LCSW Mary Onstead
Online counseling
Mental health conditions are real, common and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
Mary Onstead is an experienced, licensed Medical Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy.
More about me
Licensing:
LCSW
Years in Practice:
30
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and have been in the mental health field for over 30 years. My early experiences involved work with children and adolescents, specifically within residential treatment and in the public school system. Later work experiences included work with adults in inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency clients, then several years providing outpatient services within a large HMO where clients sought help for a wide variety of issues. Most recently I worked within a small group practice for nine years, then opened my own solo practice for nine years, providing outpatient therapy to adolescents and adults in a smaller rural setting. I have lived in various cities along the East coast and currently reside in southcentral Virginia.
Since entering the mental health field I have wanted to make therapy interesting, and to de-stigmatize the process. I often tell clients my wish would be that mental health could be seen in the same light as dental care – to come in twice a year for a “cleaning” so as to avoid most major problems! This would allow clients to feel less shame about seeking out help, which I see as one of the major obstacles to creating change in our lives. I am also not as much interested in “techniques” in therapy as much as the relationship between each client and myself. I don’t adhere to one specific type of therapy, but borrow from many useful models in order to meet the needs of each client. Thus, the time frame for treatment work is flexible and individual to each client relationship, and is part of the treatment conversation.
I’m here to listen to each client’s story as someone not intimately tied into their relationships, and to offer honest feedback. I respect that having a mirror held up is a challenging experience but occasionally it’s necessary to be uncomfortable before making a change, or to understand things differently. I will offer suggestions for change, and work together with each client until the presenting problem(s) are resolved. My areas of interest include - but are not limited to - work with grief and loss, life transitions, mood disorders, women's issues, trauma and self-esteem.
I look forward to working with you!
About online counseling
Online counseling allows you to receive care from an online mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Ranging from $35 to $80 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Try online counseling with Mary Onstead
Chat now- Issues
- Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Addictions LGBT Family conflicts Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue
- Languages Spoken
- English
Services offered
100% confidential · No judgment
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