Our Therapists

BYCS is now accepting clients for pro-bono, no cost services with Master’s Level Intern, Beckett Coleman, BFA, starting January 5, 2026! Please reach out for more information!

Sandra M. Pattinato, MEd, LPC (she/her)

A woman with long dark hair smiling at the camera at a restaurant during a carnival event on June 17, 2025, themed Carnival Conquest at the Monet Dining Room.

  • Hi, I’m Sandra, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I truly believe that we all have the capacity for personal growth and transformation—it’s something we’re all capable of with the right support and guidance. Outside of the therapy room, I find joy in the simple things: spending time in nature, growing healthy vegetables in my garden, and walking my three wonderful dogs.

  • In our work together, I create a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. I draw from several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. These tools help us build effective coping strategies and create meaningful, positive changes in your life. Every session is tailored to meet your needs, and we move at a pace that feels right for you.

  • I work individually with adults 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, and adjustment concerns. If you're looking for someone who truly listens, meets you with empathy, and walks beside you with care and professionalism, we might be a good match. I’m passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and I work hard to build authentic, supportive connections with each of my clients.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays: 10AM-5PM, virtual only

    • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9AM-6PM, in-person and virtual

    Unfortunately, I am not accepting new clients at this time.

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • UPMC

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Anthem

    • Aetna

    • United Health/Optum

    • Cigna

    • Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO): Allegheny County Medicaid

    • Carelon: Washington, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland County Medicaid

    • Highmark Wholecare Medicare

    • Optum Medicare

    • Medicare

    • Self-pay

Danielle Hammitt, MS, NCC, LPC (she/her)

Close-up of a woman with long curly hair wearing a floral shirt, smiling in front of a mosaic tile background.

  • Hello, I am going to be honest, writing this bio was a little difficult because I as most of know it can be difficult to write about oneself but here goes!! I love animals and currently own two cats and one horse. I have a minor in music and like to watch old musicals and TV shows. In the summer I like to swim and in the winter I like to snow tube. 

  • I typically like to dive right in, get to know my clients, and what they are struggling with. We can begin working on things right away or I can adapt and take a slower approach if you prefer. We will begin building rapport and I will learn what is important to you.

    I feel you are the expert of your life therefore I feel it is important to hear you tell your story. This is how I will discover thought and behavioral patterns that could be potential areas of need. I will help promote positive thinking patterns, increase self-esteem, and combat irrational/overthinking habits.

    My clients can expect an elevation in mood by having a safe environment to unload their burdens. I will provide positive, honest, and non judgmental reflections to help facilitate change.

  • I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, social anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I feel my strengths lie in treating adults struggling with boundary issues, poor communication, unhealthy coping skills, and anger management concerns.

    Everyone is unique and experiences life differently from their own perspective. Therefore I don’t use just one method or intervention with my clients. I use a variety of evidence-based interventions including Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused and Mindfulness Therapy.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Monday-Thursday: 9AM-7PM, virtual only

    • Friday-Saturday: 9AM-4PM, in-person and virtual

    • I am accepting new clients!

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • UPMC

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • United Health/Optum

    • Cigna

    • Anthem

    • Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO): Allegheny County Medicaid

    • Carelon: Washington, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland County Medicaid

    • Self-pay

Beckett Coleman, BFA, Counseling Intern

  • Greetings! I am a person of many backgrounds and a traveler of myriad roads. Therapy work is a later career transition for me, and one I wished I had done sooner. But tis better to discover such things later than not at all. Before my therapy work, I completed my BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design and taught students artistic disciplines for an academic year before realizing that didn’t quite fit. I have had a few other careers as well but none of them ever felt right. I can say with conviction that I am finally where I need to be. I bring a lot of life experience to my work and sessions and enjoy connecting with others through my vast and varied catalog of adventures, mistakes, and redemption arcs.

    When not engaged in the required amount of ‘adulting’ each day and making sure my children’s needs are met, I very much enjoy spending time with friends playing tabletop board games and role-playing games. Anything to get friends together in a space and engage each other away from electronic screens. Though I do admit that when real life social interaction is not available, I do love a good Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game. In my time I also enjoy tennis, rock climbing, fishing, and bowling. I hope to find out what this pickleball stuff is all about as well.

    My short-term life goals are to graduate with my Master’s degree and get a puppy. Not necessarily in that order.  

  • Trust and communication. Those are the two biggest things for me. Meaningful growth is difficult if we do not have those two things. It is my goal to cultivate both of those with you. I want to help you achieve whatever you desire in our time together. I can be a cheerleader, a confidant, or a friendly ear, but my favorite roles are collaborator and facilitator. I don’t want to solve your concerns for you, but help you develop or further hone the tools and skillsets already within yourself so that you can achieve your desires every day, not just on therapy day.

    I am generally direct, open, and honest. I have also been accused a few times of being analytical and logical, but don’t tell anyone.

    I get such fulfillment from helping others and reveling in their successes. We will craft our sessions together for the needs at hand, but if allowed, we may have some very direct and very raw conversations as I feel that sometimes those can be the most productive for certain goals.

  • I am a member of the LGBTQ+ population and do enjoy working with those individuals. I would also be interested in working with individuals and couples struggling with gender issues. I also have a warm place in my heart for couples who desire to stay together whilst trying to navigate a partner’s transition. Support for partners of transitioning individuals is an area that needs substantial growth and I would be overjoyed to support that population.

    That being said, I am pleased to work with most anyone. I have lived in and navigated a number of different roles in my life and feel I can relate and bring value to our sessions across a wide spectrum. I am happy to work with individuals regardless of who they might be or what labels society places upon them. I would prefer to work with clients who are 14+ but exceptions can certainly be made if we are a good fit. 

    I am currently obtaining my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University. During my time in this program, I have resonated with several modalities, which include Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy, and Existentialism. I particularly enjoy Logotherapy which is under the umbrella of Existentialism.

    I assure you my approach is a tailored ‘salad bar’, so to speak. The jargon term is ‘eclectic’ and basically means you use what works for the client as opposed to being locked into a particular framework. Adaptability is one of the things I strive for in sessions with clients.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays, 1-6, virtual only

    • Tuesdays 10-4, in-person and virtual

    • Wednesdays, 10-7, in-person and virtual

    • Thursdays, 10-4, in-person and virtual

  • As I am a student intern, I am providing services pro-bono (no cost!), I do not accept insurance. Even if you have insurance and would prefer pro bono, I am able to accommodate!

Kelly McCall, MS, LPC (she/they)

A smiling person with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a light-colored top, in a warmly lit indoor setting.

  • Outside of my therapist role, I like to spend time with my family, friends, and cats. I also enjoy watching new episodes of my favorite shows and doing something creative such as writing and collaging. 

  • Our therapy sessions are yours and you get to decide how we spend our time. I like to check in on how things have been since we last met, as well as explore what feels helpful to focus on that day. I’ll assist you through processing, learning helpful skills, and taking steps toward your goals. Humor, when appropriate, can also be a very helpful part of therapy and healing, so don’t be surprised if you find us sharing a laugh during our sessions!

  • I work individually with adults of all ages who are experiencing mental health symptoms related to depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have experience working with clients from many different backgrounds and life situations, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re wanting to work on improving your mental health symptoms, navigating life transitions, or just having a space to process, I may be a good fit for you! 

  • I offer virtual only sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays: 9AM-5PM

    • Fridays: 9AM-5PM

    Unfortunately, I am not accepting new clients at this time and have a waitlist. Please reach out to be added!

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • UPMC

    • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • United Health/Optum

    • Cigna

    • Anthem

    • Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO): Allegheny County Medicaid

    • Carelon: Washington, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland County Medicaid

    • Self-pay

Cait Carpico, MSCP, LPC (she/her)

A young woman with long dark hair standing in front of pink flowers and green foliage, with a brick wall in the background.

  • Prior to working with Better You, I worked for a large hospital system and treated patients with a variety of symptoms in both an adult and pediatric setting. I use a "blended" approach of several types of therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Bevioral Thearpy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Relational Cultural Theory.

  • I believe in transparency in my approach, so therapy will never feel mysterious or intimidating. After deciding on a direction, we will have open discussions about evidence based treatments for your concerns and current understandings of symptoms you may be experiencing. In our sessions, we will explore patterns in your relationships and thinking, discuss hard truths, strive for growth and challenge, and try to have a little fun.

  • I specialize in working with gender and women's issues, role transitions, relationship struggles, LGBTQ+ community members, and burnout. I have experience working with people in the medical or mental health feild who navigate work stress and moral injury, as well as people navigating gender transition, family disfunction, ADHD, OCD, and childhood trauma. Therapy is most effective when you feel your therapist is the right personality fit and has the training to meet your needs. Please reach out via email or phone with your availability and goals for therapy and I will be in touch to consult with you. In consultations, we will discuss your goals for therapy and current needs, as well as make some time for you to ask any questions you may have of me. I look forward to hearing from you!

  • II offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 11AM-7PM, in-person and virtually

    • Tuesdays: 11AM-7PM, virtual only

    • Please note that evening appointments are in high demand and are often full, but feel free to reach out and ask about a specific time if you are interested!

    I am currently not accepting new clients at this time.

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • UPMC

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • United Health/Optum

    • Anthem

    • Self-pay

Catherine Ferguson, MA, LPC, LCPC, CCTP-1 (she/her)

A woman with wavy brown hair and blue eyes smiling in front of a plain beige background.

  • I am a Pittsburgh area native, so you’ll often hear me using a variety of Pittsburghese, most often yinz! I lived in Chicago for 10 years, where I attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology for my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, from which I graduated from in 2013. I have been in the mental health field since my internship in 2012, working in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, military bases, and community mental health agencies. I received my Illinois license (LCPC) in 2016 and Pennsylvania license (LPC) in 2021.

    Being a therapist is a large part of my identity that I actively embrace, even outside of the office! I am often taking trainings, participating in consultation groups, and geeking out/reading about specific interests and treatment modalities. When I'm not doing those things, I'm chasing after my two young children, loving on my five cats and 1 dog, reading one of my many To Be Read books, cleaning my house (my favorite coping skill!), shopping at Aldi or the Dollar Tree, and spending time with husband, friends and family.

  • Whether your choose to start therapy for specific reasons or are even unsure of what exactly what you need, my role as a therapist is to continuously assess your progress and efficacy of modalities being used, provide guidance and direction, and most of all, support. I often say to my clients, “You’re in the driver’s seat of this journey. I’m just a passenger, hanging out, holding the GPS, offering suggestions of which way to go, and supporting you with whatever direction you choose to take.”

    Although I start every session with “How are you? What’s been going on?” I am not the type of therapist to solely discuss your week. I always hold space for whatever the client needs in the moment (as this is YOUR time!), while also maintaining awareness of your goals, working towards them in whatever way you show up that day. No matter what we're both bringing to the therapy space on any given day, just know that you’ll always be greeted with a smile, my 3 emotional support beverages, and, if meeting virtually, an occasional visit from my “emotional support cat/therapy assistant,” Grace. 

  • As previously mentioned, I love to learn! If I could be a professional student, I would. Through my trainings in EMDR, Somatic Psychotherapy, Parts-Work/Ego States/IFS, Polyvagal Theory, Dissociation, and Four Blinks, I've become specialized in working individually with adults 18+ navigating C-PTSD and trauma, dissociation, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation. I am also experienced supporting those with Mood Disorders (i.e. Bipolar/Depression, etc.), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the Veteran/Military population.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays: 9AM-4PM, virtual only

    • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9AM-4PM, in-person and virtual

    • Wednesdays: 9AM-12PM, virtual only

    I am accepting EMDR only clients to start services at the end of January/early February. Please reach out for a consultation or if you have any questions!

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Anthem

    • UPMC

    • Aetna

    • Aetna Medicare

    • United Health/Optum/Optum VA

    • Cigna

    • Tricare

    • Medicare

    • UPMC for Life

    • ComPsych

    • Self-pay

Abbagail Kitzmiller, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Counselor (she/her)

A young woman with wavy blonde hair and light skin, smiling, wearing a black top, gold hoop earrings, layered necklaces, and an orange scrunchie in her hair, standing in front of a wooden wall.

  • As a part of therapy we want to get to also know our therapist! I am a person of many hobbies such as being outdoors, reading, traveling, and crafting. I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and my awesome dog. I love living in the city of Pittsburgh as I am not originally from this area. I love adventuring and finding cool places to eat, as well as fun things to do. I am always down for an adventure!

  • When in therapy I like to take the time to build a strong relationship with my client. In order to process everyday life, you need to have that trust with your therapist which is very important to me. It is very important to have an outlet to talk to and someone to just listen with no judgement. I want you to feel open to talk about whatever is on your mind, while also getting support at the same time.

  • I specialize in working individually with adults experiencing depression and anxiety, adjusting to major and minor change, processing trauma, building relationships with others as well as yourself, mindfulness, and boundary setting. I like therapy to be something that you enjoy coming to every session and even look forward to going.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, virtual only

    • Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, in-person

    Unfortunately, I am not accepting new clients at this time.

  • I am a Master’s Level clinician under supervision of Sandra Pattinato, MEd, LPC. I am currently seeing clients Pro-Bono (no cost) as I obtain hours for my clinical license (LPC).

Michael Hess, MSW, LCSW (he/him)

A man with glasses and a mustache smiling outdoors, leaning on a wooden railing with green foliage in the background.

  • Hi, my name is Mike. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing for a little under a decade. I pursued this field for the opportunity to connect, assist, and join with others in their recovery journey. I spend a lot of time (not enough according to her) with my silver lab, Arya, on walks and fetch. As a Pittsburgh native, I continue to enjoy exploring the city with friends and family. I try to bring a sense of humor and gratitude to each day and each moment.

  • Above all, therapy should be effective and useful for the person seeking treatment. Our sessions will be grounded in honesty, collaboration, and practical change. Time unpacking and processing experiences will be balanced with a focus on change and skills. You can expect a direct but supportive space where we work together to understand what’s getting in the way and how to move forward. I’ll challenge you when needed but always with respect, and your goals in mind. Therapy is a team effort—you bring your insight and effort, and I’ll bring evidence-based tools, perspective, and genuine care. You are the expert in your experience, and we will seek to bring that wisdom forward into every day practice.

  • I work with adults across ages and backgrounds. I have experience addressing depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, interpersonal conflicts, bipolar disorder, adjustment concerns, and trauma. Modalities I focus on are dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention, and acceptance commitment therapy. Change and recovery can often be an uncomfortable experience. My goal is to cultivate a space of compassion and honesty where individuals can navigate this difficult path with grace.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Mondays, 5:30PM-9PM

    • Tuesdays, 5:30PM-9PM

    • Thursdays, 5:30PM-9PM

    I am accepting new clients!

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • United Health/Optum

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Self-pay

    • More insurances coming soon!

Stevie Gorsuch, LCSW, C-DBT (they/them)

A smiling woman with short, light brown hair, wearing a blue patterned shirt and a cream-colored scarf, stands against a light-colored background.

  • I’m an LCSW who helps people reclaim who they are beneath survival strategies, shame, and expectations. My work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and deep curiosity about what makes each person feel most alive. I’m certified in DBT and weave in ACT and motivational interviewing to support healing and meaningful change. I am also fully EMDR trained. I bring experience in running groups and am open to family or couples therapy if I assess that I would be an appropriate fit.

    Outside of sessions, I’m a writer, parent, and someone who used to want to be an astronaut—and still kind of does. I’m also neurodivergent and queer, and I know firsthand how powerful it can be to have a space where all parts of you feel welcome. I love jigsaw puzzles, road trips with a good playlist that you can sing along to, and deep conversations that go off track in the best possible way.

  • Sessions with me are a blend of warmth, depth, and straightforward support. I focus on building trust so you feel safe to explore what’s real—no matter how messy or uncertain it feels. My role is to help you figure out what healing looks like for you—not tell you what it should be. I don’t expect you to have it all figured out—I just care that you’re willing to start. You can expect a mix of practical skills, emotional processing, and radical acceptance, all tailored to your needs. I’ll challenge patterns that keep you stuck, but I’ll do it with compassion, humor, and the belief that healing can be collaborative.

  • I enjoy working with:

    • Adolescents

    • Folx in the LGBTQIA+ or queer communities

    • Neurodivergent individuals

    • People navigating perinatal or postpartum transitions

    • Anyone dealing with stress, overwhelm, or feeling “too much”

    If you’re trying to figure out who you are outside of survival mode—or you just want a space where you don’t have to explain yourself all the time—you might feel comfortable here. I also work with couples and families if I believe I’m the right fit for your needs.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual sessions on the following days:

    • Tuesdays: 10AM–12PM, 1PM–4PM, and 6PM–8PM

    • Wednesdays: 9AM–12, 1PM–4PM, and 6PM–8PM

    • Thursdays: 9AM–12PM, 3PM–4PM, and 6PM–8PM

    • Occasional Saturday appointments are available

    Unfortunately, I am not accepting new clients at this time and have a waitlist for new virtual clients. Please reach out to be added!

  • I accept the following insurance plans:

    • UPMC

    • Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield

    • Aetna

    • United Health/Optum

    • Cigna

    • Anthem

    • Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO): Allegheny County Medicaid

    • Carelon: Washington, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland County Medicaid

    • Medicare Plans A & B

    • UPMC for Life Medicare

    • Highmark Wholecare Medicare

    • Optum Medicare

    • Self-pay

Connect with one of our therapists to become your Better You!