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678 people sought self-harm counseling help in Pennsylvania in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a self-harm counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 82 therapists in Pennsylvania available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Self-harm counseling

What is self-harm counseling?

Self-harm counseling is aimed at helping individuals who struggle with harming themselves break this pattern by addressing the underlying emotional causes and working to develop new, healthier coping skills. Thriveworks self-harm therapists in Philadelphia, PA are experienced in treating those who self-harm with empathy, compassion, and unconditional regard in order to help them heal and recover, both physically and emotionally.

How does self-harm counseling work?

Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks often uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients discover the connections between their thoughts and feelings and their behaviors. By assessing these areas, Thriveworks Philadelphia therapists can help clients find and address the true emotional roots of their patterns and, from there, effectively adjust unwanted behaviors.

Is self-harm counseling conducted in person or online?

Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does self-harm counseling last?

The duration of self-harm counseling will often depend on a variety of factors, such as the intensity of an individual’s symptoms or the current levels of stress present in their lives. Because of this, treatment can last a handful of months or on a continual basis over the course of years. In the end, it’s up to the client and their individual needs.

Need more help deciding?

When people are ready to learn different ways of processing these difficult experiences and intense emotions, know that Thriveworks Philadelphia can guide and support their journey. Our counselors and therapists have seen people who self-harm learn how to cope with their pain in ways that heal and restore themselves.

Schedule a session with one of our self-harm counseling therapists today.

Self-Injury: More than Cutting

When most people think of self-harm, they most likely think of cutting, but cutting is just one form of self-injurious behavior. People who self-harm may choose a variety of methods to express their pain. Examples of the various forms of self-injury may look like…

  1. Hair pulling—Painfully plucking hair from one’s body.
  2. Sabotaging a wound’s healing—Undoing stitches, picking scabs, et cetera.
  3. Tattooing, branding, carving—Adding a word, symbol, or picture to the physical pain.
  4. Burning—Utilizing matches, heat, cigarettes, ropes, or more to damage skin and induce pain.
  5. Biting, punching, hitting, or pinching oneself.
  6. Scratching or cutting—using a knife or other sharp object to stab, slash, or pierce the skin.

For some, they self-harm occasionally while others do so consistently.

Self-Harm: What Puts People at Risk?

Several factors can increase a person’s risk for self-injurious behavior. When one or more of these situations are present in people’s lives, they may be more susceptible to turning to self-harm as a coping mechanism:

  • Psychological Pain: Many people who self-harm have survived an abusive childhood. They may have faced neglect or various forms of maltreatment. Other forms of psychological pain can drive people to harm themselves—poverty, bereavement, toxic relationships, and more.
  • Mental Health Diagnosis: Self-injury is not an independent diagnosis, but it often is a sign or symptom of certain forms of mental illness, particularly phobias, depression, conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or schizophrenia.
  • Drug or Alcohol Abuse: A research study in Northern Ireland looked at self-injury cases presented at a local hospital, and in over 60 percent of the cases, alcohol was a factor. When people inflict their injuries, they may also be using alcohol or drugs.

Alternative Coping Skills

When people turn to cutting or burning or any form of self-harm, they are doing the best they know to make it day-to-day and find any form of relief. Healthier ways of coping may include:

  • Getting in touch with a friend. Consider for a moment: who in your life cares about you? Who will listen to you and support you? It takes courage, but call that person when feelings of loneliness (or sadness or fear or numbness) overwhelm you.
  • Prioritize your safety. You matter. Your emotional and physical safety matter. It is okay to avoid situations or people who feel unsafe and might trigger self-harm.
  • Notice your own emotions. Mindfulness is a word that people throw around a lot, but all it means is paying attention to yourself. Go to a quiet place. Take a breath. Some people enjoy journaling or going to a yoga class. The important part is letting yourself feel anything.

Counseling for Self-Mutilation at Thriveworks Philadelphia

When people begin learning new coping skills, they often seek out the help of a therapist or a counselor to guide their process. Mental health professionals may also be able to identify and heal the underlying cause of the self-harm.

If you are ready to work with a counselor, know that Thriveworks Philadelphia offers appointments for self-harm. When you call our office, a person will answer your call and help schedule your first appointment—which might be within 24 hours. We accept most forms of insurance. We also offer evening and weekend appointments.

Is it time to reach out for healing? Contact Thriveworks Philadelphia today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Philadelphia therapists and counselors accept 39 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Philadelphia
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Rob is great! Making progress.
Brian Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working alongside Marie for years. Her work with her clients is unparalleled. She is clinically exceptional, while somehow maintaining an authenticity that makes working with her in any capacity a wonderfully positive experience. I would recommend Marie to anyone who is serious about helping themselves, and particularly those with a history of trauma.
Read more I had the pleasure of working alongside Marie for years. Her work with her clients is unparalleled. She is clinically exceptional, while somehow maintaining an authenticity that makes working with her in any capacity a wonderfully positive experience. I would recommend Marie to anyone who is serious about helping themselves, and particularly those with a history of trauma.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is the best around. So knowledgeable and supportive with her clients. She helped me through many traumatic situations without judgment. If you are looking for an amazing therapist to help you, she is who you need.
Read more Marie is the best around. So knowledgeable and supportive with her clients. She helped me through many traumatic situations without judgment. If you are looking for an amazing therapist to help you, she is who you need.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie Moriarty Puggi is a fantastic clinician. She’s very person centered and empathetic. She goes above and beyond for her clients and their families. They have shown a great deal of appreciation for the efforts she makes with her clients. They want to talk with her and engage and do the work in order to heal. Highly recommended.
Read more Marie Moriarty Puggi is a fantastic clinician. She’s very person centered and empathetic. She goes above and beyond for her clients and their families. They have shown a great deal of appreciation for the efforts she makes with her clients. They want to talk with her and engage and do the work in order to heal. Highly recommended.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is an excellent Therapist. She assisted me with various ways to change my perspective. Marie's assistant me with positive ways to view situations and how to be accountable for my behavior. Marie is very kind and personable. She made me feel important and that I should matter to me first.
Read more Marie is an excellent Therapist. She assisted me with various ways to change my perspective. Marie's assistant me with positive ways to view situations and how to be accountable for my behavior. Marie is very kind and personable. She made me feel important and that I should matter to me first.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie has an excellent communication skills. She displayed active listening skills when engaging with her clients and coworkers. Marie is dependable, accountable and reliable. Marie is a team player who goes beyond her expectations to meet the need of her consumer. Marie is non judgemental, observant and respectful. Marie is a very patient therapist.
Read more Marie has an excellent communication skills. She displayed active listening skills when engaging with her clients and coworkers. Marie is dependable, accountable and reliable. Marie is a team player who goes beyond her expectations to meet the need of her consumer. Marie is non judgemental, observant and respectful. Marie is a very patient therapist.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie is a compassionate, hard working, supportive, empathetic therapist that I would recommend to clients. She offers an environment conducive for a therapeutic relationship. She works well individually and is a great team member.
Read more Marie is a compassionate, hard working, supportive, empathetic therapist that I would recommend to clients. She offers an environment conducive for a therapeutic relationship. She works well individually and is a great team member.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Marie Moriarty-Puggi a clinician at the Walnut St site in Philadelphia is one of the most caring, dynamic, person centered therapists that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Marie always goes the extra mile for her clients, going above and beyond to help her clients reach their maximum potential. I would recommend Marie without hesitation.
Read more Marie Moriarty-Puggi a clinician at the Walnut St site in Philadelphia is one of the most caring, dynamic, person centered therapists that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Marie always goes the extra mile for her clients, going above and beyond to help her clients reach their maximum potential. I would recommend Marie without hesitation.
Philadelphia Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Providence is located at 245 Waterman St Suite 504A, Providence, RI 02906, between Wayland Ave. and Butler Ave.

Phone number

(215) 642-8968

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • English
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Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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