About A Step Ahead Counseling Services, LLC
A Step Ahead Counseling Services, LLC provides strengths based mental health counseling to children ages 12 and over through adults. We specialize in working with people who are experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, difficult transitions such as divorce and family issues and those dealing with trauma. We also specialize in teenagers who have behavior disorders and difficulties in the school setting. Our goal is to help you navigate the challenges life presents and to stay a step ahead of those challenges. We hope to give you a comfortable place to do so at your own pace. Our goal is for you to feel valued and heard in the process!
Meet the Therapists
Brandon Barnhart, LCSW
Brandon Barnhart, LCSW
Brandon Barnhart, LCSW
Life can be full of rewards and challenges. It’s the challenges that often leave us wondering what to do next or how to overcome them. My name is Brandon Barnhart and I own A Step Ahead Counseling Services, LLC. I believe that although life’s challenges can be overwhelming, with the right amount of support and resources, anything can be overcome. I chose to become a therapist/counselor because I believe that human relationships are important to everyday life. My background includes working in community mental health with diverse individuals, groups and families, with children and adolescents in the school setting and, most recently, with adults.
I specialize in the treatment of individuals ages 12 and older that are trying to cope with depression, anxiety symptoms, relationship concerns, life transitions such as divorce or loss. I believe that through a mutual, strengths-based approach, most of life’s challenges can be overcome. I pledge to approach sessions with real life solutions that have outcomes which will help you process difficult situations. At your request, spiritual support and systems can be utilized in the process of change.
I hope that after our work together you will feel better than when you started. I look forward to our journey taking one step at a time towards healing.
To schedule with Brandon please contact him at brandon@astepaheadcounseling.com
Joshua Hager, lsw
Brandon Barnhart, LCSW
Brandon Barnhart, LCSW
My name is Josh Hager, LSW, and I am so glad you are here! Ever since I was a child, I have felt drawn to helping people before I really knew how to and after engaging in my own therapy as a teen, the path to becoming what I am today revealed itself to me and has informed my journey to this day. I landed in the field of social work because I resonated with the professional values of social justice, promoting the dignity and worth of all people, and the importance of human relationships.
In my career thus far, I have had experience within the fields of addiction and community mental health and have worked with clients of all ages and walks of life. I enjoy working with those that are 12 years of age and older. My social work journey came to an unexpected crossroads when I experienced several personal losses a year into my career. This has allowed me to understand and appreciate those that have experienced grief and loss.
I specialize in providing individual counseling for adolescents and adults navigating issues with depression, anxiety, identity, life transitions and relationships, with special considerations being given to folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. I primarily operate from a strengths-based framework that is informed by elements of CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and intersectionality. I view the therapeutic relationship as a reparative social connection where the client is an expert in their own lived experience. Through each conversation, we will work together to create a space of safety where we can build on your strengths, learn from one another, and develop a connection that will facilitate change.
If you would like to learn more about myself or are interested in starting your therapy journey with me, please feel free to contact me at josh@astepaheadcounseling.com or call at 814.767.0305.
Empowering Families for a Better Tomorrow
Family Counseling Services
Our experienced counselors provide a safe and supportive environment for families to address their concerns and work towards positive change. We offer a variety of services, including individual and family therapy, parent coaching, and more.
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Our team specializes in working with children and adolescents to address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and more. We use evidence-based interventions to help children and families build resilience and improve their overall well-being.
Parent Coaching
We offer parent coaching services to help parents build effective communication, improve behavior management, and strengthen relationships with their children. Our coaches provide personalized support and guidance to help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood.
Client Resources
Rates and insurances:
A Step Ahead Counseling Services is credentialed with several commercial insurances. We also accept private pay if you do not have insurance or choose not to use your insurance. Clients are responsible for copays or a deductible at the time of service.
Accepted Insurances (subject to change):
- Capital Blue Cross and affiliates
- Highmark BCBS
- Aetna
- Medicare
- Optum
- United Behavioral Health
- United Health Care
- Cigna
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Geisinger
Cash and credit card payments are also accepted as forms for payment.
Fee Schedule:
55 minute session is billed at $125.
Reduced fee schedule is available upon request and approval.
Cancellation policy:
A Step Ahead Counseling Services, LLC requires a 24 notice for cancelled appointments. There is a $100 charge for cancellations that occur less than 24 hours before the appointment or for missed appointments.