Welcome
I am a psychologist practicing in Philadelphia, PA. I work with adults and adolescents on a range of issues including:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Trauma
- Challenging life transitions
- Eating disorders
I believe that positive change is facilitated by a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable exploring your feelings and seeking an understanding of what prevents you from living the life you want. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you achieve your goals and develop a happier, calmer, more authentic self. Therapy can be life-changing and I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I may be able to help you.
Psychotherapy Approach
My approach to therapy is practical and insight-oriented. I believe that working toward an understanding of oneself and one’s relationships is important for long term health. I also believe that concrete tools to help you reduce stress and anxiety or improve self-care can be immensely helpful in the healing process. I often integrate multiple treatment approaches to provide care that is tailored to meet your needs and I strive to understand your concerns in the context of the many aspects of your identity. I believe that the quality of our therapeutic relationship is a key component to helping you achieve personal growth, symptom relief, and a more satisfying life.
At our first meeting, we’ll review your history in detail and discuss your needs and goals. Oftentimes this takes more than one session. I’ll recommend a plan for moving forward and give you an idea of what our work would include. I encourage you to evaluate this information as well as consider whether you feel comfortable working with me. I am always open to questions and feedback about my approach and our process.
About Me
I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I obtained my doctorate at the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University. My concentrations in cross-cultural psychology and school psychology culminated in a research project on stereotype threat in school-aged children in north Philadelphia. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Cornell University. I completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. I started my private practice in 2011.
I have worked with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, traumatic experiences, interpersonal difficulties, developmental challenges, illness, loss, and other significant stressors. Most of my work experience has been with young adults who are in college, graduate school, or starting their careers. I am especially fond of working with clients at this stage of their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I do pro-bono work with A Home Within, a national non-profit which provides free, open-ended individual psychotherapy to current and former foster youth.
Payment and Insurance
I am in network for most Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans. If you have health insurance through BCBS, simply call the number on the back of your card and give them my name to verify that I am in network for your plan. You will also want to get the details of the benefits offered by your plan by asking the following:
- Do I need pre-authorization or a referral from my primary care physician?
- What is my copay?
- Do I have to meet a deductible before my benefits kick in?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions I get per year?
If I am not in network for your plan, ask your insurance company about your out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits. Sometimes these benefits are quite good and they will reimburse you for part of the cost of our sessions.
I accept cash, check, credit cards, or Venmo for payment. Feel free to contact me with any questions about my fees or insurance.
Contact Me
Office
100 South Broad Street, Suite 1610
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: 215.554.1876
Email: ahagstrand.psyd@gmail.com