Our story

Professionalism with a human touch

Founded in 2000 by two clinicians with a shared vision — to build something small enough to put the client first, and experienced enough to make a real difference.

Est. 2000

Over two decades serving Allegheny County

9 insurances

Commercial plan accreditations

Our history

How CHARTE Center began

The CHARTE Center was founded by therapists Callie Cooper and Howard Dobrushin in June of 2000. Howard and Callie envisioned an organization that would be unique while following all of their professional goals and ethical standards.

The inspiration for "professionalism with a human touch" came from a college professor's observation that psychotherapy competed with the hairdresser, bartender, and morning coffee klatch — informal spaces where people feel heard. That idea opened the door to an eclectic, client-first approach built on decades of combined clinical experience.

What CHARTE stands for

Comprehensive

Holistic

Assessment

Rehabilitation

Treatment

Education

Our timeline

Key milestones

June 2000

CHARTE Center founded by Callie Cooper and Howard Dobrushin with a vision to provide client-centered therapeutic services.

April 2001

Doors officially open, absorbing contracts from Howard P. Dobrushin Consulting — including Life Projects, St. Francis Hospital, and Staunton Clinic.

Early growth

Wrap-Around services added in Allegheny County through Family Psychological Associates; agency contracted to CCBHO and Value Insurance.

Today

Continued focus on Behavioral Supports, Habilitation Aide services, and individual therapy for autistic and developmentally delayed populations, with 9 commercial insurance accreditations.

Meet the team

The founders & clinicians

Howard Dobrushin

LPC, CCBT, NCC

CEO & Clinician

Howard has provided psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and consultation to mental health and developmentally disabled populations since 1973. He is trained in family therapy, Transactional Analysis, CBT, and group therapy, and has directed both adult and children's partial hospital programs for consumers ages 4–60+.

Callie Cooper

LSW

Director of Daily Operations & Clinician

A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, Callie has extensive experience with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and mood and behavioral disorders.