About Erin O'Brien
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Groups
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Dialectical (DBT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Erin O'Brien
Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried therapy before and felt misunderstood, invalidated, or unsure whether real change was possible. My goal is to offer a space that feels both compassionate and practical, where you feel truly seen and supported in building a life worth living.
I’m a Linehan Board Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) clinician, the highest level of certification in DBT. I specialize in working with adults who experience intense emotions, relationship difficulties, chronic invalidation, impulsivity, self-harm urges, or patterns often associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
My approach is structured, skills-based, and collaborative while still being human. DBT balances acceptance and change, meaning we work on honoring where you are while also helping you develop concrete tools to manage emotions, improve relationships, tolerate distress, and build stability. Sessions are active and engaging, and we focus on applying skills to your real, day-to-day life.
My work is deeply informed by both professional training and personal experience. I’ve been in therapy myself, including DBT, and I know firsthand how powerful it can be to finally have language and tools for experiences that once felt unmanageable. That lived experience shapes my belief that growth is possible even when it feels far away.
Clients often describe me as warm, direct, validating, and grounded. I believe therapy works best when there’s honesty, humor, and mutual respect. You don’t have to have the “right words” or know exactly what you need, part of our work is figuring that out together.
If you’re looking for a therapist who combines deep expertise in DBT with genuine care and transparency, I’d be honored to work with you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
An individual DBT session is structured, collaborative, and focused on helping you build skills that make daily life feel more manageable. Sessions typically begin with a brief check-in and a review of what has come up since we last met, including emotions, urges, behaviors, and any skills you’ve practiced. We use this information to identify patterns and prioritize what will be most helpful to work on that day. When specific challenges arise, such as intense emotional reactions, relationship conflicts, self-harm urges, or behaviors that interfere with your goals and we break them down together to understand what led up to them and what can be done differently next time. This process is practical and non-judgmental, with an emphasis on problem-solving rather than blame. Throughout the session, we focus on learning and strengthening DBT skills, including mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, and we talk through how to apply those skills in real-world situations you’re currently facing. Sessions are active and engaging, and you can expect direct feedback, validation, and support alongside clear guidance and structure. We also spend time reinforcing progress, troubleshooting obstacles, and planning for upcoming situations that may be challenging. DBT balances acceptance and change, so while your experiences and emotions are taken seriously and validated, therapy also focuses on helping you move toward meaningful goals and a life that feels worth living. Over time, individual DBT sessions help you build confidence in managing emotions, navigating relationships more effectively, and responding to stress in ways that align with your values.
Erin O'Brien, LPC is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 55 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
I also provide 2 DBT Skills Groups at a rate of $80 per group session.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Pennsylvania, Master's in Professional Counseling
NPI number
1356881205
How soon can I make an appointment with Erin O'Brien?
Generally, Erin O'Brien has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Erin O'Brien's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Erin O'Brien accepting new patients?
Erin O'Brien generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Erin O'Brien's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Erin O'Brien accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Erin O'Brien is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Erin O'Brien online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Erin O'Brien using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Erin O'Brien work with?
Erin O'Brien works with The DBT Center of Pennsylvania.
What are common reasons for patients to see Erin O'Brien?
Erin O'Brien frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Erin O'Brien on their profile.
What languages does Erin O'Brien speak?
Erin O'Brien speaks English.