*Photo by WunderHaven Photography
Compass Therapy Center, LLC was created to increase access to specialist therapy services for those experiencing grief, trauma, loss, and life transitions.
Compass Therapy Center's mission is to help individuals in my community and beyond receive the tools and support they need find their way through loss, restore balance, and build their life worth living.
Hi! My name is Kelly, and it is truly an honor and a pleasure to have you here.
Since childhood, my strongest intuition and interest has been to find ways to help others through critical life moments. I had the dream of becoming a mental health professional and opening my own practice to offer the services I feel strongest in providing to my community. That dream became a reality in 2023 when I opened Compass Therapy Center.
Merging my passion for helping others through loss, complex life transitions, and trauma with my passion for connecting with the Great Outdoors has allowed me to meet many clients exactly where they need to be met in order to build a foundation for long term therapeutic relationships that will help my clients through every season of their lifetime with answering the most important question: what makes life worth living?
As a therapist, it is important to me to help guide each of my clients through the process of answering this question in their very own authentic, genuine, and true way, and to give them the tools to be able to settle into the peace that comes when we build a life using the answer to this question.
In each session, I embody values of unconditional acceptance, curiosity, nonjudgment, and playfulness. I specialize in providing an integrative, holistic, and strengths-based approach to therapy, tailored to your unique needs. Your therapy care plan will utilize evidence-based interventions from mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), fostering resilience and well-being.
Most clients graduate from therapy with a renewed sense of peace, resilience in the face of life's challenges, and rediscovered joy in their lives. Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with trauma, or navigating a significant life change, taking a step towards healing is an act of self-care.
I bring a wealth of valuable experience and training to our therapeutic journey. During my studies, I had the privilege of training under geriatric specialist Dr. Zvi Gellis in the Penn Aging Certificate Program, gaining invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by older adults and their families. I also had the opportunity to work in esteemed healthcare institutions such as Jefferson Hospital and Penn Medicine's Geriatric Primary Care Facility, honing my skills in providing comprehensive care.
After completing my education, I dedicated seven years to serving as a social worker in hospice, supporting patients and their families through various forms of loss. During this time, I had the honor of running the bereavement program and facilitating support groups, fostering a compassionate and healing environment. The collective trauma and loss experienced during the pandemic compelled me to extend my reach, and in the summer of 2020, I began working part-time at the Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy in Delaware.
I have gained additional experience in private practice and community mental health settings, with a particular focus on grief, trauma, and personality disorders. I have pursued professional certifications to further enhance my skills, including the Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) credential and Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT) from Evergreen Certifications. As a dedicated practitioner, I am an active member of the NASW (National Association of Social Workers), adhering to their ethical guidelines in all aspects of my practice.
At Compass Therapy Center, I offer a range of therapy services designed to support individuals on their healing journeys. I provide personalized and dedicated care to each client. My therapy approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and tailored to your unique needs. Some of the therapy modalities and approaches I utilize include:
Grief Therapy: I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating the complexities of grief and loss, providing a compassionate and safe space to explore and process the emotions and challenges associated with grief.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based approaches incorporate mindfulness techniques and practices to enhance self-awareness, reduce stress, and cultivate present-moment awareness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to promote emotional well-being and healthier coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is an evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It is particularly effective in addressing emotional dysregulation, interpersonal stress, and self-destructive behaviors.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Approach: I utilize evidence-based approaches that promote healing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.
Walk & Talk Therapy: Available in and around West Chester, PA! Both Virtual and Walk & Talk sessions may include an exploration of one’s relationship with the natural world, and tasks to do on your own outside like Exploration, Mindfulness and Guided Sensory Awareness, and Creative Expression. Please contact for more info.
Therapy sessions typically last between 50 to 60 minutes, allowing sufficient time for meaningful exploration and progress. The specific duration may vary depending on the individual and the unique circumstances of each session.
Determining the frequency of therapy sessions is a collaborative process that we undertake together, considering your unique needs and progress. While it is challenging to predict the exact frequency required, we will regularly discuss and evaluate your progress during each session. Typically, clients initially prefer to schedule weekly sessions, allowing for consistent support and exploration. As you begin to experience relief and gain confidence in your coping abilities, we can gradually decrease the frequency of sessions. This flexible approach ensures that therapy adapts to your changing needs and helps you navigate the various demands of life effectively.
Yes! I offer the convenience and accessibility of virtual therapy sessions. Through secure and confidential online platforms, we can connect and engage in therapy sessions from the comfort of your own space. Virtual therapy provides a range of unique benefits, including:
Convenience: You have the flexibility to attend sessions from your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for travel and saving you time.
Accessibility: Virtual therapy breaks down geographical barriers, allowing individuals in different locations to access quality therapeutic support.
Privacy and Confidentiality: I utilize secure platforms that prioritize your privacy and confidentiality, ensuring the highest level of protection for your personal information.
Comfort and Safety: Virtual therapy creates a safe and familiar environment where you can feel more relaxed, which can enhance the therapeutic process.
Flexibility: Virtual sessions provide greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier to find appointment times that fit your busy lifestyle.
Through virtual therapy, I am dedicated to providing the same level of professional care and support as in-person therapy, while offering the added convenience and flexibility that virtual platforms afford.
At Compass Therapy Center, I strive to provide accessible and quality therapy services to individuals seeking support on their healing journeys. Here is some information regarding fees and payment options:
Private Pay: For individuals who choose to pay privately, the session fee is $150 per session. Payment for each session is due at the time of service. For clients who are using the private pay option who have a financial hardship or change in circumstances that make it difficult to pay for sessions, I will offer a sliding fee scale so as not to interrupt services.
Insurance: I am pleased to accept several insurance plans to help make therapy more affordable and accessible. Currently, I am able to accept Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford, and Oscar Health insurances. However, please note that Medicare and Medicaid plans are not accepted at this time. If you have one of the accepted insurance plans, I will directly bill your insurance on your behalf, and you will be responsible for any co-pays or deductibles as outlined by your insurance policy.
Superbill for Out-of-Network Reimbursement: For clients whose insurances are not accepted or for those who prefer to use out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill. A superbill is a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for potential partial or full reimbursement of the cost of the session. It is important to check with your insurance provider regarding their out-of-network benefits and reimbursement policies.
Please keep in mind that it is essential to verify your insurance coverage and benefits before starting therapy. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand the specifics of your mental health coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you may be responsible for.
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to receive quality mental health care, and I strive to make therapy as affordable and accessible as possible. Please feel free to use the Contact Page to reach out in order to directly to discuss your specific situation and payment options.
Yes! I am able to accept the following insurances: Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Highmark, Humana, Independence Blue Cross, Oxford, and Oscar Health, as well as Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicare plans. However, please note that I do not accept Medicaid plans at this time. It is important to verify your insurance coverage before starting therapy to ensure that the services are eligible under your specific plan.
I value your time and commitment to your healing journey, and I strive to maintain a fair and balanced approach to cancellations. I understand that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can occur, and l do my best to work with clients in such situations. To ensure the smooth operation of Compass Therapy Center and to accommodate all clients effectively, I have implemented the following cancellation policy:
I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows me to offer the time slot to another client in need. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) and no-shows may be subject to a $50 fee.
Open and timely communication is essential, so please reach out to me as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
During our initial session at Compass Therapy Center, we will focus on building a strong foundation for our therapeutic work. Here's what you can anticipate:
Intake and Assessment: We will go through an intake process to gather essential information about your background, concerns, and goals. This helps us tailor the therapy to your specific needs.
Exploration and Connection: We will engage in open and compassionate conversation to understand your experiences, strengths, and challenges. This exploration forms the basis of our therapeutic relationship.
Collaborative Goal Setting: Together, we will identify your therapeutic goals and create a roadmap for our work. This ensures our sessions are focused on what matters most to you.
Progress Reviews: Throughout the therapeutic process, we will regularly review your progress and adjust goals as needed. Therapy is dynamic, and we will adapt our approach to best support your growth and healing. You will also be given a tool to communicate feedback with your therapist after your first few sessions to ensure that I meet you where you need me most.
Building Trust: Our first session is an opportunity to establish a safe and nonjudgmental space. I prioritize creating a supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
I am dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you navigate your therapeutic journey with compassion and expertise.
Preparing for your therapy appointment can contribute to a more productive and beneficial session. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of your therapy appointment:
Reflect on your goals: Take some time before the session to think about what you hope to achieve through therapy and identify specific areas or challenges you want to address.
Note down concerns or topics: If there are particular concerns, issues, or topics you would like to discuss, or questions you have for your therapist, jot them down before your appointment. This can help ensure that you cover everything you want to address during the session.
Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection to support a smooth virtual session. If using a phone or tablet, download the SimplePractice app beforehand (you will receive detailed instructions prior to your appointment once it is scheduled).
Find a quiet and comfortable space: Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can have privacy and minimize distractions for focused communication.
Have comforting items nearby: Consider having comforting or soothing items like a cup of tea or bottle of water, tissues and a soft blanket within reach to create a calming environment.
Please note that none of these steps are required to attend any therapy, but one thing to always bring to a therapy session is your open mind. Therapy is a collaborative process, and can involve exploring different perspectives and challenging your existing beliefs or assumptions. Approach your therapy appointment with an open mind, allowing yourself to be receptive to new insights and possibilities. Remember, therapy is a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself and work towards personal growth and healing. Your therapist is there to support you on your journey, so feel free to communicate any specific preferences or concerns you may have before or during your appointment.
The duration of therapy varies for each individual, as everyone's journey is unique. I believe in collaborative goal-setting and regularly revisiting your treatment plan to ensure it aligns with your progress and evolving needs. While it is challenging to provide an exact timeframe, many clients start experiencing relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression within 10-15 sessions when attending weekly sessions and applying the solutions and coping strategies learned.
The primary focus is on your well-being and growth. Some people only need those 10-15 sessions, others keep it on their weekly schedule for several years, and many others will start with 10-15 weeks in a row, and then start lengthening the time between sessions to see how they do on their own, and at times needing to return to weekly due to life circumstances changing, or stress levels and need for support increase again and they feel like they need a "tune up." Together, we will continuously assess your progress, adjust goals as necessary, and determine the anticipated length of treatment as we embark on your therapeutic journey. The aim is to provide you with the support and guidance you need for as long as it serves your healing and personal development, however that looks for you.
We will work together to identify a location that feels safe and inspiring for you. Our first session will be a virtual session. Virtual will also be our back up if weather or other obstacles demand.