Meet Dr. Arena

View Dr. Arena’s CV/Resume

1-844-449-7667 Extension 1

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Welcome to Berks Hypnosis and Counseling Services LLC. Please allow me the opportunity to introduce myself–I am Dr. David Arena, the president and owner of the company. I am a doctoral-level counselor and hypnotherapist with more than 30 years of experience working in the social service and behavioral healthcare fields.  I am a Maine Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor and also a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional.

I established the Therapeutic Alliance as a private practice providing diagnosis-free, strengths-based counseling, psychotherapy, consulting, coaching, & hypnotherapy in 1993 in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In 2001, I moved the practice to Hatfield, Montgomery County. Then, in 2007, I moved the Therapeutic Alliance to Leesport, Berks County. As part of a practice expansion, the Therapeutic Alliance has been renamed Berks Hypnosis and Counseling Services. In 2022, I relocated to Maine to explore the natural beauty and take advantage of the quality of life that this state has to offer.

My academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Biology from  Ursinus College, a Masters of  Education in Counseling Psychology  from Rutgers University, a Masters of Business Administration from California Pacific  University, a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Juris Doctorate in Law all from Widener University.

I have presented at regional and national conferences and provided numerous trainings to social service and criminal justice professionals.

Currently, I am the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Hometown Health Center LLC, a federally qualified health center in rural, Central Maine. Prior to this, I was the Behavioral Sciences Director at Penn State Health St Joe’s where I was in charge of all aspects of the behavioral health services education for the doctors in the family medicine residency.   For 12 years, I was an Assistant Professor for Argosy University where I taught in the master’s programs in forensic psychology and clinical mental health counseling and the doctoral program in counseling psychology and pastoral community counseling. I was rated one of the Top 25 forensic psychology professors in the nation– http://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/profs/forensic-psychology-professors.  I also worked as a staff counselor two at Lebanon Valley College. Prior to this for 8 years, I was an Assistant Professor at Chestnut Hill College where I was also the Administrator of their master’s program in clinical and counseling psychology at DeSales University in Center Valley.  I have advised, supervised, trained, and taught hundreds of graduate students at the master’s and doctoral levels.

I have also lectured as an adjunct professor at Albright College, Alvernia University, Arcadia University, Carlow University, University of the Rockies, Widener University, Kutztown University, Holy Family College, and Penn State Berks.

FAQ’s & Policies

How many sessions will I need?         

The number of sessions required varies depending on the person and the issue or goal they have, but hypnotherapy is generally a short-term, focused treatment. The typical smoking cessation treatment is 1 session. Sometimes an additional follow-up or two may be required. Other issues vary in terms of the number and frequency of sessions required.

Do you take insurance?                

No, I am no longer accepting any insurance. Unfortunately, the reimbursement rates are too low.  Be aware that most of the time these payment arrangements require you to be assigned a mental health diagnosis and may require communication with your plan to approve treatment.  I do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. I prefer to utilize a strengths-based approach free from psychiatric diagnosis, treatment plans, and insurance paperwork.  This approach requires out-of-pocket payment but provides greater levels of privacy. I will provide a receipt for services upon request but do not guarantee that your insurance carrier will reimburse you for services provided. All payment is expected at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.

How much will it cost?*

• A typical in-office session is 60 minutes in length and costs $200. I offer a $25 cash discount.
• 30-minute follow-up sessions are often adequate for hypnosis clients and are $100. ($10 cash discount).
• Smoking cessation, weight loss, and chronic pain management discounted, pre-paid packages are available—please inquire.

Longer and shorter appointments are available as well. I make house calls in your home or your office based upon the above fees and $40 per every 15 minutes of travel time required to and from the visit.

*Please note: These are Dr. Arena’s rates. Rates of associates may vary. Also, some associates are available for reduced sliding scale rates based on income (must provide a copy of the latest federal tax form to prove income eligibility).