Asperger’s syndrome is a mental condition similar to autism but not as severe. Your child may not be able to communicate well with others, avoids eye contact, and does not like any kinds of changes in routine. There are many mental health care experts in Lackawanna who are trained in diagnosing and treating Asperger’s syndrome. 

Your child may not enjoy many of the public places in town right now but with therapy, things can change. You and he can go out and enjoy the Woodlawn Beach State Park, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and the Lackawanna Recreation Park. 

This is Velma Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Velma Jones

Offering therapy in NY
License: MSW, LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
31 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist and certified life coach, who has over 28 years of experience counseling clients of all ages with respect to the varied concerns and/or challenges they may be confronting. Additionally, I have advanced clinical training in the areas of children, adolescents, and families. Plus, for 20 years, I have worked as a Professor of Graduate Social Work Studies in three major academic institutions. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, working with those who have concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting issues, substance use disorders, relationship problems, and career challenges. For example: - The executive who is attempting to determine his or her next move and needs a sounding board. - The overwhelmed collegiate who wants to increase his or her academic performance. - The exhausted parent. - The man or woman who is having relationship anxiety and stress, particularly over power struggles. - The wounded warrior/veteran who is having adjustment issues. - The person who is experiencing feelings of abandonment, sadness, and/or grief. My counseling style is one of support, honesty, understanding, and non-judgment. Also, it is important to note that I tend to be more solution-focused as opposed to problem-focused. My ultimate goal is to help each client free him-, her-, or themselves from the heavy burdens they carry and move on to a life of happiness, joy, and fulfillment. I truly applaud your courage in facing and desiring to positively change the challenges with which life has bought to you at this time. Please know that it will be my honor to partner with you in creating the successful life of your dreams. Velma E. Jones, MSW, LCSW-R

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Jill Markowitz

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC, LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
5 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Jill Markowitz and I have been practicing for the last 5 years as a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). I have experience working with various populations - the LGBTQ+ community as well as with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and a difficult time with life transitions. My role as your therapist is twofold; a) to listen to your concerns and provide you with a safe space to speak about your thoughts and feelings without feeling judged and b) provide you with new tools for your toolbox that you can carry with you even after we stop working together. My ultimate goal throughout this process is to get you to talk through all of your thoughts and feelings, help you be able to understand them better and get you to a better place mentally, emotionally and physically. When I start working with a new client, I let them know that throughout this process, I view them as the experts in their own lives, relying on them to provide me with insight into themselves, and together with my clinical knowledge, we can work together on reaching the goals we set forth. Therapy is a collaborative venture, one that is a process and takes time to see change. Additionally, there might be some moments where you come upon difficult truths about yourself or your situation. Just keep in mind this is all part of the journey we are on together. I look forward to working to with you and helping you work through whatever obstacles are currently in your way!

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Denise Cooper

Offering therapy in NY
License: LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
16 years of experience

Hi and welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step to feeling better!! I am Denise, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years experience. I meet clients where they are at and take it from there. I use a client centered approach. You, after all are the expert on you. I specialize in trauma, attachment wounds, depression, anxiety and relationships. I also specialize in working with individuals with autism. Together, we can make you feel more joy, fulfillment and happiness. I look forward to working together. Sometimes communication can get lost in translation through messages. I am available for live communication through video or phone chat. Please feel free to schedule a live session if that is what you prefer. I have availability M-F and some hours on the weekends. If you prefer to communicate through messaging, please allow 24-48 hours for me to reply.

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Kelsey Burdo

Offering therapy in NY
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My primary clientele has been youth (10-18) and their families. This dynamic has led me to confidently provide therapeutic services to teenagers, parents and couples. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Chad Buske

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorder
10 years of experience

Life presents us with inevitable stressors and obstacles in various forms. The view which we take in interpreting, finding meaning in, and coping with these experiences can be the difference between resiliency and suffering. Let's talk through it. The counseling process may shine a light on how to overcome or manage the stressor or obstacle. It takes courage to change and seek out a more fulfilling life. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I provide a blend of Humanistic and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I provide short-term solution-focused counseling or longer-term "deep dives" into your personal human experience. As a mental health counselor, my goal is to offer you an authentic, respectful, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic atmosphere so that you can find the answers you seek. I am a License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management along with conditions of emotional dysregulation.

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Alexis James

Offering therapy in NY
License: LMHC,CCTHP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hey! My name is Alexis and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the states of Florida and New York. I have also held a certification as a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I have experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan. I am most passionate about working with women of color, specifically black women, but of course I am happy to offer support to any individual in need. My goal as a therapist is to find solutions that work for you on an individual basis, helping you to discover the true potential of your life, so everyday can be a celebration, and feel like a real ‘breath of fresh air.’ There may be no magic button or quick-fix solution when it comes to changing things from the past that have been difficult, but what we can do is work together to find comfort and resolve in the difficult areas of your life, and the challenges you have to face. Through various techniques and long-standing approaches with proven results, we’ll be able to figure out what behaviors and/or thoughts might be holding you back from living your best life, and finding meaning in everyday situations. My specialty areas include: anxiety, adjustment related stress, relational stress, parenting issues, and trauma. I tend to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-based modalities, along with other theoretical orientations to guide treatment. I am easy going, excited, motivated, and truly passionate about my role as "helper". I’m a mother, wife, sister, and so much more. I enjoy traveling, shopping, and interior design. I love to watch reruns of the Office and murder mysteries. I love connecting with my clients and I look forward to speaking with you and working together! PLEASE NOTE: I AM AVAILABLE TUESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS ONLY AT THIS TIME FOR LIVE CHAT SESSIONS.

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Ellen Jay

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and we will work together on a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage. I am happy you have made the decision to get started.

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Lauren Mancuso Lattinelli

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Pamela Trifaro

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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.

This is Janae Leath's avatar and link to their profile

Janae Leath

Offering therapy in NY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in Lackawanna

Finding the best therapist close by in Lackawanna 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna, 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. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Lackawanna or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Lackawanna area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find 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 Lackawanna, elsewhere in Erie, or in the greater state of New York.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lackawanna area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna may not take health insurance, some in the state of New York may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of New York you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Lackawanna, New York 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Lackawanna 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:

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 Lackawanna 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?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.

A psychologist 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 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 Lackawanna 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 lot of people in NY, providers 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 14218 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lackawanna counselor?

Before seeing your 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. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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. A Lackawanna 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 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Lackawanna, New York 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.

Lackawanna 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?

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

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Lackawanna.

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

14218

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