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

"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!

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 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.

Mikayla Weston is a Master’s Level Clinician in the state of Pennsylvania. She has experience partnering with children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and more. 

Mikayla completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grove City College and her Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling from Messiah University. Mikayla utilizes a person-centered approach to counseling with techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, and more that emphasize awareness, mindfulness, acceptance, responsibility, and life skills necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual. 

Mikayla works towards an atmosphere of comfort and openness in order to foster a growing and caring relationship with each client. She strives for a therapeutic environment that is collaborative and goal-oriented in order for clients to create and achieve goals and engage in meaningful connections.

"I believe that every person is an expert in their own life and it is my job as a psychologist to help them achieve their version of health and happiness."

Rachael Viehman is a Licensed Psychologist with 18 years of experience. She specializes in supporting individuals dealing with depression, mood swings, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, grief, parenting-related challenges, and caregiver stress. Rachael has worked in large-scale community mental health clinics, specialty hospitals, specialized treatment programs, and research institutions treating adolescents, adults, and the elderly. She also has experience working as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams and is comfortable communicating with and working alongside psychiatrists and general practitioners in supporting the health of her clients.

Rachael received her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the University of California Los Angeles. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness, humanistic, and supportive approaches while holding space for clients' individual preferences and needs.

Rachael is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and reliable environment where each person receives an individualized treatment plan designed to utilize their strengths and skills. She is an empathetic, highly skilled diagnostician who connects with her clients and helps them feel understood, supported, and empowered to achieve health and happiness.

"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.

"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 seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience in the counseling and child welfare fields, I am committed to providing a safe emotional and psychological space that is conducive to change in leading a meaningful and fulfilled life."

Christine Nichols is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years in child welfare and counseling settings. Christine is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Christine's specialties include anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence development, life transitions, career planning and transition, parenting/co-parenting, family conflicts, grief and loss, and end-of-life/hospice care.

Christine earned her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy

Christine is authentic in her approach to the support of individuals and family systems. Christine will join with you to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to enter into the therapeutic relationship to meet desired goals.

"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.

"As someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression and many significant losses, I understand the complexities of managing mental health."

Christina McClarren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. Christina is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families grow beyond current challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, chronic/serious mental health issues, communication, and managing life stressors.

Christina completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in a variety of settings including corrections systems, school systems, and outpatient settings. Christina utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including expressive art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.

Christina values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and ensures that the treatment process is a mutual collaboration. She is confident that she will be able to support you on your journey to help you achieve your goals and learn the skills to manage whatever life may throw at you. If you are ready to begin the therapy process, schedule an appointment with Christina today.

"The most important element of therapy is a strong relationship between the therapist and client. I hope to make your therapy experience validating and supportive."

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.