Just minutes from Clarks Summit, you can find Lackawanna State Park. There, a 198-acre lake makes a beautiful backdrop for spending time in nature. And even though the water looks serene and smooth, there is so much happening beneath the surface.

Sometimes, when you’re struggling with mental health issues, you want to seem smooth and
serene, too, and keep your troubles hidden beneath the surface. But you don’t have to do that anymore. A Clarks Summit-area counselor knows what you’re going through and would like to help you make life easier. Match with a licensed, confidential mental health professional to help you no matter what the waters of your life currently feel like.

This is Alexandra Brink's avatar and link to their profile

Alexandra Brink

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issues
10 years of experience

The most important thing I bring to the table is my hope for my clients. You may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you've made a huge step by reaching out! Let's sit down and try to work this through, because I believe there is hope. My name is Alexandra (Alex) Brink. I have my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Therapy from Regent University and received my License in Professional Counseling (LPC) in 2014. I have an academic focus in Marriage and Family Studies and have worked the first half of my career with children with mood, behavior, and/or developmental disorders, and the most recent half I've specialized in treating adults with anxiety, among many other issues or concerns. I have a strong grasp of Behavior Therapy when working on parenting skills and with the children themselves. During my time with adult individuals, my style tends to be more person-centered and yet solution-focused. I'm not afraid to pull from many different counseling modalities in order to best serve your needs. A strong therapeutic relationship is needed in order to progress through the therapeutic process. To me, that means that you are comfortable with me and I really understand where you are coming from. Something that might set me apart, is I am rather holistic in my approach. This means, I'm examining your whole experience (body, mind and soul). I've found that balancing physical and mental health, as well as any spiritual concerns can really make a difference in your success. A little about me: For now I work part-time and primarily stay at home with my three children. I've been married 11 years and currently live in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I have been getting into painting lately and it's been so fun to have something just for me. I have struggled regularly with chronic illness for 15 years now. I'm no stranger to how grief, illness, and major life changes can effect a person. Strong supports in my life have helped me get through and I hope that I can be the extra support that you need now. I look forward to meeting you.

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This is Michael Zwizanski's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Zwizanski

Offering therapy in PA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

If you are having a hard time and thinking about talking to someone, then now is the time to begin therapy. Hello, I am Michael Zwizanski, a licensed individual and relationship therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In my work, I seek to make a connection that will cultivate a safe, judgement-free space to work through challenging issues & promote self-discovery. My stance in life and in my practice is anti-racist, sex positive, LGBTQ+ competent and gender affirming. I recognize my privilege as a white male professional and strive to position myself as an equal collaborator in the processes of growth and change within my clients. Coming from an entertainment industry background, I have worked extensively with artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs and understand the creative process, along with the self-determination that pushes it forward and the self-doubt that can hold it in stagnation. My work with couples focuses on the importance of communication and emotional intelligence as the foundation for healthy and sustainable connection between partners. I am also trained as a harm-reduction and integration therapist for clients interested in working with plant medicines. Reaching out for support is not easy. I commend you on taking the first step toward a more compassionate and insightful understanding of yourself and thank you for putting your trust in me to accompany you through that journey.

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This is Antoinette Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Antoinette Jackson

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

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 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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Lila Hughes

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC, MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGrief
5 years of experience

I have learned through my work that it is sometimes difficult to ask for help, however, being willing to take a chance can yield positive results. I am here to provide you with the support you need to help you make a positive change in your life. I am confident that we can work together to develop a constructive relationship in order to accomplish the goals you feel are important. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping my clients with diverse issues such as Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and relationship issues. I have worked with individuals navigating the early stages of a chronic illness or a terminal diagnosis. I have supported their caregivers, family and survivors during their difficult and emotional journey. I offer non-judgemental, empathic, person centered support tailored to each person's wants, needs and interests. We will work together to find healthy coping skills based on your strengths, we will decrease barriers and meet your goals in a way that supports your values and beliefs.

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This is Dr. Courtney Alio's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Courtney Alio

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd), and comorbid medical conditions such as chronic pain. 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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This is Bernadine Santai McNamara's avatar and link to their profile

Bernadine Santai McNamara

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania with 24 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have assisted clients in learning stress management skills, how to cope and manage anxiety symptoms & manage depression symptoms as well as tools to better communicate in relationships, defuse anger, and further developing positive coping skills. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I also like to infuse some humor in the sessions as well. 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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This is Anthony Locascio's avatar and link to their profile

Anthony Locascio

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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 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 Amanda Alleman's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Alleman

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

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This is Courtney Alio's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Alio

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 Daniel Marrow's avatar and link to their profile

Daniel Marrow

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I taught a court-ordered anger management class from 2000 - 2021, which closed due to Covid-19. I am non-judgmental towards my clients and accept them wherever they are in their life, thus I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of rejection. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Thanks for choosing me to help you at this time in your life.

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How to find counseling in Clarks Summit

Finding the best therapist close by in Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit. 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 Clarks Summit, 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit, elsewhere in Lackawanna, 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 Clarks Summit area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit, 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 18411 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit, 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.

Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit.

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

18411

Popular cities near Clarks Summit, PA

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