Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

As a nurse practitioner, I've practiced in family medicine, wound care, plastic surgery, urgent care, and perioperative and hospital medicine. This broad clinical foundation allows me to approach care holistically, recognizing the connection between physical and mental health. In my psychiatric practice, I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. I care for clients across the lifespan who may be navigating life transitions, emotional distress, chronic mental health conditions, or seeking greater stability and quality of life.

I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach, developing individualized treatment plans based on shared goals we establish together. My aim is to create a supportive environment where you feel empowered, understood, and actively involved in your healing—helping you build resilience, strengthen coping strategies, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

I bring both professional knowledge and real-life understanding to the care I provide. My life experiences allow me to meet you where you are, offering a nonjudgmental approach focused on supporting your individual needs. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and balance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sean Burns is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience in behavioral health and drug and alcohol treatment settings. Sean specializes in working with teenagers and adults, ages 14 to 100, challenged by anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, work difficulties, marital/relationship conflict, school stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, grief/loss experiences, faith/religious beliefs, and behavioral issues. Sean also has experience in dealing with addiction affecting individuals and families. He provides skills, tools, educational information, and suggestions to help clients take the next step.

Sean received his Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, faith-based and Christian counseling, and motivational interviewing.

Sean can assist you in improving the relationships that mean the most to you and set appropriate boundaries within more challenging ones. He invites you to partner with him for your health and well-being and encourages you to schedule an appointment today.

Danielle (Dani) Lusty is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a decade of experience working with individuals ages 11 and above who struggle with anxiety, depression, time management, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health diagnoses. She has treated a variety of populations including the homeless, individuals within the legal system, and those suffering from alcohol and substance misuse disorder.

Dani has a Master’s in Art Therapy with a specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University. She uses a variety of clinical techniques that focus on reality therapy, solution-focused treatment, and a person-centered approach.

Dani is honored to serve others in their time of need and educate her clients on how their presenting symptoms affect their minds and bodies. She encourages you to book an appointment today!

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.