Ava Derago, LAPC

Psychotherapist

Ava is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and her Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.

Ava views therapy as a collaborative space for reflection, growth, and connection. She works with children, teens, adults, and families, supporting clients through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and interpersonal challenges, and difficult life transitions. Whether a client is facing persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, or patterns of avoidance that have begun to limit daily life, Ava helps them understand what they are experiencing and take steady, supported steps toward change.

Her approach is client-centered and tailored to each person’s needs and pace. She draws from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness. Together, she and her clients work to make sense of emotions, reduce symptoms, and build practical skills that help life feel more manageable.

Ava is LGBTQ+-informed and strives to provide an affirming, inclusive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their identities, relationships, and experiences without fear of judgment. From that foundation, she supports all clients in strengthening coping skills, facing fears with confidence, and building meaningful connections.