Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Allentown, PA

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified in addictions (ICAADC) with years of experience working with individuals facing substance use, trauma, mood disorders, and major life transitions. I'm bilingual (English/Spanish), culturally competent, and bring deep compassion and professionalism to every session. Clients appreciate my direct, honest approach that still feels safe, supportive, and empowering. I believe that healing is possible with the right tools, guidance, and trust.

Hi, I'm Paulina. I'm a U.S. Army veteran and Pennsylvania native who returned home to earn my Master of Social Work and pursue my passion for helping others as a therapist. I enjoy creating a space where people can openly discuss life's challenges, including grief, loss, anxiety, and depression. My therapy style is practical and solution-focused, with an emphasis on finding what works for you. I see therapy as a collaborative process of learning, experimenting, and adjusting along the way, helping you build tools and strategies that support meaningful, lasting change. When I'm not working, you'll find me cooking, baking, exercising, or spoiling my cat.

When working with clients, I try to create a safe, non-judgmental space that will allow them to honestly share what is going on. I believe that our work together is a partnership, so I respect your feelings, beliefs, opinions and process. I am versatile in evidence-based practice methods, including EMDR and Motivational Interviewing, to help bring you clarity and relief.

I specialize in helping adults and young adults manage anxiety disorders, panic attacks, chronic stress, and burnout using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches. I also support clients experiencing depression, trauma-related symptoms, and life transitions that feel overwhelming or hard to manage alone.

Many of the people I work with are functioning well but internally overwhelmed—dealing with constant worry, racing thoughts, physical symptoms of anxiety, or a persistent sense of being “on edge.” Others notice anxiety affecting their sleep, focus, relationships, or ability to relax and enjoy life.

Finding the right therapist can feel like a leap of faith — especially when you've spent years wondering if anyone will truly get you. Whether you're navigating identity, relationships, life transitions, or carrying weight you've never said out loud, you deserve a space where you don't have to explain yourself from the beginning. That matters here. You are not too much. You are not too complicated. And you don't have to perform wellness to be worthy of support.

I have my Bachelors degree from the University of Scranton in Psychology in 2010 and received my Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2013 also from The University of Scranton. I have worked in many fields prior to getting into private practice and have experience with couples therapy, addiction, inpatient and outpatient mental health counseling, adolescents, grief and trauma. I hold a CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) and an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Pennsylvania.