Our Team

At Blooming Expressions Therapy, our small team of dedicated therapists is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Each member brings a unique background and set of experiences, fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment where clients feel safe to explore their feelings and thoughts.

Our Services
Accepted Insurances

Meet the Therapists

  • Birdie Mullins

    Birdie Mullins - ATR-P, LAPC

    Birdie is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist offering virtual therapy to adults 18+. They welcome all backgrounds and use creative processes, imagery, and metaphor for healing, growth, and self-exploration.
    Learn More
  • Cassandra Caldwell

    Cassandra Caldwell - ATR, LPC

    Cassandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist offering in-person and virtual therapy for ages 13+. She uses holistic, creative approaches to foster growth and healing.

    Learn More
  • Erica Kuhn

    Erica Kuhn - ATR-BC, LPC

    Erica, founder of Blooming Expressions Therapy, LLC, offers in-person and virtual therapy and provides consulting to clinicians starting or managing their practices.
    Learn More
  • Kayla Mento, MA, ATR-BC, LPC

    Kayla Mento - ATR-BC, LPC

    Kayla offers virtual therapy for accessible, compassionate support and provides art therapy supervision for ATR and licensure candidates.
    Learn More
  • Mia Stavarski, ATR-P, LAPC

    Mia Stavarski - ATR-P, LAPC

    Mia is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and Provisionally Registered Art Therapist offering telehealth to children (4+), teens, and adults. She works person-centered and trauma-informed with individuals facing various challenges.
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  • Melissa DeSoto

    Melissa DeSoto - LCSW

    Melissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, provides in-person and virtual therapy. Trained in EMDR, she has extensive experience with intimate partner violence, trauma, and perinatal mental health.
    Learn More
Not Sure? Contact Us!

Accepted Insurances

Blooming Expressions Therapy accepts a variety of commercial plans. Check to see which networks each therapist is in. We also provide a complimentary benefit check to get an estimate on coverage details once you submit our contact form.

Please note, Blooming Expressions Therapy is not able to take Medicare or Medicaid plans at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • The following therapists are In Network with Aetna (and Aetna affiliated plans).
    Click on a therapists name to learn more.

    • Erica Kuhn

    • Kayla Mento

    • Cassandra Caldwell

    • Birdie Mullins

    • Melissa DeSoto

    • Mia Stavarski

  • The following therapists are In Network with BlueCross BlueShield (and affiliated plans).
    Click on a therapists name to learn more.

    • Erica Kuhn

    • Kayla Mento

    • Cassandra Caldwell

    • Birdie Mullins

    • Melissa DeSoto

    • Mia Stavarski

  • The following therapists are In Network with Cigna.
    Click on a therapists name to learn more.

    • Erica Kuhn

    • Kayla Mento

    • Cassandra Caldwell‍ ‍(Pending)

  • The following therapists are In Network with United Healthcare (Optum, Oxford, Oscar, UMR).
    Click on a therapists name to learn more.

    • Erica Kuhn

    • Kayla Mento

    • Melissa DeSoto

    • Cassandra Caldwell‍ ‍(Pending)

  • The following therapists are In Network with UPMC Health Plan (Commercial Plans Only).
    Click on a therapists name to learn more.

    • Erica Kuhn

    • Kayla Mento

    • Melissa DeSoto

    • Cassandra Caldwell‍ ‍

    • Birdie Mullins

  • Health insurance plans can have different names, especially for people who are from out of state. Below are alternative plan names we may still be in-network with. Note: You must live in PA — and we cannot confirm coverage until we can verify with your plan.

    This may not be a complete list- we are happy to check for you!

    • Aetna

      • Meritain

      • Aetna CVS Health

      • First Health

      • Innovation Health

    • BlueCross BlueShield

      • Independence BC

      • Highmark BCBS

      • Horizon BCBS

      • Anthem

      • Empire

    • Cigna

      • Evernorth

    • United Healthcare

      • Optum

      • Oxford

      • Oscar

      • UMR

      • AllSavers

    • UPMC

      • Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH)

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We aim to make our intake process as smooth and accessible as possible. Here is our general process for getting started:

    1. Contact us via our New Client Contact form

    2. We will check your insurance or discuss a rate that works for you (if private pay).

    3. You will receive an Intake Packet to complete prior to your first billable session (the intake)

  • Everyone's therapy needs are different, so how often you meet may change. We usually suggest starting with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. This helps you connect with your therapist and feel more comfortable as you explore your thoughts and feelings. Regular sessions create a supportive space for deeper understanding. As you move forward, we can discuss and adjust the frequency to best support your growth and healing. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help you along the way.

  • Virtual (telehealth) therapy allows clients to receive counseling and support remotely through video sessions, providing a convenient and flexible way to access care from the comfort of your own home. At Blooming Expressions Therapy, we use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform called Simple Practice to ensure your privacy and confidentiality during virtual sessions. This platform allows for easy scheduling, secure video calls, and access to important documents, so you can fully engage in therapy without worrying about technology or security.

  • Art Therapy is a distinct therapeutic practice led by a trained and licensed art therapist. It integrates the creative process with psychotherapy, using various art forms such as drawing, painting, or sculpting to explore emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Unlike a singular technique, Art Therapy is a comprehensive approach that encourages self-expression and personal insight, making it especially beneficial for those dealing with trauma, emotional challenges, or life transitions. No artistic experience is necessary—the focus is on the therapeutic process, not the artistic outcome.

  • Whether you do not have health insurance, choose not to utilize your insurance plan, or we are not in network, you may choose to pay out of pocket for services.

    Please see our current rates:

    • Intake Session: $200

    • 45-60 minute Session: $150

    Blooming Expressions Therapy also offers Sliding Scale rates for those who may not be able to afford the full session rate. Please inquire about sliding scale rates.

  • Yes! Blooming Expressions Therapy accepts the following Commercial Plans.

    *Please note, coverage may depend on the therapist you see and the specific plan you have. We are happy to check your coverage for sessions prior to scheduling .

    • UPMC
      We cannot accept UPMC “for You”, “for Kids” or other medicaid/medicare plans.

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield
      Affiliated BCBS Plans are accepted (Highmark, Keystone, Independence, etc) to PA residents.

    • United Healthcare Plans
      Oxford, UMR, Oscar, Optum

    • Aetna Plans
      Meritain

    • Cigna
      Evernorth