Therapists for college students near Duke University

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.

A knoll is a small rise in the land, a place to pause and see further. The mind is where our stories, pain, and healing live. Knoll Mind was founded to give clients a grounded place to stand and a clearer view of their own lives. Our mission delivers culturally affirming, evidence-based psychotherapy that honors the mind, body, and spirit of the whole person. Grow Therapy: https://growtherapy.com/provider/k5fu050633fj/lavi-wilson?previewed_at=1778608642004

I offer a range of approaches including expressive arts informed therapy, body-centered therapy, and traditional talk therapy. I also specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. My goal is to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment and provide you with the tools to authentically explore yourself, solve problems, and cope with difficult experiences. I am committed to affirming and uplifting marginalized identities across racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, and religious lines. Having completed my clinical training at the Appalachian State counseling center, I am experienced in working with college students including non-traditional students.

Counseling is like creating a work of art. It can be messy, beautiful, and transformative, but overall, it is a collaboration between client and therapist. I believe that you are the expert on your life and as such use a person-centered approach leaning into a balance of body, mind, and emotion. Doing so allows me to work with you to identify and reach specific goals, which assist in achieving well-being for emotional, physical and mental health. I enjoy working with a wide array of cultures and lifestyles. I currently offer telehealth sessions and see persons of all ages and backgrounds. I am trained in child and adolescent trauma, adult trauma, EMDR, human sexuality, grief, and somatic therapy, amongst other areas. I have a special focus in women’s trauma, adverse childhood experiences and military trauma, utilizing somatic modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

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

Deborah knows that everything heals. One of her favorite quotes continues, “Your heart heals. The mind heals. Wounds heal. Your happiness is always going to come back. Bad times don’t last” (Unknown). As a provider, Deborah offers her clients support, guidance and encouragement to help them find the internal cognitive resources needed to increase their resiliency against life’s difficulties. She encourages her clients to begin their work together with an open mind and a readiness to explore different solutions to their challenges. Since childhood, she has had a passion for helping others and, today, loves it when her patients learn to feel empowered and more positive about themselves and their lives. With an empathetic, conversational approach, Deborah explores behaviors, solutions and goals with her patients. She draws from numerous modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused (brief) therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Since her clients are often dealing with complex issues, she pulls from multiple approaches in order to address everyone’s needs.

There are times in our life when merely getting through the day becomes unimaginably difficult. You realize you can't shake feelings of sadness, anxiety, oppression or anger. Maybe you don't even want to get out of bed or you feel like you have conflict with nearly everyone in your life. That's where I come in. As a licensed clinical mental health counselor, with specialties in trauma, sexual assault, family relationships and adolescents, I can help or help you find someone who can. While I identify as Christian, I welcome people of all faiths, and honor all people as the individuals God has created them to be. I am committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and acceptance and I respect all people of race, ethnicity, color, culture, religion, spiritual practice, sex, age, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, relationship status or configuration, national origin, citizenship or physical or mental abilities. All are precious in God's sight and mine. As a former college professor and high school teacher, I am well versed in adolescent and young adult development, including sexuality, academic challenges, transitions to college life, social isolation, substance use/abuse, relationships, family conflicts, financial challenges, sexual assault and abuse, etc. I offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation.

College is a lot—and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Counseling Connections, we offer therapy that’s real, relatable, and designed to support you through whatever this chapter brings. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to students and young adults across North Carolina. Whether you're overwhelmed by classes, struggling in your relationships, facing anxiety or burnout, or just trying to figure out who you are, we’re here to help. No stuffy office vibes—just compassionate therapists who get it and real tools that actually work. Let’s make space for your growth. Visit counselingconnections.online to find your perfect-fit therapist and start feeling more like yourself again.

I am a clinical social worker who takes a Rogerian approach to therapeutic relationships. After 9 years of public health experience I have developed a broad skill set. My expertise includes trauma informed care, parenting, smoking cessation, substance use, intimate partner violence, healthy masculinity, medical adherence and perinatal mood disorders. I have years of experience working on multidisciplinary teams and speak the language of healthcare. I utilize evidence based practices and have been trained in a variety of modalities including EMDR, motivational interviewing, tobacco treatment and cessation, eco-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

I am a counselor at Blue Ridge EXA, an integrative care practice where we specialize in grief, life transitions, and the effects of medical trauma. In our sessions, you can expect a person-centered and integrative approach, one that honors your inner knowing while gently exploring the patterns and stories that shape your experience. I work with those who are experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and navigating times of uncertainty and change. I am an expressive arts therapist, and offer a compassionate, safe place to explore your experience.

College brings a lot—stress, pressure, tough emotions, and sometimes habits you’re not proud of. I support students navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, and self‑esteem challenges. We’ll focus on what matters most to you and help you feel more balanced and confident. You don’t have to show up perfect or know exactly what you want to say—just come as you are. If you’re curious about getting support, I’m here to help you take the next step.

I want to take a moment to thank you for being here. If you are thinking of starting therapy, then you have already accomplished the first step on your journey towards healing and growing. I am a strong believer of the power of a person and empowering people through therapy. If you are feeling as if you have exhausted all other resources and you need some extra support. Just know that I see you and that I am here to help you on your journey towards healing and embodying your most authentic self. My therapy style is holistic and I utilize somatic therapy (breath work, grounding exercises, meditation, etc.), strengths-based approach, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy .I utilize approaches that best help me to look at my clients as a whole by incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into therapeutic healing. I am committed to providing you with a safe space that is accepting, healing, and judgement-free. I believe that your life experiences are uniquely your own and you are worthy of authentically embracing and expressing all of you. I am here to support you on your journey towards transcendence. If you are ready to heal/grow, feel free to reach out to me.

I work best with students who are navigating big life transitions, managing stress, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations—whether that’s from school, family, relationships, or themselves. Many of the students I have seen are deep feelers who carry a lot on their shoulders but don’t always feel like they can ask for help. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or trauma from earlier life experiences. Therapy with me is a space to unpack all of that without pressure to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just come as you are.

Life can be brutal, can’t it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions…What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We’ve all been there in some season of life. But who says this can’t make us better! Every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs. Therefore, we adapt our interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who you are and what you need. We are all trained in a number of different interventions and like to use a combination of our training and expertise to utilize an eclectic approach to best meet the needs of each individual person. We know that every individual is uniquely different and therefore each person should have a unique therapy journey based on their own needs.

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.

NuMind welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds. We are invested in assisting with your healthy matriculation through your studies, and recognize that your mental well-being is vital to that process. Our owner, Dr. D'Angelo Lewis (Dr. Dee) was a college professor and advisor, as well as a Program Evaluator for UNC General Administration. He is very familiar with the rigors of higher education and the struggles that come along with the journey to graduating. As an undergraduate he not only attended school full-time, but did so with no home address, no financial support and with a toddler in tow. Imagine the dorm being your only home and feeding a child in the cafeteria! I promise that whatever you are enduring, Dr. Dee can relate and help you move your life forward.

All of us face times when life brings more than we can manage alone. Asking for help—even when asking is hard—is the first step toward a different experience. I have faced my own struggles, and I find deep joy and fulfillment in walking with others on their journeys toward healing, connection, and reawakened hope. As a mental health therapist, I support my clients to grow and thrive, to move toward what wellness means to them, and to deepen their connections both to others and to their own strengths and resources. Above all, I prioritize building a safe therapist-client relationship in which clients feel seen, respected, empowered, and welcomed as their full and authentic selves. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and experiential. In our counseling sessions, we will work together collaboratively to identify your goals for therapy and agree on strategies to move toward them. We may explore your thoughts, beliefs, and stories, your emotions, your body’s wisdom, and your creativity during our time together. We won’t just talk about what’s wrong—we’ll actively practice ways of making it better. Throughout it all, we’ll make sure our work together feels safe, supportive, and truly helpful to you. Whether you are facing the challenges of everyday life, navigating change and uncertainty, healing from deeper traumas and self-protective patterns, or seeking greater safety and security within relationships, I would be honored to support you.

Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, anxious, or simply “not like themselves.” They’re often balancing work, family, school, or major life transitions while trying to keep everything together. You may be experiencing mood changes, sleep concerns, or mental exhaustion, and you’re ready to feel more balanced, confident, and in control again. I provide compassionate, culturally responsive care to help you gain clarity, stability, and peace. I’m currently accepting new clients and would be honored to support you on your healing journey.

Place of Peace was created to help individuals, couples and families in our community navigate the stressful nature of dealing with mental health and other life challenges. We are a group of psychologists, therapists, counselors and social workers who use cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and meditation and trauma therapy, among other things, with the goal of helping individuals create a peaceful place inside themselves. We know this can be difficult, especially when we are struggling with anxiety, depression or emotional pain. Our therapists use empirically-validated and time-tested treatments to help you identify the cause of your pain, heal the underlying issues that are leading to your symptoms and build new skills for healthier habits and patterns.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.