Counseling and Wellness Center – Pittsburgh

The initial call to get everything set up went well, and the lady that I spoke to was very nice. However, the next day was a completely different story. When I sent my insurance card to billing to make sure I had health… insurance coverage, the billing department sent an email saying that they recommended that I contact member services at my insurance company to confirm whether the therapist they assigned me during the initial phone call was included within the network of providers under my plan. I called UPMC, who could not find the provider that the counseling center had assigned to me. I called the center to let them know what UPMC had said, and the woman that I talked with at the center had a nasty attitude. She was very condescending and said that she didn’t understand my issue. Her tone was also mocking at times, which I took offense to since I was just trying to explain the situation. I tried to explain that my insurance could not find the provider when I called, which I was instructed to do from the billing department. I also checked the center’s website, and the therapist that I was assigned was not listed under providers who took UPMC insurance. The receptionist assured me that the particular therapist did take UPMC insurance, but I took that with a grain of salt since I’ve had issues in the past with providers saying that they took my insurance when they did not. I asked if I could get assigned another therapist since UPMC was unable to find the one currently assigned to me and the staff member got defensive, saying “Well they need to tell us who they want you to see.” I explained that while I was on the phone with UPMC previously, they tried to call the center while I was on the line to get clarification but it went straight to voicemail. The receptionist responded “Well, there are only 2 of us on 6 lines.” I was instructed to call UPMC back and see what other therapist I could see. I tried doing that, but UPMC said that I needed an NPI number to look up providers within network and they could not just provide me a list of therapists that they covered. They also, for the second time, could not find the particular therapist that the center originally assigned me. I tried to call the center back several times to explain what was happening, but I only got the answering machine. Insurance is hard enough to navigate, and it’s harder when you do not have the help or support from the staff. I’m fortunate to have a healthcare background, so I have a baseline knowledge of insurance, but I feel bad for those who just get brushed aside without explanation. The administrative staff member that I talked to was not accommodating at all and just dismissive. I felt like she did not have my best interests in mind. I feel like this is not someone that should be working at a place that addresses mental health, especially as a first point of contact. I have read other reviews for this center (which, in hindsight, I should have read before I booked the initial appointment) and saw how many people have had difficulty with insurance coverage/ billing issues/ getting charged late fee cancellations. Since my encounter with the staff member left me with a negative impression of the company, I made sure to cancel my appointment as soon as possible. The billing department and the therapist were prompt with making sure that the appointment was cancelled since I was unable to do it on my end in my patient portal (the provider’s name did not populate when I searched it). Communication at this company, particularly with the front desk staff, is poor, which is frustrating. I would recommend going somewhere else to receive compassionate care for mental health. Life is already hard enough without having the people that should be helping you add extra stress to your recovery.

Saw two different therapists. They were BOTH horrible. I do not recommend this place.

As someone who stopped going to therapy and psychiatric help do to past bad experiences, then I finally decided to seek professional help and now never wants to seek professional help again. They ARE NOT family friendly… with their very expensively unreasonable policies. My grandfather was admitted into the hospital and it was a family emergency; and because I didn’t give a 48 hour notice to cancel an appointment—even though, my therapist would cancel 5 min before my appointment on several occasions—I still had to pay a $120 late cancellation fee. I upright decided to cancel all existing appointments and no longer wanted to be a customer with them again. Apparently, they didn’t cancel all my appointments only the therapy appointments; and I got hit with a $150 missed psychiatric appointment. I called to have this resolved and was ultimately told that it’s my problem and that I needed to reach out to my psychiatrist personally to cancel appointments. But, they didn’t tell me that on the phone went I had asked to be removed as a customer prior. They are all business please don’t waste your time and mind you after insurance I had to pay a $35 co pay and ended spending more in fees with their absurdity of policies. I ultimately did not get the help that I needed out of all of this and just wasted time and a lot of money. PLEASE DO NOT SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP FROM THIS COMPANY!

I had the pleasure of meeting Corrine at Yoga in the Park last week, I think she’s the marketing director? She was on top of everything! constantly walking around greeting everyone and making sure people could hear, I… even saw her stay after to pick up trash all through the park, not even just where we were. She was so incredibly kind, and had such an amazing, positive energy!

Katherine is so kind and easy to talk with, she is truly helpful me with my challenges. I recommend this to anyone who needs help!🤍

Billing Specialist Jala B. was VERY helpful!

Anna is fantastic! This was my first yoga class. She has a calming voice and makes you feel comfortable! I felt so relaxed and centered when I left! 😃 I will be attending more of her classes!

I had a disappointing experience trying to book an appointment with this practice. I specifically asked if I could briefly speak with a therapist or someone familiar with the staff at the location beforehand to confirm… they had experience working with this sexual trauma, which I think is a very reasonable and important request given the nature of that kind of care. I was repeatedly told to “read the bios,” even after explaining that I already had. When I asked again for any kind of direct confirmation or short consultation, I was told they do not offer consultations at all nor had any familiarity with the staff outside of their online bios. For a therapy center, the lack of flexibility or willingness to ensure a good fit felt dismissive and impersonal. When someone is seeking help for something as sensitive as sexual trauma, communication should not feel like too much to ask. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you want a provider who takes the time to make sure you feel comfortable and appropriately supported before starting care.

Went for a few months to couples counseling with Ranae Server. Had the worst experience and would not go back. She was very judgmental and caused multiple fights between my now ex-husband and I. She also told my… ex-husband that he didn’t need therapy because he “could use logic” to solve his problems but I (the female) needed therapy because “I’m too emotional” to solve my problems.

I recommend the counseling and other health wellness activities like the salt cave or sound healing. They have so much that you can chose from to help yourself with different treatments. Try it .

Love the facility and have had great experiences with several of the therapists there! Super cool salt cave, highly recommend classes that involve owner Stephanie! Will recommend to a friend

Awesome yoga practice today at the Aviary :) Stephanie is so knowledgeable on both yogi and healing practices. Feel very restored

I think that so far this has been a good and easy company to work with as a patient BUT I do think more staffing is needed in regard to scheduling and inquiries. The receptionist usually does not answer the phone and is… unpleasant to speak to sometimes. I've had a wonderful experience with NP Allison Six, she is friendly, kind, and passionate. I would highly recommend her.

I have to offer mixed reviews of the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh. My family utilizes the services of 3 therapists and the clinical care we have received has been excellent. HOWEVER, the administrative… policies are not family friendly or supportive. They have eliminated allowing patients to email with their providers, removing a level of personal attention I had come to appreciate. They charge $150 for an ACCIDENTAL missed *15 minute* appointment. It is absolutely exorbitant. When I called to request leniency on this, as along time patient and a first-time late cancel, they fell back on "it's our policy". As an organization, this feels like big business more than client care. I will seriously be re-considering where my family seeks treatment.

Judgmental and dismissive “doctors” id look anywhere else before waiting for an appointment here.

Horrible. Signed me up for therapy appointments I never asked for and charged me. Turns out they were under the wrong patients name. No excuses this is a horrible company, honestly worsened my mental health with how… many administrative problems occurred. Do so much better, or better yet, shut down.

Very Positive, upbeat and non-judgmental. Working for me.

Omg! Best salt cave experience I have ever had, the best part was the breathe work with Stephanie! I loved the experience I shared with my mother Barbara!

It was great. Charles and Stephanie are the epitome of grace. It was nice to be outdoors in October no less, practicing yoga in a park. Great for our bodies and the planet! I highly recommend. Every event that I have… attended hosted by the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh has been awesome.

Emily Boudreaux, it awesome. She was my child’s favorite therapist when she was seeing him. I highly recommend her. She listens to you when you talk to her about what’s going on.

Jayla was amazing and easy to work with, billing issues usually cause me a lot of anxiety but this was a simple process and I am appreciative of all the help!

Was looking forward to my appt in the s hills office and was hoping to get some help with my life, which I'm sure everyone understands. Had my 1 hour appointment with McKenna, spilled my guts and that was it. She… promised she would email me after my appt with further resources and help in the areas of concern. No email, no re-schedule no nothing. If your in need of a therapist, I wouldn't recommend this practice. Just from my experience......Life is hard enough.

Forgot about my appointment on Monday- due to my mental health being in rough shape.. was charged $150. My co pay is $5. What a joke this business is..this is also after I told my psychiatrist that my insurance would be… changing but she insisted that I keep the appointment regardless. Now look where we are. People in awful states of mental health are being robbed for missing an appointment. A TELEHEALTH apt at that! Not a call from the therapist saying " are you okay, I know you missed your apt.." maybe show some compassion for the people who choose to use your business! Sick.

Danielle Abel is a bright light of a a human! She is a safe place and the perfect person to talk to. My kids are absolutely comfortable with her and love her too!

Danielle is the best!

Great therapist really helping my daughter