College towns are great for young people to grow into better people. But sometimes they need a little bit of help from a counselor. Luckily, a counselor in State college is ready to help you understand, and better yourself.
It’s the third-safest metropolitan area in the US, meaning that’s it’s a safe location for those young and old. It was originally a town, but it grows to help those that were at Penn State. It is known for the university in the area, but even if you aren't here just to study, having a counselor here will help you feel safe and secure no matter the odds.
Elizabeth "Libby" Burris
Hello and welcome! My name is Libby, and I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS) in the state of Pennsylvania. I earned my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2014 from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have 10 total years of experience in the mental health and behavioral health field, and I have worked with a variety of populations including young children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have experience working with individuals, families, couples, and groups addressing issues ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief/loss, self-esteem issues, anger management, behavioral issues/oppositional defiance, ADHD, Autism, issues with social interactions and/or social phobias, Bipolar disorder, relationship issues, family conflict, and parenting issues. My therapeutic approach is based on the client’s needs, and I believe there is no one therapy approach that works for everyone, as we are all different and unique individuals. I believe it is important to meet clients where they are, and work collaboratively together towards established goals. I believe in being open and honest in sessions to assist clients with gaining the feedback and assistance they need in making the changes that will better their lives. I believe the client-therapist relationship is extremely important, and there must be a good sense of trust, honesty, and teamwork between therapist and client for therapy to be productive and for goals to be achieved. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to learn a little bit about me, and if you feel I am the right therapist for you, I look forward to working together!
Stefani Dzikiy-Wasil
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working as a counselor in Pennsylvania. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, and self-esteem. I have also helped people who have experienced trauma and/or abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My typical approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and motivational interviewing. I have also used hypnotherapy in helping people quit smoking and lose weight. I will tailor our dialogue and design your treatment plan to meet your individual needs. It takes courage to seek help and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Darin Hudson
I am a professional counselor licensed in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I have over 5 years of experience providing counseling to clients who struggle with substance use, depression, grief and loss, suicidal thoughts, anger management and mental health disorders. My knowledge base includes several years of training in trauma-informed care, crisis management, and mental health first-aid. My most commonly used therapy techniques include CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Person-Centered approaches. At my core, I am a teacher, motivator, and relator. My approach to counseling is to honor, respect, and serve my clients by maintaining an environment that makes them feel heard, and valued . I believe that confronting our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can be challenging. My philosophy is that self-improvement is DIFFICULT BUT DOABLE! I applaud for starting your journey toward meeting the BEST YOU! If you choose to journey with me, I look forward to serving you!
Alexandra Jones
Hi there! My name is Ally Jones, I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people. First as a special education paraprofessional and then more recently a mental health counselor. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, peer and friendship issues, life transitions, Autism, ADHD, and much more. I also have experience supporting clients with childhood trauma. My belief is that everyone is doing the best they can with what they know how to do. My first task in therapy is always to build supportive relationships with clients and build trust before addressing any presenting issues. I believe building a trusting relationship is key to making change. With my caring and not-always-serious approach, I work with clients to come up with treatment goals tailored to their needs and allow them to guide how we will address these goals. My therapeutic approach is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I also love to include art and creativity in sessions. Whether you want to focus on work issues or personal issues, together we can work to manage the stressors that come with living in this sometimes hectic world and get you to where you want to be.
Cassandra Rhodes
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 14 years of professional work experience. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Community Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. I worked hard to get my license and I have had my License in Professional Counseling for many years. I genuinely believe that our thoughts control our behaviors and how we feel overall. To that end, I practice trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy with all of my clients. What that means is that I will help you understand how thoughts control feelings and behaviors keeping in mind that trauma comes in many forms and no trauma is too big or too insignificant to treat. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes a lot of courage to seek out help and I'm SO PROUD OF YOU for asking for help! Let's get started!
Cheryl Miller
I am licensed in Pennsylvania & Florida with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Laura Bauder
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, narcissistic family units, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Rachel Phelps
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Sarah Hairston
As someone who has spent more than half their life in therapy and now as a therapeutic professional, I recognize and honor that therapists come in all shapes, sizes, mind-frames and approaches. As a practitioner, I approach the therapeutic relationship with an open mind and welcoming spirit. I show up as a human first, inviting you to do the same. Our time spent together is a place for you to express yourself and feel things as they come to you. Then, we can work together to process them. This is your space and your time and I am honored that you are willing to share it with me. MY FOCUS AREAS Religious Trauma Syndrome | This area of specialty is primarily focused on helping anyone who has left a damaging religious practice. We can work to find hope, instill belief in self and reframe locus of control. Grief | Loss is an unfortunate guarantee in our lives. Together, we can work to remember and honor who you have lost and make way for a path towards healing. Trauma Support and Recovery | Re-centering understanding of trauma throughout the lifespan is our goal. We will work together toward your recovery so you can thrive post-trauma. I am particularly excited to work with individuals who deal with housing injustice, financial trauma and disordered relationships. Co-occurring disorders | While not certified as a CADC, I have professional experience with folx who have a mental health diagnosis and a substance use disorder. My role is to support you with the interaction between the two and wherever you are in the recovery spectrum. MY IDEAL CLIENT My ideal client is any person who is willing to show up and share their struggles. Recognizing the need for support and actually asking for it are huge accomplishments. I enjoy working with folx who want to explore themselves, are open to the therapeutic process and want to work with someone who is not as stoic as therapists are portrayed in the media. If you enjoy honest communication, gentle feedback and have a desire to care for yourself, we would be a good match. GOAL As a LGBTQ+ and queer-identified therapist, I seek to create a confidential space for clients from diverse identities and backgrounds where truths can be shared, sorrows can be honored and joy can be found. I am affirming and celebratory of all who fall in the LGBTQ+ community. Sessions with me take place in a “come as you are” setting. Fear and shame are not practiced here. As a practitioner focused in cultural humility, please know I will seek to educate myself on any topics in which I am not well-informed--leaving room for you to be able to speak about and process any and all identities, sexualities and rituals. APPROACH As a therapist, I believe you are the expert in your own life. I will work with you to identify your strengths and abilities when it comes to any issues you face, both past and present. My approach is strengths-based, in order to assist you with identifying and working towards your goals. Additionally, I tend to operate from a queer, feminist, trauma-informed approach, but I feel it is important to always be learning and growing as a therapist, to bring the highest level of care to you and all the people who work with me. Professionally, I feel called to work and support work toward ending all forms of systemic oppression, including racism, classism, sexism, transphobia, fatphobia, body shaming and heterosexism. Our journey together is inextricably linked to the world in which we live and the communities where we love and learn. When it comes to sessions, I strive to be an active listener and work in a kind, direct manner to help you use your strengths and address any weaknesses in order to replace tired practices with invigorating and restoring ones. By utilizing engaging, open questions, I seek to help you more clearly understand what things fall into and out of our range of responsibility. This makes way for more present thinking, greater ownership of feelings and often can help increase identifications of self-worth and dignity.
Amanda Purdy
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in State College
Finding the best therapist close by in State College 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 in State College 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 State College. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in State College, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the State College 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 State College 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 therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers 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 State College area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find State College therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 State College, elsewhere in Centre, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.
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 State College 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 State College therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in State College due to a higher cost of living. 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 State College 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 sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this State College online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in State College, 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. They 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, they 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 State College 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in State College 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 lead by a therapist in State College 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.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified State College 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.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 State College therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in State College?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a State College 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
State College 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 State College 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 State College 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 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 16802 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 State College counselor?
Before seeing your State College therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in State College.
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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A State College 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 through therapy with a State College 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 State College, 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.
State College has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 State College, Pennsylvania
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in State College:
16801, 16802, 16803, 16804, 16805