Rachel Zaret-McCrystal

Hey there! Feeling overwhelmed by life, school, or relationships? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

College can be an exciting time, but let’s be honest: it can also be a lot. Between juggling classes, friendships, family expectations, and figuring out your future, life can feel downright overwhelming. Maybe you’re dealing with stress or anxiety that won’t let up. Perhaps you’re struggling to manage perfectionism, self-doubt, or feeling stuck in a cycle of procrastination. Whatever brought you here, I want you to know that you’ve taken an incredible first step by exploring support—and I’m here to help.

As a therapist, I work with college students like you who are navigating the stress and uncertainty that often comes with this stage of life. Whether you’re trying to balance school and personal life, sort through complicated emotions, or just figure out who you are and what you want, I’m here to offer you a safe, supportive space to unpack it all.

What You Can Expect in Therapy

Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating or clinical—it’s about you. In our sessions, you’ll find a space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind without fear of judgment. Whether it’s anxiety about grades, relationship struggles, or the pressure to have everything figured out, we’ll work through it together.

We’ll explore what’s been holding you back and develop strategies that actually fit into your life. I use evidence-based approaches, mindfulness techniques, and tools for managing stress and anxiety, but I also believe in keeping things real, relatable, and sometimes even lighthearted. Growth doesn’t always have to feel heavy—it’s about learning how to navigate life in a way that feels true to you.

Why College Students Choose Therapy

Here are just a few of the reasons students come to me for support:

Stress & Burnout: College life can feel like one big to-do list. We’ll work on managing your stress and setting boundaries so you can feel more in control.
Anxiety & Perfectionism: Always striving for the best? Constantly overthinking? Let’s work together to quiet the pressure and find more balance.
Relationships: Whether you’re navigating friendships, dating, or family dynamics, I can help you build stronger, healthier connections.
Life Transitions: Moving to a new place, choosing a major, or figuring out what’s next after college? These changes can feel overwhelming, but they’re also opportunities for growth.
Self-Discovery: College is a time of exploring who you are. We’ll work on building your confidence, tuning into your values, and creating a vision for your future.
A Little About Me

I’m Rachel McCrystal, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I’ve dedicated my career to helping people—just like you—navigate life’s challenges with care and confidence. Outside of therapy, I’m a mother, a military spouse, and a breast cancer survivor, so I deeply understand what it’s like to feel stretched thin and uncertain about the future. My own experiences have taught me how important it is to have someone in your corner—and that’s exactly what I aim to be for you.

This Is Your Time

I know it can feel scary to take that first step toward therapy, but I promise, it’s worth it. You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out—I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you figure it out.

Therapy is about creating space to breathe, reflect, and grow. It’s about learning to trust yourself, embrace your strengths, and navigate challenges with more clarity and resilience.

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start moving forward, let’s connect. Your next chapter is waiting, and I’d be honored to be a part of it.