Lesley Bittner, Online Mental Health Therapist serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, & South Carolina

I help women, teens & trauma survivors free the weight of the past, gain peace in the now, and actually look forward to what’s next.

trauma, teen, and women's therapist smiling with brown hair

Prioritizing your mental health looks good on you.

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Whether you feel like past traumatic experiences have a vice grip on you, you’re a teen struggling to connect or find your place, or you’re a millennial/gen-z woman trying to master this whole successful adulting thing, I’m here for you. This stuff is hard. It can feel lonely and hard to even describe.

I’ve worked with clients at their lowest moments, in psychiatric hospital settings, in homes and communities, schools, and outpatient therapy settings. These experiences have really taught me so much about the complexities of the human condition-the messy, beautiful, raw, confusing, wounded, and resilient. I am honestly so thankful that I get to serve others in this way. I consider it an honor. I hope to have the opportunity to be that trustworthy, steady support for you, too.

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Meet Lesley!

My clients describe me as genuine, down-to-earth, encouraging, and warm.

My Approach to Therapy:

  • I am deeply committed to providing hope and healing through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.

  • My work is rooted in empathy, sensitivity, and care, with a focus on understanding the root causes of challenges.

  • I aim to create a welcoming, judgment-free space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly.

  • My goal is to help you feel heard, validated, and safe enough to express even your most vulnerable stuff, without fear of judgment.

Why I Believe in the Power of Therapy:

  • My belief in therapy comes not only from my professional training but also from my personal experiences.

  • I have faced my own struggles and gone through therapy myself to overcome various life challenges.

  • Sharing my personal experiences helps normalize the therapy process and reminds you that I am human, just like you.

  • It’s important to me that you feel comfortable, knowing I bring both personal and professional experience to our work together.

  • I am deeply passionate about what I do and believe that mental health is central to overall well-being.

  • It is an honor to walk alongside you in your healing journey.

  • Trainings

    I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-Evergreen Certifications), which signifies expertise in understanding and treating trauma and its symptoms.

    I also am trained in utilizing evidence-based forms of therapy including somatic-based interventions, IFS (Internal Family Systems), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and solution-focused strategies.

  • Education

    University of Pittsburgh, Master’s Degree in Social Work, Graduated 2013

    Allegheny College, BS Psychology, Graduated 2009

  • Licensure

    Pennsylvania: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # CW021650 VERIFY HERE)

    North Carolina: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # C014937 VERIFY HERE)

    Ohio: Licensed Independent Social Worker (License #I.2405561 VERIFY HERE)

    South Carolina: Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (SC Reg #TLS 816 CP VERIFY HERE)

  • Outside of Session

    I love spending time with my toddler daughter, whether we're playing, exploring the outdoors, cheering on Pittsburgh sports teams (Black and Gold forever), or finding new adventures. I have two old grumpy cats, Simba and Cooper. I try to make time for volunteering at animal rescues, too. Give me all the rescue furbabies! My dream would be to have an animal sanctuary someday. I'm always trying to level up my cooking and gardening skills (which will probably be a lifelong endeavor because I’m not great at either one). I’m all about traveling and catching live music whenever I get the chance. And if you’ve got new show, movie, or book recs for me-I’m all ears!

Interested in starting therapy?