Therapists in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, having graduated from Temple University. I recognize the challenges life presents, especially when dealing with trauma, grief, family issues, workplace stress, relationship struggles, or major life changes. In therapy, you’ll find a supportive space where you can explore your emotions and work through barriers that hold you back from reaching your potential.
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, having graduated from Temple University. I recognize the challenges life presents, especially when dealing with trauma, grief, family issues, workplace stress, relationship struggles, or major life changes. In therapy, you’ll find a supportive space where you can explore your emotions and work through barriers that hold you back from reaching your potential.
Laura Kochman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
13 Endorsed
Old City, Philadelphia, PA 19106
I think of therapy as a space where we can explore not only what is difficult or distressing, but also what is joyful, connective, warm, and creative. I believe that noticing what goes unspoken is just as important as recognizing the patterns in your life, and that not-knowing goes hand-in-hand with curiosity. While I work with clients of all identities and areas of concern, I have a specific background in working with people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, people exploring their relationships to their bodies, people who are neurodivergent and/or disabled, and people with complex, intergenerational, and/or cultural trauma histories.
I think of therapy as a space where we can explore not only what is difficult or distressing, but also what is joyful, connective, warm, and creative. I believe that noticing what goes unspoken is just as important as recognizing the patterns in your life, and that not-knowing goes hand-in-hand with curiosity. While I work with clients of all identities and areas of concern, I have a specific background in working with people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, people exploring their relationships to their bodies, people who are neurodivergent and/or disabled, and people with complex, intergenerational, and/or cultural trauma histories.
Hello, and thanks for visiting my profile. My name is Mai, and I offer sessions both in-person and through Telehealth. I understand that you might be experiencing a difficult time, whether it's a significant transition, a loss, or feelings you’re unsure how to handle. This can be overwhelming and scary, and sometimes the hardest step is acknowledging the need for help. I believe in the innate capacity we all have to heal and grow, and I am here to help you uncover this strength within yourself. Since 2013, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate various life challenges.
Hello, and thanks for visiting my profile. My name is Mai, and I offer sessions both in-person and through Telehealth. I understand that you might be experiencing a difficult time, whether it's a significant transition, a loss, or feelings you’re unsure how to handle. This can be overwhelming and scary, and sometimes the hardest step is acknowledging the need for help. I believe in the innate capacity we all have to heal and grow, and I am here to help you uncover this strength within yourself. Since 2013, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate various life challenges.
Therapy should be a space where we can be curious about your internal world and the impact of your identities, external systems, and relationships on it. Working with me would mean examining the connection between past and present, attachment patterns or wounds, coping and defense mechanisms, and how trauma manifests in your body. I encourage exploration of meaning and origins of behaviors, and often incorporate ‘parts work’ to help break down the ‘why’ and address the shame often attached to them. When appropriate, I also blend EMDR or other somatic practices into our work.
Therapy should be a space where we can be curious about your internal world and the impact of your identities, external systems, and relationships on it. Working with me would mean examining the connection between past and present, attachment patterns or wounds, coping and defense mechanisms, and how trauma manifests in your body. I encourage exploration of meaning and origins of behaviors, and often incorporate ‘parts work’ to help break down the ‘why’ and address the shame often attached to them. When appropriate, I also blend EMDR or other somatic practices into our work.
My approach to therapy begins by creating welcoming and honest space in which I can get to know my clients as people. I strive to collaboratively explore their challenges and difficulties, as well as their joys and successes. I believe deeply in each person’s capacity for resilience and healing. I believe that healing happens in supportive relationships. I enjoy building such connections with clients to support them working towards becoming the version of themselves they want to be.
My approach to therapy begins by creating welcoming and honest space in which I can get to know my clients as people. I strive to collaboratively explore their challenges and difficulties, as well as their joys and successes. I believe deeply in each person’s capacity for resilience and healing. I believe that healing happens in supportive relationships. I enjoy building such connections with clients to support them working towards becoming the version of themselves they want to be.
Despite your best efforts to take care of yourself, lacking support in the most challenging parts of your life can feel overwhelming and isolating. You might feel these challenges have underscored your entire life, leaving you struggling with feelings of shame, sadness or anger. Some challenges arise suddenly, causing a sense of disorientation or fears about the future. You are not alone in this difficult time in our world. It is possible to make sense of these complex feelings and return to balance. I can help facilitate your own innate capacity for healing from painful experiences and reconnect to your authentic self.
Despite your best efforts to take care of yourself, lacking support in the most challenging parts of your life can feel overwhelming and isolating. You might feel these challenges have underscored your entire life, leaving you struggling with feelings of shame, sadness or anger. Some challenges arise suddenly, causing a sense of disorientation or fears about the future. You are not alone in this difficult time in our world. It is possible to make sense of these complex feelings and return to balance. I can help facilitate your own innate capacity for healing from painful experiences and reconnect to your authentic self.
My approach to therapy is one that prioritizes the creation of a relationship that is safe, mutual, and honest. I want my clients to feel empowered and free to explore themselves and grow into the person they wish to become. I am calm, warm, and active. I offer my clients feedback and challenge them in ways that encourage growth, often with some levity and humor. I value knowing my clients as a person and prioritize understanding and appreciating their perspective. I work together with my clients to identify negative patterns in their life and provide the opportunity to create new, healthy experiences.
My approach to therapy is one that prioritizes the creation of a relationship that is safe, mutual, and honest. I want my clients to feel empowered and free to explore themselves and grow into the person they wish to become. I am calm, warm, and active. I offer my clients feedback and challenge them in ways that encourage growth, often with some levity and humor. I value knowing my clients as a person and prioritize understanding and appreciating their perspective. I work together with my clients to identify negative patterns in their life and provide the opportunity to create new, healthy experiences.
My priority as a clinician is to co-construct an environment that feels affirming, warm, and responsive to needs of clients managing various life challenges and traumas including sudden deaths of loved ones. My style incorporates relational and existential frameworks that invite clients to build awareness of their inner systems, claim their autonomy, and move toward meaningful change. I blend modalities such as IFS, EMDR, and emotion-focused approaches, and my practice is always informed by grief and loss, even if a client’s feelings are not associated with a death. I see clients in DE, PA, and MA, and I specialize in suicide loss.
My priority as a clinician is to co-construct an environment that feels affirming, warm, and responsive to needs of clients managing various life challenges and traumas including sudden deaths of loved ones. My style incorporates relational and existential frameworks that invite clients to build awareness of their inner systems, claim their autonomy, and move toward meaningful change. I blend modalities such as IFS, EMDR, and emotion-focused approaches, and my practice is always informed by grief and loss, even if a client’s feelings are not associated with a death. I see clients in DE, PA, and MA, and I specialize in suicide loss.
It seems that everyone is in therapy these days, and for good reason! With an increase in global stressors, unlimited access to seeing tragedies on our phones, and pressure to conform to the dominate culture, many of us are left to feel deflated, confused and lost. We all can use a little support, and you don't need to do it alone! I pride myself in creating a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen and understood. My goal as your therapist is to meet you with empathy, curiosity, and care, so that you can feel empowered to take on life's challenges.
It seems that everyone is in therapy these days, and for good reason! With an increase in global stressors, unlimited access to seeing tragedies on our phones, and pressure to conform to the dominate culture, many of us are left to feel deflated, confused and lost. We all can use a little support, and you don't need to do it alone! I pride myself in creating a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen and understood. My goal as your therapist is to meet you with empathy, curiosity, and care, so that you can feel empowered to take on life's challenges.
Whether a recent event has brought you here or you've been carrying something difficult for a long time, therapy can be a space to slow down and give it the attention it deserves. Together, we'll explore what feels most important to you, at your pace.
I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity questions, difficult family dynamics, and substance use. This includes adult children of immigrants, people from multicultural backgrounds, and people of color. I'm deeply committed to social justice and to seeing each person in the full context of their life and the world they navigate.
Whether a recent event has brought you here or you've been carrying something difficult for a long time, therapy can be a space to slow down and give it the attention it deserves. Together, we'll explore what feels most important to you, at your pace.
I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity questions, difficult family dynamics, and substance use. This includes adult children of immigrants, people from multicultural backgrounds, and people of color. I'm deeply committed to social justice and to seeing each person in the full context of their life and the world they navigate.
My goal is to support you in facing and embracing all aspects of yourself, especially the ones that feel most unworthy of love. I view therapy as a collaborative process centered around the co-creation of a safe environment for self-discovery. My work is rooted in relational therapy, focusing on the “here-and-now” of our dynamic as a way to explore patterns and uncover the influence of early experiences. I pay attention not just to symptoms, but to the emotional and relational contexts that give rise to them, including how you navigate trust, vulnerability, boundaries, and connection.
My goal is to support you in facing and embracing all aspects of yourself, especially the ones that feel most unworthy of love. I view therapy as a collaborative process centered around the co-creation of a safe environment for self-discovery. My work is rooted in relational therapy, focusing on the “here-and-now” of our dynamic as a way to explore patterns and uncover the influence of early experiences. I pay attention not just to symptoms, but to the emotional and relational contexts that give rise to them, including how you navigate trust, vulnerability, boundaries, and connection.
You want to offer support, care, and love to your partner but it's hard when you don't feel heard. This dynamic can lead to arguments that go around and around without any resolution. Now you both feel stuck and in need of a different option. I will help you both in identifying your stuck points to make the changes needed to have the relationship you want. We will shift your relationship to one built on understanding yourself, your partner, and creating a space for vulnerability to get the closeness you both deserve.
You want to offer support, care, and love to your partner but it's hard when you don't feel heard. This dynamic can lead to arguments that go around and around without any resolution. Now you both feel stuck and in need of a different option. I will help you both in identifying your stuck points to make the changes needed to have the relationship you want. We will shift your relationship to one built on understanding yourself, your partner, and creating a space for vulnerability to get the closeness you both deserve.
Many people choose to enter therapy to gain a deeper understanding of themselves – their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in addition to problems in their interpersonal relationships. Oftentimes, the issues we face in the present stem from painful experiences in the past. As a result of these experiences, we develop ways of coping in the world – some continue to serve us well and others may get in the way of us living a more fulfilling life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental, and safe environment for exploration, healing, and growth.
Many people choose to enter therapy to gain a deeper understanding of themselves – their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in addition to problems in their interpersonal relationships. Oftentimes, the issues we face in the present stem from painful experiences in the past. As a result of these experiences, we develop ways of coping in the world – some continue to serve us well and others may get in the way of us living a more fulfilling life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental, and safe environment for exploration, healing, and growth.
I believe that therapy is for everyone, and that no “problem” is too big or too small to bring to the therapeutic space—whether you have a specific concern in mind or have just been feeling a bit stuck lately. I strive to foster a supportive, non-judgemental environment so you can create a life with more connection and purpose outside of my office. Embracing the social work value of social justice, I make space to explore ways in which oppression and marginalization impact your lived experiences and the context in which you navigate the world and heal. As a queer therapist, I aim to provide care that affirms your various identities.
I believe that therapy is for everyone, and that no “problem” is too big or too small to bring to the therapeutic space—whether you have a specific concern in mind or have just been feeling a bit stuck lately. I strive to foster a supportive, non-judgemental environment so you can create a life with more connection and purpose outside of my office. Embracing the social work value of social justice, I make space to explore ways in which oppression and marginalization impact your lived experiences and the context in which you navigate the world and heal. As a queer therapist, I aim to provide care that affirms your various identities.
Whether you’re facing a major life transition or persistent anxiety or depression, I aim to create a safe and supportive space for you to begin making sense of your feelings and find relief. My style is warm, collaborative, and relational—I believe that connection is essential to healing and growth. Together, we’ll examine unhelpful cycles and patterns keeping you stuck and develop more effective ones. I also use trauma‑informed and attachment‑based approaches and occasionally draw on CBT/DBT tools for short‑term relief.
Whether you’re facing a major life transition or persistent anxiety or depression, I aim to create a safe and supportive space for you to begin making sense of your feelings and find relief. My style is warm, collaborative, and relational—I believe that connection is essential to healing and growth. Together, we’ll examine unhelpful cycles and patterns keeping you stuck and develop more effective ones. I also use trauma‑informed and attachment‑based approaches and occasionally draw on CBT/DBT tools for short‑term relief.
Addressing mental health problems, cognitive difficulties, or academic issues can be frustrating. It it is my goal to make the entire process as straightforward and collaborative as possible. I am down to earth and authentic with my patients which helps create the foundation for effective and lasting treatment. As a Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist who provides both evaluation and therapy services I have the unique opportunity to both evaluate and treat. Please let me assist you in addressing the issues you are concerned with and providing you the answers to the questions you have.
Addressing mental health problems, cognitive difficulties, or academic issues can be frustrating. It it is my goal to make the entire process as straightforward and collaborative as possible. I am down to earth and authentic with my patients which helps create the foundation for effective and lasting treatment. As a Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist who provides both evaluation and therapy services I have the unique opportunity to both evaluate and treat. Please let me assist you in addressing the issues you are concerned with and providing you the answers to the questions you have.
My work centers on helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with their emotions and with each other. If you’re struggling in your relationships—whether with friends, romantic partners, colleagues, family members, or even yourself—you’ve come to the right place. I’m deeply passionate about helping people build deeper, healthier, & more fulfilling connections. I bring experience working with a diverse range of individuals and couples, including those navigating queer and trans identity development, low self-esteem, sexual identity exploration, family dynamics, & life transitions.
My work centers on helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with their emotions and with each other. If you’re struggling in your relationships—whether with friends, romantic partners, colleagues, family members, or even yourself—you’ve come to the right place. I’m deeply passionate about helping people build deeper, healthier, & more fulfilling connections. I bring experience working with a diverse range of individuals and couples, including those navigating queer and trans identity development, low self-esteem, sexual identity exploration, family dynamics, & life transitions.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but not one you need to take on alone. Together, we will build a safe, caring environment through trust, honesty, authenticity, and humor, for you to explore your story. I work with adults moving through experiences of trauma, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, neurodivergence, and times of transition. In our sessions, I draw from strengths-based, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and Internal Family Systems approaches. This means that we explore areas of growth and recognize the strengths you already carry, which are powerful building blocks for growth and healing.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but not one you need to take on alone. Together, we will build a safe, caring environment through trust, honesty, authenticity, and humor, for you to explore your story. I work with adults moving through experiences of trauma, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, grief & loss, neurodivergence, and times of transition. In our sessions, I draw from strengths-based, psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and Internal Family Systems approaches. This means that we explore areas of growth and recognize the strengths you already carry, which are powerful building blocks for growth and healing.
Whatever motivates you to come to therapy (challenging relationships, overwhelming emotions, self-defeating patterns, to name a few), I am here to provide you with compassion and genuine curiosity about your experience. As a relational and psychodynamic therapist, I work with you to find insight about how past experiences are shaping your present relationships, self-images and behaviors. Together, we will explore the internal landscape of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. With this knowledge, and the support of the strong therapeutic relationship we will build, change becomes possible.
Whatever motivates you to come to therapy (challenging relationships, overwhelming emotions, self-defeating patterns, to name a few), I am here to provide you with compassion and genuine curiosity about your experience. As a relational and psychodynamic therapist, I work with you to find insight about how past experiences are shaping your present relationships, self-images and behaviors. Together, we will explore the internal landscape of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. With this knowledge, and the support of the strong therapeutic relationship we will build, change becomes possible.
I utilize trauma informed, narrative, and relational-cultural approaches to support and assist people managing relationships and life transitions as well as serious mental health issues and addictions. I focus on the integration of body-mind-spirit for whole-person recovery. Our goal is to align mental, physical, and spiritual values so that life is manageable, productive, and optimistic. In my years of practice and continuing education, what I value most is the uniqueness of each person and the trust they instill in me to join them in their journey.
I utilize trauma informed, narrative, and relational-cultural approaches to support and assist people managing relationships and life transitions as well as serious mental health issues and addictions. I focus on the integration of body-mind-spirit for whole-person recovery. Our goal is to align mental, physical, and spiritual values so that life is manageable, productive, and optimistic. In my years of practice and continuing education, what I value most is the uniqueness of each person and the trust they instill in me to join them in their journey.
See more therapy options for Old City, Philadelphia
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
200+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Old City, Philadelphia, PA who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 92% | Social Anxiety |
| 92% | Health Anxiety |
| 92% | Driving Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 77% | Self Esteem |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 88% | Aetna |
| 65% | Highmark |
| 61% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Old City, Philadelphia, PA see their clients
| 62% | In Person and Online | |
| 38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 72% | Female | |
| 23% | Male | |
| 5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Old City?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.