarily a cognitive-behavioral lens, meaning I believe that we can develop distorted beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world that negatively impact our emotions and behaviors.
When confronted with difficult experiences and challenges in life, we can feel stuck. I believe that everyone is capable of growth and knowing what is best for themselves. However, we sometimes need help to see the barriers and how to overcome them. Therapy is a place to feel safe and encouraged while exploring the most vulnerable parts of our experience. I conceptualize problems from primarily a cognitive-behavioral lens, meaning I believe that we can develop distorted beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world that negatively impact our emotions and behaviors.
See more therapy options for East Liberty
Nearby Searches for East Liberty
- Arsenal
- Aspinwall
- Fox Chapel
- Glenshaw
- Millvale
- Penn Hills
- Pittsburgh
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Swissvale
- Verona
- Wilkinsburg
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in East Liberty, PA
10+
Average cost per session
$125
Therapists in East Liberty, PA who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
89% | Self Esteem |
89% | Stress |
83% | Relationship Issues |
67% | Grief |
67% | Women's Issues |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Highmark |
83% | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hea |
72% | Aetna |
How Therapists in East Liberty, PA see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
12% | Male | |
6% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in East Liberty?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.