By: Mark Moran, LSW Ashe Walker - Unsplashed As a psychotherapist who frequently works with creative individuals, I often hear a familiar worry: “If I get better, will my art get worse?” As an artist myself, I know the feeling. For many artists, the idea of the “tortured artist” looms large, this belief that suffering is not only an unavoidable part of the creative life, but a necessary ingredient for meaningful work. It’s a persistent myth, and an emotionally costly one. L

By: Mark Moran, LSW William Fonteneau - Unsplashed Sober Sex in Meth Recovery: What Happens in the Brain & How to Do It Safely For many gay men, the term “chemsex” often conjures sex + stimulants, especially crystal­methamphetamine (“Tina,” “ice”) used to heighten arousal, prolong stamina and blur social-inhibitions. Research shows that among men who have sex with men (MSM), chemsex is heavily embedded in gay nightlife: one qualitative study found that many gay men in South L

In this blog, Mark Moran, LSW explains ways your dog might be the therapist you never knew you had.

By: Hannah Muller, ATR-BC®, LPC Photo credit: Randalyn Hill via Unsplash Somewhere between the morning alarms, the endless to-do lists, and the quiet moments when things start to slow down, a pesky question tends to appear: “What am I doing with my life?” If you’ve ever had that thought- you are not alone! My clients bring this question into therapy all the time, usually with a mix of frustration, shame, and curiosity. I myself have wrestled with this existential question

By: Emma Schutzius, LSW Yael Hofnung - Unsplashed Can you think of the last time you did something purely for fun, with no expectations or end goal? These actions are a form of “play”, defined by psychologists as activities that are voluntary, enjoyable, and done for their own sake—not for an external reward or outcome (Burghardt, 2011). Adulthood is a stage of life that often becomes synonymous with responsibility, deadlines, and work. There is little room for play when prio

By: Eden Anozier, LSW Vitaly Gariev - Unsplashed As with any relationship, navigating ethical non-monogamy (ENM) requires ongoing internal and interpersonal growth. ENM can tend to shine a bright spotlight these opportunities for self-actualization, even when you confidently identify with ENM. While the basis of issues often explored within ENM dynamics appear in other relationship types and styles, like monogamy and friendship, the varied approaches and nuances within ENM ar

In this blog Alex Clements, LSW explores the idea of Queering Friendships and how this might help when experiencing loneliness.

Understanding health insurance can be overwhelming — deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and coverage tiers can all feel confusing. This blog breaks down what these terms mean and how they apply when using commercial insurance at Perez Therapy. Learn how to navigate in-network benefits, meet your deductible, and make the most of your coverage for mental health care in Philadelphia.

Perez Therapy is now in-network with Independence Blue Cross (IBX)! This milestone expands access to quality, compassionate mental health care across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. With IBX, Aetna, United, Quest, and Medicaid, we’re reducing care interruptions and ensuring more individuals and families can continue their therapy journey—no matter how their insurance changes.

It’s natural for parents to want to meet every need and want of their child. After all, nurturing and providing are instinctive parental responses...

OCD and anxiety can look similar, but they’re not the same. While both involve worry and stress, OCD is driven by unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at easing anxiety. Understanding the difference is key to getting the right support and treatment. This blog explores how to tell them apart—and why compassion and accurate diagnosis matter in every healing journey.

Being authentic means living in alignment with your true values instead of conforming to external expectations. While fear of judgment can make authenticity difficult, embracing your genuine self fosters self-worth, stronger connections, and a more fulfilling life. Therapy can provide a safe, supportive space to explore what authenticity looks like for you and how to practice it every day.

Coming out is not just a moment, in fact it is a deeply personal journey. For many folks that identify as part of the queer community, that journey involves navigating identity, fear, vulnerability, and, ultimately, self-acceptance. But what if there was a way to express all of that without saying a word?

Talking to children about death and grief can feel overwhelming; creating space for open, honest, and compassionate conversations is essential to helping them process loss.

Felix A. Perez, LCSW, Founder and CEO of Perez Therapy, LLC, is featured on the cover of the Summer 2025 edition of Éxito, GPHCC’s bilingual business journal, highlighting his journey from nonprofit leader to business owner, and his commitment to mission-focused mental health care in Philadelphia.

I started my private practice in my home office in 2014—more than a decade ago. Hard to believe! Back then, my practice was part-time, limited to evenings and weekends while I worked full-time as a behavioral health executive.

We recognize that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a mental health issue too. Our therapists have supported clients experiencing climate-related anxiety, helping them navigate emotions like fear, grief, and overwhelm, while building resilience and fostering meaningful connection. If you or someone you know is feeling the weight of the climate crisis, you’re not alone. Therapy can offer tools to move forward.

Please sign our petition! We need your help. Needless regulations prohibit qualified professionals from serving children who need it most.

Let's help you demystify the insurance process when looking for a therapist. Here are 11 ideas for you to consider! #TherapyTips

Your search for the right therapist is about match making. Consider these 9 ideas when making your match. #TherapyTips