Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

I am a licensed social worker and enjoy working with adolescents and adults as they navigate the vast and diverse landscape of the human experience. Major life transitions, work stress, grief and loss, trauma, relationship issues, or simply feeling “stuck"...regardless of your reasons for seeking therapy, I consider it a privilege to provide nonjudgmental support and productive insight as we work towards your goals together. My therapeutic style is collaborative, integrative and person-centered. With an emphasis on facilitating safety and comfort in confiding personal experiences, I help clients uncover aspects of those experiences that are outside a person's awareness, to promote understanding, greater freedom of choice in life, and lasting change. Beyond insight work, I value working together to identify practical ways we can increase self-compassion and psychological resiliency.

You've likely landed on my profile because you're looking for more support and realize that you can't do it alone. Perhaps you've put everyone's needs before yours. Maybe you've told yourself that you can keep putting your feelings to the side. We sometimes believe that we should be able to manage it all and do it on our own. Whether you're struggling with depression or anxiety, family transitions during pregnancy or postpartum, or just trying to have more effective, supportive, and fulfilling relationships, I'm here to help. You don't have to carry it alone anymore. My practice specializes in depression and anxiety. I have a particular interest in working with women during pregnancy and postpartum. I also enjoy helping people have more effective relationships with others, particularly their romantic partners and family. I primarily use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and CBT to help clients reach their goals.

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

At EmBODY Confidence, we support neurodivergent women and teens who struggle with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. Our approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and self-understanding, helping you feel truly at home in your body without shame or apology. You want to trust your emotions, take up space, eat without guilt, and show up fully in your life. We are here to help you get there with compassion, clarity, and courage. Together, we explore the deeper roots of your struggles, build awareness of the systems that created them, and develop tools for lasting change. We work collaboratively, because you know yourself and your body best. We are a fat-positive, anti-diet, LGBTQIA+, and gender-affirming practice aligned with Health at Every Size® (HAES). EmBODY Confidence is neurodivergent-affirming and committed to creating a space where every body, identity, and mind is welcomed and safe. Research shows that neurodivergent women and LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to experience eating disorders or disordered eating patterns than cisgender individuals. Unfortunately, traditional treatment models often fail to meet their unique needs. Our work bridges that gap with affirming, specialized care designed specifically for you. You do not have to do this alone. Healing is possible and you are absolutely worthy of it.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my page. I commend you for taking the first step in exploring a therapist in the Pittsburgh area. My approach to counseling is grounded in empathy, compassion, and trust. I want our time together to be a collaborative process built on respect, understanding, non-judgment, and genuineness. There are points in everyone’s lives that may become unmanageable due to transitions, conflicts or a realization that may require the assistance of a therapist to help the client navigate forward in their journey. Counseling can be a valuable resource with lifelong tools to resolve past and present issues in people’s lives. I extend this invitation to you. My goal is to create a space for safety and empowerment. I am passionate about providing a collaborative therapeutic journey together. You are the expert of your life and your experiences, and it would be a privilege to go on this journey of growth and exploration with you. I believe learning and growing are constants in life. We can learn and grow from not only obstacles and challenges in life, but also successes and achievements, and therapy is a place to explore and process these parts of us. I value awareness and self-compassion, and I am drawn to find the deeper meaning of our behaviors and actions. My goal is to support you in living your life from a place of authenticity and self-understanding. I have a holistic perspective and I believe in the interdependence of the body, mind, and spirit. A person-centered and psychodynamic approach is what I bring to my work with individuals. My style pulls from different theories and practices of counseling. I want to meet you where you are, and I realize that one type of counseling does not fit everyone. You are unique and we will work together to find what works best for you!

As a licensed social worker in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida, certified professional in integrative mental health and clinical trauma, informed practitioner in sex and couples therapy, and trained in EMDR for trauma treatment, Kate brings over twenty-five years of experience to each session. Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Maryland College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kate is a board approved supervisor in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Kate has worked with a variety of populations in many levels of care and specializes in trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and women’s issues. Kate works with adults and couples using mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, somatic psychology, brief strategic family therapy, and a variety of other modalities to work collaboratively with clients to help them reach their full potential. Kate believes in healing the whole person, and will actively engage in exploration of nutrition, body movement, and spirituality, if clients choose. ​ Kate is currently available via telehealth and works Monday through Friday, 8am-3pm.

If you’re looking to have the space to explore issues and experiences that have impacted your life, I may be a good fit for you! I work with individuals struggling to navigate mood disorders, anxiety, history of trauma, and interpersonal distress. Additionally, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I have first-hand experience with the challenges and fears that come with developing, growing, and accepting your identity. I believe healing can happen through processing your experiences and receiving empathy, support, and honest feedback. My approach to therapy includes using skills from CBT, DBT, and CPT to help understand and change thoughts and behaviors. Together we will work to create a deeper understanding of unhelpful patterns that may be present in your life. I will aim to gently push you out of your comfort zone in order to avoid repeating these patterns. Finding the right therapist for you can be difficult and take time. If you think I may be able to help, please reach out to me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. During that call we can address your questions, goals, and our compatibility. If we determine we are a good fit together, I’d be happy to schedule an appointment!

If you’re a high-achieving student who looks “fine” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted on the inside, you’re not alone. The pressure to perform academically, have a thriving social life, and figure out your future (all at the same time!) can quietly take a toll on your mental health. As a licensed mental health counselor, I help driven college students build lifelong coping skills and find balance—without pushing themselves harder or burning out. Together we can work to identify what you would like to be different in your life, and make a clear plan to help you get there. By the way - I'm also a certified career counselor, so if landing internships or planning life beyond college is stressing you out, I can help you there too. If you’re looking for therapy that’s down-to-earth, compassionate, and focused on helping you actually enjoy your college experience instead of just pushing through, let's connect! I offer a free 30 minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit before we start working together.

People come to therapy for many different reasons, but, at the core, they are looking for understanding, relief, or growth. Maybe you’re trying to understand why you feel the way you do, or you find yourself caught in the same difficult thoughts again and again. Perhaps you’ve noticed patterns of behavior that seem to work against your own well-being. You might be facing a life transition—chosen or not—and are feeling anxious about what’s next. Or maybe you just feel stuck. Therapy offers a space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening. Together, we can clarify your current experience, explore how you got here, and begin to shape a healthier, more fulfilling path forward.

Nutrition care for Intuitive Eating, eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and food peace. I support adults and teens (14+) who feel stuck in food rules, body image stress, and eating disorder recovery. Together, we work toward eating that feels calmer, safer, and more connected-without diets, guilt, or shame. In nutrition counseling we will explore the origins of your eating and exercise behaviors, recognize your unique barriers and create a personalized plan to help you find a balanced and peaceful relationship to food. My practice philosophy is rooted in mindfulness, intuitive eating principles and body positivity. My practice style is compassionate, patient, and encouraging that enmeshes nutrition science, body acceptance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to provide practical strategies for your healing journey. Recovery from chronic dieting, disordered eating, and eating disorders is possible. Find peace with food and begin your journey to better health and well-being today!

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Our practice uses a relational approach in addressing many concerns facing clients. We are trained to understand the transitional challenges that college students face, as well as family and relational dynamics that may influence how we feel, think and function. Learning to set boundaries to lessen overwhelm, alter high expectations of self, and improve our self worth and identity is an area of consideration in which we can provide guidance and support. Furthermore, we specialize in relationships including family, work, peer and romantic, that can be altered in ways to promote health and increased well being.

Hi, I'm Alex. I work with young adults who experience the stress of going through life's transitions. I often find that clients experience perfectionism, shame, and guilt. Growing up, if we missed out on empathy, emotional validation, encouragement, or secure connection, we may be saddled with the belief that we are "not worthy", or "never good enough". We may struggle to accept our authentic self and be true to ourselves when we are going through difficult emotions. To feel confident and connected in relationships we need to keep showing up where we are fully seen and loved, flaws and all. I help clients work towards peace in their lives and oneness with themselves. I encourage clients to honor what once served them while letting go of what no longer serves them in relationships. I also work with individuals effected by cycles of trauma, addiction, and disconnection. I approach therapy from a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally competent perspective. EMDR and art making techniques can be used for radical self expression, to update clients' survival brain "software" and complete neural network integration. Yoga and mindfulness based techniques are used to establish a safe connection with the body. Please connect with me, let's talk briefly to see if we'd be a good fit! I am flexible with scheduling to find a time that accommodates your needs. We can meet in person at the office or online via a HIPAA compliant virtual platform. You are worthy of a safe productive opportunity to process your experiences and be supported in your journey.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many of the clients I see are dealing with some form of anxiety, depression, adjustment-related issue, or life transition. Most often, my clients are young adults who are having problems in interpersonal relationships, such as feeling extremely anxious in social situations, having difficulty finding or maintaining healthy relationships, struggling to communicate effectively with others, or experiencing uncertainty what their wants and needs are in a relationship. I have a great deal of experience working with students. My internship and postdoc were both in a university counseling center, and afterward, I was a psychology professor for a number of years. In these roles, I worked with both undergraduate and graduate students. Therefore, I'm very familiar with the challenges that students can face. Whatever it is that is getting in the way, I can help! I utilize evidence-based approaches and methods that have been proven to work. However, because there is no single approach that works for every person across all situations, I practice in a way that will be responsive to your unique needs. We may work on identifying problematic thoughts, putting new behaviors into action, or learning how to better identify, express, and manage your emotions. If your concern is relationship-related, we will explore your relationship patterns, identify factors that are having a negative impact on your relationships, and help you develop the skills to find and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. Regardless of the specifics, I place a prime emphasis on providing a safe, supportive environment that is free from judgment. My style has been described as highly collaborative.

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!

At Elements, we use evidence-based practices, and our therapists are trained in a variety of advanced modalities, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Practices, CBT, DBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, Systemic Sex Therapy, and many others. Elements offers accessible in-person counseling services at our location in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as online teletherapy throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Are you dealing with the life stressors of being a teenager or young adult? Feeling stuck? Depressed? Anxious? Well, you’ve already passed the most difficult part which was seeking help. I empower adolescents, teens, and young adults (ages 13+) to overcome daily struggles and live in their best potential at the best version of themselves. Together, we will work to identify your strengths and get you back to your higher self with balance. We will use a client-centered and strength-based approach to address the needs of your mental health. I also utilize a lot of cognitive behavioral techniques to assist with getting your mind, body, and spirit aligned. I love to incorporate lots of therapeutic activities with a primary focus on building self-efficacy. I have years of experience with trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, etc. You deserve to be the best version of you. Let me help you by offering a safe, therapeutic space for you to heal. What are you waiting for? Book me if you’re motivated to make change!

Hello! This is Dr. Lavanya Devdas, woman of color, immigrant, and a licensed psychologist in PA. I am also certified by the mindfulness meditation teacher training program under Dr. Jack Kornfield and Dr. Tara Brach. I recently completed a two year training program, The Three Doors, a Tibetan based meditation program from which I incorporate somatic based and meditation techniques. I provide in-person and telehealth mental health therapy and consultation services to meet the demands of the changing landscape we live in. I also offer workshops, presentations on stress, adjustment to college, mindfulness coping tools among other topics and offer short-term consultation sessions, including online and in-person groups. Existential concerns from anxiety, work-life balance, stress to relational challenges, isolation, intersecting identities conflict and low mood are common experiences of human nature; simultaneously, when we are grappling with the uncertainty of the socio-political climate, and adjustment to life transitions, and collective biases, it is challenging to regulate anxious and depressed mood, social isolation, stress and cultural adjustment related challenges. It affects who we are, our thought patterns, feelings, and the way we understand and respond to the environment. We are not alone, and you do not have to do this alone. I offer relational therapy through a collaborative therapeutic relationship with a striving for you to feel seen and heard in a safe, genuine therapeutic milieu. My authenticity as your therapist includes integrating culturally sensitive therapy such as mindfulness based cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and client centered therapy in providing immediate feedback, using mindfulness based strategies and concrete, specific tools based on your strengths, as your coping repertoire. Supportive, therapeutic relationships can help. So please do not wait. Reach out now.

CURRENT OPENINGS available for telehealth (virtual sessions) in response to management of stay at home orders. Hello! I'm Jen, a Licensed Professional Counselor, working out of a private practice in downtown Pittsburgh (PKO Counseling). I have obtained a Masters of Counseling and Human Development at Walsh University. In my practice, I use a variety of approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Art Therapy. I have particular experience in working with those facing depression, anxiety, trauma, phase of life issues, LGBT concerns, anger management, and addiction. It is my hope to be able help you build the confidence and skills you need to manage the stressors in your life. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, safe environment to work on whatever is interfering with your happiness. I am someone who enjoys bringing humor into our sessions, and look forward to having the opportunity to get to know you. I hope to help you find the strength and support you need through our sessions together.