Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

I work with students who feel stuck or stretched thin. Common themes include low mood or anxiety, perfectionism and procrastination, imposter feelings, and big transitions. My style is focused and time-limited. We set clear goals, build simple routines, and track progress between sessions. I use mindfulness, behavioral tools, and values work to help you decide what matters and act on it. Sessions are structured and practical: we translate insight into small, repeatable steps for school, relationships, and health. You can expect exercises to try between sessions and a concrete plan for each week. Good fit if you want a collaborative, evidence-informed approach, you are ready to practice skills, and you prefer clear feedback over jargon. Not a fit if you seek open-ended therapy without clear goals.

Maybe chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma has your nervous system stuck on high alert, so that even when life is relatively stable, you don't actually feel that way. Maybe your past experiences show up now as hypervigilance, tension, irritability, insomnia, or shutting down. Maybe you're managing burnout, depression, relationship struggles, or patterns you just can't seem to shake. Maybe you're tired of merely surviving and ready to actually feel different. With a background in social justice, many of my clients are queer, activists, neurodivergent, and others for whom identity/politics/systemic context are part of their story. We start by helping your body feel safer through various approaches such as biofeedback, breathwork/meditation, or the Safe and Sound Protocol so your nervous system doesn’t have to work so hard. From there, we look deeper at the patterns, relationships, and stories that shaped how you move through the world. We explore what matters to you at your own pace. Our work together isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding what has happened to you, how you've adapted, and finding out what is possible when we have more awareness and more options. My approach is a deeply relational one. You're the expert on your own life and I'm here to serve as a supporter and collaborator in the process.

I specialize in working with children, teens and adults of all ages with life changes/ transitions, mood disorders and emotional regulation, stress management, self-esteem and self-confidence, and grief and loss. My approach to therapy is client-centered, solution-focused, strengths-based and trauma-informed.

Everyone has a unique story. Feeling safe and comfortable in therapy to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions is essential to the therapeutic process. I understand that the decision to choose a therapist can be a daunting task and the first step into treatment requires a lot of courage. For the past 20 years I have specialized in working with people who have been impacted by complex trauma and loss. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, distorted self-image, and a sense of disconnect with self, their environment, and others are often the byproducts of trauma that I see my clients experiencing. Within my practice, I focus on creating an environment in which everyone feels safe, accepted, and empowered to explore and express what they want to express and how they feel comfortable expressing it. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I consider myself an eclectic therapist who is client-focused, strength-based, and humanistic. I utilize aspects of Gestalt and Mindfulness in my treatment.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Training and professional background: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, graduating in May of 2014. In the Fall of 2012, I received training as a victims’ advocate and crisis line operator at the Family Justice Center in South Bend. For the rest of my time as an undergraduate, I continued volunteering for the FJC, focusing on taking crisis calls, yet unaware of the skills I was building in attending to each caller’s concerns. I utilized my training again during grad school to volunteer for Crisis Text Line, where I honed my skills in crisis management and planning. In December of 2018, I graduated with my Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Duquesne’s program is CACREP accredited and meets all standards and requirements as an institution for counselor education. I received my license November of 2023. Theoretical orientation and approach to counseling: My clinical approach is rooted in two orientations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I also draw heavily from the Humanistic-Existentialist perspectives of Psychology and philosophy in helping my clients better understand their feelings, goals, and experiences. My clinical practice embodies the spirit of meeting clients where they are. I enter each session with one objective: a readiness to talk and warmly receive. Client rights and responsibilities: As my client, I encourage you to ask questions and raise concerns about anything, especially my credentials and qualifications, the progress of our work together and its cost, my therapeutic approach, or anything else that concerns you. I take my role seriously as a helper and strongly believe that healthy relationships, especially therapeutic, require communication, consistency, and warmth. Therapeutically, we might be a good fit if: -- You are ready to make new moves in your life and relationships – So many of us know what must be done to address problematic behavior or to build better habits. What might be lacking is an awareness of the theory or tools to support those efforts. I am equipped to teach you how to individualize widely known coping skills, if you are ready to prioritize your mental health treatment. -- You are a creative person – The scaffolding or foundation you need to accomplish your long-term goals comes from your ability to generate creative solutions—no matter the medium! Your unique skills and worldviews can enrich to the work we do in the room. This takes the form of interesting, billowing conversation, not traditional art therapy. -- You are looking for a space to feel seen and heard – I take great pride in my ability to attend to the emotional needs of my clients. A dedicated space where the floor cedes to you, a conversation that is focused with warm curiosity on you, that is quickly becoming a rarity in our social interactions. While attentiveness is one of my biggest strengths to offer, I find being a witness to my clients’ concerns and vulnerabilities the greatest honor and reward in this field; we are the most human in these moments. It sets the stage for therapeutic collaboration and honors our innate drive to identify and hold our emotions without urgency or shame.

I have significant experience addressing mind/body issues, physical health-related issues, stress and coping with academic, family, relationship, personal and work-related issues. My approach is client-centered and I utilize evidence-based interventions that are appropriate for the individual client's presenting issues. I am trained in CBT to address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, etc., Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based approaches to stress management; Interpersonal psychotherapy, to name a few evidence-base practices that I offer.

College can be exciting and overwhelming. I work best with students who feel stuck, stressed, or unsure about who they’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship challenges, family pressure, or big decisions, I offer a calm, nonjudgmental space to sort things out. You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident in your next steps.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

I am licensed to provide therapy for 18+ and adults who are experiencing a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, self esteem and relationship problems. I have been practicing for over 25 years with experience in mood disorders (depression, anxiety, SAD, panic) and relationship issues. Other areas of interest for me include grief, self esteem issues, issues of college aged & young adults, and the elderly. My approach is warm, accepting and straight forward. I use many treatment modalities, but focus on problem solving collaboratively with my client. I can respond to e-mail quicker than voicemail.

Nadine M. Cramer, LPCC-S, LPC College life comes with incredible opportunities — and real challenges. Whether you're managing stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, navigating a difficult transition, or carrying the weight of past trauma, you don't have to figure it out alone. With over 22 years of experience working with adults, I bring a grounded, compassionate approach to helping you understand what's getting in your way — and build the practical skills to move forward. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we'll work together at your pace, in a space where you are always safe to be honest and never judged for where you are. You've already done something brave by being here. Let's take the next step together. Accepting new clients. Virtual sessions available.

Please see www.drramirao.com for more information! Office hours are by appointment, M-Th and Saturday.

If you feel like you’re stuck in limbo—waiting for your "real life" to start while constantly getting in your own way—you are exactly where you need to be. Life transitions, relationships, and past events can be complicated. We all have those patterns—the ones where we know we're self-sabotaging, but we do it anyway. Whether it’s messy relationships, past stuff that keeps popping up, or the overwhelming stress of being a young adult in a chaotic world, you don't have to piece it together alone. Some days you might need a roadmap and direct advice; other days, you just need a safe space to sit with the big, scary questions. If you’re looking for a mix of humor, directness, and a partner to help you navigate, let's talk. I specialize in helping people explore the "in-between" stages of life and processing the heavy stuff that holds them back. LGBTQ+ affirming and provide gender affirming care letters. New openings available for June 2026! Stop overthinking it and take the first step. Self Schedule a FREE 15 min consult by clicking my website link!

Hi there! Struggling with feelings in general? Don’t quite know where to turn? Well I am glad you found my page. I have worked with a diverse group of clients with many different struggles but I specialize in adults, young adults and teens. I like to take a conversational approach to therapy. I don’t want our sessions to feel like an uncomfortable doctor's appointment but rather a comfortable place to explore ideas and ask questions. I want to partner with you in the way you work best whether that be crystals and meditation, memes and social media, or just starting with the basics. I have experience in working on issues involving anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, LGBTQIA struggles, family issues and more. My goal is to give you a supportive and judgment free space where we can talk about finding out what works for you. Shoot me an email or give me a call and we can talk about how I can help you.

At the Center for Counseling Arts we are committed to helping you discover your own ability to live more fully. Our licensed counselors, social workers and psychotherapists offer a wide range of counseling and can be contacted online through our therapists directory; and our directors are glad to offer their recommendation. We welcome students and young adults to reach out to us, whether seeking healing for a specific concern or simply a confidential and supportive environment to begin the therapeutic process for meaningful change.

Dr. Collins is a licensed therapist (LPC) and national certified gambling counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions counseling. Holding a doctorate in counseling psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her private practice. Specializing in a range of challenges, Dr. Collins offers compassionate support and evidence-based treatment for individuals grappling with: - Anxiety and depression - Life transitions - Relationship conflicts - Grief and loss - Substance abuse issues - Adult children of alcoholics With a client-centered approach, Dr. Collins is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work towards personal growth and healing. Her extensive experience and training enable her to tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term therapy, Dr. Collins is committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and build resilience for a more fulfilling future.

Do you struggle with self esteem, decision making, or just life in general? Are you ready to make a change? Often times our experiences can/have shape(d) who we’ve become. You may be in need of support and that’s ok. Congratulations to you for taking the first step in seeking support. My mission is to help make a difference in the lives of others one day at a time. As a certified Compassion Fatigue counselor, I can assist with emotional exhaustion. Life experiences can often leave us drained, stressed and or overwhelmed. Are you one who has always been there for others in their time of need? Who helps you? Do you have a healthy support system? The helper often gets neglected because they’re busy assisting others which can lead to Compassion Fatigue. Let me assist you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Relationships are both the most difficult and the most rewarding things about being human,and they are HARD! I believe very strongly in the power of relationships to heal as well as hurt. I help people look at the relationships in their lives and figure out how to move forward in a new way. I work with all types of relationships. My particular areas of interest include defiant teenagers, self-harm, couples therapy, mindfulness, and trauma work. When the most important relationships in our lives are strong, I believe that we can handle whatever problems life throws at us.