Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

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.

We are currently accepting referrals and meeting clients virtually. Live Life with Purposeful Balance Life is complicated with competing demands for our time, energy and resources. Whether you're struggling with a particular issue, or just can't shake the feeling that there should be more to life, we can help you to develop balance in your life, relationships, and career. By providing you a caring environment you will be able to identify and explore those issues that may be getting in the way of a more rewarding life, career, or more fulfilling relationships. Resiliency and persistence are characteristics of people who face challenges and traumas, and come out on the other side with new appreciations and well-balanced lifestyles. At times, even the most successful individuals have difficulty overcoming obstacles. We invite you to take the first step to build your resilience and perseverance. We will work through the challenges you are facing to remove obstructions, open doors to improve relationships and social interactions, experience a calm and stable mood, and obtain clear thinking with a positive outlook. We want to help you find your inner motivation and grow toward your lifelong pursuits. We also offer group therapy options, and executive functioning coaching. We welcome neurodiversity and Understand the unique challenges college brings. Our website provides further details about groups and the difference between coaching and counseling.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a licensed psychologist, I specialize in delivering empathic, client-centered mental health care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. As a member of both the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, I bring a unique lived perspective to my work and am deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive, affirming, and evidence-based care that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches in my work, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma. I also integrate cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior strategies to help individuals build effective coping skills, manage distress, and navigate life’s challenges more confidently. Personally, I am a proud pet parent and enjoy spending time with my chosen family and friends. Interests and hobbies include going to concerts, dancing, creative activities, going on adventures, leisure hikes, jigsaw puzzles, and playing board games.

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.

It can be difficult to navigate finding mental health care, but you’ve made it this far. I view my role as holding a warm space for us to explore what is working and not working for you in your life. Most of us weren’t taught how to experience our emotions mindfully and respond with intention. It makes sense that many of us struggle with responding to our emotions compassionately. I may help you identify, understand, and accept difficult internal experiences while taking meaningful action in your life. My experiences range from outpatient care to more intensive eating disorder partial hospitalization. I seek to help you feel empowered to move through the world in your body as it is in this moment. Whether or not you’re struggling with your relationship with food or your body, I find self-compassion an important tool in promoting mental health. One of the ways change happens is by doing something differently than you’ve done before. I encourage you to make small changes in between sessions as we work together. The therapy process can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. I'd be honored to be a part of it with you.

My orientation to psychology integrates interpersonal, psychodynamic, and somatic/mindfulness approaches, each looking at different aspects of the relationship of humans to the world around us. My focus on connectivity and context—the whole picture of someone’s life—forms the basis of my practice and treatment. I also believe that each person is the author and expert of their lives, so I strive to meet people where they are and focus on their needs in that moment in time. Because our bodies (neurology, muscles, fascia, biorhythms, etc) are not separate from our minds, I also utilize trauma-informed somatic and mindfulness-based interventions where appropriate. I treat: anxiety and depression; grief and loss; trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD; survivors of narcissistic relationships; women’s issues; end-of-life issues; life transitions; sexual and relationship wellbeing (kink- and consensual nonmonogamy-aware); LGBTQIA+; substance use disorders and recovery; ecological and sociological distress; acculturation issues; religion and spirituality issues Other interventions used: art therapies; nature-based/ecotherapies, dream work/image rehearsal therapy; mindfulness and somatic therapies

I founded Tranquil Trails with a vision to create a therapeutic space where young adults entering the "real" world feel safe to bring their whole selves into the room—without fear of judgment or dismissal, using unconditional positive regard and holistic therapy that encompass an individual and does not place people into boxes or make assumptions. I believe that when we as therapists approach our work with the vulnerability, compassion, and transparency of our humanness, we invite our clients to do the same. At Tranquil Trails, we specialize in working with youth and adults—as they navigate the ebbs and flows of transitional age, complicated by economic hardship, daily reminders of systemic oppression, access to violent videos occurring in real time across the world, AI and misinformation, fear of rights being taken away or have been, frequent complicated family histories with psychosocial stressors daily. And on top of that many of our clients are in college, graduate school, medical school or pursuing an academic career. We invite our clients into the process of collaborative treatment planning, using their own words to create positive and achievable goals. We notice when something is different and we highlight it. We teach them that to see the positives in oneself is to go against the grain of all we have been taught as members of the system. Overachieve, don’t rest, never stop producing, never slow down. We are missing out on life, and the ability to sit with emotions. The ability to notice any positive emotions at all. Our vision at Tranquil Trails is to create a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive community where individuals feel empowered to take charge of their mental health journey. We aim to foster a world where mental health struggles are not only normalized but seen as a trait of humanness, and where healing, personal growth, and resilience are accessible to all. We envision a future where every client, regardless of background or limitations, has the tools, support, and confidence to craft a life that works for them. Through authenticity, collaboration, and evidence-based care, we strive to break the stigma around mental health and create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

The Counseling Center provides compassionate and professional outpatient counseling to anyone seeking support for life's many challenges. Our team of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists are ready to help you work through issues such as trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, family/partner conflict, anger, life transitions, and loss and grief. We serve clients of nearly all ages and backgrounds. Our practice consists of a diverse group of licensed clinicians who have experience with a wide variety of treatment modalities and professional backgrounds. Treatment can be provided in-person, via telehealth, or via a hybrid option. We serve individuals, couples, or families. Allow us to support you on your journey towards healing and improving your mental health and wellness. We don't ask "What's wrong?" but rather "What happened? And how can we help?" Come to the Counseling Center to experience professional care in a confidential, non-judgmental, and supportive setting.

Over the past 23 years, I’ve been very fortunate to have worked in a wide variety of clinical settings that have included inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient mental health, mobile mental health, WRAP services, psychiatric rehabilitation and case management services. As a result of working in such a vast array of settings, I have gained knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of mental health disorders. As a clinician who has previously provided case management services to individuals in the community, I am familiar with how to provide linkage to services and resources so that I can best support my clients when necessary. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of PA, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of OH, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of FL. I have also obtained several other certifications: National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) Board-Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH) Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGS) I believe that individuals are doing the best that they can given the skills and resources that they have available to them. It is my job as a therapist to educate, support and guide my clients on their journey to self discovery and growth. It’s important to me to focus on what’s important to my client and to strive to meet them where they are. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey!

Melissa's diverse experience had lead her to focus on the importance of contentedness of relationships in fostering personal and spiritual growth in her clients. At the core, Melissa's goal is to help each person find the freedom that comes with pursuing wellness in every area of life. She strives to help people find a place of well being that goes beyond the sense of disease or illness but to a place of thriving state of health and balance.She has worked at various levels of mental health care including outpatient therapy, inpatient hospitalization, and residential treatment since 2005. In residential treatment, she worked with adolescents with behavioral difficulties and mental illness. While working in a psychiatric hospital, Melissa provided individual support and group therapy for adults, adolescents, children and their families who have struggled with disordered eating. She worked with children and their families who have struggle with anxiety and sleep disturbances in a university research setting. Her understanding of the connection between the mind and body was furthered while working in a medical hospital helping children, adolescents, and young adults with gastrointestinal disorders or sleep problems. These experiences have provided advanced knowledge in treating, not only eating disorders and anxiety but depression, sleep problems, trauma, body image disturbance, life transitions, communication difficulties, self esteem, chronic pain and other medical conditions. ​She has advanced training in non-pharmaceutical interventions, CBT for Insomnia and trauma, EMDR, attachment and dissociation. She enjoys working with transition age and early professionals who experience chronic anxiety and/or depression, complex trauma, and adjustment issues. She lived in Southeast Asia for 6 years and loves working with cultural adjustment issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! I’m Tori I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years, gaining experience in a variety of settings, and I’ve found my passion in helping adolescents, young adults, and adults navigate the ups and downs of life. This time in life is full of growth, change, and self-discovery—exciting, but also intimidating. I love supporting my clients through managing anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal challenges, and helping them build the skills to thrive. I take a laid-back approach to therapy, aiming to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. Humor is a big part of my style—life is tough enough, so I believe therapy should have some light moments. That said, I know when to be serious, and I’ll be right there with you as we work through whatever’s on your mind. I’m here for people from all walks of life, and I’m a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. My approach combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you develop practical tools for managing emotions, improving relationships, and making real, lasting changes in your life. In our work together, you’ll gain valuable insight into your thought patterns, learn skills to cope with stress, and build the resilience to live more authentically and mindfully. Outside of therapy, you’ll probably find me spending time with loved ones, catching concerts, watching horror movies, or taking walks. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to greater well-being. Reach out if you’d like to learn more or get started!

Our aim is to create a collaborative, person-centered healing relationship with clients. The dynamic of this co-created space is one where you can explore and find your unique tools, techniques, and strengths to empower your authentic self, as well as your understanding of the world around us. Our intention in all levels of our work is to decolonize the therapeutic space. We are LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and sex-positive. We are dedicated to the continuous engagement--both professionally and personally--that this requires. Most of us identify as queer and/or neurodivergent, and several of us also live with chronic illnesses. We believe that clients have the right to interview their clinicians and choose someone they can ask questions to and get honest answers!

I'm a psychotherapist and licensed psychologist specializing in trauma, body image, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. I strive to cultivate a safe and open environment to explore each client’s experience with curiosity and compassion. I support each client’s goals and desire for meaningful change through a collaborative and nonjudgmental approach. With clients, I will strive to work towards genuine growth and self-understanding about the past and present, while strengthening relationships and navigating difficult feelings. I bring my authentic self into each session and will continue to encourage you to be you. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a vehicle for healing and I invite honest feedback about our work together. I'm attentive to the nuances of identity and committed to integrating a social justice approach. Therapy can be a process of healing and transformation with challenging moments along the way. I'm interested in joining you on this process and working through moments together. Prior to Forward Wellness, I was a staff therapist at CaPS at Carnegie Mellon University.

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, your anxiety, stress, or burnout never lets up? Perfectionism, overthinking, or past trauma may leave you tense, stuck, or constantly on edge. Your body might feel wired, your mind keeps racing, and you can’t fully relax even when life seems “fine.” You want relief, better focus, and a calmer, steadier nervous system. You want to thrive without being trapped by overwhelm, worry, or patterns that keep you from feeling truly present—and maybe even laugh a little along the way. I specialize in anxiety, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Using trauma-informed and somatic approaches, I help you regulate your nervous system, address patterns from past experiences, and, when appropriate, use Brainspotting for deeper trauma processing. You don’t have to manage anxiety or stress alone. Therapy is a space to feel supported, slow down, and create meaningful change. We may even use humor to lighten the load and help your nervous system settle. If this approach resonates, I invite you to reach out and explore whether we are a good fit.

We are an inclusive private mental health therapy practice offering in-person therapy sessions in Lancaster, Hershey, York, Lebanon, State College, and Pittsburgh. We also offer online therapy to people aged six and older across Pennsylvania. Our experienced team of about 65 licensed therapists provides a safe place to receive professional counseling services. We tailor therapy to meet your needs, goals, and individual characteristics. We also offer lower-cost (self-pay) intern therapy anywhere in PA. Inquire to learn more. You can chat live with our in-house scheduling team during our administrative hours on our website: Monday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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! I’m a Harvard-trained, board-certified general adult psychiatrist, based in Pittsburgh. My practice focuses on psychotherapy, and behavioral treatments. I also offer evidence-based behavioral treatment for insomnia. I see adults with with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, insomnia, and with most common mental health problems. Therapists who are warm, empathic, humble, committed to honing their skills, and who make effective positive working relationships with their patients, tend to be most effective. To paraphrase the psychotherapy scholar Leigh McCullough, a therapist should aim to do the most good, in the shortest time, with the least stress for the patient. I believe this is what it means to be patient-centered. I'm accepting new patients for telehealth visits throughout Pennsylvania, or for in-person visits at my office in Shadyside (in Pittsburgh). I accept private pay, and, through the Headway app, selected health insurances (including Aetna & Cigna).