UnitedHealthcare/Optum Therapists in Pennsylvania

Welcome! I'm Holly Riggs a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and sometimes we require help to navigate the path forward and ensure that we are able to grow from some of the most challenging experiences. As we go through life and face all kinds of expected and unexpected situations, the coping skills that helped us before can start to feel unhelpful. That’s when therapy can really step in and help out. I will work with you to identify new coping techniques and strategies

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 25 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Ecosystemic Famliy Structural Therapy (EFST). CBT has helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.

I can provide telehealth services in WA and PA. I have been in the field of mental health and substance use disorders for over 20 years. I have worked in many aspects of field from case management to therapist. I have worked with many of my local community agencies to support the diverse populations I have worked with. I have worked with mostly youth, ages birth to 21, and families. I have obtained my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and substance use disorders from Walden University. I am nationally certified as a counselor. I currently am the director of a local behavioral health agency for children

I'm Fred. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with experience in both medical and behavioral health settings, specializing in anxiety, trauma, and addictions. My approach is practical and collaborative — rooted in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and supported by evidence-based tools. I provide a safe, judgment-free space where clients can challenge unhelpful patterns, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with what matters most.

Hello! Welcome to my virtual practice, where I offer you a warm and welcoming environment. Together we will work through your life's challenges & find ways for you to cope with stress and find enjoyment in everyday things. My goal is for you to feel empowered to handle your life with greater confidence, ease, and a sense of security. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 27 years of experience, and a passion for helping people live their best lives!

Greetings! I am Marcus Pressley. It is truly my privilege to be able to offer my services to you at a time of need. I look forward to building a strong therapeutic foundation that allows for maximum growth on your journey. I have experience working in Behavioral healthcare, Education, and Community Mental Health. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exercising, and playing guitar.

I am a therapist that has always been someone that easily connects and empathizes with everyone, especially clients, and it has helped me to build deep and meaningful relationships with the clients I have served. My goal as a therapist is not only to help you work on any issues you are facing and coming into therapy with, but also help you to build yourself up into who you want to be, regardless of how that is. I want you as a person, to be happy with yourself and find balance in your life.

Hi I am Joseph Wall, I am a LPC ( Licensed Professional Counselor) in PA and VA as well as a LMFT ( Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) In Virginia . I specialize in Relational issues in Marriages, Couples, Families, and for Individuals . I focus on attachment based interventions , helping people become Safe, Secure and Stable in the world around them.

Hello! I am a licensed therapist practicing in Pennsylvania and working with a variety of clientele. I work with a variety of ages, from anyone from 12 and above. I'm also willing to work afternoons, weekends, and evenings to meet anyone where they need to be, should that be needed. I use a variety of treatments to meet my clientele where they are emotionally and developmentally. I tend to work with several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, and various personality disorders. I also work well with adjustment disorders, as well as trauma. I look forward to working with anyone that feels they could benefit from therapy. Thank you for your time, and I wish you and your family a great day!

Hello! My name is Bethany Lockerman and I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and Delaware and the owner of 134 Counseling, LLC. I have a real passion for "heart over head" style counseling where I take a holistic and gospel-centered approach to counseling. My hope and goal is to meet individuals where they are at and walk along side of them as they move toward a life with increased peace, joy, hope, and purpose! You can learn more at www.134counseling.org *PLEASE NOTE: I only see women and teens (age 13+)* I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelors of Arts in Human Services (2009) and Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (2016). I have a background in intensive family therapy, mental health assessment, and outpatient counseling with experience in systemic family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation (SI), trauma, and crisis counseling. While I have experience with all ages, at this time I work exclusively with adolescents and women; with a special passion for working with adolescents who have experienced trauma and have a history of SI. In my free time I love to hang out at home with my husband and our three cats (Mia, Poppy, and Pippin) as well as entertain family and friends for game nights! I also have a love of travel and enjoy discovering new places to explore!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Master's Degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh and have been providing therapy services for 14 years. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and married couples. I help clients struggling with an array of life and mental health concerns move forward with their mental health and overall functioning.

I have 31 years of experience providing counseling. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, stressing that what we think determines what we feel and what we do. For many reasons, people learn unrealistic or destructive thoughts that cause them problems in their lives. Therapy works towards more realistic thinking, and avoiding old and destructive thinking. As I like to say, "therapy is a conversation with a destination," and realistic thinking is that destination. While I am a Christian, I am not trained as a Christian Counselor. I am a "Counselor who is a Christian." My training is secular, and I regularly see people or all faiths, or none at all. I do not offer court ordered services, nor do I do assessments for custody, or any other legal purpose. Unfortunately, I cannot accept Medicare, or Medicare based plans. The world is changing, and more and more people are reaching out. I am seeing more men that have been in abusive relationships. There are also more people dealing with loss. Coming to my office is not like going to a big mental health clinic where you just another number on a spreadsheet. In my care, you are a person, and you'll be treated like one.

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Mount Aloysius College and have been practicing for a little over 3 years. My background stems from being an inpatient counselor working with drug and alcohol clients, as well as mental health. I found a great passion in helping people in those areas and would like to continue to do that on Grow Therapy.

Welcome! My name is Lizbeth, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I know that making the decision to see a therapist is not easy; and being open, vulnerable and honest about what you've been going through is a big deal. But guess what? You don't have to face any of life's obstacles, changes, ups or downs alone. I will walk alongside you in your journey to healing and self-growth. I'm here to offer you support, kindness, and a non-judgmental, listening ear to help you navigate each milestone and stage of your life. I have over 9 years of clinical experience working with a variety of clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, young adulthood, recently moved, burnout, dating and mid-life crisis. I am passionate about helping others and utilize a strengths-based focus to help you create the life you wish to lead in order to feel fulfilled. Are you ready to let go of what isn’t working? Want to take a step towards your desires and goals today? Let's do this together, from the comfort of the location of your choice via teletherapy!

Hello! My name is Sascha Baello. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I aim to help clients to reclaim the peace in their lives after struggling with C-PTSD and life issues resulting from narcissistic abuse and other forms of trauma. My passion centers around helping clients to find their inner strength to heal from these relationships, understand their experience, and empower them to move forward into a new, healthier life.

Hello! My name is Jessie (they/[any pronoun is fine]), and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Pennsylvania, based out of Philadelphia. I received my Master's Degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and have been in practice full-time for over four years. My passion is supporting the growth and development of children, adolescents, and families--especially LGBTQ+ youth.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the state of Pennsylvania. I have been in the field for over fifteen years, and licensed for over ten years. In that time, I have accumulated clinical experience working with adolescents, emerging adults and adults. My training and experience are grounded in implementing Cognitive Therapy strategies, developing skills from the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy model, and conceptualizing from a Trauma Informed lens.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both PA and NJ. I have been in private practice since 2001. I work with ages 15 years and older and I LOVE my career. I work with teens and young adults who are transitioning and have seen these clients through the entire process of not being accepted by peers and, very sadly family, to life incredible full lives. I have a past client's wedding to go to in May :) I get to witness my clients come to live the lives they've always wanted and I'm a small part of that. I absolutely love my job.

As Jack Kornfield says, "No matter how difficult the past, you can always begin again today." Our history shapes us but does not define us. Are you looking for a therapist who can see how your unique, and sometimes difficult, experiences, as well as your values, interests, and goals, have helped you grow into the person you currently are? I will guide you through any barriers while we work together to develop and reach your goals.

I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a warm, collaborative style to create a safe space where clients feel understood and empowered. In our work together, I focus on helping you explore your unique experiences, overcome challenges, and develop effective strategies for a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, complex behavioral habits, or life transitions, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Do you feel overwhelmed these days? Are you constantly trying to strike a balance between the demands of work and parenting or co-parenting, while also managing your health, housework, and perhaps other demands? In your family, does the caretaking always fall to you? Are you experiencing depression and anxiety in reaction to either a past trauma and/or burnout from stress? I work with women who are experiencing what I like to call "multiple-role fatigue". I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma-related stress disorders common to women who face an ever-mounting load of responsibilities in a complex society, where being a mother or a caretaker often comes with diverse challenges and responsibilities. I also like to work with clients on their recovery from trauma. With this in mind, I incorporate various treatment modalities, where healing and recovery can take place through a combination of compassionate conversation, active listening, homework assignments journaling, mindfulness, self-reflection, cognitive behavior therapy, grief counseling, boundary setting and trauma-informed care. I also offer a faith-based support, where clients seeking a Christian approach are welcome. I like to form a supportive alliance with caregivers to help them navigate the demands of parenting a child or children with higher needs. I focus on parental needs, and I work with clients using evidence-based techniques to empower them to achieve balance and experience lasting well-being. For parents, I'm a big advocate of self-care, and I help my clients learn to nurture themselves in a sustainable way to avoid burnout. I also believe that parents need to feel seen and heard, and the stress of parenting cannot be overemphasized. Forming a partnership with parents, giving them a forum in which they feel consistently supported in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, therefore, is one of my top priorities as a therapist.

Hi! I'm Danielle and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters Bryn Mawr College of Social Work and have been practicing for 6 years. I work full time in a school setting helping children who struggle with mental health issues, emotional regulation, and peer conflicts. In the evenings, I enjoy counseling women with various presenting issues who want to lead a happy and healthy life but need some help getting there.

Hi, I'm Joe Ropelewski, LCSW, and I have been successfully providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for 25 years. Since graduating with my Masters of Social Work (MSSA) degree from Case Western Reserve in 1999, I have gained knowledge and skill in helping people make changes that work best for their lives. I also have a great deal of lived experience, having raised 4 children, survived cancer, suffered depression and anxiety, and also lived with chronic pain...YOU are the expert on yourself, though, and I will respect your power to make your best choices.

Hello there, my name is Joe Sampson, and I would like to take this moment to acknowledge you for your courage in seeking therapy. Your decision to seek therapy, illustrates that you are ready to take an important step towards creating a future where your current struggles are no longer the driving force in your life. My role in this this process is to provide and create a therapeutic relationship by offering a listening ear for you to tell your story and collaboratively work towards your desired goal. As a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I am here to support you with evidence-based techniques and strategies to address issues of life stressors, anxiety, depression, familial struggles and significant trauma. Therapy does not have to be a scary process, when you work with the right therapist, it can be a wonderful journey of discovery and healing.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Pennsylvania. I have been practicing social work for over 20 years and have 5 years of experience in outpatient mental health treatment, working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I'm passionate about helping my clients recognize their lives have purpose and they are so much more than the challenges they face.

Greetings, I am a licensed clinical social worker, specialized in mental wellness and talk therapy. I received my Masters Degree from University of Pennsylvania and my undergraduate degree at Slippery Rock University. Both experiences, one from an Ivy League University and the other from a PA State System School, equally impacted my love for this helping profession. I look forward to coming alongside you on your healing journey.

The journey of healing begins with a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust and mutual respect. My worldview and core values determine my approach to therapy and engaging with you. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to therapy: I consider the art and science of healing to support the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. I have decades of rich and varied life experiences which inform my practice. I have worked in schools with children as an educator with a great understanding of human development, I am a grass-roots level community development social worker and a mental health clinician in community behavioral health.

With over 25 years of experience in community mental health and higher education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. I hold a PhD in Counselor Education and a Master's in Counseling, equipping me to provide exceptional support to those in need. I welcome adults seeking additional support, encouragement, and mental health counseling. My services include both individual and group counseling, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. My extensive training and experience enable me to assist individuals facing a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, from minor struggles to more serious issues. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to help my clients achieve their mental health and well-being goals.

Hello, I’m Angela. I support women in midlife who feel lost, stuck, or invisible after spending decades caring for others. Whether you’re preparing for an empty nest, adjusting to life after your children have left, or rediscovering who you are in this next chapter, you’re not alone. Many of my clients arrive feeling burned out, uncertain about the future, and unsure of who they are now that their roles have shifted. You may have spent years putting others first — as a mother, partner, caregiver, or professional — only to realize you don’t quite know what you want anymore. Together, we’ll create space to process that loss, reawaken your sense of self, and build a life that reflects your values, strengths, and desires — not just your responsibilities.

My name is Amber Phillips. I am a dedicated therapist with a strong belief in the importance of empowering my clients to make autonomous decisions. I view my role as that of a guide, helping my clients to bridge the gap between their every day thoughts and actions. Ultimately, leading you to healthier, more effective behavior and overall communication with others. With a reserved, curious, and passive demeanor, I do my best to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore your thoughts and emotions. I firmly believe in the power of leading clients to your own answers, rather than providing solutions for you. You know your life better than anyone else! I am committed to fostering an environment where you feel empowered to take control of your own life, and make decisions that are best for your overall well-being.

Hi! I'm Amanda, LPC in Pennsylvania. I started my journey as a school counselor at a high school for 13 years and then transitioned into an outpatient facility. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults as they navigate their lives. I love learning about and connecting with others. I help support individuals with adjusting to new situations, set boundaries, feel empowered, manage the demands of life, learn better coping and implement self-care. Together we can identify what's not working, explore thoughts, feelings, and core concerns, in order to create better balance.

Everyone deserves to feel heard and believed. One of my first goals in working with you will be to discuss how to create a space and relationship where you feel safe and respected while coming up with a plan to meet your unique needs. Therapy with me is not a place where you are given band-aids. While many techniques I employ can help in the immediate, our goal is to find long-lasting change. This may be uncomfortable or difficult at times, but through that discomfort comes deeper understanding and insight, and ultimately a more healed and meaningful existence. Every human being is unique and you deserve to experience therapy that fits your unique needs rather than a one sized fits all approach. I am trained in a variety of evidence based treatment methods including CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma informed modalities and will work with you in our sessions to find what works best for you.

Nastassja Hanna, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), brings over six years of dedicated experience in the mental health field. She is deeply committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate a variety of challenges, including anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, family addiction dynamics, relationship difficulties, borderline personality traits, self-esteem issues, spiritual and religious concerns, and life transitions. Nastassja earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC) from Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Her professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to serving diverse populations through individualized counseling and skills-building. She has experience addressing persistent mental health challenges, including co-occurring substance use disorders, in both outpatient and family-based settings. Her work has included college counseling and providing in-home therapy using the Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT) model to support children and adolescents at risk of out-of-home placement. This diverse clinical background equips her to deliver effective, evidence-based care tailored to her clients' unique needs. Nastassja specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and an eclectic approach that thoughtfully integrates additional therapeutic models beyond her core specialties. Her proficiency in these evidence-based modalities enables her to address a broad range of mental health concerns with both compassion and precision. By blending structured interventions with a flexible, client-centered approach, Nastassja empowers individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create fulfilling lives rooted in their values.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from the Walden University and have been practicing for 4 years in a residential treatment facility focused on helping youth ages 11 to 18 and outpatient clients dealing with challenges due to Autism, familial conflict, depression, anxiety, and other struggles. I collaborate with children, adolescents, young adults and adults to create a treatment plan setting attainable goals. I have evening and weekend appointments to accommodate those individuals or families if that works better for you. If you need other times than I have listed available, please reach out to me. I can try and accommodate and meet you and / or your family when convenient.

Fulfilling our potential is a lifelong journey of becoming more at peace with ourselves, deepening the intimacy in our relationships, being more authentically human, and feeling more alive each day. Along the way, certain challenges arise to cause us distress or confusion. Such moments can make us feel held back, afraid, or unsure of where to go from here. But these moments can also be the points of growth and healing from which we renew ourselves in ways we did not think possible. It is a great privilege helping men and women in their search to improve their relationship with themselves and others, to lessen the burden of emotional pain, to experience freedom from addictions, or to embark on new life challenges - to find the hope and courage needed to take those important next steps.

I’m a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, and I have been practicing for about a decade now. I enjoy working with my clients on cognitive behavioral therapy approaches along with dialectical behavioral therapy, and also motivational interviewing tactics as well. I do NOT do couples therapy anymore. I also do NOT work with children or teens anymore, thank you! I work best with clients who are ready to explore beneath the surface and commit to longer-term growth. My style of therapy includes the importance of mind/body, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. I truly love/enjoy neuroscience (overall brain health education) and have multiple trainings in this. I enjoy teaching my clients about the importance of brain health and how the body functions with the brain, and how certain mental health traits happen based on the chemistry of the brain, along with encouraging clients to practice self care, emotional regulation, and being able to think about ways of exercising healthy brain health. Your health is wealth! :)

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University and have been practicing for 12 years. I specialize helping people struggling with anger, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, and I have also been successful treating couples and families and people whose lives have been impacted by trauma, as well as neurodivergent people struggling to fit into a neurotypical world.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I have a deep passion for understanding the human experience and supporting individuals as they overcome the barriers that prevent them from becoming their ideal selves. With nearly eight years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, parents, and guardians from diverse backgrounds. My work has focused on helping clients navigate a wide range of challenges, including emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, relationship issues, and negative thought patterns. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals can explore, grow, and develop practical tools for lasting change.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience. I earned my Master's Degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH and am based in PA. I really enjoy helping people navigate the challenges of changing and maintaining roles in life---exploring young adulthood, how to maintain your own identity as a parent, how to create a life worth living in whatever stage you are in. I am a gender affirming therapist. I am an ally in the LGBTQAI+ Community, always keeping my eyes and ears open to find ways to improve my allyship. The current political climate is traumatic and oppressive to members of the LGBTQAI+ Community. I want to create space in session to discuss how that may be affecting you or retraumatizing you. I am also a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I am comfortable providing documentation for medical transition. I am very comfortable with working with those who use self harm as a coping mechanism--there is no shame or expectation you must stop when you engage in therapy. I'm fine with talking about suicide, whether it's your own personal experience of trying to find a life worth living, your experience of supporting someone who lives with suicide in their life, or grief around experiences of suicide. I do not believe inpatient hospitalization is an effective treatment for those experiencing suicide and do everything I can as a therapist to keep people out of the hospital when in suicidal crisis. I do believe therapy is political. I am social justice focused, continuing to do my own anti-racism work. I believe in Health at Every Size. I believe that our environment and what we experience in life has a profound affect on us and must be discussed in therapy.

I am a licensed mental health counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. I am also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with an endorsement in gambling addiction. I have worked with individuals of all ages. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with addiction on an outpatient level, providing them with individual counseling, as well as facilitating outpatient groups and intensive outpatient (IOP) groups. I also have experience working with parents, teenagers, and families with an array of challenges.

I help my clients get results fast. Therapy isn't a complicated process. We meet, we talk about expectations of therapy, identify specific treatment goals and map out a plan. Our work takes place in the boundaries of a safe, corrective emotional relationship. I put patients’ feelings into words, focus on symptom management and reduce their impact on personal and professional lives. I've been practicing as a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker for over 15 years. I use a CBT/ Solution Focused approach in helping patients reduce anxiety and elevate and stabilize depressed mood. I help people move toward wellness in a safe, non-judgemental space. Therapy works. It is about growth and evolution, and I've observed that there is great joy in embracing positive new behaviors based on this collaborative approach. I look forward to working with you!

Hey everyone! I am here to help with providing ways to get started in developing a new and happier you. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Masters Degree in Counseling and I am also a certified rehabilitation counselor, having worked with youth and adults with learning disabilities. In addition I have a post-graduate certificate in Addiction Studies. I am a believer that if the mind and body are focused on goals, obstacles can be overcome, as you become more confident and powerful. We will begin our journey together as we work in small steps toward developing your new goals. These will always be your goals and I am here to help guide you toward them. My work begins by listening to you and then we will summarize what your expectations are. Then I will reflect to you what you have communicated. I will tell you what we can expect to change and how we will be able to make that change happen. My therapeutic techniques are driven by your needs and how you will respond to the new direction. No one said life would not send us off the pretty path that we all want to remain on. It happens. I can't think of anyone who has not had obstacles to overcome. I specialize in helping people overcome rejection, low self-esteem, work issues, disabilities, anxiety, living in the past, how to forgive themselves, addictions, how to stop living your life as the victim, and how to love and accept yourself and others.

Howdy! My name is "Pete" Peters. I have 35 years of experience in the field of behavioral health and have been counseling for 30 of those years. I love working with clientele who see the possibility of change and are willing to take calculated risks to see that positive change actually takes place. Anything worth while takes effort... I am interested in helping those who are willing to make the right sacrifices to make positive change happen.

Hi! I am a licensed professional counselor based in Pennsylvania. I have been a therapist for over 15 years. I started my career working in the prison system. I have seen it all! I am a trained, informed, solutions-focused therapist passionate about helping others. I believe you come to my session with the ability and capacity to heal and have the life you want. My goal is to support you and help you achieve your goals amid hardships and difficulties in your life.

Hello! I’m Sheena Thomas, a licensed mental health clinician with over 10 years of experience in the Behavioral Health field. I’m passionate about helping others overcome mental health challenges and giving you the tools to create a life of balance and fulfillment utilizing scientific evidence-based practices as well as a holistic approach. It is my belief and testament that your life does not have to reflect your struggles and that you have the ability to learn how to control what may be currently controlling you. So, I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 18 years of clinical experience—and more than 20 years in leadership and behavioral health programming—I’m deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families connect, heal, and thrive. I offer personalized, evidence-based counseling services for people facing a wide range of life challenges, from anxiety, depression, and trauma to relationship issues, identity exploration, and performance struggles. I specialize in empowering clients across the lifespan, drawing on Reality Therapy and other client-centered approaches to help you take control of your life, reconnect with what matters most, and make meaningful, lasting change. Whether you’re seeking support through a difficult transition or ready to overcome long-standing obstacles, I provide a warm, collaborative space to clarify your goals and build the tools to achieve them.

Hello there! I'm akia, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) , in the state of Pennsylvania, with over two decades of dedicated experience in social work. My passion lies in fostering deeper understanding and awareness among clients regarding their emotions, thoughts, and actions. I firmly believe in the pivotal role of the client-therapist relationship in laying the groundwork for therapeutic triumphs.

I have been practicing since 2014 and have worked in a variety of contexts within the scope of therapy- ranging from children, couple's work, adults, teenagers, and the aging population. I deliver an authentic approach to therapy that punctuates the importance of the relationship between client and therapist as the primary mechanism for change. I believe all clients deserve to be met with dignity and respect and try to convey that in sessions.

All behavior is purposeful. This means that we never do anything for no reason. Even when our behavior appears confusing or counterproductive to our values, our behavior has meaning and purpose. Therapy is a setting where we can gain insight about the origins of our perceptions, thinking and behavior. With clearer understanding, we are better equipped to identify factors within our control and consider alternative responses to our conditions. We gain awareness of the needs that are being met by potentially self-defeating thinking or behaviors and have a special opportunity to practice new thinking in the safety of therapy.

I have seen people in almost all professional and community arenas (even jails). My work has been a mix of public and private sector involvement, including 11 years of community mental health service and 30 years of individual practice. I have extensive experience in both home- and office-based psychotherapy, program development, clinical supervision, and clinical innovation. Special populations have included people with developmental disabilities, children and adolescents at risk for out-of-home placements, people with substance abuse issues, and geriatric populations; all have experienced various forms of grief, loss, and trauma while navigating the simple task of living and surviving. If you modify the title of Johnny Cash's song I've Been Everywhere to I've Done Everything (except prison work), that pretty much sums up my years of professional experience.