This is Jill Ott's avatar and link to their profile

Jill Ott

Offering therapy in PA
License: LMHC,NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of Florida and Pennsylvania. To see my other certifications, please refer to my bio. I live in Florida and have over 25+ years of experience in both the mental health and the medical professions. I have worked in private practice as well as hospital and outpatient settings over the years and have experience with depression, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, career related issues, medical and chronic pain issues, eating disorders and addictions. I have not met a client that I haven't enjoyed working with. My career goal has always been to be a therapist-it's just who I am. I am comfortable utilizing many different approaches depending upon the individual and their presenting issue. Some of those include: Cognitive Behavioral; Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT); Humanistic; Psychodynamic: Behavioral; Solution-Focused or Brief therapy; or Trauma based to name, but a few. The most important thing for me though, is to gain your trust. If you aren't comfortable talking with me and don't feel like I understand you, it doesn't matter what approach I use or what credentials I have, it's not going to work for you. So, the main thing I do in the beginning is to take a little time to build trust between us so you feel that this is a safe space. I am very open and honest and I strongly encourage that with everyone I work with. All feedback is welcome. That is important to me. In my spare time, I'm an artist and I paint when I find time. I do local art shows and commission work. I've taught art in the local elementary school for their special projects during the years. And in a previous life, I've been a musician and have taught music lessons both privately as well as in middle school. I write a mental health blog that you can look up at www.themoodswing.blog and get either information or some humor depending on the subject and my mood when I'm writing. I have been rather absent from it for awhile due to life's ups and downs, but I hope to return soon. I look forward to meeting you and working together to find a solution that is helpful for you.

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Courtney Sonntag

Offering therapy in PA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Courtney Sonntag and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Nevada. I have over 9 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in a variety of therapeutic settings, ranging from private practice to residential care. I received a Bachelors in Psychology and a Bachelors in Human Development from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Family Sciences from the University of Kentucky. My main focus in therapy is to help clients find their inner personal strengths through various treatment modalities. I believe each client deserves to feel heard in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I strive to help clients notice the power within themselves to grow and develop better understanding of the roles they have in their lives. Through therapy, I work to foster resiliency and self-empowerment in clients, ultimately increasing awareness and growth in the individuals I work with. I’m glad you’re here and I look forward to taking this journey together!

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Erika Gilmore

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.S.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

**Not Available for Evening Hours** Erika Gilmore, M.S.Ed, LPC is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school age children, teenagers, and adults in individual and family counseling settings. Erika Graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, then began working with children and their families who were in different stages of permanency within the Adoption and Foster Care System. Erika continued her work with aiding clients of all backgrounds and ages in processing through their life events and creating their own narrative while delivering Trauma-Focused services within the community, school, and outpatient setting. The past few years Erika has specialized in working with families who have experienced traumatic and stressful events in their lives, allowing them to create a joint-narrative, develop positive communication skills, learn effective ways of coping and strengthen bonds within the family. Erika also has experience with integrating other models within her practice depending on the needs of the client, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Psychoeducation/Parent Consultation, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Erika believes that every client comes to her with individualized strengths and interests that can be built upon in a safe environment to develop positive coping skills and techniques to heal from the past and move towards a healthier future.

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Alyssa Sullinger

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoaching
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7+ years of professional counseling experience. I believe in helping people overcome societal norms and coaching them through living a life that satisfies their authenticity. I believe that no dream is out of reach. All it takes is a shift in mindset and belief, strategy, support, and grace. Together, we put it all out on the table and make a plan that feels good and achievable. Therapy can be a place for laughter, and a place of hard work and tough love -- growth and healing come from both ends of the spectrum. I specialize in helping exhausted and disconnected high achievers break the cycle of burnout and anxiety so they can focus on what matters most to them. At the beginning of our work together, I will help you identify what is and what is not working in your life, cast the vision for the ideal future you want to live and walk alongside you as you transform into the version of yourself that is already inside of you, patiently waiting to come out and THRIVE!

This is Judith Negron Torres's avatar and link to their profile

Judith Negron Torres

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuse
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. 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!

This is Ashley Solt's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Solt

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional counseling experience. As an NBCC-certified Licensed Professional Counselor, I help clients with presenting problems such as anxiety, mood and personality disorders, behavioral disorders, relationship dynamics and boundary-setting, self-esteem and self-advocacy, parenting, and stress management. I have worked with individuals of all ages throughout my counseling career, which has helped build my skill set immensely. Ethics are a priority in my practice as a counselor; therefore, I believe that a client-driven, individualized approach is most effective. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you possess many strengths we can utilize to reach your goals. I enjoy tailoring my approach to each client’s individual needs, so no two clients will receive the exact same course of treatment. I take pride in my ability to connect with clients on a personal level and have received positive feedback from many that they feel comfortable, supported, and empowered during their sessions. My goal is to create a safe environment where clients can work through their presenting problems while also being challenged to explore new coping strategies, communication skills, and perspectives. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Shanda Weeden's avatar and link to their profile

Shanda Weeden

Offering therapy in PA
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, anger management, and career performance, and others. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I'm looking forward to working with you as your teammate.

This is Pamela McCloskey's avatar and link to their profile

Pamela McCloskey

Offering therapy in PA
License: M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Phillip Gardner

Offering therapy in PA
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, PTSD recovery, grief, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, geriatrics related issues, Veterans related issues, Queer related issues (LGBTQ+). I believe in treating everyone with respect, positivity, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek help to take the first steps towards a change. Providing psycho-education and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are common intervention but I value a person centered approach to collaborate on a treatment plan. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Kayla Edwards's avatar and link to their profile

Kayla Edwards

Offering therapy in PA
AddictionsSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Old Forge

Finding the best therapist close by in Old Forge 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 Old Forge. 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 Old Forge, 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge, 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 Old Forge area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge, 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 18518 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge 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 Old Forge, 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.

Old Forge 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 Old Forge.

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

18518

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