Pittsburgh Community Involvement

We were excited to join the 2024 Health and Wellness Fair, presented by AHN Wexford and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, hosted by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. This annual event brings together hundreds of local consumers and health providers, fostering connections and promoting healthy living throughout the region.

As a practice with two locations in the North Hills—Wexford and Cranberry—we were proud to be part of this vibrant gathering, showcasing the wide range of holistic services we offer to support both mental and physical wellness. The fair was a great opportunity for attendees to connect with local health providers, discover lifestyle goods and services, and learn how they can prioritize their well-being.

Executive Assistant Ashley White was on-site, engaging with visitors and providing information about how our team can support their wellness journeys. We are grateful to be part of a community that values health and wellness, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our connections with local businesses and organizations.

Angel Pratt (they/them), LMFT, the Director of Family Counseling at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, recently spoke to students at Slippery Rock University about managing anxiety and depression—two prevalent challenges faced by college students.

During the event, they highlighted how therapists at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh design culturally responsive therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with diverse and intersectional identities.

Angel also addressed the complexities involved in this process and emphasized the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh’s holistic approach to therapy, comparing it to traditional clinical methods. This discussion aimed to empower students with insights into effective mental health support that resonates with their experiences and identities.

Slippery Rock University is a four-year, public, coeducational, regional comprehensive university that offers a broad array of undergraduate and select graduate programs to more than 8,000 students. SRU is one of 10 institutions and 14 campuses that make up Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. SRU is fully accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Learning.

The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh had the honor of participating in Tobacco Free Adagio Health’s (TFAH) September Health Disparities Workgroup. Kristen Ann Walker, MS Ed, LPC, Clinical Director and Smoking Cessation Specialist, presented on the intersection of mental health, suicide awareness, and tobacco/nicotine/vaping use.

The presentation also touched on self-care practices essential for mental health, especially in the context of overcoming nicotine addiction. This workgroup fostered meaningful discussions on the connection between tobacco use and mental health challenges, providing actionable strategies for integrating mental health support with cessation efforts.

TFAH is the Regional Primary Contractor for the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s tobacco prevention and control work in Allegheny County. Its goal is to assist smokers in quitting and prevent new users from starting.

Every summer, the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh partners with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to sponsor Yoga in the Park at Allegheny Commons West. This beloved event brings together top yoga studios from around Pittsburgh, offering the community a free weekly wellness experience in a beautiful outdoor setting.

This year, Yoga in the Park Went Out With A Bark! We were paws-itively thrilled to wrap up with a special session featuring the Top Dog Therapy Team. Participants enjoyed a unique and heartwarming experience, practicing yoga alongside some wagging tails and cozy cuddles from these incredible therapy dogs.

Check out the photos below to see how we ended the season on a high note with our furry friends!

Established in 2015, the Top Dog Therapy Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people through the healing power of animals. Led by President Rodney Little and his Co-Founder Top Dog Sarge, our team of therapy dogs and handlers provides free visits to medical centers, educational centers, bereavement gatherings, recovery centers, and crisis response scenarios. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities, and we believe that our services can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh is honored to sponsor Women Who Rock, an incredible organization that raises critical funds for women’s health research. This initiative not only supports vital medical advancements but also shines a spotlight on the talented women in music, celebrating their contributions and inspiring future generations.

In July, several members of the Women Who Rock team joined us for a Mini Wellness Retreat, recharging and preparing for their benefit concert on August 28th at Stage AE. As a proud sponsor of this powerful event, Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh was honored to support the Women Who Rock concert, featuring the legendary Melissa Etheridge.

Our CEO, Stephanie Wijkstrom, COO, Hena Anwar, Clinical Director, Kristen Walker, and many of our team members came together to celebrate this inspiring night of music, empowerment, and community, founded by Pittsburgh’s own Melinda Colaizzi.

You can view some behind-the-scenes clips from the July wellness event, and check out the carousel below for photos from the unforgettable concert on August 28th.

We are proud to be part of such a meaningful cause that aligns with our commitment to wellness and community support.

The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh proudly launched our new Wellness and Somatic Services at our Monroeville location with a free event for the community. This Grand Opening & Wellness Event provided an opportunity to experience our new offerings, including Breathwork, Salt Cave Halotherapy, Sound Healing, Reiki, and Yoga.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary leader, Stephanie Wijkstrom, MS, LPC, NBCC, for bringing her holistic wellness vision to life. A special thank you to the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce for their support and for leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

We also want to acknowledge and thank our dedicated practitioners, support team, vendors, food and drink trucks, talented musicians, and the entire community. Your contributions and enthusiastic participation made this event a success. Thank you all for braving the heat and celebrating with us!

Photos by Weddings by Ryan and Kate

Three Rivers Arts Festival

We were excited to be part of the Three Rivers Arts Fest for the first time on June 1.

We brought back our interactive Feelings Dolls activity, and our booth saw fantastic engagement with the community. It was a joy to watch teens and adults create their own dolls, and we learned that this activity resonates with all ages.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We had an amazing time connecting with the Pittsburgh community at this beloved annual event.

Susan G Komen More Than Pink Walk

On Sunday May 19, 2024 we participated in the 32nd Susan G Komen More Than Pink Walk at Schenley Park, formerly known as The Race for the Cure.

Our founder, Stephanie Wijkstrom, MS, LPC, NBCC, walked alongside her aunt, who triumphed over breast cancer, and joined the rest of the CWC team on the walk.

Together, we raised over $1,200 for the cause! 🎀

Crisis Center North

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh was invited to lend our support in providing stress management strategies for students. When Crisis Center North reaches out, we respond with an enthusiastic yes.

We understand that by assisting teens in navigating life’s stressors, worries, and anxieties, we’re not just offering immediate relief, but also empowering them with invaluable tools for their ongoing mental well-being.

The mission of Crisis Center North is to empower victims of domestic violence and cultivate attitudes and community behaviors that break the cycle of violence.

Crisis Center North is a 501(c)(3) non-profit counseling and resource center that provides services to victims of domestic violence and their loved ones in northern and western Allegheny County via counseling, therapy, case management, legal and medical advocacy, and economic empowerment services. In addition, the Center provides community trainings on topics related to intimate partner violence and teen dating violence, as well as prevention education programming to local schools.

We were thrilled to be part of the EQT Children’s Festival May 18-19, 2024.

Our booth saw fantastic engagement with the community, and it was a joy to watch kids create their own Feelings Dolls with personalized guidance from our therapists. They also enjoyed coloring Animal Mandalas featuring empowering affirmations.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We had an amazing time connecting with you all!

Get 10 Free Positive Affirmation Animal Mandala Coloring Pages

Can’t make it to the EQT Children’s Festival? No worries! We’re thrilled to offer Pittsburgh’s kids 10 FREE Animal Mandalas featuring empowering affirmations. Affirmations have the incredible power to boost confidence and self-esteem in children, fostering a positive mindset and resilience.

Plus, coloring mandalas not only sparks creativity but also fosters mindfulness, helping children cultivate focus and relaxation.

Let your little ones explore the magic of affirmations and mindfulness as they color these adorable animal mandalas.

Grab your set now and watch as they discover the power of positivity!

Fill out the form below to get your 10 Free Positive Affirmation Animal Mandala Coloring Pages. They will be emailed to you within 5 minutes after submission.

Stephanie Brown, LCSW, and Michelle Reiser, MS, NCC, proudly represented the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh at The Pitt School of Social Work Job Fair. Their presence at this event, alongside enthusiastic Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students, showcased our commitment to community engagement and collaboration.

By sharing valuable insights and career opportunities, they fostered meaningful connections that have the potential to shape the future of mental health care in Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County Camp Cadet

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh is proud to give back to our community by donating a Self-Care Cozy Gift Basket to support Allegheny County Camp Cadet’s fundraising efforts. This tuition-free, week-long youth camp provides boys and girls aged 12-14 residing in Allegheny County with invaluable tools for self-discipline, self-esteem, and confidence through teamwork and new friendships.

Allegheny County Camp Cadet is a non-profit organization that is funded by contributions from the community. There is no charge to attend. 2024 is Allegheny County’s 15th year and we are looking forward to providing the youth of our county an opportunity to challenge themselves in a positive environment and make new friends.

Montour School District

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh had the privilege of addressing the entire student body of 9-12 graders at Montour High School, sharing valuable tips and strategies to help them cope with stress and anxiety.

The students’ active participation and engagement showcased their positive reception toward mental health conversations and their interest in learning valuable tools for enhancing their mental wellness.

Grateful for the opportunity to enhance the well-being of the Montour School District, highlighting our dedication to actively engage with and support the Pittsburgh community.

If you’re interested in bringing the expertise of our talented therapists and mental health speakers to your upcoming event, reach out to us today!

Monroeville United Methodist Church Health and Wellness Advocacy Team

Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh therapist Amy White, LPC, recently took the stage at Monroeville United Methodist Church.

Amy presented about how to navigate grief during the holidays. She provided support for those who have experienced various forms of loss, including the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, and more. You can watch the livestream of the presentation here.

The collaboration was with the Health and Wellness Advocacy Team at Monroeville United Methodist Church. This initiative stands as a proud testament to our dedication to Pittsburgh community involvement.

If you’re interested in bringing the expertise of our talented therapists and mental health speakers to your upcoming event, reach out to us today

Ryan Shazier Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Foundation

The mission of The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation is to give those with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their caregivers the support, resources and funding they need to live independent and meaningful lives.

The Counseling and Wellness Center won the bid for an incredible painting of Ryan Shazier at the David Allen fashion show. This masterpiece not only adds a touch of artistry to our space but, more importantly, contributes to the Ryan Shazier Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Foundation. Supporting a great cause and adorning our center with inspiration – a win-win! This initiative stands as a proud testament to our dedication to Pittsburgh community involvement.

Keystone Oaks Middle School Career Day

Located just outside of the City of Pittsburgh, the Keystone Oaks School District serves the communities of Castle Shannon, Dormont and Green Tree. The District spans 4.5 square miles and has a population of more than 21,000.

Rachel Taylor, LPC, a counselor from the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, engaged with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at the Keystone Oaks Middle School Career Fair, shedding light on the expanding mental health field. The students were actively encouraged to ask questions, fostering a dialogue about the path to becoming a counselor. This initiative stands as a proud testament to our dedication to Pittsburgh community involvement.

Crisis Center North

The mission of Crisis Center North is to empower victims of domestic violence and cultivate attitudes and community behaviors that break the cycle of violence.

Crisis Center North is a 501(c)(3) non-profit counseling and resource center that provides services to victims of domestic violence and their loved ones in northern and western Allegheny County via counseling, therapy, case management, legal and medical advocacy, and economic empowerment services. In addition, the Center provides community trainings on topics related to intimate partner violence and teen dating violence, as well as prevention education programming to local schools.

Counselors Elena Shahen and Edisa Music from the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh were honored to collaborate with Crisis Center North in delivering a presentation to students at Montour High School in McKees Rock. The focus was on the positive impact of Mindfulness for Stress Relief and Mental Wellness. During the session, Elena and Edisa expertly guided the students through a practical Mindfulness Practice.

Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the Montour High School community. This initiative stands as a proud testament to our dedication to Pittsburgh community involvement.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust EQT Children’s Theater Festival

Since 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, a non-profit arts organization, has worked to make the Steel City a place where the arts can flourish.

The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh is excited to play a part in the 2023 EQT Children’s Theater Festival.

One our of therapists joined the Q&A panel on stage after the final performance of A Letter for Elena to discuss the play’s themes and grief. We provided a delightful array of coloring and mindfulness activities for our young patrons to relish.

Additionally, we curated an enticing wellness basket for a special giveaway. This initiative stands as a proud testament to our dedication to Pittsburgh community involvement.

Allegheny County Camp Cadet

Allegheny County Camp Cadet is a tuition free, week-long youth camp designed to give boys and girls ages 12-14, who reside in Allegheny County tools to improve self discipline, self-esteem and confidence through teamwork and making new friends.

The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh was proud to donate a Self-Care Cozy Gift Basket to assist Allegheny County Camp Cadet’s fundraising efforts.

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

For the 2022 Holiday Season, the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh was proud to support the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh is more than an emergency shelter for adults experiencing domestic violence and their children. They are a safe harbor that provides specialized care and support for survivors who have experienced all types of intimate partner violence from physical to emotional through Support Groups, Legal Advocacy, Hotline Services, a Children’s Advocacy Program, and more.

By offering a holistic approach to healing, their programs and services provide the safety and support survivors deserve. Women’s Center & Shelter welcomes survivors of domestic violence at different stages in their journeys and works with them to meet their personal, individual needs.

Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization – donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Annual Yoga in the Park

Every Summer, the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh partners with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to sponsor Yoga in the Park at Allegheny Commons West. This beloved event brings together top yoga studios in the Pittsburgh area to provide the community with a free weekly wellness event.

Yoga in the Park.

Literacy Pittsburgh

The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh helped Literacy Pittsburgh to collect book donations for the holidays.

Pittsburgh Community Involvement Questions?