Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

My expertise is in supporting people living with depression, anxiety, and the after-effects of traumatic interpersonal experiences at work, school, religious institutions, and in families. We all need a safe base to connect to. I trust that people know what they need. I respect the courage it takes to express those needs and work towards meeting them. I'm warm, present, direct, and playful to interact with. I can help you connect with yourself and others, mindfully ease into your body, and approach yourself gently. I use my experience from careers as in Education, Neuropsychology Research, Clinical Healthcare, Nonprofit Leadership, and Technology Start-ups to support people in the challenge of life and career transitions. B.S. Biology, M.S. Counseling Psychology. I’m trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through Behavioral Tech & WPIC Bellefield Clinic, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy through the University of Washington, Infant Mental Health through Chatham University, Social Innovation Design through University of Pennsylvania, and Environmental Ed through Grove City College.

Welcome! I enjoy working collaboratively with folks to identify new coping skills, process difficult emotions, memories, and thoughts. My clients often are adolescents or young adults seeking assistance with social anxiety, stressful life transitions, depression, gender identity, sexuality, relationship and/or family conflicts.

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.

I strive to encourage a self-driven sense of wellness with all individuals I work with. Since 2015 I have worked with individuals coming from an array of backgrounds, challenges, circumstances, and stories. Having worked with professionals from diverse specialties (psychological, psychiatric, medical, occupational, nursing) I like to take a collaborative and eclectic approach to mental health and therapy. Regardless of a person's background it is possible to achieve relief from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, and relational challenges.

Feeling isolated, depressed, anxious, or just want a non-judgmental person to speak with about the peaks and valleys of life? You're not alone! Therapy utilization is at an all time high in the United States. Just by looking for a therapist, you have done something brave and started your journey to healing. Many of my clients are individuals or couples who are frustrated with patterns that are no longer working for them and are looking for a guide to hold them accountable in reaching their goals. I am a sex and relationships therapist with a background in systemically-focused treatment. This means that I am not afraid to explore topics that many other therapists may shy away from like gender, spirituality, and politics. I also use mindfulness and creative arts therapy techniques to help clients express and understand their emotions. Life can be overwhelming and stressful, but you don't have to deal with it alone. Make the choice to put your wellness first.

Maybe you feel directionless, hopeless, or unfulfilled - maybe you spend a lot of time in your day worrying or holding yourself back from what you really want. You might feel like you’re buckling under the pressure of work, relationships, loss, or other stressful and difficult parts of life. If any of this resonates with you, you’re in the right place - I’m here, and I’m excited to support you! Hi, I’m Jackie - I’m a therapist and licensed social worker (LSW) awaiting licensure finalization! My therapeutic approach is to meet you where you are and help you grow into a healed and happier version of yourself. My therapeutic style is laid back, warm, and eclectic; my top priority is to always provide a space where you feel safe, supported, and heard. I’m currently taking new clients for individual therapy and have immediate openings. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect. Email me at jsouza@persoma.com to schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation so we can chat about your goals and how I can best support you. I’m so glad you’re here - let’s get you feeling better!

My name is Avory Billman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Strong Foundations. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adults through trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. My concentration includes providing affirming care to LGBTQIA and neurodivergent individuals. I am licensed in PA and hold additional certification in trauma therapy.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or burned out? As a counselor, it is my job to listen to your story, empathize with your emotions, and work with you to improve your well-being. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to help you create more meaning in your life, improve the way you see yourself, and control those racing thoughts you may be experiencing. I have eight years working as a mental health professional and I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with self-image, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Changing the way we view ourselves and the world around us can be a difficult journey, and I am committed to helping you every step of the way. I support individuals 16+ in overcoming daily stress, loneliness, self-image, relationship issues, career and school difficulties, burnout, depression, and anxiety.

I work toward internal and external hope, while also acknowledging the difficult realities and stressors that uniquely affect individuals and relationships. I use art therapy, client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and trauma-informed approaches to therapy recognizing that healing and wholeness come as part of a process. In addition to talk therapy, I am a professional Art Therapist. Art therapy can help hold difficult feelings and experiences for all ages while also creating a safe space for non-verbal and verbal expression. No "artistic skill" is needed and life isn't always pretty, so that is not the goal with the art either. My clinical work has focused on treating trauma and various mental health disorders in children and adults. I have provided art therapy and counseling programming in a women’s shelter for domestic violence, Pittsburgh Public schools K-12, and a therapeutic classroom environment. I now work with adults and children in a private group practice setting. I am currently accepting new clients! Feel free to email me with any questions.

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Open Space Counseling, Consulting & Wellness was founded in 2018 to create a safe, inclusive, and progressive space where people can move from merely surviving their lives to truly thriving. Our vision is to create a warm space that is inviting anyone who feels “other” or believes that their “stuff” will be judged—for both our clients and our employees. This includes concerns related to addiction, trauma, and LGBTQIA+, among many other things. We strive to create a laid-back, family-like atmosphere among our staff, and we believe that happy employees play a large role in ensuring that we have happy clients. Open Space CCW is a LGBTQIA+ affirming, relationship minority affirming, and racial justice-oriented therapy group.

With over a decade of experience, Emerson specializes in helping college students navigate the unique challenges of young adulthood. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, academic stress, relationship conflicts, substance use, or grief, Emerson provides a supportive space to work through it. He focuses on identifying and challenging negative self-talk while fostering self-compassion, self-love, and personal growth. Understanding that meaningful connections enhance the therapeutic experience, Emerson prioritizes building strong, authentic relationships with his clients. He takes a Solution-Focused approach, integrating CBT and Positive Psychology techniques, and is also certified in Brainspotting and Motivational Interviewing for specialized care. Emerson has dedicated much of his career to supporting young adults through transitional periods, helping them develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in college and beyond. As an old Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Emerson embraces this wisdom, committing himself to helping students build a foundation for a successful future.

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Do you feel your life is lacking meaning and fulfillment? Are you feeling unmotivated and low energy, making it difficult to get what you want out of your life? Do you often feel anxious and distracted? These symptoms are common and natural to feel in the fast paced and productivity-driven world that we live in, but this does not have to be our reality. In gaining awareness into our automatic behaviors and thoughts, taking on different perspectives, and some coping skills, we can take back control of our lives. I'm Josh (he/him), and I bring a wide range of skills to the therapeutic relationship. Ranging from non-directive Existential Therapy, to skills based Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I am equipped to help you identify where you can make changes in your life. My therapeutic style prioritizes a relational and conversational approach. My therapy personality is described as laid back, accepting, and collaborative. I value working alongside you to discover underlying patterns that may be preventing you from living a more fulfilled life. As the client, I trust you to guide me in where you want to go, identifying the parts of your experience that you are wanting to change.

As a therapist, I strive to provide my patients with a balance of validation and challenge. When we feel stuck, it can seem impossible to take action and make change. Together, we can explore your strengths and how those can guide you through your fears and anxieties. I utilize a strength-based, trauma-focused approach that is designed to treat you as an individual, with all the unique experiences and perspectives you bring to the therapy setting.

I provide experienced, thoughtful care to young adults and college students navigating a wide range of challenges. Whether you’re feeling stuck, anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply seeking clarity and direction, therapy can help you better understand yourself, shift unhelpful patterns, and create meaningful change. My approach is holistic, warm, and relational. I work collaboratively with each client to uncover the underlying forces shaping their current concerns, helping them identify choice points and reconnect with their strengths. While I work with a wide range of presenting issues, I have a special focus on treating trauma in its many forms. I am especially committed to providing safe, affirming, and effective care for survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and for those carrying the long shadows of past experiences. Regardless of the content, I approach every session with cultural humility, clinical attunement, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience. Therapy is your time—for insight, healing, growth, or simply space to breathe and think. A strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of this work, and I invest fully in building that alliance with every client I meet. To learn more about my practice or see if we might be a good fit, please scroll down and click the link to my website.

At Creating Connections Counseling, we believe that anyone can benefit from counseling. If you find yourself struggling with the challenges of life, counseling services can help you to clarify your thoughts and emotions and put them in proper context to guide you forward. Counseling can be a vehicle to finding or maintaining healthy relationships, uncovering hidden passions, managing symptoms of mental illness, and establishing life goals for those who feel stuck. Our team of licensed clinicians in the Pittsburgh region are available to guide you through the journey of self-examination and personal growth that all people deserve. Creating Connections Counseling is a safe space where all are welcome. We believe in the intrinsic value of all human beings and are here to serve all who seek our help.

Our skilled doctoral-level therapists offer personalized and comprehensive psychological care. Together, we help with most mood, behavioral, relational, and life transition issues. You will receive an assessment of your psychological health and a personalized plan to fit your unique needs, goals, and life situation. Most importantly, you will develop insights and strategies to take therapy “on the go.” We understand that your psychological health and wellness aren’t limited to psychotherapy. We will work with you to ensure that your family, work, and identity are integrated in all aspects of your care. Come to therapy as you are. Our therapists are trained in working with people across all walks of life. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. While we are based in Pittsburgh, we are happy to work with you virtually from anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!

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All are welcome in this private practice. I have expertise in working with college students, undergraduate and graduate students. I am willing to work on short-term problems or longer term issues. I see therapy as a collaborative process with an emphasis on emotional safety, and creative self-understanding. I can provide therapy via virtual or in-person sessions.