Therapists for college students near Duke University

My clients are exhausted and overwhelmed like you. They are tired of doing their best to keep all these balls (school, work, parenting, relationships, self-care, health and wellbeing, sleep + more) up in the air (even though admittedly they are pretty darn good at it). But when they inevitably drop a few because something else pops up or they get tired, life feels messy and they are quick to place judgements on themselves. My clients are expert problem solvers and doers, who in the face of stress, just keep going. Some are the type of person who the people in their life lean on for support. Some have tried a number of ways to fix or problem solve their way our of their emotions or exhaustion. They find their coping to work for a little bit but aren't moving them towards the life they imagined for themselves. Some realize they aren't sure they can keep up with all of what needs to be done to feel "okay". When some of my clients do take time for themselves or the rest they need, their mind struggles with feeling guilty, worrying about what they "should" be doing for work/school/person (fill in the blank with any responsibility). Like my clients, you deserve to find ease and connection in your body without a to-do list flowing through your head or scanning your body for what’s wrong now. Not being defined or consumed by your productivity is not out of your reach. I'd love to help you get there. Contact me today for a free consultation.

Hi, there. If you're ready to make meaningful changes in your life but are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this may be the place for you. Whether you're navigating new life transitions, struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or relationship challenges, and seeking a deeper sense of peace and self-understanding, there's no better time to start than now. Let's build healthier coping skills, improve your emotion regulation, and foster stronger connections together. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and Ph.D. in Social Work. I am licensed in SC, NC, and TX so I am able to work with clients in all three states. With over 10 years experience supporting clients through issues such as trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, my goal is to help others build a life that they find fulfilling and enjoyable. I specialize in stress management, trauma, spirituality, and grief and loss. My aim is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and understood as we begin building a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust and collaboration. Together, we’ll start identifying steps toward healing and personal growth at a pace that feels right for you. If now feels like the right time for you, let's connect! I offer therapy sessions virtually and I'm available most weekdays. Book a free 15-minute consultation with me by clicking on my website link.

Life can feel overwhelming. You might be carrying past trauma, facing anxiety that won’t ease, or navigating a lingering sadness. Maybe you’re exploring how your identity has been shaped by culture, history, or generational pain—and you’re ready to reclaim your voice. Whatever brings you here, I want you to know: reaching out is a powerful first step. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I create a trauma-informed space where you feel seen and supported. Together, we’ll face the hard stuff while making room for healing, hope, and growth. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in decolonizing therapy—honoring how colonization, systemic oppression, and cultural narratives impact mental health. We’ll gently examine and unlearn internalized beliefs, reconnect with your resilience, and center your wisdom. This work isn’t just about surviving—it’s about liberation. I believe in the power of healing, especially in the face of profound pain. Therapy for me is about coming home to yourself—finding strength, wholeness, and meaning. If you're seeking someone who deeply listens, understands your complexity, and honors your story, I’d be honored to share this space.

Anxiety, depression, relationship stress. We all face challenges, and we do the best we can with what we know, and what we have, in the moment.

As a queer therapist and a survivor of trauma, I bring a deep understanding of the LGBTQIA+ and trauma communities, offering affirming care that acknowledges and respects your unique experiences. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed practice, emphasizing empathy, acceptance, and the power of shared experiences in the healing process. In our sessions, expect a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We'll work collaboratively to address your concerns, focusing on your strengths and utilizing mindfulness techniques to promote self-awareness and healing. You can expect me to actively listen, validate your experiences, and provide guidance as we navigate your journey toward self-discovery and growth.

Hello! My name is Payton Austin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a special focus on supporting college students. The college years can be an exhilarating time of discovery, growth, and forging lifelong friendships. Simultaneously, it's also a period of significant transition, adjustments, and challenges that can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to stress. Understanding that the mental and emotional well-being of students is just as vital as academic achievements, my primary mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express, explore, and work through any feelings or challenges you're facing. Whether it's stress from coursework, relationship dynamics, navigating personal identity, or facing anxieties about the future, I'm here to support and guide you. Collaboratively, we'll work towards understanding the root causes of any distress or concern, and develop strategies and coping mechanisms that resonate with you. My therapeutic approach is integrative, pulling from cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies, tailored to suit your unique needs and strengths. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm honored to be a part of yours. Let's take this journey together, ensuring that your college experience is not just about surviving, but truly thriving. Looking forward to our time together! Warmly, Payton Austin, MA, NCC, LCMHCA

Sometimes life can become shadowed by trauma, identity struggles, anxiety, depression, or family challenges. I work with adolescents, young adults, LGBTQIA+ clients, pregnant and postpartum people, and culturally diverse communities to gently navigate these shadows through healing, helping relationship. Together, we’ll explore the stories that shape you, honor the experiences that have brought both struggle and strength, and uncover the light within — creating a path toward healing, clarity, empowerment, and hope. Through narrative, somatic, DBT, IFS, and expressive arts therapies, I help you explore the darker places inside you, while nurturing growth and resilience. My approach is warm, collaborative, and affirming — guiding you toward understanding, empowerment, and a brighter sense of possibility. Therapy can feel intimidating as we begin to face the darkest chapters of our stories. I offer a compassionate, safe space to be seen and heard. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, honor your experiences, and uncover the light, strength, and hope already within you.

Present. Calm. Centered. Your authentic YOU. These are the things you may be longing for yet sometimes feel out of reach. Life can bring about storms and seasons of hardship that leave their mark on our human spirits. Sometimes we can find our center, yet other times we may feel lost in the seas of emotions - worries and anxieties that sweep us from our connections to ourselves and those we care about. Maybe you experienced painful moments in your youth or adult life that you just can’t find a way to shake. Or maybe you find yourself caught in certain patterns of responses despite knowing you value interacting with yourself or others differently. Maybe you hope to gain more confidence in yourself to follow your dreams. I am deeply honored to explore these thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you, so that you can draw new connections to live the life you want to lead. I work with adult individuals (18 years and up) and have experience with a variety of different presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and addictions. I offer a nurturing person-centered approach where I believe you are truly the expert in your own life. My aim is to use my professional training to collaborate with you on reaching your goals. I use a variety of counseling approaches including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, CBT and brainspotting. With this, I often interweave somatic/body based awareness, emotional attunement and cognitive aspects into the work we engage in together. I also recognize the decision to choose to start counseling can be a vulnerable and difficult one. I believe a strong therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect for supporting therapy outcomes (research supports this too!). I aim to create an environment with elements of empathy, non-judgment, compassion and humor. And if you wind up finding my therapeutic style is not the best fit for your needs, I am glad to support you in getting connected with another therapist.

Our areas of expertise include parenting challenges, attention and focus difficulties (including ADHD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, couples and marriage counseling, and issues related to retirement and life transitions. We take a goal-oriented, solution-focused approach, working collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies that foster growth and well-being.

As a therapist I focus on developing a greater sense of awareness and presence. I believe that we all want to be understood and accepted at a deep level. I respect your courage and time investment to be willing to look within and make uncomfortable changes. I work in collaborative way and strive to create a safe, accepting and caring environment that I hope is also challenging and insightful to my clients. committed to resolving unhealthy thinking, perceptions, and behaviors. My goal is to work interactively with you to identify flawed schemas that no longer serve you to come together to build new patterns of being. I'm not the kind of therapist who nods & asks: "How do you feel about that?" My approach is integrative and I am trained in IFS, EMDR, and Psychodynamic modalities.

Are the characters/themes in the Euphoria or Pixar films relatable? Do you find yourself connecting your feelings to movies, music, tv, or books? Maybe you're experiencing a recent life change of being in a new environment, newly found independence, a new job, relationship status, recent move, or exploring sobriety, and it sucks doing it alone. Can you relate to the “buzz” of anxiety Ted Lasso felt when his “panic” crept in. Are you the Nick Miller of the group, struggling with holding boundaries, overthink the little things, or feel you are your own worst enemy? How about Chidi Anagonye, uncertain of all your decisions? You feel motivated, yet unsure of how to get started? You’re trying to navigate this fucked up world, while just trying to have the "normal" college experience. Imagine feeling more confident and passionate in your pursuits like Leslie Knope. You want to be more present in your day to day and embrace a feeling of calm. Boundaries? You become a master of that shit! Implementing and enforcing them in your life.

Hello! Searching for a counselor can be a very overwhelming task, but a good fit is so important. In my practice I use evidenced-based practices and strive to make them unique to each client. Some of us process by talking, walking, singing, creating or playing and therapy should be a place to process in a safe and familiar way. I have walked along side people who are hurting, lonely, hopeless, feeling stuck, facing big transitions and are looking for a safe place to land. If you think I would be a good fit or would like to learn more please check out my website at www.sarardore.com. Be kind to yourself, you will get through this.

My name is Shurna Rabsatt and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Triple P Positive Parenting Practitioner and Financial Social Worker in NC. I have over 25 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in settings such as outpatient therapy, medical and school settings, and community mental health. I realize how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual's life that impact their well-being including their physical health, support systems (family, friends, etc), work/school environment, and faith/spirituality in this process. Therapy is more than just a job for me it's a calling. I am passionate about empowering people to find their inner strength and build healthier more fulfilling lives. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and recognize every client as a unique individual capable of healing and growth. We will use practical tools to help you manage stress, quiet your inner critic and feel more in control of your emotions. Therapy with me is supportive but also action oriented. I encourage clients to actively engage in the therapeutic relationship, expecting efforts in homework, accountability and full participation. My goal is to create a safe environment for exploring a client's primary interests, establishing goals and identifying strengths and assets as they work towards their aspirations.

We are board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP-BC) who provide compassionate and cultivated care for individuals. We aim to be holistic and collaborative in our approach to client-centered care. But what does that exactly mean? It means you are your best advocate and an expert on all things You. We are here to lend an empathetic ear and guide you through life's toughest challenges at your pace. We utilize the most up-to-date evidence-based practice in behavioral healthcare through medication management, mental health education, solution-focused therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. Our providers are experienced with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and more!

I am a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience. I help people stay organized and focused, cope with anxiety and/or depression, manage relationships, and adjust to the challenges of college life. I specialize in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, executive functioning, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, and life changes and adjustments. I believe that effective therapy is built on a strong relationship. This helps people feel safe to talk about important issues. My therapy style is a blend of techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and social skills approaches. Ultimately, I want to find the what works best for each client. I offer in-person and virtual sessions.

Are you controlled by the feeling that something bad is going to happen all the time? Life with anxiety can make everything feel on edge, exhausting and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to. You can learn how to navigate the way you feel with ease and let go of self doubt. Through therapy, we work to build a relationship of trust so you feel comfortable sharing the true struggle and exhaustion you are facing day to day. From there, therapy will help validate your emotions and the experiences that shape who you are. You will receive weekly support into your struggles and a new perspective with insight into these very unique struggles. I will work with you to learn to love yourself by seeing yourself with compassion. We will work to see your flaws as your individualistic capabilities and learn more about why your brain operates on constant overdrive.

I am Wendie Lubinsky, the Owner and CEO of WML Wellness LLC and Wendie Lubinsky Counseling PLLC in Holly Springs, NC, a Whole Health Wellness Company. I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Coach, Mental Toughness Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and Weight Loss Coach. I am also a PhD candidate at Capella University in Counselor Education and Supervision. I specialize in the combination of Mental Health and physical wellness through Nutritional Counseling and Physical Fitness for a holistic approach to wellness. My experience in the wellness field began with personal training and nutritional coaching in 2001 by helping clients achieve their goals with motivational and goal oriented programs while simultaneously helping them overcome personal obstacles. While working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I obtained my Life Coaching certificate and focused on helping clients achieve a healthy mindset and relationship with food focusing on nutrition and life balance. My combined treatment plan of Whole Health Wellness looks at the mind-body connection to understand why we have physical consequences such as chronic disease when we are not balanced nutritionally, physically, or have an unhealthy outlook on life. My research and experience with eating disorders has led to the whole health wellness perspective and approach to a holistic view of healthcare and wellness. I have continued to work in the field of nutrition, weight management, and mental health to date (19 years) and am excited to continue my journey in the PhD program. In practicum and internship during my masters, I worked at both a neurocounseling and biofeedback office and in a private practice setting with individuals, groups, couples, and families providing services for adolescents and adults. Areas of therapy include behavioral difficulties, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive/compulsiveness, trauma, relationships, family difficulties, eating disorders, infertility, and sex counseling.

Many of the students I work with are going through times of change, pressure, or uncertainty. You might be trying to balance school, relationships, and future plans, all while dealing with stress, anxiety, or questions about who you are. Maybe you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like no one really sees what you're carrying. I work best with students who are ready to explore those feelings in a safe, honest space, even if they’re not sure where to start. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open to looking inward and having real conversations. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, identity questions, trauma, or the day-to-day weight of being a student, you're not alone. I’m here to listen without judgment, help you make sense of what you’re feeling, and support you in moving forward with more clarity and self-trust.

You’re searching for more than just a therapist. You want someone who truly gets you and listens deeply. Someone with the experience, intuition, and practical tools to help you move through anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, relationship struggles, or feeling stuck. At LMV Counseling, we don’t let clients fall through the cracks. You can book online at your convenience, or connect with our Client Care Coordinator, who will personally match you with the therapist who’s the best fit for your needs, preferences, and goals. In 2024, 100% of surveyed LMV Counseling clients said they felt heard, understood, and respected. 97% reported their therapist was a good fit—and they looked forward to each session. That’s not by chance. Our Client Care Coordinator is known for making strong matches between clients and clinicians. We take your care seriously You're Ready for Change. We're Ready to Help. It takes courage to reach out for support. We honor that bravery by creating a safe, supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are. Our clients are motivated to grow and heal—they’re ready to do the work, and we're here to guide the way.

I specialize in working with teens and young adults. I have a strong background in cognitive behavioral therapy but tend to take a more eclectic and collaborative approach in order to tailor the therapy experience to each specific client’s needs and goals. I am here to offer a safe space that is filled with genuine compassion and empathy. It is my goal that you always feel seen and heard in the therapy room. Together, we can discover what it is that you need in order to cope with difficult experiences, heal from past or present trauma, and grow into exactly the person you want to be.