How to Find the Best Therapists in Scottsdale for You
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC, founder of Pathways Counseling Services, was recognized as a BusinessRate Top 5 2026 Award Winner for counseling in Central Scottsdale, AZ. That is a meaningful local recognition, and it is a helpful place to start when people search for the best therapists in Scottsdale. It is not, however, a shortcut around the more personal question: which therapist is the right fit for you?
A top rated therapist in Scottsdale is not simply the person with the most impressive-sounding description. The right choice depends on your needs, the therapist’s professional qualifications and listed focus, the approach you want to explore, and the practical details that make it possible to attend. Pathways offers a free 15-minute consultation at 480-639-5559 so you can ask questions before committing to a first appointment.
What makes the best therapist in Scottsdale right for a given person?
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Someone looking for help with a child’s concerns may need a very different match than someone who wants couples counseling, trauma-focused support, or a private space to discuss anxiety. The best therapist for you is a person whose professional focus fits your concern and whose way of communicating allows you to feel heard.
Fit can take time to assess. It may include whether a therapist answers questions clearly, respects your pace, understands the kind of support you are seeking, and offers an appointment format that works for your life. You do not have to predict the entire future of therapy from one phone call, but you can pay attention to whether the first conversation feels informed and respectful.
Specialty match matters too. If you are seeking counseling for trauma, OCD, a relationship concern, chronic pain, or a child, it makes sense to review a therapist’s stated areas of focus rather than assuming every clinician works in the same way. Pathways profiles its clinicians individually so you can start with their actual listed backgrounds.
How to evaluate therapists in Scottsdale with care
1. Check licenses and credentials
Look for clear professional credentials and a direct biography page. An LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, an LAC is a Licensed Associate Counselor, and an LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. NCC is a national professional certification rather than a state license, and LPC-S identifies a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor under applicable state rules.
2. Match the practice to the concern you want to address
Read the service pages and therapist profiles with your actual situation in mind. If anxiety is the concern, review anxiety therapy for adults; if your relationship needs attention, review couples therapy in Scottsdale. The point is not to self-diagnose. It is to arrive with better questions.
3. Ask about approach, not just labels
Terms such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Gottman therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy can be useful starting points. A good consultation question is, “How do you see this approach fitting the concern I am bringing?” You can learn more through Pathways pages on CBT, DBT, and EMDR therapy.
4. Consider logistics early
Even an excellent professional match needs to be workable. Consider the office location, schedule, fee information, and whether you prefer in-person care or telehealth. Pathways sees clients in person at 8414 E Shea Blvd Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 and offers telehealth across Arizona.
5. Notice how the practice responds to questions
You are allowed to ask practical questions before you schedule. A short consultation can help you understand how to get started, which therapist’s profile to review, and where to find information about fees. Clear answers are part of making a thoughtful choice.
What a top rated therapist in Scottsdale label cannot tell you
A ranking, review summary, or award cannot tell you whether you will feel comfortable talking with a particular therapist. It cannot replace a conversation about your goals, a careful reading of a clinician’s profile, or the practical realities of scheduling. Use public recognition as one reason to look more closely, not as a promise about your individual experience.
It is also fine to take your time. You may want to compare more than one profile, write down a few questions before calling, or decide after a first conversation that another therapist may be a better match. Choosing counseling is a personal decision, and a thoughtful practice should leave room for you to make it.
What Pathways Counseling Services offers
Pathways Counseling Services provides counseling for adults, couples, children, teens, families, and groups. The practice also has service pages for concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, grief, anger, and bipolar disorder. You can use the Scottsdale counseling services hub to compare these options in one place.
The practice offers in-person therapy in Scottsdale and Arizona telehealth. A free 15-minute consultation gives prospective clients a lower-pressure way to ask an initial question before choosing a therapist or scheduling an appointment. To request one, call 480-639-5559.
Pathways does not ask you to choose a therapist based on an award alone. Stephanie Levitt’s BusinessRate recognition is a point of local trust, but the practice encourages you to review the team, think through your goals, and decide whether a particular clinician’s listed focus fits what you need.
Meet the Pathways therapy team
Each Pathways clinician has a dedicated profile. The best way to explore a possible fit is to read the profile that relates to your concern and then ask questions during a consultation.
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Stephanie Levitt is the founder of Pathways Counseling Services and the BusinessRate Top 5 2026 Award Winner recognized for counseling in Central Scottsdale, AZ.
Sofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC
Sofia Softas-Nall provides telehealth and lists trauma, LGBTQIA+, chronic pain, and anxiety among her focus areas.
Allison Zimmer, MS, LAC
Allison Zimmer lists trauma, anxiety, couples, substance use, and teens among her focus areas.
Ali Kasulaitis, MS, LAC
Ali Kasulaitis works with children as young as four and lists CBT play therapy.
Alyssa Dowdell, MS, LAC
Alyssa Dowdell is a member of the Pathways counseling team.
Chloe Cheek, MA, LAC
Chloe Cheek lists trauma, anxiety, OCD, and teens among her focus areas.
Haley Anderson, LCSW
Haley Anderson works with children, teens, adults, and athletes.
David Merrick, MS Ed, LPC-S
David Merrick holds the LPC-S credential and is part of the Pathways team.
Geanine Gafni, MA, LAC
Geanine Gafni is a Certified Trauma Specialist.
Michele Rutti, LAC
Michele Rutti works with children and teens.
Start with a conversation, not a ranking
If you are looking for the best therapists in Scottsdale, start by defining what “best” needs to mean for you. It may mean a particular specialty, a therapist for your child or teen, couples support, Arizona telehealth, or a straightforward first conversation. You can see the full Pathways therapist team and call 480-639-5559 for a free 15-minute consultation.
Pathways Counseling Services is located at 8414 E Shea Blvd Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. The practice can help you begin the process of identifying which profile and service page may be most relevant to your next step.
Frequently asked questions
Does an award mean a therapist will be the best fit for me?
No. An award can be one signal of local recognition, but fit is personal. Consider the therapist’s license, listed specialty, approach, logistics, and how the initial conversation feels to you.
How can I compare therapists at the same practice?
Read each clinician’s individual profile and note the concerns or age groups they list. Then call for a consultation and ask which therapist may be appropriate to speak with based on the information you share.
Can I choose a therapist for my child or teen?
Yes. Pathways has therapists who work with children and teens, and their profiles identify those focus areas. Review child therapy or teen therapy information before you contact the office.
Is telehealth available if I do not live near Scottsdale?
Pathways offers telehealth across Arizona. Call the office to discuss your location and ask what options may be available.