What does therapy at Onward Healing look like?

At Onward Healing, we specialize in evidence-based treatments for OCD, anxiety, BFRBs, tics, and trauma. Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and conducted via secure telehealth video. Treatment is collaborative — we work together to understand what's keeping you stuck and build skills to help you move forward. Depending on your goals, we may use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the ComB model, EMDR, or other structured approaches.

Do you accept insurance?

We are currently out-of-network with all insurance providers. This means we do not bill insurance directly. However, many clients are able to use out-of-network benefits to get partial reimbursement. We can provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company. We recommend calling your insurance provider before starting to understand your out-of-network mental health benefits.

How does telehealth therapy work?

All sessions at Onward Healing are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Once you're scheduled, you'll receive a link to join the session from wherever you are — your home, office, or anywhere private. Telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for the conditions we treat, and many clients find it more convenient and accessible.

What states do you serve?

We are currently licensed to provide therapy in Pennsylvania (PA), Vermont (VT), and Florida (FL). You must be physically located in one of these states at the time of your session.

How long will I need therapy?

This varies widely depending on your goals, the severity of your symptoms, and your engagement with treatment. Some clients see significant improvement in 12-16 sessions; others prefer ongoing support over a longer period. We'll discuss your goals at the outset and check in regularly on your progress.

What is ERP therapy, and is it right for me?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and certain anxiety disorders. It involves gradually facing feared situations or thoughts (exposure) while resisting compulsions or avoidance behaviors (response prevention). It sounds challenging — and it can be — but it's also highly effective. We move at a pace that feels manageable, and you're never pushed into anything you're not ready for.

What are BFRBs, and can therapy help?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are repetitive, self-directed behaviors like hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation disorder), nail biting, and cheek chewing. These behaviors are often automatic and can cause significant distress or physical harm. Evidence-based treatments like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model have strong research support and can lead to meaningful reduction in urges and behaviors.

How do I get started?

The easiest first step is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This call gives us a chance to learn about what you're struggling with, answer any questions you have, and see if we're a good fit. There's no pressure and no commitment. You can book directly through our website or reach out by email.

Is skin-picking the same as a "bad habit"?

No. Skin-picking disorder (excoriation) is a clinically recognized Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) with neurobiological reinforcement, dissociative episodes, and meaningful functional impairment. The evidence-based treatment is Habit Reversal Training (HRT).

How long does treatment take?

A typical course of Habit Reversal Training for skin-picking runs 4 to 12 weeks, with most clients seeing meaningful reduction in picking frequency within the first month. Total length depends on severity, co-occurring conditions, and how much structured between-session practice you can do.

What if I have skin-picking and another condition like OCD or trichotillomania?

Co-occurrence is common. About a third of adults with skin-picking disorder also have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, or anxiety. We treat the conditions in an integrated plan: Habit Reversal Training for the BFRB component and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the OCD component when both are present.

Can I do telehealth therapy for skin-picking from Allentown?

Yes. Onward Healing Therapy is licensed across Pennsylvania, which means Allentown residents can access specialized Habit Reversal Training online. Sessions happen on a secure HIPAA-compliant video platform.

Is therapy covered by insurance?

We are private-pay only. We do not bill insurance and we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. We can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan supports it.

Skin Picking Therapy in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Onward Healing Therapy is a private-pay specialty telehealth practice serving adults in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Florida. Founder Nina Eberly, PhD, LCSW. The content on this site is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are in immediate distress, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Skin Picking Therapy in Allentown, Pennsylvania

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