Tessa Portrait of a person with short dark hair and a black shirt, smiling against a background of green foliage.

Tessa McArdle

LSW

honest. tending. devoted. deliberate. lively

(she/her)

*If seeing a youth client:
In-Person is mandatory

*In-Person in Pittsburgh

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)

  • Youth & Family Therapy (Elementary to College-Age)

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy

  • Play Therapy & Skill-Based Interventions

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Liberation Psychology & Social Justice-Oriented Care

  • Mental Health as Collective & Social Justice Issues

  • Goal-Oriented & Collaborative Therapeutic Approach

  • Systemic & Community Healing Focus

  • Developmental Support

  • Somatic Abolitionism

  • Grief and Loss

  • Relationship Difficulties

  • Life Transitions

  • Difficulties with Self-Esteem

  • Eating Issues

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Stress Management

  • Gender Identity Support

  • LGBT Counseling

  • and more

Services Offered

  • Individual Therapy

  • Couples Therapy

  • Family Therapy

  • Youth Therapy (children and teens)

  • Remote Therapy

Ages

  • Child through Adults

Insurance Accepted

  • Highmark

  • UPMC

  • United

  • Aetna


    Private Pay: $150-200

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

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

My journey began in 2016, working closely with youth and families across various school settings. Whether it's elementary schoolers or college students, I've found my calling in supporting young folks. I draw from a toolbox filled with diverse approaches like psychodynamic practices, play therapy techniques, and skill-based interventions, always through a trauma-informed lens and with an eye on systemic change.

But therapy isn't just about the techniques—it's about genuine connection and collaboration. I'm all about setting goals together, sharing knowledge, and fostering deep bonds that extend beyond the therapy room.

I'm not afraid to be vulnerable because I see it as a source of strength. And 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.