TELEHEALTH STATEWIDE · SOUTH HILLS, PA
Michael Breitenbach, MS, LPC
“Talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.”
Michael Breitenbach is a Licensed Professional Counselor at CPA Counseling, working primarily by secure telehealth across Pennsylvania, with in-person appointments available at the South Hills office. He has been counseling since 2004 and has been licensed since 2008; he works with adults, couples, teens, and families on anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, and life transitions — with a particular focus on young adults, technology addiction, and men seeking therapy.
WHO MICHAEL WORKS WITH
Who he’s for
Michael works with adults, teens, young adults, couples, families, seniors, and veterans. Women, men, LGBTQ+ clients, college students. Primarily by telehealth across Pennsylvania, with in-person appointments available at the South Hills office.
why work with Michael
Generativity, not stagnation
His guiding frame, from Erikson: generativity is about giving back — raising children, being productive at work, taking part in something larger. People who have lost that thread often arrive describing it as something else entirely.
HOW MICHAEL WORKS
Fourteen approaches, tailored each time
The widest toolkit in the practice, and twenty-two years of judgment about which part to use. His stated belief is that therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than run as a protocol.
CONDITIONS TREATED
What Michael treats – who Michael sees
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Technology Addiction
- Marriage & Couples
- Family Issues
- Emotional Abuse
- Codependency
- Life Transitions
- Grief & Loss
- Men
- Workplace Stress
- Self-Esteem
For addiction
Federally registered in addiction — the only one here
“Everyone has the potential to reach their full potential, and I am committed to helping my clients get there.”
CARE PHILOSOPHY
Tailored. And it asks for your effort.
Tailored to the individual, in Michael’s words, which is why the toolkit is as wide as it is. He is highly experienced in CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman approach, and he is explicit that his ideal client is internally motivated and willing to put in the work — this is collaborative, not delivered.
ABOUT MICHAEL
Purpose, and fulfillment
Michael Breitenbach is a highly experienced clinician influenced by Erik Erikson’s social development theory, focused on the seventh stage: generativity versus stagnation.
He believes generativity is about giving back to society — raising children, being productive at work, and taking part in community — and works with clients toward purpose and fulfillment. People who have lost that thread often arrive describing it as something else entirely.
Michael is highly experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman approach for couples’ communication, and believes an approach to therapy must be tailored to the individual rather than run as a protocol. Alongside sessions he provides resources and helps clients build an actual plan for a healthier life.
As a telehealth therapist he has found that many people value the freedom it offers, and that it has empowered men to seek therapy at a higher rate, reducing the stigma that has kept many of them away. He has a particular passion for working with young adults navigating peer pressure and social media — as a father of four children ranging from toddler to young adulthood, he understands those pressures directly.
He holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Chatham University, is federally registered in addiction counseling, and sees clients by telehealth across Pennsylvania and in person at the South Hills office.
Approaches Used
The widest toolkit here
Addiction & Technology
Federally registered in addiction
Personalized Care Plans
No program commitments required
CONDITION GUIDE
Therapy guides from Michael Breitenbach
Family
Coping with Your Kids: Parenting Stress & Support
Parenting is demanding, and feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad parent. Coping well means protecting your own well-being, keeping routines, staying patient through big feelings, and asking for help when you need it. Support for parents is a strength, not a failure. Amber Kottner, LPC helps parents and families across Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
Depression
The Power of Positivity (Without the Toxic Kind)
Positivity isn’t about forcing happiness or ignoring real problems — that kind of "toxic positivity" tends to backfire. Realistic positivity is a trainable skill: noticing what’s genuinely good, building on your strengths, and practicing gratitude, often alongside therapy for depression or anxiety. It’s a complement to treatment, not a replacement. Rachel Nash, LPC, MAC helps clients across Pittsburgh’s South Hills, in person or by telehealth across Pennsylvania.
Children & Adolescents
Should You Take Your Kids Out of School for Therapy?
Taking a child out of school occasionally for therapy is usually worthwhile — a child’s mental health is as legitimate as their physical health, and most parents wouldn’t hesitate to miss class for a dentist appointment. Try to minimize disruption with after-school slots, telehealth, or rotating times, but don’t let a missed class stop a child from getting help they need. Shannon Wyzkoski, LPC and the CPA team support children and families across Pennsylvania.