I am a licensed psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA. and a founding co-owner of Avellar Warden Psychological Associates.

I currently specialize in psychological “flow” and peak performance mindsets. I do this by helping people fully in activities they are passionate about, cultivating on-the-spot mindful awareness, and maximizing their ability to creatively solve issues. I have considerable experience in mindfulness meditation, holistic forms of healing, and working with sexual and gender minorities. I am also dedicated to supervising and training the next generation of psychologists.

My style of therapy blends Person/Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Contemplative & Buddhist Psychology, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Career Counseling.

I am passionate about healthy living through nutrition and exercise, spending time in nature, high-performance driving, flow-states, and spoiling my beloved kitties, Roy, Katie, and Tails.

Education and Career

Prior to establishing Avellar Warden Psychological Associates, I opened my first practice, Avellar Wellness LLC, an active telehealth training clinic, where I supervise doctoral trainees providing low-cost therapy to people without insurance or in economic need. I have also served as full-time faculty in the Clinical Psychology PsyD Program at Point Park University. There, I served as Placement Coordinator, Director of Clinical Training, and Interim Psychology Department Chair.

I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed my doctoral and post-doctoral residencies respectively at the University of Delaware and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Avellar is also a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), as well as a licensed psychologist in New York, allowing him to work with clients across most states in the U.S.

I am a licensed psychologist based in Pittsburgh, PA, with over 25 years of experience in the field. I am also a founding co-owner of Avellar Warden Psychological Associates (AWPA).

While I’ve spent many years providing clinical services and evaluations, my current focus is on overseeing the business operations at AWPA and mentoring the next generation of psychologists. Although I am not accepting new clients, I offer initial diagnostic assessments and intake evaluations. I can also guide you in transitioning to one of our skilled psychologists or connect you with another trusted provider.

My areas of expertise include complex differential diagnosis, the intersection of medical and psychiatric conditions, and adoption-related issues.

Education & Career

Before co-founding AWPA, I gained extensive experience working as a psychologist in clinical, medical, and research settings. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed my doctoral internship at the Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Outside of my professional life, I am a proud mother of three grown children and a lacrosse coach.

As a licensed psychologist, I aim to cultivate strong therapeutic relationships with my clients. I provide an empathic and safe environment that allows for exploration of experiences that may feel threatening or uncomfortable.

My style of therapy draws from a blend of humanistic, constructivist, existential, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. I will work with you to explore how life experiences have contributed to you struggling to make meaning or feeling stuck, which may present itself in a variety of ways, such as depression, relationship issues, anxiety, and so on. I also incorporate a critical approach to psychotherapy that considers you and your experiences through a lens that includes the societal, political, and historical, which allows me to understand you holistically, within your context.

Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with loved ones and my pets, going for hikes and spending time outdoors, collecting and listening to records, and playing my guitar.

*Dr. Bobak accepts most commercial Aetna, Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UPMC plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options. Dr. Bobak is also a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing her to work with clients across most states in the U.S.

As a licensed psychologist, I will help you work through a range of issues, whether that’s depression, anxiety, or any other life transition issue. In each step of your journey, I will encourage self-empowerment and positive growth. I will also work with you to identify the areas of your life that may no longer serve you. I use an integrated psychotherapy method grounded in existential, phenomenological, interpersonal, and gestalt approaches.

I will tailor your treatment to incorporate your worldview, values, and creativity, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to ensure that we manage acute suffering along the way. If you’ve ever felt different or marginalized, I am committed to providing you a space that is welcoming and inclusive.

My interests include reading, camping, popular culture, painting, crafting, and playing darts. I also consider myself a life-long learner, and enjoy researching various topics in my free time.

*Dr. Caldwell accepts most commercial Aetna, Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and UPMC plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options.

As a licensed psychologist, I strive to provide a warm, safe, and open relationship where we can not only explore existing patterns and problems, but also find insight into possible solutions. Everyone comes in with unique strengths, which I would like to empower as we work together to reach your personal goals. And I believe that healing occurs in relation, so I work diligently to attune to my clients. Doing my best to understand helps us move towards shared goals while respecting our individuality, autonomy, and identity as individuals.

I listen. I feel deeply. I provide compassion. Here and there I offer an interpretation, but mostly ask questions and watch the ways in which things unfold. I wander and wonder with the other, searching for clarity and meaning.

Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking and kayaking; practicing yoga; learning new recipes; traveling; and tending to my plants and pets. You can also find me practicing tarot and listening to Fleetwood Mac.

*Dr. Chase accepts most commercial Aetna, Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UPMC plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options. Dr. Chase is also a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing her to work with clients across most states in the U.S.

As a licensed psychologist, I will help you cultivate self-compassion, curiosity, and courage to confront your life challenges. My work with each client is individualized and collaborative depending on a multitude of client factors. My approach is warm, well-rounded, and authentic.

I use an integrated trauma-informed, feminist, humanistic, psychoanalytic, relational, and existential approach to therapy that fosters openness and curiosity. I utilize Interpersonal Process, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical-Behavioral, mindfulness, and somatic approaches to psychotherapy. I enjoy working with clients of any and every background, and have special interests in grief, trauma, eating disorders, life transitions, spirituality, and intersecting identities.

In my free time, you can find me with the trees, plants, rocks, and rivers; creating art; eating, singing, dancing, and laughing with friends; nerding out over herbalism, astrology, spirituality and philosophy; and imagining liberatory futures. I am passionate about weaving ecopsychology and connection with nature into my practice.

*Dr. Edmiston accepts most commercial Aetna and Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options.

As a licensed psychologist, I am passionate about being a therapist because I love connecting with people and experiencing the uniqueness and richness of life with them. Forming genuine and caring relationships is at the core of what makes this work meaningful and drives my intention to provide therapeutically transformative relationships to my clients.

I draw from several psychotherapy approaches including Person/Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Experiential Personal Construct Psychotherapy, Relational Psychoanalysis, and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy.

I strive to embody wellbeing as a way of life, and I do so through exercise, healthy eating, and a daily meditation practice. In my free time, I enjoy listening to records, dancing to live music, spending time with loved ones, camping and enjoying the outdoors, playing basketball, reading philosophy, and traveling.

*Dr. Graham accepts most commercial Aetna, Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UPMC plans. He also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options. Dr. Graham is also a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing him to work with clients across most states in the U.S.

As a licensed psychologist, I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a leading trauma treatment. Furthermore, I have additional training in the treatment of OCD through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment. No matter the approach, I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support clients through these challenging change processes.

I incorporate a holistic, integrative approach based on the client’s unique needs while acknowledging their individual culture, identities, experiences, and values. I find it especially rewarding being with clients through their journey towards self-compassion, change, and healing. I draw from various therapeutic practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), humanistic-existential therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, meditation, crafting, and spending time outdoors. As a lifelong learner, I also enjoy taking classes and reading, usually with my dog, Stewie, by my side.

*Dr. Lichtenstein accepts commercial Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options.

As a licensed psychologist, I am experienced in providing care to clients facing life transitions, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I work with adults at all ages, and I have specialized experience with independence challenges, family concerns, identity issues, and childhood trauma. Regardless of the reasons you are seeking help, your treatment will build upon your natural strengths and will be feasible and sustainable. The best therapy is founded on trust, and I will compassionately guide you through each step of your progress, taking into account your unique worldview, values and culture.

My style of therapy blends humanistic, feminist, psychodynamic, and internal family systems practices. Also, by using “somatic” therapies, I can help you understand the connection between your mind and body, with the aim of decreasing your physical tension, chronic stress, and helping you better learn to cope with your stress responses.

Outside of my practice, I enjoy cooking, eating, exercise and yoga. I also love discovering more about the world through reading, music, and the eyes of my two young children. 

 *Dr. Stough accepts commercial Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna plans. She also accepts self-pay and out-of-network options.

As a licensed psychologist, I can help you cope with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. I also specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether in exploring one’s identity, navigating coming out, considering or actively transitioning, relationship and sexual concerns, coping with queerphobia, or looking for connections. I do my best to be genuine, respectful, and honest with my clients so together, we can create a collaborative relationship that allows for vulnerability.

I approach therapy from a relational-existential perspective, also drawing on feminist psychology and trauma-informed practice. In therapy with me, I will help you understand your relationship patterns and empower you to make autonomous, well thought-out decisions in your life, as well as get relief from your symptoms and generally cope better. Coming from a somatic and trauma-informed background means I deeply appreciate the ways our bodies carry the potential for healing within psychotherapy.

As a queer transgender person, I am thankful to be able to give back to my community as an “out” therapist. I believe it is also important to take care of my own well-being, since I’m a person too! I do so by spending time with loved ones, exploring natural spaces, reading, baking, and gardening.

Dr. Wildman accepts Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna plans. They also accept self-pay and out-of-network options. Dr. Wildman is also a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing them to work with clients across most states in the U.S.

As a your therapist, I will start with curiosity, compassion, and respect. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, I provide real, practical ways to feel better and move forward.

In our sessions, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT can offer effective skills for coping with and making sense of most life’s challenges. Whether reducing symptoms, working through past experiences, or getting clear on what matters most to you, your treatment plan will be handled with care and attention to detail. I also draw from interpersonal and feminist frameworks, which simply means that I bring into focus your relationships, social context, and cultural background. I believe healing happens through connection and empowerment.

My style is collaborative, enthusiastic, and strengths-based. I have experience working with people across the lifespan and a wide range of presenting concerns. I especially welcome those navigating identity exploration, relationship challenges, life transitions, and high-pressure environments (work demands, academia, athletics, the arts, etc.).

Outside of work, I enjoy going to concerts, making art, getting outside and being active, and trying new foods all around Pittsburgh.

*Jenna is currently a doctoral-level trainee in clinical psychology, working under the supervision of licensed psychologist Dr. Todd R. Avellar. Sessions are conducted virtually and offered on a low-cost, sliding-scale basis.

I know that making the decision to seek help can bring up difficult feelings, which is why, as a therapist, I seek to create an honest, authentic, and supportive relationship with my clients. By creating a sense of safety with one another, we can work together to address your most immediate concerns while also using our time as an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with yourself and your experiences.

I practice from an Existential-Integrative perspective, incorporating elements from psychodynamic, interpersonal, and experiential techniques in my work with clients. This approach extends beyond your symptoms and into an exploration of what it means for you to live a fulfilling life, as well as what may be holding you back. Wellness is experienced differently by everyone, and together we can explore what it means for you to live well and begin the process of working toward that together. I have experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and interpersonal concerns.

I enjoy spending time with my cats and visiting local bookstores and cafés. I love trying new things and meeting new people, and I carry that sense of curiosity into my work with clients.

*Derek is currently a doctoral-level trainee in clinical psychology, working under the supervision of licensed psychologist Dr. Chelsea Chase. Sessions are conducted virtually and offered on a low-cost, sliding-scale basis.

As a student therapist pursuing my doctorate, I empower clients by working collaboratively and allowing you to direct the session. This collaboration is fueled by my attunement to our therapeutic relationship and the safety of the therapeutic space. Our work together will cultivate a creative way for you to express your feelings. I work to help connect the mind, body, and spirit as we explore what comes up.

Through this process, you will learn ways to identify feelings, challenge stuck points, and create meaningful change in your life. This will be accomplished through inquiry, encouraging self-determination, and incorporating skills training such as mindfulness to better the mind-body connection. I am well-equipped to help individuals who struggle to articulate emotions by utilizing creative modalities and mindfulness practices that will be unique to each client.

Clients who would benefit most would be those who intellectualize problems, are open to exploring past feelings and experiences, seek to understand behavioral patterns, want help maintaining interpersonal relationships, or desire deeper growth and self-discovery.

Outside of therapy, my interests include camping, hiking, spending time outside, drawing and painting places I’ve visited, and collecting patches from travels. I also love listening to music and experimenting with cooking.

*Brigid is currently a doctoral-level trainee in clinical psychology, working under the supervision of licensed psychologist Dr. Chelsea Chase. Sessions are conducted virtually and offered on a low-cost, sliding-scale basis.

As a psychologist-in-training, I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is grounded in an existential-integrative perspective, meaning your treatment will consider the full range of your emotional experiences, as well as your beliefs about identity, purpose, and relationships.

I tailor each treatment by integrating various therapeutic modalities, including Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and expressive therapies for those who may benefit from a creative approach.

Regardless of your symptoms, I support clients in developing strategies to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, while also exploring what it means to live a meaningful and authentic life. My experience as a therapist in a trauma-focused partial hospitalization program has equipped me to work with acute distress and complex mental health challenges. I draw on this background to assess client needs from both diagnostic and clinical perspectives and support a wide range of concerns.

I provide therapy to adults of all ages and with a variety of presenting concerns, with particular experience supporting individuals who have lived through traumatic experiences. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping clients feel safe, seen, and empowered.

Outside of clinical work, I enjoy spending time in nature, creating art, boxing, traveling, and attending live music events.

*Anastasia is currently a doctoral-level trainee in clinical psychology, working under the supervision of licensed psychologist Dr. Todd Avellar. Sessions are conducted virtually and offered on a low-cost, sliding-scale basis.