Dempsey Young, Psychologist

Therapy should be a place where you can show up as your full, authentic self — not the polished version you think you're supposed to be. I'm not the distant, silent, smile-and-nod kind of therapist. Clients tell me they appreciate the validation and empathy I bring, and that I'm not afraid to be direct when it matters. You'll hear me curse once in a while. We'll laugh together, and we'll sit with the hard stuff, and I'll say the honest thing about what's keeping you stuck. At some point one of my dogs or ferrets will make a surprise appearance on screen. I can't ask you to be real with me if I'm not willing to be real with you. My work is grounded in relational and interpersonal approaches, which means the trust between us is central to the healing — not a preliminary to it. Our relationships, with ourselves and with the people and systems around us, tend to be where our deepest wounds come from and where growth actually happens. I'm also trauma-informed, holistic, and multicultural in how I work. I want to understand you in the context of your identity, your history, your culture, and your strengths — not just your symptoms. Depending on what you need, our work might include evidence-based trauma interventions, practical skills, psychoeducation, exploring relationship patterns, creative and expressive approaches, or body-focused techniques. No two people need the same thing, so I don't work from a formula. My job isn't to tell you who to become. It's to help you reconnect with who you already are. Your first consultation is free — a relaxed chance to tell me what's on your mind and ask me anything. Let's get you to more than surviving.

Rising Phoenix Therapy is my solo private practice, based in State College, PA and operating entirely by telehealth. As a PSYPACT-authorized provider, I can work with clients in Pennsylvania and in participating states across the country — you can check whether yours is one of them at psypact.org. Working remotely means you aren't limited to the therapists who happen to be near you. If you need someone with specific expertise, you can find that person regardless of where you live. Beyond individual therapy, I offer: Adult ADHD and autism assessments, including comprehensive telehealth evaluations with clear diagnostic feedback and practical recommendations for treatment, accommodations, or academic support. Gender-affirming assessments and letters of support for hormone therapy or surgical care, written promptly and respectfully. My approach here is affirming, not gatekeeping. Relationship counseling. I use that term rather than "couples counseling" because it's more inclusive of open relationships, polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and other structures. I hold a limited number of openings for partners, so it's worth checking with me directly — and if I'm full, I'm glad to refer you to someone who isn't. Clinical and organizational trainings for practices, agencies, and organizations. I'm an out-of-network provider. Depending on your policy, you may be able to submit paperwork for out-of-network benefits and receive partial reimbursement, and I can provide the documentation you'd need for that. Most clients meet weekly. Every new client starts with a free phone consultation — a low-pressure conversation about what's bringing you in, what you're hoping for, and whether we're a good fit.