Based on what you want to accomplish in treatment, I’ll help you figure out where and how to begin, and I'll offer options for you to gain some traction so you can make additional progress.

I’ve become a better therapist by witnessing my clients’ honesty and courage, sharing their life experiences and knowledge, and becoming a partner with them in their unique paths in recovery.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

I'm known in the community for my work with young people and their families who are facing challenges related to substance use and mental health. My expertise in school psychology and family therapy has equipped me with the skills needed to help this age group, who often struggle with complex issues that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Through individual and family therapy, I focus on helping my clients improve their emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-awareness. My goal is to empower them and give them hope for a brighter future. I am committed to providing the highest quality of care and support to my clients, and I take pride in the effort I put into my work.

For years, I struggled to help people with addiction issues because it was difficult to get them the treatment they needed in addition to counseling. I worked with one client and family at a time, but it was frustrating and painful. My own family experiences with substance misuse, addiction, and mental illness, as well as my awareness of our country's flawed public health policies that criminalize and stigmatize drug users, inspired me to focus on the bigger picture.

So, in addition to my regular work as a therapist, I helped start a nonprofit called Families for Sensible Drug Policy (FSDP). Through my work, I've learned about harm reduction, which is a different approach to helping people with addiction. Instead of treating everyone the same way, harm reduction focuses on each person's unique needs and encourages any positive changes. This approach avoids the negative feelings of shame and stigma that often come with traditional treatment programs that force everyone to fit into the same strict treatment model.

I have decided to become a 100% telehealth practice, which means that all my consultations and therapy sessions are conducted virtually using private and confidential video platforms like Zoom, Facetime, or Skype. Alternatively, I also offer phone sessions. Initially, I started using telehealth as a way to continue working with my clients safely during the pandemic. However, I soon realized that it had the potential to increase accessibility to treatment for people and families who might otherwise have difficulty accessing it.

I have found that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy in many cases. It is especially convenient for those with busy schedules since it allows for flexibility in scheduling appointments and eliminates the need for commuting. Additionally, I am able to offer more availability throughout the week.

However, telehealth may not be suitable for everyone. Some people prefer in-person therapy sessions because they feel that being physically present helps them connect better with their therapist. This preference is understandable. Additionally, some individuals have urgent mental health needs that require in-person care.

Stay healthy and be safe and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my practice.

Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist, License # PS-005657

Pennsylvania Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, certificate# 0415

I am a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians and have a Pennsylvania Department of Heath Training Certification in Medical Cannabis.

Graduate

Temple University M.Ed., School Psychology, 1986

Pennsylvania State University M.Ed., Counselor Education, 1975