Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA (Shadyside)

"I believe that developing self-awareness is a unique process for every individual and is the key to healing and overcoming life’s challenges."

Laura Marsico is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults dealing with the variety of challenges associated with life changes, as well as those affected by anxiety, chronic illness, depression, family and relational issues, grief and loss, and trauma. Laura has worked in community and residential settings and has experience as a teacher and an artist.

Laura received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Master of Arts in Studio Arts from Western Carolina University. She views clients holistically, and her integrative approach includes cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and expressive arts.

Laura appreciates that while life continually happens, it is easy to lose sight of one’s truth amidst the chaos of today’s world. By offering compassion and empathy, Laura listens with care and aims to help clients learn new ways to communicate, cope, and heal through living in alignment with their core values.

"As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe in being a compassionate and empathetic listener."

Rachael Heiser is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 5 years of experience working with families, couples, and clients of all ages to cope with concerns or conditions related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, family conflict, abuse, trauma, grief, loss, mood disorders, adoption-related issues, infidelity, and much more. 

She earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Rachael is an active member of the AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She also has years of experience working with a number of therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative family therapy (NFT), emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and structural family therapy (SFT).

In sessions, Rachael provides a safe and empathetic atmosphere for you and your family to have honest (and sometimes difficult) conversations. She approaches each session with an open mind. Rachael believes we all have internal strengths but sometimes just need some help navigating these strengths to achieve our goals.

"As a trauma survivor and care provider, I am deeply invested in my client's feelings of comfort, safety, and choice in the therapy process."

Darby Testa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania. In her 10 years of direct care and supervisory experience, she has worked to promote social justice for individuals and care systems. Darby has extensive training and experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are affected by chronic health conditions, sleep, disorders, mood disorders, dysfunctional relationships, and coping. She is open-minded, non-judgmental, and compassionate.

Darby earned her Master's degree from the University of Michigan. She works to support individuals and couples to enhance or develop skills to manage life stressors, mood disruptions, and communication by building on their existing strengths. With a strong background in both mental health and addiction treatment, Darby competently and comfortably treats behavioral health disorders. Treating the person, not just the problem or its symptoms, is critical to long-term success in therapy. Darby seeks to understand you and your world and help you to adapt to its changing demands.

Darby will help you to identify your goals from session one. She understands that any life change has benefits and drawbacks worth exploring and will meet you where you are with readiness and willingness to change, to help make the most impact. Whatever your motivation, Darby is ready to listen. As a trauma survivor and care provider, she is deeply invested in her client's feelings of comfort, safety, and choice in the therapy process.

"As a therapist excited to serve you, I use person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness therapies."

Anne M. Riddle is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has vast clinical experience working with individuals, children, and families with a vast array of issues such as abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, panic attacks, suicide, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, tobacco addiction, bipolar depression, child neglect, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mrs. Riddle has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University DuBois Campus. She graduated with an honorary membership from the Delta Mu Sigma honor society. She went on to receive a Master’s degree in counseling from St. Bonaventure University with a membership of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Mrs. Riddle attended the Hamburg, NY campus of St. Bonaventure University and received her degree in 2008.

"As a gay man, I empathize with those who feel like they're outsiders."

Evan Csir is a Licensed Practicing Counselor with over 9 years of experience. He is passionate about working with people, especially autistic individuals. He is experienced in helping clients with depression, anxiety, and ADHD issues.

Evan earned his BA in English and Psychology from Thiel College in 2007 and his MA in Counseling in 2013 at Edinboro University. Evan has worked with children his entire professional career as he's worked in BHRS and family-based therapy. He also participated in the intensive family coaching program (parent-child interaction therapy which is done in the home). Evan uses person-centered, behavioral therapy, CBT, and DBT techniques.

Evan is a firm believer that we are all works in progress and never stop growing. He likes to use the metaphor of maintaining a yoga pose: The things in life that challenge us the most are the poses we need to work on the most.

"I will strive to assist you on your journey of self-exploration while creating a safe, genuine, and open-minded environment for growth and self-improvement."

Jordan Stash is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 3 years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with all age groups, including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He strives to assist his clients in a variety of ways, helping them navigate through difficult times, processing emotions, and more. He specializes in several areas including depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ issues, and child therapy.

Jordan holds his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Student Affairs from California University-Pennsylvania. He has worked with children on the autism spectrum, assisting them with recognizing behaviors, processing emotions, and more. He is a former behavioral therapist who utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT).

Everyone has different perspectives and personal experiences. Jordan believes he can offer guidance and support on your new journey to a more productive, insightful sense of well-being. Jordan will help you develop skills and techniques, as well as cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences. Reach out to schedule with Jordan today.

“Thoughts become things...choose the good ones!" (-Mike Dooley/TUT). Kate has 15 years’ experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She takes a holistic, eclectic, integrative approach to counseling, with the desire to create a "home base" -- a safe, caring, empathic and nonjudgmental environment to explore, heal, and reunite the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of who you are. She incorporates traditional evidence-based modalities; wisdom gleaned from broad life experiences; a deep, spiritual relationship with her own humanness; and good old-fashioned common sense. One of Kate’s greatest realizations is that our thoughts and beliefs are not always reliable sources of information. When faced with stress, sorrow, pain, trauma and tragedy, inaccurate thoughts and beliefs can lead to depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, and unnecessary suffering. This in turn can lead us down distressing paths. Kate commends you for recognizing and accepting that you can't figure it all out by yourself. She desires to help you learn to think clearly and effectively in times of crisis; show courage in the face of trauma; and find humor amid tragedy. She endeavors to help you make sense out of things that just don't seem to make sense.

"As a woman of color who was raised in an interracial home. I can bring a unique perspective to any situation of exploration and intersectionality's.Monica"

Monica Cwynar is a Licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping her patients reach their goals. She is interested in working with adults and children and helping them live fulfilled lives. Monica specializes in depression, end of life, grief, anxiety, relationship challenges, co-parenting, trauma, family, and major life transitions. She completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was the first minority to receive a Hartford Fellowship in the School of Social Work.

Monica utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, gestalt, exploration of patterns and emotions, psych education, role playing, structured problem solving, and cognitive reframing.

Monica is passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and removing the stigma while encouraging access for all. If you're ready to take the first steps in meeting your goals, then Monica is ready to get started.

Theresa Welsh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for providing the utmost quality of services to individuals, couples, and families struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, abuse, ADHD, stress, family conflict, life transitions, grief, and more. 

Theresa received her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Geneva College, where she focused her studies on Marriage and Families. Her clinical vision is to ensure a virtual space that is a safe place for clients to experience their vulnerabilities while sharing their stories. Theresa implements both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and motivational interviewing interventions in her practice. 

Theresa’s strength-based approach, non-judgmental nature, and focus on strong therapeutic relationships all help her clients grow to accomplish their goals. Reach out to build on your strengths and attain the growth Theresa can help you stay committed to accomplishing.

"As a holistic therapist, I utilize compassion and strong listening skills to understand and appreciate clients while assisting them in addressing their needs, pursuing self-care, and achieving their goals."

Angela Illig is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who possesses over 16 years of experience in the mental health field, serving youth and adults with individualized care. Angela is passionate about working with individuals and couples to manage obstacles, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and reach their full potential. She sees herself as a human potential enhancer, assisting clients in recognizing and capitalizing upon unique strengths in the counseling process. Angela specializes in assisting clients with career or life transition, stress, anxiety, depression, coping, family dynamics, sexuality, relationships, confidence, identity, motivation, and codependency. She has aided families and couples with communication and conflict resolution skill-building, advocacy and assertiveness, grief, co-parenting, and building positive family dynamics. 

Angela completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Higher Education at Syracuse University and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administrative and Policy Studies in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Angela is a counselor and university instructor, with ample experience aiding others in navigating the stressors of life. She is a consistent advocate and promoter of wellness, and works to build rapport with her clients, infusing enthusiasm, transparency, and authenticity into sessions. Angela appreciates the delicate balance of properly supporting and challenging clients while integrating various elements of theories into practice. She employs the practical, goal-oriented treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in helping clients grow and achieve success. Angela also utilizes multiple other approaches in her work, including solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, structural family therapy, and psychoeducation.

Angela believes that we all deserve to be able to live fully, put our best feet forward, and focus on strengths and self-care in restoring our lives to wellness. She is patient-centered and motivated by her clients' success. Angela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to achieve that potential, gaining new perspective, confidence, and skills. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment with her today!

"As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I aim to provide relational therapy that validates self-growth and processes the impact of trauma. "

Barbara Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Pennsylvania. She has experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family/life transitions. Additionally, she has experience working with autism spectrum disorder, trauma, grief & loss, and LGBTQ+ specific issues. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and attained her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University.

Barbara provides systemic, client-centered, contextual, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for children, adults, couples, and families. Barbara focuses on the specific and unique needs of each individual through an adaptable, relational lens that encourages a fresh perspective into your life. Barbara incorporates empirically supported theories, family system theories, and relational dynamics into therapy.

Barbara works to create a comfortable and open atmosphere to foster a growing and caring therapeutic relationship with you. She hopes to collaborate with you to create and achieve goals that enhance your strengths and personal fulfillment.

"As a therapist, I understand the power of listening first in order to understand how I can best help you."

Melissa Alcorn-Ferry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is energized by helping people reach their goals and potential. Melissa specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.

Melissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in homes, schools, communities, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment programs. This professional experience enables her to provide the support and guidance her clients are seeking. Melissa uses multiple treatment approaches which she matches to her client's needs and preferences. Some examples are brief treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and family therapy.

Your emotional well-being can have an impact on your life. If you’re having a hard time, Melissa is confident she will be able to meet you where you are on your journey and help you accomplish your goals. Whether you have hit a bump in the road or you are ready to address a difficult issue, Melissa can help with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to talk and do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.