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Counseling & Behavioral Health

Our Mission

Mazzoni Center's Open Door Counseling Program is a licensed outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment provider.

The Open Door Counseling program provides quality professional, accessible and culturally-affirming psychotherapy and psychiatric services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals, couples and families who are seeking to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives.

We offer:

  • Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
  • Dynamic Support and Therapy Groups
  • Expressive and Creative Therapies
  • Psychiatric Care and Medication Management
  • Recovery Services
  • Resources and Referrals to Community-based Adjunct Services

Our Philosophy

Open Door takes pride in our foundation of leadership and experience.   We are committed to helping you find your inner strengths and tap into your hidden resources.   We will work closely with you to ensure the best possible treatment to empower and affect the change you desire.  

Sometimes certain thoughts, feelings and attitudes present challenges to leading healthier, more satisfying lives.   Along your journey, we will help you to; develop positive coping strategies, gain self-awareness and vision, enhance relationships, improve self-esteem and self-worth, make positive decisions, and take control of your life.

At Open Door, we provide a sense of community while honoring the uniqueness of every individual.

Other Information

To get started or for more information about our services, please contact our Intake Coordinator, Cherie Older at 215-563-0652 ext. 274

(If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit this site for a list of emergency services in the region offering 24-hour assistance:  Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania)


We believe therapy should be an affordable option for everyone.   Most commercial insurance is accepted.  However, as insurance plans vary greatly, we will look into your benefit allowances.  A sliding scale is available for clients without insurance coverage.  The Intake Coordinator and Eligibility Specialist will provide more details.

We also participate in the PA Medicaid program (CBH).  

You may qualify for funding available through our community partnerships.  Our Intake Coordinator can explain more.

Open Door Internship Program

Open Door will accept two Master's level student interns in the areas of Social Work, Psychology, Counseling Psychology (or other closely related fields) per academic year.  To be considered for internship, interested students must complete the application and forward it, along with resume/CV, to Judy Morrissey, LCSW at jmorrissey@mazzonicenter.org.  Advanced year students, with previous counseling experience, are preferred.  Applications will be reviewed between January and March (for Fall placement), and the top candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Download the application.

Meet our staff

Program Services

Beginnings - Recovery Support Group

A drop-in support group for LGBTQ persons in the early stages of recovery. Beginnings serves to support each individual's unique recovery goals and strategies, while increasing insight and self-awareness, along with an educational component.

Creative Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a useful approach for various reasons, especially for expressing difficult or complex feelings. Art therapy utilizes traditional therapeutic techniques, coupled with various aspects of the creative process.

Evolutions - Transgender Support Group

A drop-in support group for anyone identifying along the transgender spectrum. Please join us for support and psycho-education surrounding issues of gender, such as gender identity, gender presentation, and coming out to friends and family.

HIV/AIDS Support Group

A drop-in support group for LGBTQ persons living with HIV/AIDS. All HIV positive individuals are welcome to attend regardless of age, gender, or history of your HIV diagnosis. If you're newly diagnosed or a longer-term survivor, we are here to help.

Life Coaching & Self-Esteem

This group is all about confidence-building. It’s about learning to silence your inner critic and how to give yourself credit for your accomplishments without second-guessing your strengths.

Positive Relationships

Posi+ive Relationships is a five-session group for Gay and Bisexual men who are living with HIV. Posi+ive Relationships is an interactive group, utilizing video clips, role-plays and peer feedback to enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills relating to disclosure, communication, safer sex, and stronger relationships.

Stepping Stone - Recovery Support Group

The group is focused on helping LGBTQ persons gain the insight and self-awareness necessary to start the process of recovering from alcohol or other substance abuse. This group helps serve to support, as well as to educate, and acts as a "stepping stone" in the recovery process.

Stress, Relaxation, & Mindfulness

If you are interested in learning self-care, stress management, relaxation techniques and work-life balance, this group is for you. With the use of mindfulness-based techniques, this group with help teach how to minimize stress by living in the here-and now.