Dr. carissa ferguson-thomas
I hold a Doctorate and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University. I am a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have provided individual, couples, and family therapy for more than twenty years. I am trained as a cognitive behavioral therapist but my approach is eclectic, person-centered and trauma-informed. I work with the individual where they are and together we explore and develop plans to overcome the challenges they are facing. I have worked with clients in various settings and helped them address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I can also help you navigate intimate relationship difficulties, family issues, life transitions, grief and loss. Starting therapy can be stressful in itself but I can help ease that stress as I provide a safe, judgement free environment and provide compassion and understanding that allows you to speak freely about your thoughts and feelings. I believe a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship is the most important part of creating lasting change. We will work together to address your concerns, overcome barriers, and identify your strengths to help you achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you!
Katherine Beck
Hello, My name is Katherine Beck and I am licensed counselor who has been working in the helping field for over twenty years. I have worked with a range of different people, from children and adolescents, people struggling with end of life issues, and many others in between. I am skilled at helping others navigate through difficult times and strive to instill hope in all of the people I work with. I genuinely believe that things can get better and that you can feel better than you do right now! I specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, dually diagnosed individuals (MH/IDD), ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety/depression, anger management, behavioral issues, and helping through difficult transitional stages. I am trained in the Sanctuary (trauma-informed care) model and use these principles in my every day work to help people navigate through traumatic experiences. I have experience working with parents and families of children to determine underlying causes of behavior and to provide support for caregivers. I practice using a best fit method, or finding what works best for every individual, and will work together with you to find creative solutions. You have already made the first step in your recovery by seeking help, which is often the most difficult part. I look forward to working with you! -Katherine
Sarah Matas
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to find out more about me. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families manage life’s transitions. I received a Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and have worked primarily in the world of hospice, medical home care and long-term care, visiting clients’ homes to help navigate chronic health issues, stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss and caregiver burnout. My approach to therapy is to start in the here and now and to focus on my client’s strengths. I strongly believe that all of us, as individuals, are doing the very best we can with the tools we have on hand. Lasting change can and does occur when we develop new tools, new ways of seeing ourselves and new ways of interpreting the world around us. I take a humanistic approach to my work and recognize that each client is the real expert in this work we call therapy. My job is simply to understand, to show genuine, heartfelt concern and to empower each client to grow and change in the ways they envision. I also believe that our thoughts are powerful motivating forces but can also serve to de-motivate us. Have you ever experienced feeling sad or lonely because of the way you thought about something, only to later find out that your thinking was distorted? How crucial it is to uncover our dysfunctional thoughts! Being a social worker is who I am, not something I do. Over the course of my life I’ve been a mother, including a stint as a single mom, a grandmother, a colleague, a boss and a caregiver and I know that I can help you get to that “better place” you envision for yourself.
Lauren Gallagher
Welcome! My name is Lauren and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I have my master's degree from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient programs, partial programs, school based setting, and in- home services. I have worked with a broad range of clinical issues, and have experience working with clients ages 3 to adulthood. I have experience providing a range of therapeutic clinical services to a diverse population with a wide range of mental health diagnoses. I have a strong dedication to mental health and therapy. I am an excellent advocate for the clients I treat. My goal is to assist, encourage, and teach clients how to reach their full potential. My clients have faced diverse issues such as career, emotional, educational, familial, personal, and other various mental health issues. Specific topics we dealt with included trauma, life adjustment issues, stress related disorders, anxiety, depression, self-injurious behaviors, psychosocial stressors, substance use issues, family conflict, self- esteem, suicidal ideation, relationship issues, and gender identity issues. I feel that I am a positive support for those who find themselves in a time of their lives they may be looking for some extra help. Therapy can guide you into a better direction of life that you are hoping for, and I am here to help! My counseling style is person-centered, integrative, and holistic. I believe in establishing a trusting relationship and making therapy a comfortable and easy environment. I would describe myself as supportive, caring, and warm. I believe that you as the client will help lead our sessions by establishing your goals and desired outcomes for therapy. Collaboration is key in therapy. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am here to support you through whatever difficulties you may be facing, in a warm and comforting way. I look forward to helping you achieve overall wellness!
Kidian Martinez
I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, negative body image, and all forms of eating disorders. Clients who come to see me may have been recently diagnosed with an eating disorder or have been struggling for years. Some are unsure if the have an eating disorder, yet struggle with food and their body. It is important to me to facilitate self-empowerment through coping/behavioral skills and strengthening cognitive insight, while honoring that change is hard. Through our therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where we can move together towards healing. I practice from a Health at Every Size framework. I utilize evidence based practice such as, family based treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, to support adolescents, and adults. Making the decision to see a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to connect and see how I can help.
Shanda Weeden
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, anger management, and career performance, and others. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I'm looking forward to working with you as your teammate.
Sarah Sprenkle
Welcome! I am a therapist licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of professional counseling experience. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, residential, community and schools. I enjoy working with individuals who have a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting concerns, career challenges, ADHD, and substance use. My therapy style is authentic, inviting, and I love to laugh. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, empathy, and kindness. My approach combines a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices. I will individualize our dialog and treatment plan for your unique and specific needs and meet you right where you are, with no judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and let's face it-change is hard. I am here to support you in that process and look forward to working with you.
Tonya Lane
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
J Evan Miller
Life has many challenges and i try to help those i am working with deal with them as best they can. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 26 years of professional work experience. I have worked with teenagers, adults, couples and families. I have experience in helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues and many other issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Gina Kilderry
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I am a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Specialist (CCDS). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I primarily work from a DBT framework while providing client-centered care. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. ***Please note I currently have daytime availability only.***
How to find counseling in Rockledge
Finding the best therapist close by in Rockledge can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Rockledge. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Rockledge, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Rockledge or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Rockledge area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Rockledge, elsewhere in Montgomery, or in the greater state of Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Rockledge area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rockledge therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Rockledge due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Rockledge may not take health insurance, some in the state of Pennsylvania may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Pennsylvania you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Rockledge, Pennsylvania working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.
How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Rockledge above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Rockledge helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?
BetterHelp's verified Rockledge therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Rockledge therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Rockledge therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.
With a lot of people in PA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 19046 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Rockledge counselor?
Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Rockledge licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Rockledge, Pennsylvania can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Rockledge has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Rockledge:
19046