Outpatient Counseling Services in Central Pennsylvania

What Is Outpatient Counseling?

​

Outpatient counseling is scheduled mental health support that allows you to continue living at home and managing your regular responsibilities while receiving care.

​

During counseling sessions, you work with a mental health professional to explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences and relationships. Together, you can develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation and work toward goals that matter to you.

​

Sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes and may take place in person or through telehealth. The frequency of appointments depends on your needs, goals and your therapist’s clinical recommendations.

​

If you are considering therapy but are unsure where to begin, learn more about What to expect when starting outpatient therapy.

​

Who Can Benefit From Outpatient Counseling?

 

Outpatient counseling may help when emotional or mental health concerns begin interfering with your relationships, responsibilities or overall well-being.

​

People seek counseling for many different reasons, including:

• Anxiety or excessive worrying

• Depression, sadness or loss of interest in activities

• Trauma or distressing life experiences

• Grief and loss

• Anger or difficulty managing emotions

• Significant life changes

• Stress at school or work

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Parenting or behavioral concerns

• Family or relationship challenges

• Concerns related to eating or body image

• Co-occurring mental health concerns

​

You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from counseling. Therapy can also provide support during everyday challenges, periods of change or times when you simply do not feel like yourself.

​

Parents and caregivers can also learn about the Early signs that a child may benefit from counseling.

​

Counseling Services for Children, Teens and Adults

 

Every person enters counseling with different experiences, strengths and goals. Laurel Life offers several types of outpatient counseling so care can be personalized to the individual or family.

​

Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy

 

Individual counseling provides a private, supportive space to talk about concerns, process emotions and develop practical coping skills.

​

Therapists adjust their approach based on the client’s age, communication style and needs. Sessions may include conversation, art, play, journaling, skill-building activities or other therapeutic approaches that help clients express themselves and work toward their goals.

​

Family Therapy

 

Challenges affecting one family member can often affect the entire household. Family therapy helps family members strengthen communication, better understand one another and develop healthier ways to respond to conflict or stress.

​

The therapist works with the family to identify patterns, establish shared goals and build skills that can be practiced outside of sessions.

​

Couples and Marriage Counseling

 

Couples counseling provides a supportive environment for partners who want to improve communication, work through challenges or strengthen their relationship.

​

Counseling may address conflict, trust, life transitions, stress, communication difficulties or other concerns affecting the relationship.

​

Trauma-Informed and Specialized Counseling

 

Laurel Life provides trauma-informed counseling that recognizes how past and present experiences can shape a person’s emotions, behaviors and relationships.

 

Specialized outpatient services may include:

• Trauma-informed therapy approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR

• Mind & Performance Wellness Counseling

​

EMDR and other specialized approaches are available through select clinicians and locations. Our team can help you explore which services may fit your needs.

​

What to Expect When You Begin Therapy

 

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you are unsure what will happen after you reach out. Laurel Life works to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.

 

1. Contacting Our Outpatient Team

 

The process begins when an individual, parent, caregiver or referring professional contacts Laurel Life to request counseling services.

​

A Patient Care Coordinator will gather basic information about who is seeking services, the reason for reaching out, contact information and insurance coverage.

 

2. Reviewing Insurance and Therapist Availability

 

Our team reviews your insurance benefits and identifies clinicians who participate with your insurance plan. Availability, location, scheduling needs and the concerns bringing you to therapy are considered when exploring therapist options.

​

If an appropriate therapist is not immediately available, the coordinator will explain available next steps.

 

3. Scheduling Your First Appointment

 

Once a therapist is identified, your first appointment will be scheduled. You may receive intake forms through Laurel Life’s secure electronic record system before your visit.

​

Completing these forms ahead of time allows the first session to focus more fully on you and your needs.

 

4. Completing an Intake and Assessment

 

During the first appointment, your therapist will ask about your background, current concerns, strengths and goals. This helps the therapist understand your situation and determine whether outpatient counseling is the most appropriate level of support.

​

5. Creating Your Treatment Plan

 

You and your therapist will work together to create a personalized treatment plan. The plan identifies the areas you want to address and the goals you hope to achieve.

​

Treatment plans can change over time as you make progress, develop new skills or identify different needs.

​

For a more detailed explanation, read Starting Outpatient Therapy: What the Process Looks Like and How It Works.

​

A Trauma-Informed and Collaborative Approach to Therapy

 

All outpatient counseling services at Laurel Life are grounded in trauma-informed care.

​

Trauma-informed therapy considers how a person’s past and present experiences may influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships. It focuses on creating an environment where clients feel safe, heard and respected.

​

Our therapists focus on:

• Building a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship

• Creating a safe and supportive environment

• Listening to each person’s experiences and goals

• Strengthening coping skills and emotional regulation

• Supporting confidence, independence and long-term growth

• Involving individuals and families in treatment decisions

​

Treatment is collaborative. Clients are active participants in their care rather than passive recipients of services.

​

Therapists may use CBT, trauma-focused therapy, EMDR and other clinically supported methods based on the client’s needs. Learn more about Laurel Life’s Evidence-Based Practices.

​

In-Person and Telehealth Counseling

 

Outpatient counseling is designed to fit into your daily life. Depending on your needs, clinician availability and clinical recommendations, sessions may be offered:

• In person at a Laurel Life outpatient office

• Through secure telehealth appointments

​

Telehealth therapy allows clients to meet with a therapist through a secure video session from a private location. It can be a convenient option for people balancing work, school, transportation or family responsibilities.

​

Telehealth is not the right fit for every person or situation. Our team can help determine whether in-person counseling, telehealth or a combination of the two is most appropriate.

​

Learn more about How telehealth therapy works and whether it may be right for you.

​

Counseling, Psychiatry and Other Levels of Support

 

Understanding the differences between mental health services can make it easier to determine where to begin.

​

Outpatient Counseling

 

Outpatient counseling focuses on emotional support, therapeutic conversations, coping strategies, relationships and personal growth. Clients usually meet with a therapist during scheduled appointments.

​

Outpatient Psychiatry

 

Psychiatry focuses on evaluating mental health symptoms and determining whether medication may be helpful. Laurel Life provides psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management for children, teens and adults.

​

Some individuals receive counseling and psychiatry services as part of the same overall treatment plan.

​

Learn more about Outpatient Psychiatry Services.

​

Intensive Behavioral Health Services

 

Some children and adolescents need more frequent, hands-on support in the places where challenges happen. Intensive Behavioral Health Services take place in homes, schools and community settings and focus on behavioral needs, communication, emotional regulation and everyday skill development.

​

Families can also read about the Differences between Outpatient Counseling and IBHS.

​

If you are unsure which service is appropriate, Laurel Life can help you understand the available options.

​

Find Outpatient Counseling Near You

 

Laurel Life provides in-person outpatient counseling at locations throughout Central Pennsylvania. Telehealth counseling is also available across Pennsylvania.

​

Adams County

 

Outpatient Counseling in Gettysburg, PA

​

Cumberland County

 

Outpatient Counseling in Mechanicsburg, PA

​

Franklin County

 

Outpatient Counseling in Chambersburg, PA

 

Laurel Life has two outpatient offices in Chambersburg.

​

Perry County

 

Outpatient Counseling in New Bloomfield, PA

​

York County

 

Outpatient Counseling in York, PA​

​