Albert (Al) Pohl, M.Div., CAADC, LPC

Overview

Albert (Al) Pohl operates as a licensed professional counselor within Berks Counseling Associates, a mental health practice located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. The practice occupies Suite 250 at 1150 Berkshire Boulevard, situated in the greater Reading metropolitan area of Berks County. Pohl holds multiple credentials in the counseling field, including a Master of Divinity degree, certification as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Professional Credentials and Background

The combination of credentials held by Albert Pohl reflects a multifaceted approach to counseling that bridges several disciplines. The Master of Divinity degree typically indicates graduate-level theological education, often pursued by individuals entering ministry, chaplaincy, or pastoral counseling roles. This educational background suggests training in areas such as ethics, human development, crisis intervention, and the integration of spiritual perspectives into therapeutic practice.

The CAADC certification represents an advanced credential in addiction counseling recognized across multiple states. This certification requires substantial clinical experience in substance abuse treatment, completion of specific educational requirements, and passage of a comprehensive examination. Counselors holding this credential have demonstrated proficiency in assessing substance use disorders, developing treatment plans, facilitating individual and group therapy sessions focused on addiction recovery, and understanding the complex interplay between substance use and mental health conditions.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, Pohl has met the state's requirements for independent clinical practice, which include completion of a master's degree in counseling or a related field, accumulation of supervised clinical hours, and successful completion of licensing examinations. The LPC credential authorizes practitioners to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and work with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Practice Setting and Location

Berks Counseling Associates operates from a professional office building on Berkshire Boulevard in Wyomissing, a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Wyomissing is located adjacent to Reading and serves as part of the suburban commercial district that has developed along the Route 422 corridor. The Berkshire Boulevard address places the practice within an accessible commercial area that includes various professional services, retail establishments, and healthcare facilities.

The office location provides wheelchair accessibility throughout the facility, including the entrance, restroom facilities, and parking areas. This accessibility infrastructure ensures that individuals with mobility limitations can access counseling services without physical barriers. The practice operates on an appointment basis, with scheduling recommended or required prior to visits, which is standard practice in outpatient mental health settings to ensure adequate session time and clinician availability.

Scope of Counseling Services

Based on the credentials held by Albert Pohl, the practice likely addresses a range of mental health and substance use concerns. Licensed Professional Counselors in Pennsylvania are trained to work with various presenting issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, grief and loss, stress management, and behavioral concerns.

The CAADC certification indicates specialized competency in addiction counseling, suggesting that substance use disorders and related concerns represent a significant component of the practice. This may include working with individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, prescription medication misuse, and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Addiction counseling often involves assessment of substance use patterns, motivational interviewing techniques, relapse prevention planning, support for individuals in various stages of recovery, and coordination with other treatment providers such as physicians, psychiatrists, and support groups.

The Master of Divinity background may inform an approach that incorporates spiritual or existential dimensions into counseling when appropriate and desired by clients. Some individuals seeking mental health services find value in exploring questions of meaning, purpose, faith, and values as part of their therapeutic work. Counselors with theological training may be equipped to address these dimensions while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between counseling and religious ministry.

Inclusive Practice Environment

The practice is identified as LGBTQ+ friendly, indicating an environment designed to be welcoming and affirming for individuals across the spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. In mental health settings, this designation typically reflects clinician training in culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ populations, awareness of the specific mental health concerns and stressors that may affect these communities, and a commitment to providing services free from discrimination or bias.

LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique mental health challenges related to experiences of discrimination, family rejection, identity development, coming out processes, and minority stress. Mental health providers who explicitly identify their practices as LGBTQ+ friendly signal their preparedness to address these concerns with appropriate knowledge and sensitivity.

The Counseling Process

Outpatient counseling services such as those offered through this practice typically begin with an initial assessment or intake session. During this meeting, the counselor gathers information about the client's presenting concerns, relevant history, current functioning, and treatment goals. This information informs the development of a treatment plan tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

Subsequent sessions generally occur on a regular schedule, often weekly or biweekly, depending on the client's needs and treatment recommendations. Session length in outpatient counseling is commonly 45 to 60 minutes, though this can vary based on the type of service being provided. The therapeutic relationship between counselor and client serves as a foundation for the work, with the counselor providing a confidential space for exploration, skill-building, and personal growth.

For individuals seeking services related to addiction, the treatment process may include additional components such as coordination with medical providers for medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, connection to community support resources like 12-step programs, involvement of family members in the treatment process, and ongoing monitoring of recovery progress.

Practical Information for Prospective Clients

Individuals interested in scheduling services with Albert Pohl can contact the practice by telephone at 610-223-6630. As appointments are required, prospective clients should expect to schedule an initial session rather than walk in for services. During the initial contact, administrative staff or the counselor may gather preliminary information and explain intake procedures, fees, insurance acceptance, and scheduling availability.

The practice's location in a professional office building with dedicated parking and accessibility features provides a discrete and convenient setting for mental health services. The Wyomissing location serves residents throughout Berks County and surrounding areas, with the Reading metropolitan area providing a substantial population base within reasonable driving distance.

Mental health counseling is a collaborative process, and individuals considering services are encouraged to ask questions about the counselor's approach, areas of specialization, and treatment philosophy to determine whether the practice represents a good fit for their particular needs and preferences.