Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with stress, anxiety, or big life transitions. I work with students and young adults who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. Together, we’ll focus on helping you better understand yourself, manage stress, and build confidence in your decisions and relationships. I have experience working closely with students and families as a school counselor, and I understand the unique pressures that come with academics, relationships, and life changes. I offer a free initial consultation and accept insurance through Headway to make getting started as easy as possible.

“It’s always best to believe in one’s self, but a little help from others can be a great blessing!” I view each person as the main character in their book of life. Each book contains stories of joy, sadness, exploration, struggle, and most importantly, HOPE. My goal to assist in exploring these stories, whether you encounter depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, intersectional struggles, or self-esteem issues...I am especially sensitive to those impacted by LGBTQ issues, religious minorities, activists, uniformed public servants, and those experiencing depression. I utilize a multiculturally sensitive approach, borrowing from ACT, DBT, MBCT, mindfulness, narrative, and solution-focused therapies to develop a collaborative and eclectic style to treatment, tailored to your needs. Cultures all over the world have a common truth: life is suffering. Through therapy, I hope to create a safe and empowering environment to help you withstand and overcome that suffering. I welcome you to reach out to start this journey.

I believe that people tend to know what is best for them deep down, and it is my job to assist them in discovering what they feel is the best solution. I am systemically oriented in my therapeutic work, seeing a problem as embedded in relationships either within the family, or even the larger societal system. Together, we will explore the root causes of your problems and evaluate specific approaches you can take to accomplish your goals. Another fundamental part of my approach is compassion and empathy. I tend to see the positive in people and can hold a significant amount of pain when clients reveal the hurt inside. I feel privileged to be a part of their healing journey.

I am committed to providing a safe, empathic environment. I will meet you right where you are at - accept you for you; no judgement. I believe before we can move forward, we need to become aware of what is going on in the present. I want to help you become mindful of what is affecting your life so you can move forward to live the life you want to live.

Embarking on the journey of self-exploration takes courage, strength, and vulnerability. You may be feeling stuck, confused, or misunderstood. Choosing to share your experiences with a therapist can seem daunting and uncomfortable. At this stage, it is important to recognize that you already harbor this strength and courage within you as you begin to seek help. We will work collaboratively to guide you to the life you want to live - while navigating the obstacles that may be in your way to achieving strength, confidence, and empowerment. As an Art Therapist, art-making can help us explore and illustrate your unique story. Engaging in creative expression in therapy can help you make sense of your story, act as an extension of yourself, and aid in expressing unconscious feelings you may not be aware of. No artistic skill is needed to create, as the process alone can aid in healing and growth. I strive to create a safe, open, and creative space that allows you to process your experiences that have been hindering you from becoming your most authentic self. I look forward to connecting with you, and hope to be your guide as you navigate the road through self-exploration, growth, and healing.

I work from the perspective that pain is a natural and inevitable part of life, I believe that our power lies in controlling the extent of our suffering. Recent years have been challenging, pushing many to seek healing and connection. I take joy in aiding others to make positive behavioral changes, using evidence-supported approaches that are customized to each individual's unique needs. My aim is to foster an environment of trust, care, and respect. Together, we will set therapeutic goals, devise a plan to achieve them, and help you develop tools to manage symptoms, overcome trauma, and enhance your overall well-being. I provide individual therapy with a primary focus on cognitive-behavioral orientation. My expertise lies in helping individuals navigate through anxiety and PTSD/trauma using evidence-supported therapies; however I can accommodate a wide range of needs. I cater to all adults aged 18+ and have specialized training in veteran care. Therapy can be one of life's most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but it doesn't have to be as intimidating as it sometimes may seem! I respect it likely took a lot of courage to seek help and I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive environment. Please let me join you on your journey to self-discovery and healing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a therapist, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other strategies to help clients explore the interactions between their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. My style is collaborative, client-driven, and forward-focused. Additionally, I enjoy looking at the systemic factors in a person's life, including family dynamics, relationships at work or school, and even interactions with friends or partners. My purpose is to help you maximize the opportunities in your life to achieve your goals through empathy and a strength-based focus. I specialize in anger and anxiety management across the life span, especially with teens and adults. I am certified in Thinking for a Change (T4C) and Aggression Replacement Training (ART). Additionally, I have extensive experience working with and advocating for people going through the legal system, including people facing domestic violence charges. I invite you to reach out to schedule a session by contacting our office to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit. I look forward to talking with and meeting you to help you achieve your goals!

Dr. Danny Sharara is a board-certified psychologist who helps university students work towards greater meaning and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. His practice focuses on helping clients to better understand themselves in order to effectively pursue their goals and live from their values. Many of Danny’s clients come to his office when they are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, low self-esteem, sleep troubles, procrastination, or when faced with important life decisions. Danny's practice also focuses on addressing grief, loss, and navigating life-transitions. Through warm, collaborative, evidence-based psychotherapy, Danny helps clients draw on their strengths to break out of old patterns, discover new perspectives, and build the lives they want through living from their deep values. Clients have described his approach as supportive, attentive, flexible, and appropriately challenging. Message to clients: Through having served as a Staff Psychologist at Carnegie Mellon University as well as through clinical training at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, Danny has been fortunate to work with students from around the world on a variety of presenting concerns. Danny has facilitated support groups for doctoral students and presented workshops on effective communication with advisors. He has also helped students overcome mental health challenges including procrastination, career-uncertainty, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, loneliness, and transitioning to life after graduating. Finding the right therapist is important but it can also be overwhelming. Sometimes we know we need help but not what would be helpful, or what the right approach would be. I encourage you to take a chance and reach out to see if we might be a good fit.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and a queer and non-binary person who uses they/them pronouns. I am also half-Taiwanese and half-White, neurodiverse and chronically ill. I love working with clients who don’t fit neatly into society’s pre-determined “boxes,” and are seeking to experience more enjoyment, fulfillment, and authenticity in their own lives – especially in terms of expressing themselves fully. This may involve experiences of gender, sexuality or perhaps a life transition such as career change, I’m open to all of it. Ultimately, I am curious about learning about people for who they are, and how they move through the world with whatever intersections of identity they may possess. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression and social justice principles and centered around the foundation of a genuine and compassionate therapeutic relationship with each and every client. I am here for the open acknowledgment of all that you have experienced, and all that you are, by providing plenty of space for both curiosity and reflection. In our work together, I will prioritize your autonomy, trusting you as the expert for you. Through a collaborative, non-judgmental, “as structured as you want it” approach, I am here to show up for you - to support you through your walk through life – however that may look like for you. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and take a Strength-Based and Culturally Sensitive approach. I utilize Psychodynamic therapy and techniques and skills taken from other modalities as needed, as they apply to the work you would like to do in therapy.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

All services online! As a licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of clinical experience, Hollie has provided counseling to college students, seniors, adults as well as children of all ages. She is formally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused (TFCBT), Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS), the Sanctuary Model, grief, vicarious trauma, life change adjustment, and motivational interviewing. She has worked in a multitude of counseling environments including inpatient, outpatient, in-home family-based, and school-based. Hollie has expertise supporting individual clients, in group settings, couples, families, and within a classroom. In addition, she provides support and counseling using an all-online HIPAA protected platform. https://www.whereyouarecounseling.com

I know each individual is universally unique which means our thoughts, feelings and perceptions are also unique. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I use a range of modalities including ACT, DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness as well as approaches catered to meet your individual needs and help support your holistic wellness. I specialize in working with adults who are college- aged who are dealing with a wide range of experiences. I have experience working with adults experiencing addiction issues, mood disorders, behavioral issues, sexual issues and relationship issues. Additionally, I specialize in anxiety and depression and have experience working with folks 17 and over. I have worked in both community mental health and outpatient settings. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and finding the right person to assist on the journey can feel daunting. I provide a welcoming environment, flexible scheduling and access to community resources as needed. If you would like to discuss scheduling I encourage you to reach out and start your journey to healing and wellness.

As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand the complexities, challenges, and insecurities that can come with navigating college and emerging adulthood. I am passionate about supporting college students as they navigate academic pressures, relationships, identity development, independence, and the many transitions that come with this stage of life. I believe deeply in investing in our youth and transitional-age young adults because they are our future. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where students feel heard, empowered, and confident as they work toward their goals and discover who they are becoming.

We all have struggles. Despite our best efforts and intentions, those struggles can leave us feeling overwhelmed and we don't even understand how we got here. I want to help you explore and address your concerns, by encouraging a sense of curiosity and humor, when appropriate. Rather than approach our troubles with trepidation, why not approach them with interest – be curious about ourselves, how we came to be who/how we are, how the things we have tried have worked/not worked or even made things worse and what other options may exist that we have not yet thought of or tried? Learning to be curious about ourselves and the challenges we face, and to find humor and grace along the way, allows us to be less judgmental and feel less ashamed of ourselves and our struggles, so we can build a life we want on more solid ground. I’m a psychologist with 20 years of experience working with college-aged (traditional and non) individuals. I have a very collaborative approach – you are the expert on you. I incorporate a number of therapy approaches, using what I believe will best fit you and the difficulties discussed. I know how difficult it is to seek help and it's my job to make this easier by offering a warm, empathetic and safe place to explore and address your concerns. If you are ready to feel better about yourself and explore how you might meaningfully address the challenges in your life, I am excited to join you in this process!