Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

I specialize in supporting international students as they navigate the unique challenges of adapting to a new culture, managing academic pressures, and balancing personal and family expectations. Together, we can work through feelings of homesickness, anxiety, identity shifts, or loneliness in a safe, nonjudgmental space. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, with a focus on building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and helping students feel more grounded and connected.

With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviors, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances. Your session is your sanctuary. Show up for yourself, and I'll be there, judgment-free. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem. Together, we'll navigate your path with understanding and support, making each step a little easier. Why wait for a crisis to seek support? Therapy isn't just for when things go wrong—it's a proactive way to care for your mental well-being. Just like regular check-ups with your doctor, therapy helps maintain and enhance your mental health. Embrace the opportunity to nurture yourself and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

You might be here because you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed—and you’re ready for change. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals find relief and growth through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. My approach is warm and holistic. I integrate traditional talk therapy (CBT and Gestalt) with trauma-informed practices like Brainspotting and the Safe and Sound Protocol, which help regulate the nervous system and gently process deeper emotional wounds. Therapy with me is collaborative—we’ll honor your pace and goals as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

To live is to suffer; to survive is to find meaning in the suffering (Neitzsche). We would never be able to experience our joy had we not of grown through our pain. GROWTH is the key component of findings ones true self. Be it feelings of anxiety, depression, or symptoms of PTSD, you CAN and WILL grow to be a better version of you when you take this journey of wellness. Exploration of ones self and mental toughness are key components to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Sometimes our past experiences, generational patterns, or our current thought patterns prohibit us from achieving greatness. I have over 15 years of experience I specialize with teens, young adults, and pro athletes. I am LGTBQI affirming. As a former Division 2 basketball coach, I enjoy working with college bound students and student athletes along with folks just experiencing stressors of everyday life. I utilize a strength based and holistic approach that incorporates pieces of DBT, CBT, MI, and mindfulness While we share time together you will find me to be a genuine, humorous, and empathetic clinician. Therapy should be about being authentic not only as a client but as your clinician. At the end of the day my job is to work myself out of a job where you feel empowered, self aware, and motivated to hit the ground running to achieve your life's purpose.

Mark Thomas, PhD, DBSM, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist who is passionate about improving patients' sleep. Dr. Thomas earned his doctoral in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his clinical internship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He received specialized behavioral sleep medicine training and experience during his postdoctoral fellowship at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, where he addressed a wide range of sleep issues in Veterans. He is the founder of Restore Sleep Health, a telehealth private practice offering evidence-based therapy to adults with sleep disorders. Dr. Thomas’ clinical work is focused on the treatment of sleep issues including insomnia, PAP adherence, circadian rhythm disorders, and nightmares.

College can be exciting and overwhelming. I work best with students who feel stuck, stressed, or unsure about who they’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship challenges, family pressure, or big decisions, I offer a calm, nonjudgmental space to sort things out. You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident in your next steps.

I have served as Director of 2 college counseling centers, and have worked in 5 others. I am only doing virtual appointments. I know the stress of being a student can be overwhelming, especially if you are also dealing with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety; a neurological difference like ADHD or autism; or a medical condition like an autoimmune disorder or chronic pain. I use humor, compassion, irreverence, and creativity to help you feel better and more empowered.

Trying to find a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling classes, jobs, friendships, and figuring out your next steps. Who We Work Best With: Students Just Like You The students who thrive most in our practice often share a few things in common. They are typically high-achieving, thoughtful, and determined, but right now, they're feeling overwhelmed and stuck. They are excellent at pushing through difficult situations but realize that the old methods of "just toughing it out" aren't working anymore. You might be a great fit for us if you are experiencing any of the following: The "Burnout Beast": You're running on empty. You feel anxious every Sunday night, your motivation is low, and you constantly feel like you should be doing more, even when you're exhausted. You're ready to stop stressing and start enjoying your college years. The Social Maze: You're struggling to make real connections, dealing with roommate conflicts, or navigating a difficult dating scene. You want your relationships to feel supportive, not draining. The Future Fog: You're feeling pressure about your major, your career path, or even just whether you're where you're "supposed" to be. You need help quieting the noise so you can figure out what you truly want. The New Normal: You're struggling to adjust to a new semester, a move away from home, or even life after graduation. Change is hard, and you need a steady, non-judgmental place to process it. We specialize in working with college and graduate students to manage anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and life transitions. Our goal isn't just to help you survive campus life—it's to help you genuinely thrive. We provide practical strategies, emotional support, and the clarity you need to move forward, all without the confusing jargon.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and I am a perfect fit if you are missing your pet and believe healing feels better with an animal by your side. At Comfort Companions Counseling, I bring the human-animal bond into therapy in a real and meaningful way, creating a warm and judgment-free space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and build real coping skills. I specialize in working with college students navigating anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, life transitions, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with trying to do it all. Services include individual telehealth therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and The Comfort Canine Program, a 5-week therapy dog assisted somatic group designed specifically for college students. I also conduct ESA evaluations with care and thoroughness, and a letter will be provided if clinically appropriate following the completion of the evaluation. Sessions are held via telehealth so you can show up from wherever feels most comfortable — your dorm, your apartment, or your couch. Your pet is always welcome to join, and my co-therapist Milly, a certified therapy dog, can also be part of your sessions for extra support and comfort.

Are anxiety, challenging relationships, negative body image, or depression negatively affecting your everyday life? Do you feel overcome and exhausted by workload and expectations? Do you wish that these problems could get better, but are unsure which path to take? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and uncertain about how to move through these difficult experiences. Not addressing these challenges can lead to continued burnout and a sense of hopelessness. I believe that there is hope, answers, and growth ahead, and I would like to partner with you to help you reach your full potential. I have experience with spirituality, mental health, and sports-related presenting problems.

Wholehearted Counseling for Individuals, Couples, and Families We provide therapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families with various presenting concerns including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sex and relationships, and changes through the lifespan. We focus on honoring your individual identity while addressing systemic issues that might be impacting your symptoms or impacting your relational health. Our main goal is to help you increase self-awareness and facilitate change in your day-to-day relationships, allowing for a more congruent way of life. We hope to create a non-judgmental, warm, and safe environment during the therapeutic process for you to explore your needs on how to grow and change.

Life is full of unexpected ups and downs that we may not always be able to manage alone. In my practice, I specialize in collaborating with clients to navigate difficult life changes with greater peace, clarity, and confidence. I take a highly individualized, holistic, and client-centered approach. During sessions, you can expect to explore underlying beliefs, past experiences, unhelpful patterns, and personal strengths that can all make change possible. Additionally, I enjoy incorporating mindfulness techniques and creative coping skills into our sessions. Through self-exploration and effective strategies, you can develop greater personal power to cope with what life throws at you. I primarily work with individuals facing feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, or challenges from chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders. While bringing a peaceful calmness, I also like to include humor and lightheartedness in sessions. I'm a creative person at heart, who loves cartoons and spending time in nature. If you've been contemplating starting therapy, now is the best time to give it a shot. Talking about mental health can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, but the sooner we start, the sooner we can begin the path toward healing. While fear and anxiety around therapy can be overwhelming, you have the strength to work through those feelings and take control of your life. You got this!

Dr. Collins is a licensed therapist (LPC) and national certified gambling counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions counseling. Holding a doctorate in counseling psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her private practice. Specializing in a range of challenges, Dr. Collins offers compassionate support and evidence-based treatment for individuals grappling with: - Anxiety and depression - Life transitions - Relationship conflicts - Grief and loss - Substance abuse issues - Adult children of alcoholics With a client-centered approach, Dr. Collins is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work towards personal growth and healing. Her extensive experience and training enable her to tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term therapy, Dr. Collins is committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and build resilience for a more fulfilling future.

Hey there! I’m Sonya, a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board Certified Transgender Care Specialist licensed in Pennsylvania. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA2+ community and specialize in providing gender affirming care to gender expansive, non-binary and trans individuals, as well as BIPOC individuals with diverse multicultural and racial backgrounds and those from the diaspora. I am a child of immigrants, "third-culture kid", and specialize in working with first and second generation immigrants and racial and cultural minority members who have been impacted by harmful cultural narratives, intergenerational trauma, and who have experiences feeling “othered.” I am guided by a feminist and person centered approach that prioritizes an exploration of our intersecting identities, and value the healing power of exploratory and respectful conversation that acknowledges the effects oppression and colonialism have on mental health. I approach therapy from a lens of non-judgmental curiosity and strive to bring humility, humor and creativity into our shared space. I utilize art making and expressive therapies to help facilitate greater self-acceptance, self-confidence, personal growth, and to empower you to create positive change. I believe art making has the power to heal and the magic to transform. My goal is to create a safe, affirming and warm environment for you and if you’d like, to guide you in the art making process to help you feel empowered to create change. I hope to make your journey in therapy validating, supportive, and strive to make you feel heard, understood, and accepted. It would be an honor and privilege to work with you.

You didn’t ask for this—whether it’s a major life change, a new mental health diagnosis, or that frustrating sense of being stuck in the same loop over and over. You may be navigating something unfamiliar: a shift in your identity, a change in your relationships, or a diagnosis that’s left you overwhelmed, confused, or doubting yourself. Maybe you’ve noticed patterns that no longer serve you but haven’t been able to break free from them. You want to feel in control again—or maybe for the first time. And while you might hate what you’re feeling right now, some part of you is ready to figure it out. That’s where I come in. Our work together is collaborative. I’ll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and care—helping you connect the dots, challenge stuck narratives, and build something new. We’ll explore how past experiences might be shaping the present, how your diagnosis fits into the bigger picture, and what tools will actually help you feel more like you again. My clients are open to the therapy process, even when it's hard. They want clarity, relief, and a sense of mastery over their mental health—not just symptom relief, but true understanding. If you’re ready to start, reach out. We can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get there—together.

Figuring out who we are, what we want, and where we’re headed in life isn’t easy. It can feel like everyone else has it figured out while we’re stuck doubting ourselves, comparing ourselves to others, or struggling to make decisions. The confusion, loneliness, and stress can be overwhelming—and avoidance or procrastination only makes it harder. You’re not alone. Everyone needs support and guidance during big life transitions. I help teens and young adults build confidence, develop practical skills, and gain new perspectives. Together, we’ll explore how your unique mind and body work so you can better understand your experiences, reduce stress, and find more joy. My goal is to cultivate self-awareness while helping you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. Clients describe me as kind, warm, and welcoming. If you’re looking for more balance, confidence, and direction, I’d be honored to support you in navigating the world with greater ease. Reach out to see if I might be a good fit for you.

Hi! I am a Licensed Social Worker who works with clients experiencing a range of life circumstances that has brought them to therapy. Many of my client's are dealing with some baseline anxiety that is being accentuated by their current situation. Through therapy, we focus on coping strategies and understanding our emotions in order to help us live our most authentic and meaningful lives. Together we will explore how therapy can best help you and develop individual goals to best suit your needs. I want therapy to be a collaborative experience and welcome feedback throughout sessions. My clinical approach is tailored to each client’s needs. I strive to maintain a safe and judgment-free environment where clients feel they can be vulnerable while feeling supported. I enjoy working with neurodivergent clients as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I focus on the individual’s strengths while maintaining a person-centered approach. Reaching out is often the hardest step! Please email me with any questions and we can begin this process together. You're already doing great.

College and graduate school can stretch you academically, mentally, and emotionally. When stress, burnout, or self-doubt start to pile up, that stretch can feel more like a breaking point. I work with students to navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, life transitions, and challenges that can come with disability. I also support people adjusting to new environments, including the shift from rural backgrounds into more urban, academic settings. Together, we’ll look at where you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and build practical skills to help you clear those hurdles and reconnect with what matters to you. My approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In practice, this means we’ll use a blend of tools to help you understand your thoughts and reactions, make sense of your experiences, and respond in ways that feel more manageable and effective. I will tailor our work to your personal goals, because your idea of accomplishment is what matters to me. If you’re interested, we can also bring in elements of Geek Therapy® (using movies, games, or other examples of popular culture) to make therapy feel more relatable and engaging. If you’ve been dealing with mental fatigue, cognitive overload, or a life-altering diagnosis, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We can work together to help you feel more balanced, confident, and prepared for your next chapter, whether that’s graduation or the following academic term. Reaching out can be the most difficult step in this process. Let’s start a conversation and design a treatment plan just for you.

I provide specialized therapy that is individually tailored to help you solve your problems and realize your potential. Clients regularly describe my approach as effective and enjoyable since it combines practical skills with a deeper understanding of the self. Clients also appreciate that I bring authenticity, determination, and humor into the healing journey. I have extensive experience helping people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I regularly work with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. I have particular expertise and interest in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, OCD, depression, perfectionism, self-expression, difficult life adjustments (college or otherwise), relationship issues, and addictions. To treat OCD, I specifically use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard in OCD treatment. If even a small part of you is curious to see how things can be different, I hope to get to connect with you soon.