expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Jennifer Starosta, PH.D.

Psychologist | Clinical

Dr. Jenny Starosta is a psychologist practicing in the greater Philadelphia, PA area. Dr. Starosta specializes in the treatment of maternal mental health problems such as postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, infertility and fetal loss, and helps people to cope with their challenges and stressors related to being a parent. As a psychologist, Dr. Starosta evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy, and she is trained in EMDR, CBT and other treatment modalities. Patients usually visit Dr. Starosta because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or parenting challenges for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition, and can treat both short and long-term mental health issues.
25 years Experience
Dr. Jenny Starosta, PH.D.
  • Conshohocken, PA
  • Temple University
  • Accepting new patients

What therapy is effective with schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health issue that is really best managed with medication. It is often difficult for a person with the symptoms of schizophrenia to get the full benefit READ MORE
Schizophrenia is a mental health issue that is really best managed with medication. It is often difficult for a person with the symptoms of schizophrenia to get the full benefit of therapy until their symptoms are under control. Once the symptoms have been decreased, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other talk therapies can be helpful to the person to aid them in understanding their symptoms, building up coping strategies and addressing feelings they have about their diagnosis and how it has impacted their life, personal relationships and choices.

What do counselors do for anxiety?

Counselors will help you understand where your anxiety is coming from and what to do about it. They will often help you learn specific techniques to help manage both your physical READ MORE
Counselors will help you understand where your anxiety is coming from and what to do about it. They will often help you learn specific techniques to help manage both your physical symptoms of anxiety, like racing heart, shortness of breath or nausea, and your cognitive symptoms like the thoughts you have and how quickly they are going through your mind. This will often take several sessions to understand what triggers and maintains your anxiety, learn different techniques, and practice them with the help of your counselor.

Is it possible to stop alcohol addiction?

Yes it is possible. It is most effective when you can treat the physical components of addiction with medication and the psychological, behavioral and cognitive components with READ MORE
Yes it is possible. It is most effective when you can treat the physical components of addiction with medication and the psychological, behavioral and cognitive components with therapy and support. While AA might be the most well known treatment source, there are other effective and scientifically backed treatments that can be used instead of AA or in conjunction with it.

Can medications help schizophrenia?

Medication definitely helps schizophrenia, and is often necessary to help relieve symptoms. A person with schizophrenia can learn strategies to help them cope with the symptoms READ MORE
Medication definitely helps schizophrenia, and is often necessary to help relieve symptoms. A person with schizophrenia can learn strategies to help them cope with the symptoms they experience, but cannot control the symptoms without medication in the same way that a person can do things that might help or hurt their asthma symptoms, but cannot behave or think in ways that will just cure the asthma.

Do I have social anxiety disorder?

Yes, this sounds like social anxiety disorder. The physical symptoms that you described are hallmark symptoms of anxiety, and the negative thoughts about what people thought of READ MORE
Yes, this sounds like social anxiety disorder. The physical symptoms that you described are hallmark symptoms of anxiety, and the negative thoughts about what people thought of you or how you presented yourself are key thought patterns in social anxiety. A psychologist would be able to help you with these symptoms, and medication could also be helpful if you feel like your symptoms continue to be too overwhelming to cope with, even with the psychologists help.

is anxiety causing me to become nauseous and throw up

This sounds like it could be anxiety, especially since it seems that there are certain situations that make it more likely and that help it resolve. A psychologist would definitely READ MORE
This sounds like it could be anxiety, especially since it seems that there are certain situations that make it more likely and that help it resolve. A psychologist would definitely be able to help you with any part of this that is related to anxiety, which might also help you sort this out.

How does psychotherapy treat PTSD?

There is more than one way to treat PTSD. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a technique designed specifically to treat PTSD symptoms, but CBT (Cognitive READ MORE
There is more than one way to treat PTSD. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a technique designed specifically to treat PTSD symptoms, but CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and other talk therapy techniques can also be very effective. Medication can also be helpful to address your symptoms, especially if they are severe and incapacitating, but this should be used in conjunction with therapy.

What psychotherapy is best for PTSD?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is the best therapy for PTSD. This sounds fancy but it is really effective and often allows you to get past trauma because READ MORE
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is the best therapy for PTSD. This sounds fancy but it is really effective and often allows you to get past trauma because it addresses it in a way that does not rely on it.

What age can a child start behavioral therapy?

A child can definitely start behavioral therapy at age 5 or even as young as 3. At this age, kids can learn a lot of strategies about managing their own behaviors and emotions READ MORE
A child can definitely start behavioral therapy at age 5 or even as young as 3. At this age, kids can learn a lot of strategies about managing their own behaviors and emotions but they also rely heavily upon their parents so it is critical for all caregivers to be included in the process. It’s better to start earlier and help your child learn to cope, than it is to wait for the problem to go away on its own and allow everyone to be frustrated and feel uncertain.

Are medications effective in treating major depressive disorder?

Yes, in many cases, medications are very helpful in treating major depressive disorder. While not every person responds the same to medications, there are a variety of medications READ MORE
Yes, in many cases, medications are very helpful in treating major depressive disorder. While not every person responds the same to medications, there are a variety of medications available that are effective. Taking a medication may help you get more out of therapy and the psychological strategies that will allow you to better manage, alleviate, or cope with your symptoms.

Can anxiety be cured?

Anxiety may not be able to be cured, but that is expected. Anxiety is there for a reason, to help you think ahead and be safe. However, you can learn to manage your anxiety so READ MORE
Anxiety may not be able to be cured, but that is expected. Anxiety is there for a reason, to help you think ahead and be safe. However, you can learn to manage your anxiety so that it does not overwhelm you and prevent you from enjoying your life and the things you want to do.

How often should you see a doctor for ADHD?

It would help to see a psychologist once a week to maintain consistent progress in addressing your daughter's needs. If you/she decides that medication would be helpful, seeing READ MORE
It would help to see a psychologist once a week to maintain consistent progress in addressing your daughter's needs. If you/she decides that medication would be helpful, seeing a psychiatrist or PCP once a month is necessary.

Can a psychologist help with ADHD?

Yes! Absolutely a psychologist can help both your daughter understand how her brain works, and can help you understand how to best support her and help her learn the skills that READ MORE
Yes! Absolutely a psychologist can help both your daughter understand how her brain works, and can help you understand how to best support her and help her learn the skills that will allow her to be more successful.

Can you heal anxiety without pills?

Yes, you can treat anxiety without pills. Pills may help to reduce the severity of the anxiety, but therapy will help you understand and master strategies that will help you manage, READ MORE
Yes, you can treat anxiety without pills. Pills may help to reduce the severity of the anxiety, but therapy will help you understand and master strategies that will help you manage, reduce and successfully cope with anxiety. Unlike medication, these strategies and skills will last a lifetime once you learn them and can be used anytime, regardless of your situation, health insurance coverage, financial means or age.