Sliding Scale Therapy Services in Philadelphia, PA

I’m Ben (he/him), a licensed therapist in Philadelphia specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma, psychosis, and therapy for artists and activists. My work is rooted in providing access to individuals who have historically faced barriers to competent mental health care.

I hold a Master’s of Social Service (2018) from Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. My background as a writer influences my work as a therapist—I believe in the power of storytelling, self-exploration, and re-authoring personal narratives to create healing and transformation. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as adjunct faculty and instructor of clinical social work at Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

I’ve presented at the American Association of Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW) conference and the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS-US) conference, sharing insights on trauma-informed therapy, psychoanalysis, and community mental health.

If you’re looking for support in-person in Center City, Philadelphia, or virtually anywhere in Pennsylvania, I’d love to work with you. Let’s build a space where you can heal, grow, and feel more connected to yourself and your community.

What to expect from therapy with me

A Safe, Supportive Space

You lead the way while I listen & guide with care.

A Collaborative Approach

Build trust and explore your struggles without judgement.

The Bigger Picture

Explore how systemic forces, relationships, and life experiences have shaped your inner world.

Connecting Past & Present

Explore early relationships and their impact today.

An Evolving Process

Therapy adapts to your needs for lasting support.

A Free Consultation

Start with a 15-20 minute call to see if we’re a good fit.

Fees & Insurance Information

My fee for 45-minute therapy sessions for individuals living in Pennsylvania is currently $175.

I do not currently accept insurance, but I am able to provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

Cancellation Policy

I require 24-hours notice in order to cancel a scheduled appointment. If you cancel within that time frame, I will charge the full fee for the appointment.

Reach Out Today

Frequently asked questions

What should I expect after contacting you?

When you reach out to me, I will let you know about my availability. If we can agree on a time when we can meet regularly, I will offer a free 15-20 minute consultation to get a sense of each other. If we choose to move forward from there, I often tell prospective patients to meet with me three times to determine if we’re a good fit, and then have an open conversation about whether it makes sense to continue working together. I will also ask that you complete an initial intake form, which we will go over together in the first session to determine your goals for therapy.

Why don't you take insurance?

I’ve chosen not to accept insurance at this time for a variety of reasons. Claims processing is often slow and cumbersome, and not accepting insurance can provide more freedom to practice as a therapist sees fit. I do provide a sliding scale for those who have financial need.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, I have sliding scale spots available for those who have financial need. I generally ask a few questions to get a sense of your financial picture in order for us to make sense of what an appropriate fee for you would be. I also ask those who can pay the full fee to do so in order to offset costs for those who can’t.

Why did you choose to be a therapist?

I’ve always been drawn to understanding social life and human relationships, and being a therapist is a privileged place from which to get to know the inner-workings of people’s lives, minds, and interpersonal dynamics. I am particularly interested in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories, which give us tools to think about how unconscious behaviors and patterns might repeat in our lives, even when they no longer serve us.

Contact Ben

Reach out for a free consultation today.

Hi, I'm Ben Goldstein, LCSW