Our therapists offer sexual abuse therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

Heather Richards is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with diverse populations, from preschool-aged children to older adults. She has supported individuals facing trauma, grief, and loss, and has worked with clients navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Heather’s background includes work with at-risk youth, family systems, and outpatient and group therapy. She is passionate about helping clients committed to healing and personal growth.

Heather earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She uses a client-centered, integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and strength-based techniques. She meets clients where they are while encouraging growth outside their comfort zone.

Heather helps clients feel empowered in their healing journey by fostering connection and trust. She values each client’s input and believes therapy should be tailored to individual needs and never one-size-fits-all. Heather supports clients in developing tools to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 40 years of experience supporting adults navigating mood disorders, anxiety, substance use challenges, daily living stressors, and the impacts of childhood or sexual trauma. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping clients heal, regain stability, and build healthier ways of coping. My approach is compassionate, steady, and grounded in creating a safe space where you feel seen, understood, and supported as you work toward meaningful change.

I earned my master’s in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and psychodynamic principles to help clients strengthen insight, shift unhelpful patterns, and progress toward lasting recovery.

I believe mental health therapy is both a process and a journey, and every step forward matters. My goal is to walk alongside you as you gain confidence, release shame, and move toward emotional clarity and peace. It would be my honor to support you on your path to healing.

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.

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.