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

"Acknowledging the courage it takes to seek assistance, I am prepared to collaborate with you in achieving your therapeutic objectives."

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience, and I specialize in supporting individuals through challenging emotional periods. I work with clients motivated to foster personal growth and improve their overall well-being through the therapeutic process. I create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions while developing strategies to achieve your goals and experience meaningful change.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and promote personal growth.

As an extrovert and lifelong athlete, I value teamwork, collaboration, and building strong relationships to achieve shared goals. Therapy is a place where you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. I invite you to take the next step and schedule a session where we can work together on your journey toward healing and growth.

"As a counselor, I implement compassion and empathy to create a safe, comfortable space for clients to be themselves and work towards healing."

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.

"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.

"As an individual who has experienced mental health concerns both personally and professionally, I have an authentic understanding of how it impacts one's overall wellness and the need to address mental health concerns holistically to nurture all aspects of one's being."

I am a licensed professional counselor with 14 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. My experience across multiple settings allows me to support individuals with complex and co-occurring mental health needs.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Alliant International University. My approach is evidence-based and collaborative, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy to support insight, coping skills, and emotional regulation.

Seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel understood and empowered to make meaningful change. When you are ready, I invite you to take the next step and begin this work together.

"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.

"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.

"I approach therapy sessions as if we're sorting through the puzzle pieces of your life; we'll work together to put the pieces where they belong and create a picture of what you want your life to look like."

Layla Bruzda is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, as well as outpatient mental health treatment for adolescents and adults. She is helping clients to address substance use problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD symptoms, grief/loss, relationship problems, communication/conflict resolution, legal involvement, and day-to-day life stressors.

Layla earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She uses a person-centered approach to help clients achieve their goals. She utilizes cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, motivational Interviewing, and other approaches based on individual needs and goals.

Layla believes that everyone deserves to live a peaceful and fulfilling life, despite past mistakes or difficult life experiences. She recognizes that carrying around this emotional weight can be physically and mentally exhausting, or lead to feeling "stuck." Layla's goal is to help clients process these issues to lighten the weight of life's challenges.

"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.

"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.