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Individual, Group and Family Therapist. Christy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience teaching and counseling children, adolescents, and adults. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with addictions issues. Her areas of expertise include adolescent issues, personal growth, infertility issues, alcohol and substance use and abuse, codependency issues, child abuse, the effects of substance use and abuse on the family unit, and sexual abuse and trauma recovery. She has worked within the criminal justice system, at inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization facilities as well as Lehigh University’s Counseling Center. She has also served as the assistant director of the Counseling Center at DeSales University as well as an adjunct instructor at DSU and Albright College and a consultant for The Center for Humanistic Change. |
 "Every journey begins with the first step..." "With awareness comes change." |
 Counseling: Is It For Me?
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What is counseling? Counseling is a collaborative, confidential process by which people can define personal or professional goals, make decisions, and/or discover solutions to personal, social, educational or career concerns. If you experience times when you are puzzled, concerned, or worried about certain thoughts, feelings, beliefs or behaviors, then counseling could benefit you. The counseling relationship is one in which a professionally-trained therapist can help clarify situations in a way that allows for the open discussion of problems while feeling safe, understood, cared for, and empowered. Children, adolescents and adults can often benefit from counseling with a professionally-trained therapist. |
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What does "confidentiality" mean? Everything discussed during counseling sessions is confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone without written consent. However, ethical and legal codes require that confidentiality MUST be broken in cases where imminent danger to self or others is or has been present (including child abuse). |
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What can I expect from counseling? During the first appointment, you may be asked to complete a client profile which will provide information about your background and your reasons for seeking counseling. Your therapist will review this information and ask you to describe more fully the reasons why you are seeking counseling. Some clients are very clear about why they come to see a therapist while others are not sure. You may be asked to identify goals for a treatment plan. You and the therapist will usually use the first meeting to determine the best way for you to meet these goals. Most sessions last about 45-50 minutes. |
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What are my responsibilities in the counseling process? In order to make the best of the counseling experience, it is best to attend scheduled sessions, to talk about what’s bothering you as openly and honestly as you can, and to challenge yourself to examine your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. If you need to cancel an appointment, please call 24 hours ahead of time to reschedule, or you may be charged for your scheduled appointment. At the end of your first session, you and the therapist will decide together whether to schedule another appointment. Depending upon your concerns and your situation, your needs may be best met by another therapist or professional in the local community. |
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How do I make an appointment? You may make an appointment by calling (610) 248-8257. Typically, you will be seen as soon as your schedule and the therapist’s schedule permits. If you are having an emergency and need to speak with a therapist immediately (thoughts of harming yourself or someone else), please call your local county crisis hotline listed in the blue pages of the phone book. |
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What are some reasons why people come for counseling? People seek help from a therapist for some of the following reasons:
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What are the fees involved in counseling? Will my insurance pay for these sessions? There is a fee per session payable to Christy E. Yerk-Smith, M.A., NCC, L.P.C. Payment by cash or check is expected at the time of the session. A sliding-scale fee may be available to certain clients. Because professional services are rendered to a person, not an insurance company, fees must be paid up front and then submitted by you for insurance reimbursement, if applicable. If you have questions about whether mental health services are covered with your insurer, contact your insurance company directly. For questions or more information about professional fees, please call (610) 248-8257. |
Services offered by Christy E. Yerk-Smith include a multiculturally-sensitive eclectic theoretical orientation to:
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All appointments are confidential and my office is centrally located to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Services are available for children, adolescents and adults. There is on-street parking and a small off-street lot behind the building. |