Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

We are a group practice serving the Pittsburgh community and located in the heart of Shadyside. Our team is diverse by design, bringing a unique collection of cultural and clinical experiences. Following a shared philosophy, each therapist combines evidence-based practices with holistic and mindful approaches to psychotherapy. The result is a carefully tailored plan of treatment for each individual. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, with your partner, or for your family, the Awareness & Wellness Center (AWC) is committed to providing therapy services that support your journey to greater self-awareness and better health.

Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified School Counselor for children in grades K-12. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Developmental Psychology. Prior to working at Cornerstone Wellness, she was a School Counselor for 12 years in a public-school setting and also spent two years prior to that working as a School Counselor at a Cyber-School. Stephanie did mental health counseling in a private practice setting and worked at the post-secondary level as an Academic Advisor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh as well. She is very passionate about working with young adults and strongly believes that all people are deserving of love and respect. "In order for positive change to happen, we need to work together as a team to support your goals of achieving happiness, success, balance, and peace. I know that this season of life can come with many challenges but I vow to work closely with you to create a therapeutic plan that we both feel comfortable with". Stephanie's therapeutic approach is centered around a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model which helps people to understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their behaviors. Her goal is to help her clients learn how to replace their negative thought patterns with more productive ones which will then, in turn, change their behaviors. She knows that teaching people how to shift their mindsets and how to discover new ways of thinking will help them to respond differently to life's stressors and ultimately improve their overall well-being. Stephanie understands that counseling can seem "scary" at first but prides herself on making sessions collaborative and relaxed. She wants therapy to be a safe place where her clients can feel comfortable to just be themselves! "I truly love what I do and I see it as a privilege to witness the change and growth that can happen for my clients as they move through therapy. With that being said, I hope to become a person that they trust and look forward to spending time with."

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.

Hello! I am Codie Piotrowski, a licensed professional counselor with over five years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have supported clients across various settings, including schools, residential facilities, hospitals, and outpatient offices, which has allowed me to develop a flexible and compassionate approach to care. I specialize in animal-assisted therapy, using the human-animal connection as a unique and supportive way to help clients feel comfortable, engaged, and understood. I also incorporate art, play, and music expression into sessions to help clients explore emotions, build coping skills, and work toward their personal goals in ways that feel meaningful and approachable. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, focusing strongly on building positive therapeutic relationships and meeting each client where they are. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I am currently pursuing EMDR Certification. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and thrive.

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.

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.

Are you in search of a therapist who understands the unique experiences of trans and queer individuals? Are you navigating how to address trauma, cope with late-stage capitalism, handle ADHD and autistic burnout, or explore gender and sexuality? I am committed to serving individuals within my community, particularly those who identify as trans and queer. I approach my practice as kink-aware, anti-capitalist, pro-sex worker, and knowledgeable about non-monogamous relationships. ​​ Because you know you best, we will collaborate to explore your intentions, identify therapeutic goals, and establish an individualized plan. I am IFS informed and utilize art therapy to deepen self-understanding and promote healing with clients. My aim during our sessions is to create a safe, inclusive space where you can freely express yourself. ​ I highly value and respect your identities, understanding their significant impact on your lived experiences and our work together. If you resonate with my therapeutic approach, I warmly invite you to reach out about how we may work together.

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.

Hello! An Empowered Empathy: Counseling & Wellness we believe every client deserves to love their life. We know sometimes things can get dark and challenging. We are here to help you get to a place that feels like you’re heading in the right direction and build a life that feels meaningful for you.

If you feel overwhelmed, confused, anxious or alone, it might help to have someone on your side to help you sort through the mess without judging you. I enjoy helping fellow humans adjusting to changes big and small, experiencing anxiety, perfectionism and self-esteem issues, questioning sexual/gender identity, or struggling with disordered eating and/or body image. We will work together in a way that aligns with what you need at the time, whether that's coping strategies to manage daily stressors or a nonjudgmental space to process what's happened to you and figure out where you want to go from here. I will acknowledge how your identities (including LGBTQIA+, neurocomplexity, and disability) intersect with each other and the environment, and can help you know yourself better and become more self-empowered and self-compassionate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

​​I provide effective help for individuals, couples and families, who are seen by scheduled appointment via secure and confidential telehealth sessions. Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others. I participate with most health insurance plans and many employee assistance programs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a therapist who specializes in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with either anxiety, life transitions, complex trauma or their Christian faith. I enjoy being able to walk alongside others in their life journey and to be a stable, and consistent support in their life. I have been in the mental health field for over 5 years now working with various people of those who have experienced trauma throughout various forms of life. I also have experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders, and trying to navigate family conflict. I will assist you on your mental wellness journey by providing you a safe space to feel what you feel, to be heard and to take the next steps in addressing the struggles you face with new skills. I use a client-centered approach in combination with specialized interventions such as CBT, DBT, and parts work. I can use spirituality approaches if desired. Be gentle with yourself and remember this quote: "We cannot choose the cards we are dealt, but we can choose how we play the hand." If you are interested in taking next steps in your mental wellness journey feel free to contact me by phone or email.

“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.

We provide a safe, caring environment with only top-rated specialists. We provide secure online therapy & counseling that fits your life. With a results-based, individualized approach, our goal is to help you heal and become happy again.