Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Please see www.drramirao.com for more information! Office hours are by appointment, M-Th and Saturday.

I’m not your “just nod and validate everything” therapist. I have a B.S. from Penn State and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Children, Adolescents, and Trauma) from Lock Haven—but more importantly, I meet you where you are, not where you “should” be. I use person-centered and parts work, but I’m flexible and tailor therapy to what actually works for you. I love working with teens and young adults, but if you’ve got a brain and feelings, we’ll get along. I’m direct, I use humor, and I’ll call you out (with care). I’m here to help you grow—even when it’s uncomfortable. My style? Person-centered and parts work at the core, with flexibility built in. I adjust, pivot, and pull from different approaches based on what actually helps you, not what sounds the most clinical or impressive. I want all of my clients to walk into my room and feel as though they are sitting down with a friend, not a professional. I focus heavily on building rapport, getting to know you as an individual and not just as "my client." We will laugh, cry, process, and cope together in your mental wellness journey!

If you feel like you’re stuck in limbo—waiting for your "real life" to start while constantly getting in your own way—you are exactly where you need to be. Life transitions, relationships, and past events can be complicated. We all have those patterns—the ones where we know we're self-sabotaging, but we do it anyway. Whether it’s messy relationships, past stuff that keeps popping up, or the overwhelming stress of being a young adult in a chaotic world, you don't have to piece it together alone. Some days you might need a roadmap and direct advice; other days, you just need a safe space to sit with the big, scary questions. If you’re looking for a mix of humor, directness, and a partner to help you navigate, let's talk. I specialize in helping people explore the "in-between" stages of life and processing the heavy stuff that holds them back. LGBTQ+ affirming and provide gender affirming care letters. New openings available for June 2026! Stop overthinking it and take the first step. Self Schedule a FREE 15 min consult by clicking my website link!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We meet you where you are and help you become a “BETTER YOU”. Meet Sandra I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the field for 15 years. I believe we all have the capacity to change and grow, and that we possess the skills to do so. Sometimes, we need someone to guide us through this transformation. When working with individuals, I work strongly from a Person-centered background, meaning that throughout the therapeutic process I will empower and motivate you in finding your most authentic self. My passion is providing therapy for adults struggling with depression, anxiety, family conflict, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Each person I see is unique, so I individualize my approach based on your goals. Treatment will be tailored to your cultural and social background, including ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. I have worked across a variety of treatment settings, from outpatient services, to family based services, crisis intervention, school counseling, and more recently drug and alcohol recovery services. I draw from CBT, DBT, Person-centered background and Motivational Interviewing Therapy to help my clients develop healthy coping strategies to make positive changes in their lives. I have also led an Anger Management group for adults and adolescents, as well as an early recovery Drug and Alcohol Recovery group for adults. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa, in Portugal, and a Master’s of Education minor in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. I am fluent in Portuguese.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Training and professional background: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, graduating in May of 2014. In the Fall of 2012, I received training as a victims’ advocate and crisis line operator at the Family Justice Center in South Bend. For the rest of my time as an undergraduate, I continued volunteering for the FJC, focusing on taking crisis calls, yet unaware of the skills I was building in attending to each caller’s concerns. I utilized my training again during grad school to volunteer for Crisis Text Line, where I honed my skills in crisis management and planning. In December of 2018, I graduated with my Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Duquesne’s program is CACREP accredited and meets all standards and requirements as an institution for counselor education. I received my license November of 2023. Theoretical orientation and approach to counseling: My clinical approach is rooted in two orientations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I also draw heavily from the Humanistic-Existentialist perspectives of Psychology and philosophy in helping my clients better understand their feelings, goals, and experiences. My clinical practice embodies the spirit of meeting clients where they are. I enter each session with one objective: a readiness to talk and warmly receive. Client rights and responsibilities: As my client, I encourage you to ask questions and raise concerns about anything, especially my credentials and qualifications, the progress of our work together and its cost, my therapeutic approach, or anything else that concerns you. I take my role seriously as a helper and strongly believe that healthy relationships, especially therapeutic, require communication, consistency, and warmth. Therapeutically, we might be a good fit if: -- You are ready to make new moves in your life and relationships – So many of us know what must be done to address problematic behavior or to build better habits. What might be lacking is an awareness of the theory or tools to support those efforts. I am equipped to teach you how to individualize widely known coping skills, if you are ready to prioritize your mental health treatment. -- You are a creative person – The scaffolding or foundation you need to accomplish your long-term goals comes from your ability to generate creative solutions—no matter the medium! Your unique skills and worldviews can enrich to the work we do in the room. This takes the form of interesting, billowing conversation, not traditional art therapy. -- You are looking for a space to feel seen and heard – I take great pride in my ability to attend to the emotional needs of my clients. A dedicated space where the floor cedes to you, a conversation that is focused with warm curiosity on you, that is quickly becoming a rarity in our social interactions. While attentiveness is one of my biggest strengths to offer, I find being a witness to my clients’ concerns and vulnerabilities the greatest honor and reward in this field; we are the most human in these moments. It sets the stage for therapeutic collaboration and honors our innate drive to identify and hold our emotions without urgency or shame.

We all want to be happy. We may feel stuck or face challenges. Getting support from someone on the outside, in the counseling or psychology field, can help you gain a new perspective. You can learn to make better choices, feel less anxious and feel more optimistic; find peace in the day-to-day. In my practice, I see adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families, and here’s a little bit about how I work: I work in the here-and-now and have background training in Gestalt theory and utilize a variety of psychotherapy techniques. I take a creative and practical approach to counseling that allows you to understand more quickly what drives you and helps you identify new and better ways of living. Quieting the “noise” that distracts you will help so you can focus your energy on what’s meaningful and fulfilling. I earned my masters in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2007 and went on to complete the necessary 3+ years of post-graduate training to qualify for a psychotherapy license in the state of PA. I am paneled with many of the major commercial insurance plans as well as several employee assistance programs. During my 17 years experience as a counselor and research clinician, I was trained to utilize several semi-structured interviewing tools such as KSADS, SCID, and ISCA-D. I have published social psychology testing materials at the University of Pittsburgh while working on several major nationally-funded depression and anxiety studies under Doctors Birmaher, Axelson, and Kovacs. In 2010, I spent a year as a volunteer with the Good Grief Center of Pittsburgh where I had extensive training in grief counseling.In addition to my clinical skills, I hold a substance abuse education/SAP certification from UPMC. In addition to my clinical skills, I hold a substance abuse education/SAP certification from UPMC. Both my creative approach to counseling as well as my comprehensive diagnostic experience help formulate a plan of action that can help put you on the path to recovery. A Unique Approach Therapy should be as unique you are. We don’t wear the same clothes or read the same books. People respond differently to different types of interventions, so I always tailor treatment to respond to the your specific needs and situation. My goal is to leave you with strategies, communication skills, and new ways of thinking. Research shows that cultivating skills learned in therapy help people manage anxiety more easily and thrive their lives. I help people with a variety of issues, and I have particular expertise in: Depression and Anxiety Grief Overcoming Creative and Emotional Blocks Career and Life Transitions Child and Adolescent Therapy/IEP and School Consultation Experience Substance Abuse/Anger Management Life Coaching/Stress Management Couples Counseling Panic Disorders/Phobias OCD PTSD

Evolve provides unique and individualized coaching support in the areas of education, employment, and the arts. Academic & Organizational Coaching Does perfectionism sometimes prevent you from turning in assignments? Do you often get “stuck” when trying to shift from one task to the next? Is communicating with your professors and/or peers a challenge? Do you avoid things like laundry, cleaning, eating and socializing? Do you simply want to take advantage of quality support during this pivotal time in your life? Live up to your potential. We meet you on campus or by video to help you time manage, organize, and prioritize your daily tasks into a manageable schedule that allows you to be a successful and well-rounded student at your college or university - all while taking advantage of social opportunities as well! Choose once or twice-weekly sessions which take place on or near your college campus. Services also include consultation with college faculty, peer support, and a weekly group session for those interested. Employment Coaching & Interview Prep Have you been struggling to find a job? Do you know you have specific talents, but struggle with interviews? Do you want to keep your next job for longer than just a few months? Gain independence. Let us help you identify your strengths and skills to find a job that's right for you. We can guide you through the preparation of a great resume and cover letter and help you prep for interviews. If you are currently working, we can discuss ways to improve communication at work and advocate for yourself on the job. Invite us to consult with managers, and provide workplace support as needed. Social and Self-Advocacy Groups ​Do you dread "small talk"? Do you wish that people would just say what they mean? Would you like to meet people who share your interests? Would you like to discuss ways to stand up for yourself? Gain confidence. Consider joining one of our groups! Social groups meet weekly and are available to college students and non-students.

I believe therapy works best as a collaborative relationship rooted in compassion and respect. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment to encourage personal insight and provide skills to help you navigate challenges and enhance your overall well-being.

Debra Frankel is a private practitioner who has an expertise in Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Ddpression. I have worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School at Western Psychiatric Institute in Mood Disorder Research as both a supervisor and clinician. I utilize the Interpersonal Therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythms therapeutic modalitites. I am also skilled in treating people who suffer from anxiety disorders, trauma and transition issues.

Looking for support, problem solving, coping skills, or an opportunity to talk through what is not working? My goal is to create a working relationship that feels comfortable and hopeful. It takes courage to share personal information with someone new. Individuals and families are facing a lot of stress and difficulties which makes psychotherapy incredibly important. My work with clients has them feeling respected and involved in their own treatment goals. The clients I serve range in age from teens through adulthood. Young adults/college age are often a large part of my practice as well. Change takes time and the therapy process is based upon trust, comfort and consistency. Progress can occur and is to be expected with shared treatment goals and ongoing communication. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions about the process or for more details about my specialities and approach to care. Let's find out if I am a good match for your needs with an initial call.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, academic stress, attachment-related issues, and the emotional effects of childhood trauma, family dynamics, and unmet relational needs. In our work together, we create space for self-discovery, healing, and reconnection—with your needs, your values, and your inner sense of wisdom and power. Reaching out for support is a brave step. If you're ready to feel more grounded and connected, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Are you trying to navigate life's many challenges in a more flexible, aware, and skillful way? Let's collaborate to change patterns that aren't working for you. Respecting that you are the expert on your life and goals, I will integrate my training and experiences to support you in growth. Individuals often work with me to shift patterns of anxiety or depressed mood, to reclaim the energy wasted on perfectionism or overly harsh self-criticism, to reduce procrastination and improve effectiveness, to make progress on health goals, to improve the quality of their relationships, and to manage stress more efficiently. I also specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy, post-partum, fertility, loss) and in working with parents of children of all ages. Most people I work with choose online therapy, and some meet with me in the office. As a member of PSYPACT I can often continue to work with you online while you visit home or work/study outside of PA. (For participating states: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap)

I help my clients get results fast. Therapy isn't a complicated process. We meet, we talk about the expectations of therapy, identify specific treatment goals and map out a plan. Our work takes place in the boundaries of a safe, corrective emotional relationship. I put patients’ feelings into words, focus on symptom management and reduce their impact on personal and professional lives. I've been practicing as a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker for over 15 years. I use a CBT/ Solution Focused approach in helping patients reduce anxiety and elevate and stabilize depressed mood. I help people move toward wellness in a safe, non-judgemental space. Therapy works. It is about growth and evolution, and I've observed that there is great joy in embracing positive new behaviors based on this collaborative approach. I look forward to working with you via telehealth or in-person in our Squirrel Hill office.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I bring good energy, empathy, and clinical expertise to my work. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, culturally informed, and person-centered. I offer a safe, affirming, and comfortable space for you to be your authentic self, free from judgment. I meet you wherever you are on your healing journey and we work together on reaching your desired treatment goals at your own pace. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults who have experienced acute/chronic/complex trauma, chronic stress, PTSD, sexual trauma, and sex trafficking. I use a range of treatment modalities (EMDR, IFS, CPT, TF-CBT, SMART, Seeking Safety, etc.). I love using music, art, games, and interactive activities if you're interested. I also work well with anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, and existential crises. I am passionate about empowering others with knowledge, skills, and tools to help people rebuild, heal, and grow. Let’s connect to see if counseling is a good fit for you!

I work to empower students to thrive while navigating the transition to college and beyond. This includes support with building confidence and resilience, managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and helping create a positive college experience. I create a warm and open environment to address issues and create lasting change.

Tia is a Professional Counselor and National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC) who has experience working with teens and adults across diverse backgrounds and needs. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at California University of Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling at Carlow University. ​ Hi my name is Tia! I have a passion for advocacy and empowering others to succeed and achieve their goals in life. I believe that all humans are capable of change and creating a life that fulfills each unique individual- sometimes we need additional support to as we enter that journey! I utilize a holistic approach to therapy and skilled in Psychodynamics- specializing in trauma-informed therapy, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and client centered approaches; meeting the client where they are. I have helped people navigate challenges related to mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. ​I enjoy spending her time outside in nature with my Australian Shepherd and her partner- gardening, playing, and relaxing!

We believe that psychological well-being and healing come from our ability to foster awareness, understanding and acceptance of our experience of life as a whole - the good, the bad and everything in between. Talking with a therapist can often help facilitate this kind of personal growth. We believe that through developing a trusting relationship, therapist and client can explore aspects of the client’s struggle and the experience of relating to each other in deeper, more honest and productive ways. While each therapist in our practice has a unique approach to the work, we all share a deep appreciation for the importance of meaning making and lived experience in understanding human experience and effective therapy.