Therapists for college students near Duke University
College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between—and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. As someone who’s been through the college journey myself, I understand the pressure to succeed, the weight of family expectations, and the struggle to balance mental health with everything else life throws at you. I’m here to support students who are feeling stuck, anxious, burnt out, or unsure of who they are or where they’re headed. With a background in health systems, early childhood development, and clinical training across diverse settings, I offer a space where you can be yourself—no judgment, no pressure. Whether you're processing past experiences, adjusting to a new environment, or just need someone to talk to, I’ll meet you with empathy, tools that work, and a deep respect for your lived experience. Let’s make space for you.
I provide EMDR therapy to individuals in Wilmington, North Carolina and statewide. EMDR is effective at treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a variety of other mental health conditions and personal struggles. Feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation for more information.
Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns- perhaps comparing yourself to others, lashing out at loved ones, feeling unmotivated or unfocused at work? Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are messengers, offering us information on areas that might need addressing. Therapy is a great place to begin that process. Whether you're unsure of what is behind these patterns, or you've been struggling with anxiety, ADHD, grief, or big life changes, I offer a collaborative space where we can tackle these challenges in a way that feels authentic to you. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy or “quick fixes.” Instead, I offer a thoughtful, steady space for self-understanding, self-compassion, and sustainable change. I pull from several modalities to best suit your needs- whether that's exploring how your past is influencing you now or practicing new tools to help you navigate today's stressors. If my approach speaks to you, I invite you to reach out for a free 10 min phone consultation where I can answer any questions and we can determine if we're a good fit to work together!
"""Rachael Spisak is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a decade of experience helping individuals manage anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. She has worked across multiple clinical settings, supporting people through varying levels of emotional distress and guiding them toward lasting change. Rachael believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes autonomy, shared decision-making, and evidence-based care. She integrates medication management with therapeutic techniques to create individualized treatment plans that align with each client’s goals. Her passion for psychiatry stems from her dedication to walking alongside clients on their journey toward self-discovery and improved well-being. Outside of her practice, Rachael enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new places."""
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Hi there! My name is Sienna, and I am an LCMHCA in NC. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2025 with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in addiction. I also graduated from Appalachian State in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in Human Services. I believe therapy is a space where you can come exactly as you are. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all mentality, meaning each session is tailored specifically to you. Most of my experience comes from working with the neurodivergent community as well as students and young adults. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal conflict, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. I also use an eclectic approach that is person-centered and incorporates ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. Currently I am seeing clients via telehealth in NC.
Engaging in therapy is an important commitment and can be difficult to fit in with the rest of life's responsibilities. Perhaps you've tried therapy before and found it unhelpful, or worry that constant engagement in therapy is required for lasting change. Trying to cope with the aftermath of trauma, or the way anxiety symptoms can disrupt a day, or having the same fight again and again with a partner can seem to take all of your energy and motivation. Life is often stressful and chaotic, and the times when we feel most stretched thin are the times we need the most support and change. I believe the best outcome of therapy is graduating from therapy - knowing you now have the tools to do what YOU want to do in life. I have spent most of the first 10 years of my career as a Psychologist in the VA, which has allowed me to obtain expert training in effective therapy protocols that produce quick, lasting results - so you can get on with life. Your goals are reachable - we just need to find our way there. Every person's path is different, and I look forward to walking with you on yours. I use effective, proven tools from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches to guide both individuals and couples toward their chosen destinations.
Are you struggling with your relationships and/or friendships? Are you tired of dealing with critical thoughts and low self esteem? Are you struggling with establishing boundaries and with healthy communication? Are you dealing with feelings of depression, loneliness, and/or anxiety? Are you wanting better relationships with others? A better relationship with yourself? Well, I can help. At Journey to Insight Counseling, my goal is to help you understand yourself. With shadow work, attachment theory, and holistic therapeutic approaches, I can help you grow into a healthier version of yourself. Life is hard enough on its own. Feeling stuck while navigating life is distressing. And relationships (of all kinds) can be challenging. You do not have to figure it out alone. If you are interested in counseling, send me an email or set your own appointment on my website. We can meet for a 15 minute consultation or jump into our first session. If you are wanting a time that you do not see available on my website, email me and we can work something out.
Feel free to learn more about us by checking out our website! We are a non-profit counseling center offering counseling and psychotherapy with highly trained therapists, accepting most insurances, and offering a sliding-scale for payment when needed.
Hardworking, ambitious, fucking exhausted. I work with women (18–30) who look like they have it together but are absolutely depleting themselves to stay that way. They’re responsible, creative, used to handling a lot…but they’re tired of overthinking, second-guessing, or feeling like no matter how hard they work, it’s never enough. Some have anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma histories. Others just know something feels off, that life feels heavier than it should. Often, they’re great at coping on the outside, which can make it hard to admit they’re struggling at all. But let’s be honest: Appearing “fine” is a full-time job. In therapy, we slow things down on purpose. We look at the patterns you’ve been stuck in — people-pleasing, avoidance, self-criticism — and figure out what’s actually driving them. We work with your nervous system instead of fighting against it. We build practical tools that help you move forward in your life. My style is warm, direct, & honest. I care deeply about my clients and will absolutely challenge you when it matters. I use EMDR, ACT, & DBT skills in ways that are personal and actually useful.
I truly believe that everyone has the tools and potential to deal with and face their life challenges, adversities, conflicts, and pain. I am a passionate listener to your story. Together, we will find your own ability to live a better life with yourself and with others.
As a recent graduate, I am aware of the difficulties that come with being a college student. It is very important that you have someone who can be a listening ear and guidance through struggles. I believe that it is necessary for the counseling relationship to be empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space to collaborate and work at your own pace to reach goals. I hope to empower my clients through heightening self-confidence and utilizing strengths as well as enhancing one’s accountability for behaviors. Through the counseling relationship, we can facilitate change.
All of You is a privately-owned practice that provides Family, Group, Couples, and Individual counseling for people looking for a non-judgemental space to start their journey in the healing process. We hold the belief that every single person has the power to change their own lives, the power lies within themselves. We strongly believe that we can help individuals harness their own strengths with the guidance, encouragement, education, and empowerment we provide through our professional counseling skills and own life experiences.
I welcome and affirm all expressions of identity by treating every client with respect and unconditional positive regard. My practice is LGBTQ supportive and affirming 🏳️🌈. I do my best to hold a non-judgmental space where my clients feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings without fear or judgement. I believe that the client-therapist relationship is foundational to effective therapy. You and I will work together to understand and identify problems and find actionable solutions that fit your unique situation.
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Central to my client care philosophy is the belief in providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. Each client interaction is approached with sensitivity, respect, and a genuine desire to understand their unique needs and experiences. By building a strong therapeutic alliance, I collaborate with clients to develop tailored treatment plans that address their specific concerns and work towards meaningful and sustainable growth. With college students schedule, it is easy to squeeze in sessions with me. I offer Telehealth sessions at different times to accomodate and make accessing services easier.
And..... ACTION! Let's face it, Life can be a doozy sometimes and at some point trying to be "on" is exhausting. You think you're doing everything right but nothing turns out the way you think it should. You start to think, "What's the point? Why even try?" You're tired and just want things to be different. Better. I get it. So don't go it alone, let's talk about it. Let's throw some thoughts and solutions out there and see what sticks. You may feel stuck, but YOU'RE NOT ALONE. Call me and let's get you back on track to the best version of yourself. 'Cuz, at the end of the day, Life is tough. But if you're reading this, so are you. TTYL :)
A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “put together” one. The responsible one. The one who pushes through. But behind the scenes, they’re exhausted. Many are dealing with complicated relationships with food, body image, or perfectionism while also navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, or chronic illness. From the outside it might look like they’re managing fine, but internally it can feel like a constant battle with their own mind or body. A lot of my clients are thoughtful and self-aware, but tired of feeling stuck in the same patterns or feeling like they’re constantly fighting themselves. In therapy with me, the goal isn’t to shame or rush you into change. Instead, we slow things down and get curious about what your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are actually trying to communicate. From there, we work on building coping tools, creating more flexibility in patterns that feel rigid or overwhelming, and rebuilding trust with your body. You don’t have to come in with everything figured out. Many of my clients start therapy feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or even skeptical — and that’s completely okay. Therapy is just a space where you can show up honestly and start making sense of things at your own pace.
I enjoy collaborating in the therapeutic process, partnering with individuals who are seeking guidance in pursuing wellness and healing. My goal is to create a space for ALL people to feel welcomed and celebrated, and where individuals can work to improve their quality of life. I am a compassionate listener, and I use a Strengths-Based Approach and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help people find wholeness and continue the process of healing. I am honored to walk alongside clients in their journey toward truth and understanding. When I am not in the office, I enjoy the peace of nature and the encouragement that comes from spending time with loved ones.