Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

You've likely landed on my profile because you're looking for more support and realize that you can't do it alone. Perhaps you've put everyone's needs before yours. Maybe you've told yourself that you can keep putting your feelings to the side. We sometimes believe that we should be able to manage it all and do it on our own. Whether you're struggling with depression or anxiety, family transitions during pregnancy or postpartum, or just trying to have more effective, supportive, and fulfilling relationships, I'm here to help. You don't have to carry it alone anymore. My practice specializes in depression and anxiety. I have a particular interest in working with women during pregnancy and postpartum. I also enjoy helping people have more effective relationships with others, particularly their romantic partners and family. I primarily use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and CBT to help clients reach their goals.

I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and a queer and non-binary person who uses they/them pronouns. I am also half-Taiwanese and half-White, neurodiverse and chronically ill. I love working with clients who don’t fit neatly into society’s pre-determined “boxes,” and are seeking to experience more enjoyment, fulfillment, and authenticity in their own lives – especially in terms of expressing themselves fully. This may involve experiences of gender, sexuality or perhaps a life transition such as career change, I’m open to all of it. Ultimately, I am curious about learning about people for who they are, and how they move through the world with whatever intersections of identity they may possess. My approach is grounded in anti-oppression and social justice principles and centered around the foundation of a genuine and compassionate therapeutic relationship with each and every client. I am here for the open acknowledgment of all that you have experienced, and all that you are, by providing plenty of space for both curiosity and reflection. In our work together, I will prioritize your autonomy, trusting you as the expert for you. Through a collaborative, non-judgmental, “as structured as you want it” approach, I am here to show up for you - to support you through your walk through life – however that may look like for you. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and take a Strength-Based and Culturally Sensitive approach. I utilize Psychodynamic therapy and techniques and skills taken from other modalities as needed, as they apply to the work you would like to do in therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

If you feel overwhelmed, confused, anxious or alone, it might help to have someone on your side to help you sort through the mess without judging you. I enjoy helping fellow humans adjusting to changes big and small, experiencing anxiety, perfectionism and self-esteem issues, questioning sexual/gender identity, or struggling with disordered eating and/or body image. We will work together in a way that aligns with what you need at the time, whether that's coping strategies to manage daily stressors or a nonjudgmental space to process what's happened to you and figure out where you want to go from here. I will acknowledge how your identities (including LGBTQIA+, neurocomplexity, and disability) intersect with each other and the environment, and can help you know yourself better and become more self-empowered and self-compassionate.

I have served as Director of 2 college counseling centers, and have worked in 5 others. I am only doing virtual appointments. I know the stress of being a student can be overwhelming, especially if you are also dealing with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety; a neurological difference like ADHD or autism; or a medical condition like an autoimmune disorder or chronic pain. I use humor, compassion, irreverence, and creativity to help you feel better and more empowered.

Many of my clients are making exciting but often daunting transitions -- either from Jr High to High School, High School to College, or whatever comes next. Change is so often viewed with anxiety and negativity. Yet, change is happening all around us every day. How can we make change a positive experience in our lives? How can we choose to change something that is not working? How can we learn and grow from a challenging experience? As a counselor, I believe my job is to create a space where clients can explore these and other topics, in a way that ultimately positively impacts their day to day lives. I have 10+ years of professional experience working with adolescents and adults in outreach and community based organizations. I have a client centered, strengths-based approach to my work that integrates Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe that it is critical that the client takes an active role in the counseling process. My clients face a range of life’s challenges: depression, anxiety, peer conflict, communication, transition to college/work, enhancing self-awareness, relationship/family dynamics (separation/divorce), grief, and autism or attention deficit/executive functioning challenges. I work primarily with young adults and their families, adults, parents and couples.

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.

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.

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!

Wholehearted Counseling for Individuals, Couples, and Families We provide therapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families with various presenting concerns including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sex and relationships, and changes through the lifespan. We focus on honoring your individual identity while addressing systemic issues that might be impacting your symptoms or impacting your relational health. Our main goal is to help you increase self-awareness and facilitate change in your day-to-day relationships, allowing for a more congruent way of life. We hope to create a non-judgmental, warm, and safe environment during the therapeutic process for you to explore your needs on how to grow and change.

Welcome! I work primarily with those who identify as high achievers, problem solvers, and doers. Often that identity can be really functional in some parts of life, but leave us feeling stuck, confused, and frustrated in other parts of life. You can find me on Instagram at @act_therapy_pgh.

I have worked with a diverse population of high school students, college students, athletes, young adults, and adults for the past for the past 18 years. My clinical experience is based within higher education settings with the past six years in community-based settings. I understand the processes and stressors associated with post-secondary and graduate admissions, financial aid, maintaining enrollment, and academic advisement for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level students. I provide individual counseling, couples counseling, and career planning for adults, adolescents, college-aged students, and athletes. My clients are committed and motivated to make positive changes in their lives and see the future as the next step in living their best self. My goal is to assist clients build the strength within while providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. I also work with student athletes (high school, college, and retired) navigate sport performance, career options, educational options, and outside pressures. I provide mental health counseling, academic counseling, and programming for student athletes from a variety of sport teams. Also, I work with retired athletes as they transition out of their sport, redefined their identity, and explored career options. So when life traumas, transitions issues, relationships or friendships, loss, grades, and career distress gets you off track, Counseling can empower your soul, build your esteem, and jumpstarts your spirit. What should you do next? Email us or visit our website to set up an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Due to confidentiality, HIPPA laws, and clients/ prospective clients being over the age of 18, I only communicate with the clients directly.

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.

Our minds are powerful—they can pull us into the past or push us into the future, making it hard to stay grounded in the present. When this happens, we can feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional pain, often losing touch with our sense of identity, purpose, and what matters most. This can be especially true during times of transition, like college or early adulthood, when you may be navigating academic pressure, relationships, career uncertainty, or figuring out who you are and where you’re headed. As a therapist, I work collaboratively with you to identify what’s keeping you stuck and help you reconnect with your life in a meaningful way. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, build on your existing strengths, and develop practical tools to support lasting change. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can gain clarity, find relief, and grow. I specialize in addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD, and I welcome anyone navigating life’s challenges—especially young adults looking for direction, balance, and support.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

I provide specialized therapy that is individually tailored to help you solve your problems and realize your potential. Clients regularly describe my approach as effective and enjoyable since it combines practical skills with a deeper understanding of the self. Clients also appreciate that I bring authenticity, determination, and humor into the healing journey. I have extensive experience helping people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I regularly work with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. I have particular expertise and interest in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, OCD, depression, perfectionism, self-expression, difficult life adjustments (college or otherwise), relationship issues, and addictions. To treat OCD, I specifically use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard in OCD treatment. If even a small part of you is curious to see how things can be different, I hope to get to connect with you soon.

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.