Getting Started
When should I seek mental health support?
Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, so the signs that mental health support would be helpful can vary for each person. There is no one-size-fits-all rule for when to seek support. For some, mental health care can be a lifelong journey, while others might enter therapy for short-term stressors or life events.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to seek mental health support if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or struggling to manage daily responsibilities. Sudden changes in mood, stress levels, and sleep may be good indicators of underlying mental health needs. Therapy can also help if you’re dealing with major life changes, grief, or relationship issues, or if you simply want to improve your emotional well-being.
No matter what concerns you or a loved one may have, reaching out for support early can make a significant difference. Our team can help you understand the role that mental health care can play in your journey. Please give us a call 724.374.7414 or visit our new client appointment page and submit our new client form.
How do I start?
Our goal is to make it easy for you to access quality mental health support that is the right fit for you. With us, getting started is simple. Our intake team will guide you through the process of finding the support you need and matching you with a mental health care provider that fits your needs and preferences.
- Step 1: Call us 724.374.7414 or complete our online form today.
- Step 2: Our team will work with you to find a provider who meets your unique needs.
- Step 3: We’ll schedule your first appointment at a time and location that works for you.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Generally, new clients can expect their first appointment within a few weeks or less. However, wait times vary depending on specific provider availability and the type of services you’re seeking. Contact us by phone 724.374.7414 or through our online form to learn more about current availability.
How do I choose a provider?
Choosing the right mental health care provider is essential for a transformative mental health care experience. Factors like their specialty, approach, and communication style can make a big difference. When you chat with our intake team, they will ask about your specific concerns and preferences. From there, they will help you connect with a member of our team who best aligns with your needs.
What should I do if I am in a crisis?
If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
About New Directions Mental Health
What ages do you treat?
Our goal is to provide access to quality mental health care for everyone in the communities we serve. We provide services across the lifespan: children, adolescents, and adults.
Do you offer telehealth or online counseling?
Yes. We offer in-person service at our local clinics throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. We also offer convenient telehealth options so we can fit into your life and schedule.
Can I do a mix of in-person and telehealth sessions?
Yes, many of our clients benefit from a mix of in-person and telehealth sessions. This allows you to maintain flexibility and accessibility while still receiving the support you need. You can work with our intake team and your provider to create a schedule that works best for you.
Do you work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds?
Yes, our clinicians are dedicated to providing inclusive care for clients from diverse cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. We are committed to understanding and respecting your unique experiences. Our clinical professionals come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Please let our intake team know if there are any attributes you are looking for in a provider.
Do you offer services in different languages?
Yes. Our languages offered vary, but we aim to offer services in languages that reflect our diverse communities. Call our intake team at 724.374.7414 to inquire about current language offerings.
Where are you located?
We have convenient locations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. For a full list of locations, please visit our locations page.
About Our Mental Health Care Services
What services do you offer?
We offer a full suite of personalized mental health services, including therapy, psychiatry, and medication management. We are also proud to offer innovative and life-changing interventional psychiatry services, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato®.
What mental health conditions and concerns do you treat?
We offer a wide range of mental health treatment options to ensure each client can find the right treatment for their needs. New Directions Mental Health provides treatment for mental health conditions such as: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anger issues, anxiety and stress, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, depression and major depressive disorder, grief and loss, life transitions, low mood, mood swings, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, sleep disorder, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment-resistant depression, and more.
What is the difference between therapy, counseling, and psychiatry?
Therapy, also known as counseling, involves speaking with a licensed counselor or psychologist. At a therapy appointment, you’ll work with a mental health professional to collaboratively address mental health concerns. Therapists work with clients to build a supportive, safe relationship where mental wellness goals can be achieved.
Psychiatry involves a medical approach to mental health issues. Psychiatry clients will work with a psychiatrist, a type of medical doctor, or an advanced practice provider like a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Our providers can help find the right medication and dosage to treat mental health symptoms or provide guidance on other non-pharmaceutical treatment options that may be a good fit. Both therapy and psychiatry services aim to support your mental well-being in complementary ways.
What kind of therapy is available at New Directions Mental Health?
Our therapists offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities. Our therapists provide individualized treatment plans that help to support clients where they are along their journey. Our team includes empathetic and experienced therapists from all backgrounds who specialize in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, eclectic therapy, and many more. Our therapists also offer personalized approaches outside the individual talk therapy setting, which include group therapy, family therapy, art therapy, couples counseling, and more.
How frequent are sessions, and how long will therapy last?
The frequency and length of therapy vary for each person, depending on their unique needs and goals. Many people start off therapy with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. You can work with your therapist to determine how long you will benefit from therapeutic treatment.
What if I need medication?
Psychiatric care is a common component of mental health treatment for many people. If it’s determined that a client may benefit from medication, our psychiatric providers will work to find a medication that best fits their individual needs. Our team works collaboratively and is made up of highly trained psychiatrists and advanced practice providers who work closely with our mental health therapists. Whether clients are new to medication or are looking to maintain treatment, our providers are skilled in supporting individual mental health goals. Our providers treat a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more.
How do I know if therapy is working for me?
The therapeutic journey looks different for everyone. The signs of progress in therapy vary based on your personal goals, but they often include increased confidence, reduced stress or anxiety, stronger relationships, and the development of new coping skills. Check in regularly with your therapist to evaluate your goals and growth.
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
New Directions Mental Health uses NeuroStar® to provide transcranial magnetic stimulation as an option for our clients. TMS is a safe, effective, non-drug treatment for major depression without the common side effects of medication. It’s FDA-cleared to treat depression, depression with anxiety, and OCD. Most major insurances cover NeuroStar TMS, including Medicare and Tricare plans nationwide.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. It’s not electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), “shock therapy,” or surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and have not experienced relief from antidepressants, NeuroStar TMS might be right for you. Reach out to our team or visit our TMS page to learn more.
What is Spravato® (esketamine) treatment?
New Directions Mental Health is proud to offer Spravato®, the first nasal spray approved by the FDA for treating adults with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato®, also known as esketamine, is a fast-acting treatment, with clients often feeling relief from their depression symptoms within hours. It works by rapidly altering brain chemistry to relieve symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Spravato® is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant and is administered in our clinics under the close supervision of a healthcare professional. This innovative treatment option has been shown to be effective for many people who have not responded well to traditional antidepressant medications or talk therapy alone.
Spravato® is not a cure for depression, but it can provide significant relief from symptoms and help people regain their quality of life. Reach out to our team or visit our Spravato® page to learn more.
General Office Policies
What does it mean that my clinician is under supervision?
Some New Directions Mental Health clinicians are under supervision, meaning they have completed their graduate training but must still gather hours toward their independent license. These professionals meet for regular—weekly or biweekly—clinical supervision with a licensed therapist on staff who also reviews their cases to ensure the highest quality of treatment. Your clinician will gladly provide information about their training or licensure process.
What is the policy for rescheduling or missed appointments?
To avoid fees, we require a 24-hour notice for rescheduling or canceling appointments. Missed sessions without prior notice may incur a late fee. Your provider will review specific policy details with you in your first session.
Can I switch to a different provider?
Absolutely. We know that the relationship between a provider and a client is essential to the therapeutic process. It’s important to feel comfortable with your therapist. If, for any reason, you feel that your current match isn’t working, you can request a change by contacting our office.
Are animals or service pets allowed in the office?
Service animals are welcome as required by law. Please notify our office ahead of time if you plan to bring a service pet to your session. Other animals are not allowed in our clinics to ensure a safe environment for our clients and staff.
How do I update my contact information or payment preferences?
You can update your contact information or payment details through our client portal or or by contacting your clinic directly. Visit our locations page to contact your clinic.
How do I contact my clinic?
Visit our locations page for your clinic’s phone number. You can use our client portal for convenient communications. Learn more about our client portal here.
What is the client portal?
Our client portal is a secure, easy-to-use platform for managing appointments, accessing information, and communicating with your care team. Learn more about our client communication portal here.
What if I don’t want to continue with therapy?
The therapeutic journey looks different for everyone. Your therapist will check in with you regularly to evaluate your goals and growth.
If, at any time, you feel that you wish to discontinue therapy or work with a different therapist, our team will work with you to provide a smooth transition.
What if I have a complaint about my therapist or a New Directions Mental Health team member?
We are committed to providing an excellent experience for all of our clients. Please reach out to your clinic directly with any issues or concerns. You can find your direct office number on our location page.
Privacy and Confidentiality
What if I don’t want others to know that I’m in therapy?
Your confidentiality is our priority. All appointments and records are private. If you’re concerned about privacy, speak with our team about additional details on how we protect your information.
Do you follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations?
Yes, we strictly follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations to protect your personal and medical information. Your provider will review our privacy policies with you at your first appointment. You can review our Notice of Privacy Practices here. You can also review our Privacy Notice upon using the New Directions website.
How is my information protected during telehealth sessions?
We use secure, encrypted platforms for telehealth to ensure your sessions stay private. Your provider will follow strict privacy practices and adhere to applicable regulations.
What are the exceptions to client confidentiality?
While client confidentiality is fundamental, exceptions may apply in cases such as threats to self or others, suspected abuse of minors, or legal requirements. Your clinician will discuss these limits at the start of your care with us.
Can I request a copy of my records?
Yes, you can request a copy of your therapy records by contacting our office. Our team will walk you through the process and requirements.
Will my employer be notified if I use insurance for mental health services?
No, your employer will not be informed if you use insurance for mental health services.
Billing
To learn more about our billing policies and payment, visit our billing FAQs.