Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Pennsylvania

NYU Graduate and Post- Graduate Clinical Professor

Director of the Post- MAster's Program in Addictions- NYU

I bring 20+ years of experience and a genuine belief that every person has the capacity for change. I'm direct but compassionate — I'll be honest with you, and I'll always be in your corner. I don't believe in labeling people or fitting you into a box. You are a whole, complex human being, and that's how I'll treat you. I also have experience working with dually diagnosed individuals and those navigating substance use alongside other mental health challenges, so no matter what you're carrying, I've likely sat with someone in a similar place.

If you've spent a long time handling everything on your own, the idea of opening up in therapy can feel uncomfortable — maybe even a little vulnerable. You might be stuck in your head, second-guessing yourself, or repeating patterns you can't quite break no matter how hard you try. You don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out. You just need a willingness to start, and I'll meet you right there.

Helping You Navigate Change with Clarity and Confidence

Are you facing a major life transition and feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain? Whether you're starting college, navigating divorce, entering retirement, or working toward recovery from substance use, I offer a safe and collaborative space to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. My approach is grounded in DBT and tailored to your unique goals, so you can build resilience and become the best version of yourself.

Specialties

• Life Transitions (college, divorce, retirement)
• Substance Use Recovery
• Stress and Anxiety
• Self-Esteem and Identity Development

Client Focus

• Age: Young Adults (18–25), Adults, Older Adults
• Communities: Inclusive and affirming for all backgrounds
• Treatment Format: Individual therapy offered exclusively via secure virtual sessions

I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.

Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.

As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.

My greatest passion in life is helping others to live life to the fullest. For the last 11 years, it has been my privilege to do this in the counseling field. Whether it's helping people find freedom from eating disorders and addictions, the ravaging effects of trauma, or depression and anxiety, my goal is to help others step into the healthiest versions of themselves.

Hi My name is Hilary Chentow. I am a licensed clinical social worker living in PA and practicing in PA, WA and DE. I use CBT, DBT, mindfulness, Polyvagal theory and Internal Family Systems and will share resources in abundance. I was a teacher before I made a midlife career change to become a therapist. I am not a one size fits all therapist. And I am ok with that. Right fit is important.