Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA and Nearby Locations

Mental health in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is the second largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and one of the most populated cities in the United States. Known by many as the “Steel City,” this thriving metropolitan area is home to more than 2.5 million people in total. While it was once primarily a manufacturing city, big names in the tech industry such as Google, Facebook, Uber, Apple, and Bosch are all setting up offices in Pittsburgh—which has brought a huge influx in population to the Pennsylvania town. Unfortunately, just like any other community, this dynamic, growing population of Pittsburgh has no shortage of unique issues that tend to impact this city.

Drug abuse has become an issue for Pittsburgh, especially when it comes to opioid and prescription drug addiction. This can ultimately lead to issues with poverty, depression, and unfortunately for many in Pittsburgh, death. Throughout the state of Pennsylvania, more than 4,600 people per year are dying of drug-related overdoses. This is a problem that can be curtailed with proper mental health counseling.

Unfortunately, drug abuse is also known to increase high school dropout rates, which has proven to be the case in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh public school students are graduating at a lower rate than the national average. While the nation’s average is 83.2%, in Pittsburg that number is only around 70% graduation rate. There is a great deal of poverty and economic hardship in Pittsburgh that can also increase dropout rates, lead to drug use, and leave many young people without the mental health care that they need and deserve.

The Pennsylvania School Safety Task Force recently released a report emphasizing the need for mental health resources in their schools. While there is a growing number of young people with mental health concerns, there are limited resources available for these students and most schools in the area have an alarmingly high student-to-school psychologist rate, with the average being around 1,164 students to one psychologist.

There is a growing need for professional mental health counseling for people both young and old, especially in cities like Pittsburgh, yet approximately 56% of Americans with mental illness are not receiving treatment. This is why finding a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist is important—no matter where you may live. Unfortunately, many people, especially those who have never been diagnosed or treated before may know they have a problem, but may not know how to find someone who can help.

Taking the time to find a Pittsburgh area professional who works for and with your unique needs is the first and most important step on the road to recovery. Many people can regain a better quality of life with regular treatment—and you can too. Yet, with so many therapists throughout the city, narrowing down your options can be a challenge. This is why you should take the following considerations into account during your search.

• Write down your goals, and have a clear vision of what it is you are looking to achieve with your therapy sessions.
• Decide whether you are looking for long-term ongoing therapy sessions or if you want to meet with someone over a shorter period until you find a resolution to a specific concern.
• Do you have a diagnosis? Are you looking for one? Think about what you are seeking help for, so you can search for therapists that are best matched to your situation.
• Determine whether you are most comfortable with a male or female therapist.
• Does your problem require a specialist?

You should not only use this information to narrow down your options, but you should also check with your insurance provider to make sure your treatments will be covered.

Working with a professional can help you with several mental health concerns ranging from anxiety to depression. Therapists can also be a valuable resource for struggling couples, and those considering divorcing, dealing with post-divorce life, or working on co-parenting. It is also a common form of treatment for those dealing with serious addiction or substance abuse issues.

There are so many reasons to start therapy and no matter what you are looking for help with, you must take the time to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. As you browse through our listings of different Pittsburgh area mental health professionals, you can look at profiles and bios to find someone you connect with. Remember, it takes many people a few tries until they find a therapist they are comfortable with, so you should know you have the right to switch providers until you find one that works for you.

Therapy can change your life for the better, all you need to do is to take the first step and find a therapist to help you start your treatment. This is why we have created our comprehensive directory, to help those throughout Pittsburgh search for and find the right professional to give them the care they need and deserve.