Tessa McArdle

LSW

honest. tending. devoted. deliberate. lively

(she/her)

Video camera icon inside a speech bubble. Indicating that this clinician offers remote/video call sessions in all of Pennsylvania if wanted!

Remote in Pennsylvania

A quick note about finding your therapist at TC:

We have a dedicated intake team to examine what you are seeking as a client. While there may be a certain modality, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) you are seeking, please note that ALL OF TC’s THERAPISTS practice with these modalities in mind, though liberation psychology calls upon many different forms of therapy and does not limit itself to one or two modalities.

Clients often come with a particular therapist in mind– however, availability may be limited and many times there’s another clinician (therapist) who actually suits their needs even better.

Please trust the process.


💛 Transitional Characters 💛

Specialities

(not limited to these)

  • Adolescent & Young Adult 

  • Psychodynamic Therapies 
    Liberation Psychology & Social Justice-Oriented Care 

  • Grief & Loss

  • Mental Health as Collective
    Trauma-Informed Therapy 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
    Mindfulness 

  • Goal-Oriented & Collaborative Therapeutic Approach 

  • Systemic & Community Healing Focus 

  • Meaning Making

Services Offered

  • Individual Therapy

  • Remote Therapy

  • Family Therapy

  • Youth Therapy

Ages

  • Teen through Adults

Insurance Accepted

  • Highmark /BCBS

  • UPMC

  • United

  • Aetna

  • Medicaid (Allegheny County)


    Private Pay: $125-175

    Sliding Scale: $75-125
    (if client qualifies)

Change Your Narrative

What to expect from me

Hey there! I'm Tessa, a Licensed Social Worker and psychotherapist, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. Picture me as your ally in the journey toward justice and healing!

What I’m Passionate About

My path started at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, where I cultivated a passion for curiosity, compassion, and imagining bold changes. Now, I bring these qualities to Transitional Characters, where I'm all in on embodying them fully.

My Therapy Style

To me, mental health isn't just about individual well-being; it's about reclaiming our true selves, a cornerstone of building a fairer society. I firmly believe that delving into our inner worlds and healing our wounds together is revolutionary, paving the way for healthier communities and a more equitable world.

Who I Work With

After working closely with youth and families across various school settings, I have found my calling supporting people of all ages, with a particular focus on teens and young adults. I’m all about setting goals together, sharing knowledge, and fostering deep bonds. As I continue to learn and grow, I’m diving into Liberation Psychology, eager to expand my horizons alongside my community.

Me When I’m Not Being a Therapist

When I'm not empowering others, you can find me nurturing my own well-being, surrounded by friends and loved ones, rearranging furniture, tending to my plant babies, cuddling with my cat, and stealing away to the mountains or beaches whenever I can.

Claim your care