Mental Health Therapy in Philadelphia

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Therapists in Philadelphia

Alexandra C Ernst

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Clinical Social Worker/therapist
Online

I’m a licensed clinical therapist in Pennsylvania with over 30 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, caregiver exhaustion, low self-esteem, and feelings of overwhelm or burnout. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling emotionally drained, stuck in unhealthy patterns, uncertain about relationships or career paths, or struggling to balance everyone else’s needs while losing sight of themselves. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, overthinking, depression, grief and loss, relationship and family stress, divorce, workplace burnout, caregiver exhaustion, self-esteem and boundary challenges, and major life or identity transitions. I also provide LGBTQ+ affirming care and offer non-religious counseling in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. My approach combines Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths-based strategies, and evidence-informed interventions to help clients build clarity, emotional resilience, and forward momentum. Together, we focus on identifying what’s already working, reducing emotional overwhelm, increasing self-awareness, and creating realistic changes that feel sustainable—not forced. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, practical, and nonjudgmental. I do not believe therapy is about “fixing” you. Instead, I believe many people already possess important strengths, insight, and resilience, but stress, grief, anxiety, painful experiences, or unhealthy relationship dynamics can make it difficult to access those parts of themselves consistently. Whether you are coping with a painful breakup, navigating divorce, grieving a loss, questioning your next chapter, struggling with people-pleasing or boundaries, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, therapy can provide a space to slow down, process what’s happening, and move toward the life you want with greater confidence and self-trust. Reaching out for support takes courage, and you do not have to figure everything out alone. I look forward to working with you.

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Free Mental Health Resources in Pennsylvania

The State of Pennsylvania, under the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, offers an online and telephone helpline that can assist individuals with locating substance use disorder treatment in their areas. This is a free service that is staffed by trained professionals and is available around the clock.
Under the state of Pennsylvania, if residents are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program then they are automatically enrolled in the HealthChoices Behavioral Health Program. This program ensures that individuals get high quality and timely access to mental health and drug and alcohol services.
PA Link is a program through the state of Pennsylvania that assists individuals and their loved ones who need services and support for older people or those with disabilities. This program can help with issues such as health care, housing, in home services, legal advice, meal programs and support groups.
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Center County Mental Health (CCMH) offers free programs for individuals aged three and older who are impacted by a mental health disorder. Their services include a crisis intervention team, early intervention programs, case management, child and family centered programs, peer support and access to outpatient mental health services.
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services offers residents an online database to locate behavioral health services and their contact information by county. This free service can be accessed 24/7.
PA 2-1-1 is a free resource that helps residents of Pennsylvania connect with social services in their area. This helpline is staffed 24/7 and offers services in 170 languages and dialects. Individuals can also access the services via text and their online database.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania is an organization that provides recovery focused support, education and advocacy for individuals and their loved ones impacted by mental illness. They offer free in person and online support groups and educational programs as well as a telephone crisis and helpline.
The Williamway LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia works to engage and support the diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Their free services include peer counseling programs, trans-specific programs like TransWay, Gettin’ On for older members of the community, and wellness programs that include online support groups.
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Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
Centre LGBT+ located in State College is an organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community through education, advocacy and activities. Their free services include support and social groups for adults and teens, a gender affirming clothes closet, a library, an after school program and organize local PRIDE events.
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Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition (PaPSC) is a statewide network of people who use their personal history of mental illness or alcohol and substance use disorder to help others. Members of the coalition are thoroughly trained to provide peer support and help others on their recovery journey.
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Teens & Students LGBTQ Men Women Seniors Depression Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
Up Street is a teen mental wellness program offered by JFCS Youth Services in Pittsburgh. They provide free drop in consultations with therapists, scheduled therapy appointments, text based peer support and support groups for teens.
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Teens & Students BIPOC Men Women
Mental Health Partnerships is a program in Southeast Pennsylvania that supports individuals and their loved ones with mental health conditions and addiction. They use evidenced based wellness strategies to assist people on their recovery journey through case management, education, residential and homeless outreach, and the MHP chat line.
Brookline Teen Outreach, in South Pittsburgh, offers a safe and engaging environment for teens. Their free services include counseling services, focus groups and activities such as cooking classes, sports, art programs, STEM programs and homework help. They also offer support groups.
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Teens & Students Men Women
Mental Health America of Lancaster County offers programs that promote optimal mental health. These include community mental health assistance programs, support groups, a suicide prevention coalition, a prison program, educational programs and advocacy services for children and families.
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Teens & Students Men Women Seniors Disability
Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. in Philadelphia is an organization that provides education, outreach and advocacy related to suicide and depression. Their programs include community outreach and an adolescent mental health counseling program that helps connect individuals in need with mental health professionals in their area.
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Teens & Students Men Women
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