Life is a train, and sometimes you don’t know where that train is going. That train may feel like it’s crashing, or it can feel like it’s going to an uncertain destination. Either way, a counselor based in Altoona can help you navigate the unknown by giving you a map and a clear goal. 

Altoona is known for its trains. If you live here, you're probably surrounded by tracks and trains. As for your life, you can find the right train, but you may need a counselor to help you. Speak to one today and learn how. 

This is Genevieve Crossley's avatar and link to their profile

Genevieve Crossley

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with many people's life struggles. I have worked with people with many different issues such as life transitions, LGBTQ, couples, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and life's general difficulties. I also help people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My therapeutic style is that of person-centered genuine interactions. I have a very friendly and open style and I like to meet the client in their world and current struggle. I try to walk in your shoes while I am helping you. My approach combines that of cognitive behavioral, person-centered, solution- focused counseling. I will tailor the treatment to each client's specific needs. Seeking out therapy takes courage and I will join you in whatever challenge is facing you. Can't wait to be able to work with you.

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Katharine Starrantino

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW, M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

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

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Heather Brown

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

My name is Heather Brown. I am a Licensed Professional Counseling living in Pennsylvania. I am a mother of three and work in a federal penitentiary. I provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to inmates participating in a modified therapeutic community within the prison. My experience in the counseling field began with adolescents. I provided individual, group and family counseling for adolescents participating in an after school program. The program was based on a Cognitive Behavioral approach and involved the clients working through thoughts and feels that were leading them to make poor decisions in their lives. We would work through struggles such as self-esteem issues, substance use, criminal behaviors, family issues, trauma and any other problem area the client would identify during sessions. I had decided that counseling was a great fit for me during this time and wanted to make this my professional career choice. I decided to further my education and obtain my Master's Degree through Capella University. I loved having the flexibility that came with going to school online. It allowed me to work full time and raise my son while furthering my education. I completed my internship at Crossroads Counseling providing individual and group counseling for clients struggling with addiction issues. While completing my internship I began working in the prison setting. I was able to obtain a Drug Treatment Specialist position for an addictions based modified therapeutic community within the prison. I then moved into a psychology program that was more focused on criminal behaviors at the penitentiary level. Within this position I have worked with a variety of diagnoses from substance use to Antisocial Personality Disorder to Depression to Borderline Personality Disorder to Schizophrenia, and various others. I have conducted family counseling with adolescents. I worked with families on examining their relationships, what was effective and ineffective within these relationships and how to work together to resolve any issues that came up. Relationships are difficult and no two people are the same. It's important for couples to consider one another's perceptions and thought patterns. With understanding comes acceptance and compromise. I like to examine the love language of each individual and facilitate discussions on how to ensure these are met for each individual. The theoretical approach I subscribe to is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I feel it’s important for clients to understand that in any situation they have choices. It’s important to consider each choice and what desirable and undesirable consequences may result from making each choice. Clients and I work to challenge negative thinking patterns and think in ways that lead to positive feelings and positive actions. There are many ways this approach can be utilized within the therapeutic setting and empowers the clients to examine choices and make the best one for their personal situations. I also utilize the Solution Focused Therapeutic Approach. This allows for clients to scale feelings and examine life situations that contribute to certain places on the scale. It provides a tangible way to track progress and recognize situations that contribute to negative feelings and/or behaviors. I also utilize Reality Therapy in counseling which also focuses on the fact that client's have choices and the importance of examining consequences related to each choice before making decisions. William Glaser identified five basic needs of human beings, power or a sense of self-worth, love and belonging, freedom/independence, fun, and survival. Clients and I would examine which needs are met and which need strengthening within their lives. I am have a great deal of experience in the counseling field. I have been counseling for 13 years with various populations. I am compassionate, genuine, open-minded, objective and understanding. I want what is best for my clients and desire to be a tool in their journey to emotional well-being.

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Jason Harper

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Clinical Mental Health. I strive to work with individuals of all ages, experiencing mental health disorders in addition to families. I maintain a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including substance abuse recovery. My treatment approaches includes Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help individuals gain understanding and strength. In addition I have experience working with individual with anxiety and depression, individuals struggling with relationship issues, work and life transition and individuals in crisis. I understand working with clients can have significant challenges with an array of issues that arise. Helping people to learn to be centered in their life, while coping with their issues is a primary objective adhered to during my therapeutic intervention. I look forward to working with you to build strength and confidence in your life.

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This is Kathy Waskiewicz's avatar and link to their profile

Kathy Waskiewicz

Offering therapy in PA
License: NCC, LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am a Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania with over 16 years of experience working with people of all ages and families. I currently have two private practice offices in two different counties. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including: depression, anxiety, anger management, family/parenting, DMDD , ADHD and Personality Disorders. I have also helped many people who have suffered from traumas related to physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as PTSD symptoms. I have worked with adoptive families experiencing attachment issues. My counseling style is very interactive and I believe in helping all people with a respectful, compassionate and nonjudgemental style. My approach is eclectic; as I use pieces of different modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your needs. I am looking forward to meeting you and helping you to the best of my ability!

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Dr. Jennifer Young

Offering therapy in PA
License: DBH,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, with over 14 years experience in the mental health field. I am also a Doctor of Behavioral Health and am able to provide brief focused therapy for issues related to grief and loss, anger control, behavioral health issues related to pain and many other struggles that have physical health and behavioral health connections. I am a 2014 graduate from Arizona University where I earned my Doctorate in Behavioral Health, my Master's is from Shippensburg University and is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and my Bachelor's is from Shippensburg University and is in Psychology. I believe in providing behavioral health care that helps individuals feel better in the soonest time possible with the best care models possible. I create a targeted treatment plan to help with issues such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, grief and loss, anger management, and many other behavioral health struggles. In addition, I can work with you to help you with behavioral contributors to things like asthma (anxiety), diabetes (depression), and pain issues in which behavioral health strategies can assist in coping. I work with adults and teens. I look forward to working with you! Please call today to schedule an appointment.

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This is Sonja Allardyce's avatar and link to their profile

Sonja Allardyce

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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This is Sara Cecchini's avatar and link to their profile

Sara Cecchini

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Holly Callender's avatar and link to their profile

Holly Callender

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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This is Kimberly Ochester's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Ochester

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been working in this field for 12+ years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work to provide an open, safe space for client driven treatment, combining lived experience, professional experiences and knowledge gained from traditional studies. I am here to support you through your journey, improving your personal circumstances and helping you to become your best self- whatever that looks like to you.

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How to find counseling in Altoona

Finding the best therapist close by in Altoona 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 Altoona. 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 Altoona, 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona, elsewhere in Blair, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

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

Therapists in Altoona, 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 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 PA, 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 16603 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 Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona, 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.

Altoona 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 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 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 Altoona.

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

16601, 16602, 16603

Popular cities near Altoona, PA

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