Mental health therapy

specializing in IFS, ERP, and CBT to help adults with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Meet Mary Yost, LCSW

Hello! I'm Mary, and I help my clients address both the presenting symptoms and the root causes of how they are feeling. A lot of my clients look like they’re doing fine (or great!) to the outside world, but internally they are struggling with overwhelming thoughts or feelings that are getting in the way of how they want to live. Together, we figure out what's actually driving it and build something more sustainable.

I take a non-pathologizing approach that incorporates insight-oriented therapy and neurobiology education. I integrate evidence-based therapy treatments including Internal Family Systems (IFS), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (more information on each below). I have generally found that a blend of therapy modalities is most effective in helping people rather than a rigid one-size-fits-all approach.

I have listed a few FAQs below, but I welcome you to set up a free 15-minute consultation call if you are curious about therapy.

I am licensed to provide telehealth therapy to clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

specialties

  • anxiety

  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • trauma and PTSD

  • depression

While I have specialized training in the areas above, I believe effective therapy means understanding the whole person, not just the diagnosis. I work with adults navigating a range of experiences, and I welcome folks who don't fit neatly into a category.

Types of Therapy offered

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS

Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us develop a compassionate relationship with the parts of ourselves driving painful patterns. IFS is a non-pathologizing approach that focuses on connecting with the body and caring for the inner child. I am Level 1 IFS trained through the IFS Institute.

EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the gold standard therapy for all forms of OCD. ERP provides the structured, graduated exposure work that creates lasting behavioral change.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a logic-based approach that focuses on the interactions between thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT offers practical tools and frameworks for skillfully managing emotions in real time.

FAQs

  • I offer Telehealth therapy to people located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

  • Most clients start out with weekly 50-minute sessions ($150) and then reduce to every other week and/or 30-minute sessions ($90) as they are feeling better and getting ready to discharge. I am an out-of-network provider (meaning I do not take insurance) because insurance companies often restrict the number of sessions, types of therapy, and topics that can be discussed in sessions. I encourage you to submit the provided superbills to your insurance so you can utilize your out-of-network benefits. In my experience, clients receive anywhere from 0-80% reimbursement from their insurance companies depending on their coverage.

  • While the vast majority of people can benefit from therapy, it is important you find the right therapist and treatment for your needs. On your free consultation call, we will chat for 15 minutes and I will give you my first impressions as to whether the types of therapy I specialize in are best suited to your needs. If I do not think I can help, I will direct you to resources that can.

  • This is a tough one to answer because it depends heavily on what is bringing you to therapy. You can think of timelines for change in the mind similar to healing timelines for the body; a bruise will likely heal more quickly than a sprain, which will likely heal more quickly than a large trauma. How quickly therapy changes your thoughts and emotions is based on how complex the symptoms are, how long they have been present, what foundations or current skills you have, and how much effort you put in during and outside therapy sessions.

  • My main modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and exposure and response prevention. I am also trained in and utilize theories from dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed stabilization treatment.

  • Staying up to date with advancements in psychology and psychotherapy is one of my favorite parts of my job. I follow respected peer-reviewed publications for scientific advancements, seek out certifications and advanced continuing education in my modalities of choice, regularly engage in peer and professional consultation, and am forever chipping away at my To Be Read pile of psychology books.

  • Let’s do this! I respond to all requests for a free consultation within 24 business hours and can usually offer you a session within a week.

A person holding a blue pen and writing on worksheets with diagrams, on a wooden table with a white mug, a closed notebook, and some papers.

Book a free consultation

You can reach out by calling, texting, emailing, or filling out the form below. I will get back to you within 24 business hours.