David Behar, MD

Dr. David Behar has Board Certifications in Adult and in Child Psychiatry. The focus of his care is on psychiatric medication management. His medical degree comes from Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA.

He received psychiatric training at SUNY Stony Brook, University of Iowa, the NIMH, and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

He has numerous publications.

Dennis Widdersheim, LCSW

Dennis Widdersheim has been with Solutions Counseling since it was established in 1988. He has been providing mental health and substance abuse treatment on an outpatient basis for nearly 25 years since completing his postgraduate degree.

Dennis has successfully treated adults individually, as a couple, and as a family. He also enjoys treating pre-teens and adolescents. He has contracts with local school districts to provide independent student assessments regarding mental health and substance abuse issues.

Dennis is nationally recognized as a Certified Addictions Specialist and a DOT/DUI Substance Abuse Professional.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the primary approaches Dennis employs in his treatment.

Gerald A. Zimmerman, Ph.D.

Dr. Zimmerman is a graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University and Temple University. He trained at Direct Psychoanalytic Institute for eight years. He was a past President of the Lehigh Valley Psychological Association and Clinical Division of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Dr. Zimmerman worked at St. Gabriel’s Hall in the 1970’s and has been at KidsPeace for 33 years. He has been in private practice since 1986. He is trained in family therapy at Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric and past Certified Drug and Alcohol through the American Psychological Association. Dr. Zimmerman supervises practicum students, interns and post-doctorate students for Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Immaculata College, and Lehigh University. He does assessments and works with marital issues, depression and anxiety disorders and short-term therapy for work and family related issues.

Jodi Waldron, LCSW

Ms. Waldron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Social Work at Mercyhurst University in 2003. Then, in 2004, she received her Master of Science in Social Administration with a Concentration in Mental Health. She has 10 years of experience working with adults and children in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Melanie Heist, MS, LPC, BSL

Melanie attended the University of Massachusetts and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She continued her education at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, receiving a Master of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Adolescent and Child Psychology. She completed an internship with Pinebrook Services working as a counselor with children, adolescents, and families.

Melanie is a dual licensed therapist who is nationally certified (NCC). She currently provides counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, couples, and family therapy sessions. In addition, she continues to work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other behavior disorders (ADHD, OCD, ODD). She maintains a positive environment working collaboratively with clients focusing on strengths, needs, and solutions.

Melanie provides services for individuals with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, relationship concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, grief and loss, personality disorders, sleep disorders, developmental disorders, substance abuse/dependence issues, alcohol abuse/dependence issues (DUI/DWI) and co-morbid disorders.

Melanie is dynamic in her therapeutic style using an eclectic mix of theories and strategies designed specifically for the individual’s needs and strengths. She uses a solution-focused, strength-based model using strategies related to Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Behavior Therapy/Behavior Modification, as well as, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques.

Michele L. Cotter, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, EAS-C

Michele is a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, certified school counselor, certified clinical trauma professional and a certified employee assistance specialist. She is K-12 Student Assistance Program (SAP) trained. She has nearly 20 years experience in the field of mental health since completing her postgraduate degree. She has been working as an outpatient counselor for over 15 years.

Michele has successfully treated children, adolescents, adults and families. She has specialized in working with children and adolescents throughout her career. She began her career as a teacher and school counselor. She has worked with at risk children, adolescents, and their families in the home and in the community in addition to her work as an outpatient counselor. She has experience as a program director and clinical supervisor of outpatient and community-based services.

Michele has training and experience counseling individuals with symptoms related to anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders, behavioral disorders, developmental disorders, eating disorders, as well as grief and loss. She has done extensive clinical work in the area of trauma and stress-related disorders over the last 10 years. Her focus is on helping individuals improve their psychological and emotional well-being while eliciting hope and healing.