Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

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.

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We are a group practice serving the Pittsburgh community and located in the heart of Shadyside. Our team is diverse by design, bringing a unique collection of cultural and clinical experiences. Following a shared philosophy, each therapist combines evidence-based practices with holistic and mindful approaches to psychotherapy. The result is a carefully tailored plan of treatment for each individual. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, with your partner, or for your family, the Awareness & Wellness Center (AWC) is committed to providing therapy services that support your journey to greater self-awareness and better health.

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.

As a therapist, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other strategies to help clients explore the interactions between their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. My style is collaborative, client-driven, and forward-focused. Additionally, I enjoy looking at the systemic factors in a person's life, including family dynamics, relationships at work or school, and even interactions with friends or partners. My purpose is to help you maximize the opportunities in your life to achieve your goals through empathy and a strength-based focus. I specialize in anger and anxiety management across the life span, especially with teens and adults. I am certified in Thinking for a Change (T4C) and Aggression Replacement Training (ART). Additionally, I have extensive experience working with and advocating for people going through the legal system, including people facing domestic violence charges. I invite you to reach out to schedule a session by contacting our office to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit. I look forward to talking with and meeting you to help you achieve your goals!

I feel the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship between the counselor and client. If we are able to create a genuine relationship that is grounded in authenticity and trust, we can further your understanding of yourself, your experiences, and how you engage with the world. I aim to help people by cultivating a safe environment where thoughts and emotions can be deeply felt, and where we can discover what steps you can take in your life that better align with your values. Through counseling, we can learn how to acknowledge thoughts, feelings, and past experiences without having them overwhelm or define us. I believe that the present is the most important time to be in; however, many things from the past (or even the future) can hold us back from experiencing what is going on around us. When we are able to process our past and our future, we are finally able to connect with the current moment we are living in. I have worked with people experiencing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, interpersonal stress, and identity/self-esteem issues. Ultimately, I am passionate about working with anyone who feels “stuck” and wants to find meaning in their life. Moving forward is possible, no matter how long you have felt stagnant.

Our goal is to empower individuals, couples, and families to overcome life’s challenges and to achieve their goals. Our experienced therapists will work with you to find new ways to manage emotional or relational stressors that are impacting your ability to be your most confident and powerful self. We believe in a collaborative approach where you as the client are in the captain’s seat, and our therapist acts as your compass, guiding the way to achieving the healthy and vibrant life you deserve. We can’t wait to meet you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Life is hard, especially when you feel like you just can’t manage everything on your plate. From school to work to relationships with friends and family, there is always a lot to juggle, and stress can build up quickly! When you’re overwhelmed, your behavior, mood, and relationships are all impacted, and it’s harder to be able to fully enjoy life. I help people who feel stressed and overwhelmed learn to manage their emotions so they can be the best version of themselves. I want to hear what is already going well for you, so that we can build on what is already working to improve behaviors, mood, and relationships. From there, we can make a plan to get you back to experiencing the best parts of life. Reaching out for support can be the hardest part, so I’m glad you are here. Contact me by phone or email to discuss options for setting up a consultation call or scheduling an appointment.

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.

You didn’t ask for this—whether it’s a major life change, a new mental health diagnosis, or that frustrating sense of being stuck in the same loop over and over. You may be navigating something unfamiliar: a shift in your identity, a change in your relationships, or a diagnosis that’s left you overwhelmed, confused, or doubting yourself. Maybe you’ve noticed patterns that no longer serve you but haven’t been able to break free from them. You want to feel in control again—or maybe for the first time. And while you might hate what you’re feeling right now, some part of you is ready to figure it out. That’s where I come in. Our work together is collaborative. I’ll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and care—helping you connect the dots, challenge stuck narratives, and build something new. We’ll explore how past experiences might be shaping the present, how your diagnosis fits into the bigger picture, and what tools will actually help you feel more like you again. My clients are open to the therapy process, even when it's hard. They want clarity, relief, and a sense of mastery over their mental health—not just symptom relief, but true understanding. If you’re ready to start, reach out. We can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get there—together.

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.

Alyssa Kline is a mental health therapist working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor at PKO Counseling Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She supports clients facing a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, life transitions, social conflicts, and executive functioning difficulties. Alyssa has experience working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and young adults. She has provided mindfulness-based therapy and social coaching to transition-aged neurodivergent clients at a vocational school. Additionally, she worked at summer camps and elementary schools offering support and individualized accommodations for children. She also has experience working within college athletic departments, helping student-athletes meet their academic and personal goals. She uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach and often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Behavioral techniques. Alyssa’s goal is to help you find your voice, feel empowered, and create desired change. Alyssa strives to foster a welcoming and safe environment and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Alyssa believes that having support during life’s ups and downs is essential and she will work with you to build confidence and develop the necessary tools for growth.

You might be here because you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed—and you’re ready for change. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals find relief and growth through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. My approach is warm and holistic. I integrate traditional talk therapy (CBT and Gestalt) with trauma-informed practices like Brainspotting and the Safe and Sound Protocol, which help regulate the nervous system and gently process deeper emotional wounds. Therapy with me is collaborative—we’ll honor your pace and goals as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

I work w/ adults 20 y.o. and up. I approach symptoms not as nuisances to be managed or reduced, but rather as signposts to be read. They point us to the deeper, meaningful issues that compel thoughtful reflection both in and outside the consulting room. We can look forward to exploring the patterns/themes that announce themselves in our work together, approaching all that we see w/ the respectful curiosity that sets the conditions for growth. I have experience working with adults struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, and the universal issue of learning to live in the face of loss. Since 1987 I’ve done psychotherapy in a variety of settings. Early on I worked in community mental health and then a rape crisis center. Later, I was a member of a large group private practice for over 25 years. My clinical orientation is psychodynamic with a strong relational orientation. My continuing education in psychodynamic approaches is ongoing. If you're interested in meeting, we'll first have a brief conversation on the phone so that I'll have a chance to tell you more about how my practice works and you'll have the opportunity to tell me more about your expectations or ask any questions you might have.

I work with athletes, performers, and professionals to improve focus, confidence, and emotional agency under pressure. I will support you in attaining mindful engagement and psychological flow in your daily life. If you’re looking to navigate an important career transition, improve relationship patterns, or heal after a breakup, I’m also here to help. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve to experience life to its fullest potential. My style is practical, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are preparing for a critical moment, navigating a high-pressure or professional transition, working through relationship challenges, or trying to break through a plateau, I will help you gain the insight and skills needed to overcome barriers that may be holding you back. Over time, my goal is to help you stay present under stress, recover more quickly from setbacks, and respond to situations with clarity and control rather than force or self-criticism. I bring over a decade of experience as a psychologist, academic instructor, training director, and clinical supervisor. I look forward to serving you. Education and Career I am a licensed psychologist and a founding co-owner of Avellar Warden Psychological Associates, PLLC. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed my doctoral and post-doctoral residencies respectively at the University of Delaware and University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am a licensed psychologist in PA, NY, and a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows me to work with clients in almost every state within the U.S.

At Roots, we prioritize delivering evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual needs. Counseling tends to be short-term, goal-oriented and focused on specific issues or concerns, while therapy is often long-term, explores underlying issues and patterns. Our team of experienced therapists are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that empowers clients on their journey to mental wellness. Along the way we will provide you with the tools and resources to support success that is long term. We welcome you to contact us via phone or email to setup an initial consultation to determine if we will be a good fit.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I bring good energy, empathy, and clinical expertise to my work. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, culturally informed, and person-centered. I offer a safe, affirming, and comfortable space for you to be your authentic self, free from judgment. I meet you wherever you are on your healing journey and we work together on reaching your desired treatment goals at your own pace. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults who have experienced acute/chronic/complex trauma, chronic stress, PTSD, sexual trauma, and sex trafficking. I use a range of treatment modalities (EMDR, IFS, CPT, TF-CBT, SMART, Seeking Safety, etc.). I love using music, art, games, and interactive activities if you're interested. I also work well with anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, and existential crises. I am passionate about empowering others with knowledge, skills, and tools to help people rebuild, heal, and grow. Let’s connect to see if counseling is a good fit for you!