College towns are great for young people to grow into better people. But sometimes they need a little bit of help from a counselor. Luckily, a counselor in State college is ready to help you understand, and better yourself.

It’s the third-safest metropolitan area in the US, meaning that’s it’s a safe location for those young and old.  It was originally a town, but it grows to help those that were at Penn State.  It is known for the university in the area, but even if you aren't here just to study, having a counselor here will help you feel safe and secure no matter the odds. 

This is Laura DiNunzio's avatar and link to their profile

Laura DiNunzio

Offering therapy in PA
License: LPC, CEDS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
20 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! I am a licensed counselor in Pennsylvania, and am also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. I've worked as a counselor for over 20 years. My first job out of graduate school was working for a foster care agency. It was very challenging work and gave me a great experience. I later worked in a residential treatment program for girls who had experienced trauma and were also dealing with depression, anxiety and family relationship issues. In 2005 I started at the Renfrew Center, which is an eating disorder treatment program. I've been in private practice since 2012. While my practice mainly focuses on working with clients who have eating disorders, I also work with clients who are dealing with marital issues, and general life stresses. I tend to be client focused and focus on relationship dynamics and how they impact my clients. It's important to find each person's strengths and to draw on them especially during times when they are struggling to get through the day. I have also found that helping my clients to communicate better in all areas of their lives has helped them to feel more empowered. Sometimes people just need a safe space to come in a vent and talk about their lives. I can offer that and see the value in providing a safe environment to process all of the events in life, both the big and small. If it's important to you and you want to talk about it, I am happy to listen and support you in your journey.

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Dr. John Bixler

Offering therapy in PA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
34 years of experience

I am a psychologist licensed in the state of Pennsylvania with over 30 years of training and experience in helping people working through many of life's struggles. My doctoral studies were in clinical psychology, and my first masters degree was in marriage and family systems. Across the years I've worked in with many different concerns ranging from: depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, fears, and emptiness ... to ...struggles adapting to change of roles and growth through life ... to ... thought disorders ... to ... PTSD from war related experiences, molestations, and rape. I too have been in therapy several times across the years, and so offer my services as someone who has been greatly helped by this process as well as having extensive training and practical experience. I appreciate how difficult it is to seek help, and how frightening it may be to need help. My approach is centered around helping you become more of who you are at the deepest levels rather than what anyone else believes you need to be. I offer my services as a guide to help you through your own world of thoughts, feelings, and experiences in an attempt to find meaning. Across the years I've worked in community clinic settings, private practice, Federal prisons, nursing homes, and in-home/community children's services. My therapeutic style is a casual and caring person centered, including skills sets and models derived from Existential, Jungian, Object Relations, Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. I approach this work with a keen awareness of spirituality and use this to inform our discussions without pushing any specific religious model. Personally, I was raised in Japan for 10 years as a young child during the Vietnam war. I experienced racial hatred and fears as students rioted in front of my house. My father would take me with him to visit wounded soldiers from a very young age. I know personally about the pain of trying to live, sometimes living up to our dreams and at other times failing. Through the years I've been honored by numerous people who have shared their hopes, dreams, fears and wounds. I look forward to the opportunity to explore healing with you.

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Theresa Connelly

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! Life can bring a lot of challenges and it can be difficult to reach out for extra support, I am so glad that you have taken the first step and are considering supportive therapy. My name is Theresa Connelly and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania, I also am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and have training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). I am a strong believer that with the right level of support anyone can feel empowered to face what life is placing in front of them, sometimes we just need a friendly face to help walk through the more difficult times. I have been practicing in the social work field for 10 years; four of those years have been with my clinical license. My experience includes working with individuals and their families in various settings including inpatient psychiatric, mobile crisis, and most recently hospice. A large portion of my working history is helping patients and families deal with end of life issues and grief; however, I also have a special interest in helping individuals who are dealing with anxiety and depression. I believe in a client-centered approach to counseling, meaning that I want to do my best to understand what life looks like from your point of view. Offering an empathetic and non-judgmental atmosphere is important, I am here to listen and help not judge.

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Tina Knorr

Offering therapy in PA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with over 15 years of experience of providing behavioral health services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral interventions and acceptance and commitment therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tiffany Newman

Offering therapy in PA
License: MA ,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with 14 years of clinical experience. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Chester University in 2004, and then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Eastern University in 2008. She has worked with children, teens and adults in an outpatient setting and has focused her work on mental health and substance abuse. While using a variety of techniques, Tiffany tends to gravitate towards Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused techniques when working with her clients. She also enjoys utilizing holistic approaches to health and wellness, and is passionate about helping people achieve better health physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

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This is Dr. Bridgette Montgomery's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Bridgette Montgomery

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

Whatever your reasons are for seeking therapy, I am here and I am committed to helping you resolve your problems. I often share that no one is exempt from experiencing life’s difficulties. At some point in life, we all will face some challenges. What I have learned is that not everyone has the proper skills to manage problems effectively. Seeking support puts you on the right track to identifying ways to address those problems you are dealing with more appropriately. To give you an idea of who I am and what I do, I am Dr. Montgomery, a licensed clinical social worker in PA, DE, NJ, and OH. I have over 27 years of professional work experience in the field. I consider myself to be a trauma therapist, utilizing a generalist approach. My treatment modalities consist of psychoanalysis, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapies. These approaches are at the core of my practice. I treat a range of social, emotional, and behavioral disturbances. I have experience in helping clients manage and/overcome OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Complex Trauma/PTSD, and Sexual Abuse issues. I am a National Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist. My Forensic Specialty is treating individuals with deviant sexual acting behaviors. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Yes, change is hard and seeking help can be a frightening experience. My only goal is to encourage, empower, and assist you in becoming a better version of yourself. So, call today.

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Clyde King

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! As we explore the many possible ways we can approach treatment. I typically address therapy by exploring the past of the individually, which gives insight to how they might be experiencing the world presently. Additionally I address the current thoughts, feelings, add behaviors which may be appropriate or not. Lastly I seek to explore family dynamics allowing us to better understand culture and norms of the individual.

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This is Regina Tarver's avatar and link to their profile

Regina Tarver

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
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, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Hayley Joyce

Offering therapy in PA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Elizabeth Coutts's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Coutts

Offering therapy in PA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am licensed counselor in Pennsylvania with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, all forms of anxiety, addiction and substance use, among many other problem areas. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My past clients have informed me of how well I was able to understand them and empathize with their issues. 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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How to find counseling in State College

Finding the best therapist close by in State College can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services 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 State College. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in State College, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. 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 State College 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 State College area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of State College, elsewhere in Centre, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed State College therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in State College due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in State College may not take health insurance, some in the state of Pennsylvania may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With 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 State College, Pennsylvania working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from 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 State College above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in State College helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified State College therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a State College therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

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 State College therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a 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 16804 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 State College 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 State College licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy 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 State College, Pennsylvania can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

State College has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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 State College.

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

16801, 16802, 16803, 16804, 16805

Popular cities near State College, PA

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