Forging a New Path for Philadelphia’s Therapy Community:
Be Well Partners with Kathryn Snyder, ATR-BC, PhD
In a move set to invigorate Philadelphia's therapist community, Be Well is proud to announce a partnership with Dr. Kathryn Snyder, a distinguished art therapist, educator, and a leading voice in the city's mental health community. Dr. Snyder, who operates two group practice locations through her practice Parent to Child, is transforming her Rittenhouse office into Be Well's first Center City location. This collaboration marks an exciting evolution for both organizations, with the initial location serving as a launching pad for a broader vision that includes expanding into a larger, comprehensive wellness hub this summer, promising to reshape the way therapists connect, collaborate, and grow.
“…we need to focus on collaboration and celebrating the work that we all do and not succumb to isolation and burn out.”
Dr. Snyder’s journey is a testament to her pioneering spirit and deep-seated commitment to community. From her early days as an art major captivated by the nascent possibilities of the internet to her current role as a tenure-track professor at Temple University, her career has been a continuous exploration of how to better serve individuals and families. After opening her own practice, Parent to Child, in South Philadelphia, she quickly became a force for change, challenging the status quo that saw families traveling to the suburbs for quality care. “I wanted to change that, to the extent that I could, and try to influence the environment of children’s services and collaborative care across therapeutic modalities,” she reflects.
This drive to foster a more integrated and accessible therapy environment in Philadelphia is the very foundation of the partnership with Be Well. Dr. Snyder has long envisioned a space that combats the professional isolation inherent in the therapy field. “Our work can be so isolating at times since we close our doors for the therapy hour and may or may not run into colleagues as we do so,” she explains. The co-working model, which is central to Be Well’s philosophy, resonated deeply with her. “I love the idea of sharing space and resources and finding ways to create community for those times when we do have down-time or need to reach someone for a consultation question.”
This shared vision for a connected and supportive professional community is at the heart of Be Well’s mission. It’s not merely about providing office space; it’s about building an ecosystem where therapists can thrive. “This isn’t an organization that is simply interested in creating space and a network,” Dr. Snyder emphasizes, “but in really furthering the reach of therapy, supporting therapists throughout their careers, and creating bridges that really integrate services into the community.”
The initial launch within Dr. Snyder’s existing Rittenhouse office — where she has practiced for several years— is a deliberate and thoughtful first step. The office suite will provide an intimate setting to seed and cultivate this new community, with plans already in motion for a larger location to meet the growing demand in Rittenhouse, known for it’s charm, excellent shopping, and wide selection of restaurants. The focus, from day one, will be on connection. “Expect that we will focus right away on creating community and many fun, engaging offerings to support that community,” Dr. Snyder says with enthusiasm.
Be Well Rittenhouse is located at The Medical Arts Building, 1601 Walnut Street
The impact of this collaboration is poised to extend far beyond the walls of the new Center City location. By bringing together a leading therapist and a forward-thinking organization, the partnership aims to address systemic challenges within the mental health field. In an era where corporations are entering the mental health landscape, Dr. Snyder believes the antidote lies in fostering strong, independent practices. “I believe that the counter-resistance is in creating thriving private and independent group practices,” she asserts. “That means we need to focus on collaboration and celebrating the work that we all do and not succumb to isolation and burn out.”
For the Philadelphia community, this partnership promises to increase access to a wider array of therapeutic services and create a more visible and approachable network of care. For therapists, it offers a powerful alternative to the siloed nature of private practice and the impersonal experience of large-scale platforms. It’s an invitation to be part of something bigger—a movement to create a more sustainable, collaborative, and ultimately more effective mental health ecosystem in the city.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Snyder is most excited about the human connection. “I am most excited to get to know more therapists who practice in different (or even similar) ways than I do,” she shares. “I am in a place in my career where I am able to pull back from feeling that I have to ‘grind’ each day... I am interested in sharing my knowledge with others and moving into the space of someone who has a lot to offer as far as clinical wisdom, practice and business knowledge, and creative ventures! Plus, I love having tea with people!”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this new venture: a professional community built on shared knowledge, mutual support, and genuine connection. Be Well’s partnership with Kathryn Snyder is more than just an expansion; it’s a bold step towards a brighter, more collaborative future for therapy in the City of Brotherly Love.
