Mental Health Therapy in Swarthmore

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Therapists in Swarthmore

Dr. Ella Ray

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania - Psychologist
Online

I am a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have over 35 years of experience as a therapist. It takes courage to begin therapy. I also know that therapy sessions tend to exclusively focus on problems, on what is not working. I will encourage you to see the full picture, define your strengths, and use them to reach your goals. My interest and experience include depression and trauma both physical and racial. I also help individuals whose career or interpersonal success is blocked by factors such as low self-esteem, procrastination, or impostor syndrome. Multicultural issues have always been of interest to me over the years. My caseload reflects a wide range of diversity. This interest and experience are heightened by my interracial and international family. While this does inform me of issues that others face, I also know that all members of a group are not the same and in the service of my work and my clients, I make no assumptions based upon how one looks. During our sessions, I want to hear your story. I also encourage you to question any ideas or techniques that are offered. In my work, I combine cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness. In therapy sessions, we will explore your thoughts about yourself and the world. Unfortunately, as human beings, we are hard-wired to focus on negative interactions with the world and our missteps. I will then use mindfulness techniques to help clear away the anxieties that fog up the mind so that you can focus on what is truly happening. It helps one to be less influenced by trends or social pressures and allows one to live one's own life, to not absorb the noise chaos, and confusion that is so prevalent. I enjoy the respect of my colleagues I genuinely enjoy my work and often feel that I was born to be a therapist. I bring respect for you, expertise, warmth, and humor to my sessions. It is your right to understand suggestions that I offer, and I encourage you to ask for clarification. I look forward to being part of your journey. I bring respect and integrity to my work, and I abide by the ethical guidelines of the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. As such, I am duty bound to collect certain information about you. This information includes your identification, location, emergency contact information and any past and present mental and physical issues. This information must be completed before we can set up our first appointment. While I urge you not to be discouraged by this process, I also must confess that when these regulations first became implemented that I sometimes felt frustrated by having to complete the information prior to seeing my health care providers. But it clearly was in my best interest. This process is here to protect you. Once again, I look forward to the opportunity to help you feel empowered and effective in dealing with challenges in your life. Searching for a therapist can be a daunting process when you are already feeling stressed. To make your experience less stressful, let me bring your attention to two factors regarding my practice. First, as a psychologist licensed by the state of Pennsylvania, I am required to ask you to provide a photo ID that includes your address. No sessions can be scheduled until that information is provided. This helps to protect your identity. Secondly, I presently have openings for Wednesdays and Sundays. I wish you well as you begin your journey.

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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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