Justin Tapp,

Hi, I’m Justin Tapp (he/they), a licensed social worker (LSW) who counsels people aged 18 and older in the Keystone State, also known as Pennsylvania.

My Motto

~ Silent and Listen are spelled with the same letters. ~

Listening is one of the most powerful ways to connect. In therapy, active listening and accepting silence as a tool for communication can make stories come alive and hold space for each person as the author of their own life story. I look forward to the opportunity to listen to your life story.

My Education

I earned a Master of Social Work with a graduate certificate in Data Science for Social Impact at Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences in Cleveland (yes, it’s a mouthful) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies and Political Science from the University of Toledo in Ohio.

My Background

I’ve helped students with disabilities in higher education, supported people with mental health and recovery needs in the community. Also, I’ve worked in government as a practitioner focused on racial equity and disability justice.

I counsel teens (18+), young adults, adults, and older adults (65+) for many mental health challenges, including anxiety, addiction, Adult Child of an Addict (ACOA), ADHD, anger management, attachment issues, depression, relationships, LGBTQIA+, and caregiver stress.  Additionally, I offer therapy for managing chronic pain & illness, developmental disabilities, family conflict, racial identity, systemic structure, body image, and life transitions.

Values and Beliefs

Self-awareness—understanding our traits, likes, and choices—empowers us. Noticing things like our preferences or even why we enjoy a crisp autumn day helps us make better choices. This awareness makes us who we are.

What to Expect in Therapy

The therapeutic process is not linear; it unfolds over time, with complexities and many layers. Healing often brings moments of progress, setbacks, and steady periods. It’s not a one-time task but an ongoing practice of learning to cope with and process our emotions and behaviors.

We may encounter challenges, breakthroughs, and neutral moments throughout therapy. Together, we’ll work through these experiences using a trauma-informed lens and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Problem-Solving Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Systems Thinking. I am also a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)-informed therapist.

Healing is a cyclical journey; with the right tools, we can find healthier ways to help you manage and grow.

My Specialties

I am committed to offering professional, culturally affirming services to everyone. My approach is rooted in cultural humility and intersectionality, and I respect each person’s unique experiences in the therapeutic space.

I strive to provide affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+, disability, and BIPOC communities with a determination to embrace the full diversity of identities and experiences. Additionally, I am trained to support the diverse experiences and needs within Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE), using best practices to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Outside of Work

I enjoy canvas painting, caring for my houseplants, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with my loved ones, including my black cat, Hazel Mae. I also love attending local events, traveling, and trying delicious foods. To unwind at the end of a long day, I enjoy playing video games, and soon, I want to learn to crochet.

PA License #SW142110

Justin Tapp’s Availability

Justin Tapp offers in-person counseling at the Pittsburgh therapy office and online therapy sessions for anyone aged 18 and older across Pennsylvania.