geometry-shapes iconAlcohol Use, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Body Image Issues, Body Dysmorphia, Bipolar Disorder, Behavioral Issues, Anxiety, Antisocial Personality, Anger Management
In Person & Online in Philadelphia, PA
2 years in practice
Ages served: 11-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

John accepts 15 insurers
Aetna
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield
AmeriHealth Administrators
AmeriHealth Pennsylvania
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross | BCBS
Independence Blue Exchange
Keystone Health Plan East HMO (CHIP)
Keystone Health Plan East HMO | POS
Personal Choice PPO | EPO
Quest Behavioral Health
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$220
first session
$180
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About John

I am a Licensed Social Worker with 2 years of experience. Before becoming a social worker, I spent 2 decades providing counseling and crisis intervention in the nonprofit sector. My work has included supporting individuals, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating faith-based trauma and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I use a client-centered, strengths-based approach to guide healing and growth.

I received my Master’s in Social Work from West Chester University. My approach emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment. I help clients define what healing looks like for them and create achievable goals along the way. I am trained in narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

I believe therapy is both humbling and transformative. It takes courage to seek help and open yourself to the process. My goal is to offer a compassionate space where you can explore, heal, and grow. When you feel ready, I invite you to reach out and schedule a session. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

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"I have channeled my life experiences, joyful and traumatic, into a strong sense of empathy, which I use to help clients explore their pain and possibilities."

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Get to know John

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I have always felt drawn to listen to people experiencing difficulty and crisis. I found early opportunities for this in college, and later, in behavioral health and nonprofit organizations. I have devoted most of my adult working life to helping people find and build community.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I enjoy working with clients who become open to guidance as they use their insight to strive for greater understanding and mental well-being. I am open to working with clients of any economic background, faith tradition, gender identity, and ethnicity.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Every client has expertise in their own life. The therapist is here to help the client marshal their strengths and gifts to face challenges, improve relationships, and attain greater life functioning.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

I like to meet clients where they are in the moment, and I practice a lot of active listening. The first sessions can be organic, but there is an underlying structure that guides our exploration of strengths, challenges, desires, and history. We will work together to establish trust, goals, and a new vision for a healthier life.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

I have been fortunate to experience many different cultures around the world, and I have come to prize hospitality and relationships above wealth and status. I believe that every person has the right to safety, dignity, and community. Additionally, every person has the potential for change and healing.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, yet I believe that there is no "out-of-the-box" solution for any client. I have built up different skills and approaches, and I use these as tools to address different aspects of a client's life. I like to work with clients to identify their challenges and goals, then discern which approach(es) will best serve the client.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAlcohol Use, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Body Image Issues, Body Dysmorphia, Bipolar Disorder, Behavioral Issues, Anxiety, Antisocial Personality, Anger Management, Addiction, Coping Skills, Codependency, Chronic Illness/Pain, Caregivers, Career Counseling, Internet Addiction, Infidelity, Hoarding, Grief, Gender Identity / Transgender, Gambling, First Responders, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Eating Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse, Divorce, Depression, Military / Veteran, Men’s Issues, Marital & Premarital, Life Transition, LGBTQIA+, Psychosis, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Personality Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Parenting, Panic Attack, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Mood Disorders, Substance Use, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Sports Performance, Spirituality, Social Anxiety, Sleep / Insomnia, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Seniors & Geriatric, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, School Issues, Relationships, Weight Loss, Video Game Addiction, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Trauma / PTSD, Teen Violence, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesAttachment-Based, Any / Eclectic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Family / Marital, Faith-Based Counseling, Interpersonal, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Education and training

Years in practice
2 years
Graduating institute
West Chester University
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1174497374
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State of practicePA
Practice location

Practice information

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John Gardner

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)he/him