Find a Therapist for Self-Esteem in Scranton

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

This MiResource page for Scranton, PA explains self-esteem, how evidence-based treatment works, and how to find local therapists who address it. We also note practical factors: hilly terrain affects walkability, limited transit frequency, insurance acceptance varies, and waitlists are common.

  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Self Esteem, Substance Use, School Concerns.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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  • Christy Hofsess, Psychologist

    Christy Hofsess

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Self Esteem, Personal Growth, Grief and Loss.

    My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.

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  • Veronica Dance, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Veronica Dance

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Remote only

    Veronica Dance is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Self Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, School Concerns.

    Counseling for children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, and life transitions.

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  • Adam Germinsky, Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

    Adam Germinsky

    Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

    67 Beaver Avenue, Clinton Township, New Jersey 08801

    Adam Germinsky is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Clinton Township, New Jersey and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat Self Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Performance Anxiety.

    Please visit my website to read a bit about my approach, and feel free to contact me by phone or email. adamgerminsky.com

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  • Robert Buzan, Psychologist

    Robert Buzan

    Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counselor

    920B Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

    Robert Buzan is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They treat Self Esteem, Sleep Concerns, Anxiety.

    I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.

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  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Self Esteem, Anxiety, Depression.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

    View profile

Understanding Self-Esteem

What the condition is Self-esteem is the way you see, value, and speak to yourself—your sense of worth and capability in daily life. When self-esteem is strained, it can shape thoughts (like harsh self-criticism or doubt), emotions (such as shame, sadness, or anxiety), body sensations (tension, restlessness, fatigue, or changes in sleep and appetite), and behavior (avoidance, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or withdrawing). It exists on a spectrum: for some, it’s a mild, occasional dip; for others, it becomes more persistent and disruptive to work, relationships, and self-care. Low self-esteem can make ordinary challenges feel overwhelming and can narrow your choices or risk-taking. This is a recognized mental health concern, not a personal flaw or a sign of weakness.

Having a clear label can make it easier to search for the right kind of support, guidance, and skills-based help. Using the term “self-esteem” when reaching out in Scranton can help you explain your needs, compare options, and navigate practical steps like insurance acceptance, private-pay choices, and potential waitlists for in-network care. A straightforward name also helps you track progress over time and communicate with loved ones and professionals about what is improving and what still needs attention.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Here are common signs of Self-Esteem concerns to help people in Scranton spot potential issues early and decide whether it may be worth talking with a professional. Everyone’s experience is different, so consider these as gentle prompts rather than a diagnosis.

  • Frequent self-criticism or harsh inner talk
  • Difficulty accepting compliments or acknowledging strengths
  • Comparing yourself unfavorably to others
  • Avoiding new challenges due to fear of failure or embarrassment
  • Strong sensitivity to criticism or perceived rejection
  • Perfectionism that leads to procrastination or feeling “never good enough”

Why This Happens

Self-esteem concerns can stem from a mix of biological factors (like temperament and stress reactivity), psychological patterns (such as self-criticism or perfectionism), and environmental influences (including family dynamics, peer interactions, life stress, or cultural messages). Experiences like bullying, trauma, discrimination, chronic illness, or repeated setbacks may increase vulnerability, and limited support or ongoing stress can make it harder to rebuild confidence. Genetic and brain-based influences may contribute, but they interact with learning history and current circumstances rather than determining outcomes alone. Struggles with self-esteem are not a personal failing.

How Treatment Works

Treatment for self-esteem is usually a mix of learning skills, getting support, and sometimes using medication, depending on your symptoms and goals. The right plan is personal and can change over time as your needs evolve.

  • Individual therapy can help you notice harsh self-talk, build more balanced thinking, and practice self-acceptance; approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, or trauma-informed therapy are examples you can consider along with other styles.
  • Group therapy or peer support offers a place to share experiences, get feedback, and practice new skills with others; plan for drive times given hilly terrain, limited transit frequency, and that most residents drive.
  • Skills-based coaching focuses on everyday actions—setting small goals, tracking progress, and building confidence through consistent follow-through—to create steady wins that boost self-worth.
  • Practical supports like steady sleep routines, stress management, and lifestyle habits (movement, nutrition, and breaks) help regulate mood and energy so it’s easier to challenge negative beliefs and show up for what matters.
  • Care planning can reduce barriers: ask about insurance acceptance (it varies), private pay options (often moderate), sliding scales, and waitlists for in-network care; request cancellation lists to be seen sooner.

In Scranton, prioritize finding someone experienced with self-esteem who understands your goals and feels like a good fit.

Finding the right provider in Scranton

Start by searching for therapists in Scranton who list Self-Esteem as a specialty, then narrow your list using filters for insurance acceptance, current availability, and therapeutic approach. Because insurance acceptance varies and waitlists are common for in-network care, check both in-network openings and moderate private pay options. Use availability filters to find clinicians with openings that fit your schedule, and consider location given the hilly terrain affects walkability, limited transit frequency, and that most residents drive. Read profiles to see how each therapist describes their approach to Self-Esteem and note any experience that aligns with your goals. Schedule brief consultations to gauge personal fit, since rapport and comfort strongly influence progress. MiResource makes comparing options easier by letting you view and filter multiple matches side by side.

Local Care Logistics in Scranton

Getting to Self-Esteem appointments in Scranton often means planning for hilly terrain that affects walkability and limited transit frequency. Most residents drive, so build in buffer time for parking and unexpected delays, especially when crossing town from neighborhoods like West Side, South Side, North Scranton, or East Mountain to offices in or near Downtown, Hill Section, Green Ridge, or Hyde Park. If you rely on transit, check schedules closely and consider earlier or later sessions to match available buses. When driving, confirm parking options with the office and allow extra time for arrivals and post-session decompression before returning to daily tasks. Telehealth can reduce travel stress, help maintain consistency on busy weeks, and make it easier to schedule shorter check-ins during the day. Keep a quiet, private spot ready at home for virtual sessions.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Scranton

  • Each morning, write three lines: one thing you did well yesterday, one quality you value in yourself, and one small goal for today.
  • Take a 10–15 minute walk at Nay Aug Park, Lake Scranton Walking Trail, McDade Park, Connell Park, or West Mountain Trails; on hilly or tight-schedule days, replace with a short indoor route or gentle stretching.
  • Build a “proof” folder on your phone: save compliments, thank-you notes, and photos of finished tasks; review it during breaks, commutes, or before challenging conversations.
  • Once daily, practice a simple boundary or self-advocacy line (e.g., “I can do X by [time]”); plan it during drive time and, afterward, jot what went well and one tweak for next time.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Low self-esteem becomes an emergency when it leads to thoughts of suicide, plans or intent to harm yourself, inability to care for basic needs, or sudden severe changes in behavior or thinking. If you feel unsafe, are hearing commands to harm yourself, or can’t stop thinking about ending your life, get urgent help now. Call 911 for immediate danger, or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also call 988 anytime for support while you arrange in-person care.

1) Warning signs: talking about wanting to die, self-harm, stockpiling pills, giving away belongings, feeling trapped or hopeless, withdrawing, or drastic mood changes. 2) Call 988 or Lackawanna County Crisis Intervention (570-346-3350); if you need an in-person response where you are, request the Scranton Counseling Center Mobile Crisis Team (community mobile crisis response by Scranton Counseling Center). 3) If you can travel, go to Geisinger Community Medical Center, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital, or Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital; due to hilly terrain and limited transit frequency, driving or getting a ride is often fastest. 4) In urgent care or the ER, expect a safety assessment, medical check, brief stabilization, and a plan that may include counseling, crisis follow-up, or hospitalization; call 911 if the situation is escalating or unsafe.

Common Questions About Self-Esteem

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: Consider therapy for Self-Esteem if self-criticism is constant, you avoid opportunities because of doubt, or relationships and work feel limited by how you see yourself. If self-help hasn’t shifted these patterns or the feelings keep returning, extra support can help. A therapist can offer structure, tools, and perspective so you’re not doing it alone.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: It’s okay to say so and discuss what isn’t working; sometimes small adjustments help. If the fit still feels off, you can switch to someone whose style suits you better. In Scranton, telehealth can make changing providers easier if driving or limited transit complicates travel.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: For Self-Esteem, both formats can be effective, and the best choice is the one you’ll use consistently. Online sessions offer convenience and can be helpful in Scranton when hilly terrain or limited transit makes travel harder. In-person care may feel more immersive for some; try one format and adjust if needed.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: Ask about their experience helping people with Self-Esteem and what approaches they use. Clarify how goals are set, what happens between sessions, and how progress is reviewed. Confirm availability, insurance or private pay details, waitlists, and options for telehealth or flexible scheduling in Scranton.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Yes—therapy can help you identify unhelpful beliefs, build self-compassion, and practice new behaviors that reinforce a healthier self-view. Change is usually gradual, with small wins adding up over time. If progress stalls, you and your therapist can adjust the plan so it better fits your needs.

Local Resources in Scranton

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Scranton, PA who treat Self-Esteem. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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