geometry-shapes iconAnxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief
In Person & Online in Pittsburgh, PA
30 years in practice
Ages served: 6-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Monica accepts 37 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Ambetter Health | Commercial
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Clover Health Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage
First Health Network
Geisinger Health Plan
Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Exchange
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Medicare Advantage
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | PPO - HMO
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Martins Point (US Family Health Plans)
Medicare PA
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
Tricare West
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
UPMC
UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
Wellcare by Allwell | Pennsylvania Health and Wellness
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 Monica

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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.

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"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"

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Get to know Monica

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

I saw a movie of the week and I liked that the character was helping people by talking.


What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I like all my patients and if they are showing up then I am showing up for them.


What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

That therapy is about them.


What inspires you?

People inspire me with how resilient they are.


What can clients expect in their first session with you?

I hope we will have settled on some goals.


What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

Start to build trust and that they know this is a safe space for them.


What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?

That I will meet them where they are and together we'll make a plan to move forward.


What do you do for fun/on your time off?

I lift weights and box and love going to concerts/sporting events and spending time with friends and family.


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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
ApproachesChristian Counseling, Adlerian, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Play Therapy, Reality Therapy, Family Systems, Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Person-Centered Therapy, Prolonged Exposure (PE)
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Education and training

Years in practice
30 years
Graduating institute
University of Pittsburgh
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1841887569
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State of practicePA
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License numberCW023641
Practice location

Practice information

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Monica Cwynar's profile image

Monica Cwynar

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)she/her