Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Steininger.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I actually started my practice about three and a half years ago while I was working full-time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, assisting students with their mental health. I made the brave jump to private practice full-time after things picked up about a year and a half in. Today, our practice has grown to include two employees along with myself, plus a marketing strategy team. What truly drives me, though, is the privilege of journeying alongside my clients. Seeing them put in the work, going through the trenches with them, and watching them grow on the other side is incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like getting that heartfelt feedback where a client shares how much they appreciate the help and seeing them become successful—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, and there have been quite a few speed bumps along the way. One of the biggest adjustments was learning the financial realities of running a business—which is entirely different from being an employee—and figuring out how to manage those complexities while taking things one step at a time. I also faced hurdles like getting credentialed with insurance panels and selecting the right software for my practice. Beyond the operational challenges, there was the very real, underlying fear of not making it, and the immense pressure of knowing my family’s livelihood depended on my success.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize heavily in treating anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and people-pleasing, and we help people set strong boundaries. We meet you where you’re at on your journey rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how we’ve expanded our reach all across Pennsylvania, making quality mental health care accessible to everyone regardless of location. To remove barriers to treatment, we offer flexible virtual counseling times and strive to get back to clients quickly to schedule sessions.
We accept most major insurances, while also offering packages and a sliding scale for those who prefer not to use insurance or are looking for lower costs. Additionally, we have a Spanish-speaking clinician on our team to ensure we can connect with a broader community, and our other clinicians specialize in ADHD, life transitions, and chronic illness.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was the oldest of three in a close-knit nuclear family and always had a great relationship with my siblings. I was very active outdoors, playing sports year-round and enjoying activities like hiking. Later, I played baseball in college and became a team captain, which taught me the importance of mentoring younger players. Back then, I was a very positive person who rarely complained, but I was also quite shy and introverted. This personal history of being a bit of an introvert and a people-pleaser has ultimately shaped how I help my own clients learn to be more assertive and set healthy boundaries today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bridgecitycounselingpa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgecitycounselingpa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bridge-City-Counseling-LLC/61587480984359/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-steininger-b41a71160/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bridgecitycounselingpa
