Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

Therapy is an invitation to identify and gently question beliefs and perceived obstacles that stand in the way of our wellness, happiness and living our lives fully. We base our work together on you- what you see happening in your life, what you want to be different, your strengths, your goals and bigger life plans. Together we identify ways to make positive small shifts to clarify and work toward obtaining your best future. We believe in positive psychology interventions that are solution focused and strength based. We believe your mind is the most powerful resource. We can help you to learn how to use it to make powerful, lasting change. ​

Welcome! My name is Darlene and I am a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I hold a BS in Psychology from Rutgers University and an MSW from Simmons University. My specialty is women's wellness and empowerment with a focus on life transitions and adjustment using a mindfulness approach. Other areas of expertise include pregnancy and postpartum, boundary setting, attachment, relationship building, self-discovery and esteem, ADHD management, and LGBTQIA+ wellness. I practice a holistic approach because I believe mental health IS health. I strive to meet individuals where they are most comfortable and focus on their self-identified needs and strengths. Every person is unique and deserves full consideration of their experiences. I am passionate about creating a genuine connection with people grounded in acceptance, mutual respect, and unconditional positive regard. A productive therapeutic relationship should provide validation and empowerment while guiding you on your healing path. I am here for you.

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My dedication to mental health comes from an interest in patients’ stories and the need to help them, educate them, and encourage them to take an active role in their care. My goal is to collaborate with my patients with empathy to help them better understand their health so they can make important health decisions. I believe in providing individualized care through a holistic approach. I am Board Certified in General Psychiatry. My areas of expertise include Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and psychosis. I am an avid reader and love cooking, gardening, and painting. I have two children and enjoy spending time with my family.

Hi! My name is Francesca and I am an LCSW in practice in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, currently accepting clients. I have extensive experience in working with adolescents and young adults in the transitional stages of their lives, specifically targeting issues around anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, and adapting to adulthood. I am extensively trained in CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.

Struggling with your mental health? Try therapy tailored to your needs. Feeling disconnected in an increasingly distracted world? Not prioritizing your mental well-being? Tranquil Trails specializes in "adult youth", (gen Z & millennial issues), LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, boundaries in relationships, addictive behaviors, and cultural and societal issues.

If you're feeling overwhelmed at times, reaching out for support is a great first step. I offer a nonjudgmental space where you can work toward your goals. My approach is collaborative, practical, and strengths-focused. With over 25 years of experience, I help students navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD. I understand how much these challenges can impact daily life, and you don’t have to handle them alone.

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

I’m not your “just nod and validate everything” therapist. I have a B.S. from Penn State and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Children, Adolescents, and Trauma) from Lock Haven—but more importantly, I meet you where you are, not where you “should” be. I use person-centered and parts work, but I’m flexible and tailor therapy to what actually works for you. I love working with teens and young adults, but if you’ve got a brain and feelings, we’ll get along. I’m direct, I use humor, and I’ll call you out (with care). I’m here to help you grow—even when it’s uncomfortable. My style? Person-centered and parts work at the core, with flexibility built in. I adjust, pivot, and pull from different approaches based on what actually helps you, not what sounds the most clinical or impressive. I want all of my clients to walk into my room and feel as though they are sitting down with a friend, not a professional. I focus heavily on building rapport, getting to know you as an individual and not just as "my client." We will laugh, cry, process, and cope together in your mental wellness journey!

Dr. Joanne Petursson offers a supportive and non-judgmental space for students looking for support. Whether you are exploring your major, life transitions, employment opportunities, or mental health concerns, Dr. Petursson is happy to help you take the steps towards where you want to be. Dr. Petursson provides care for a range of mental health concerns, including substance use, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. She offers both in-person sessions at her South Hills office and virtual appointments throughout PA and states participating in PsyPACT. Her services also include comprehensive ADHD evaluations. Dr. Petursson is committed to helping you find clarity and take the next step toward a healthier you.

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Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? Stuck in OCD rituals? Struggling to balance school, relationships, family expectations, and everything else that comes with being a young adult? Maybe you’re navigating a difficult transition, questioning who you are, or feeling like you’re supposed to have everything figured out. Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with college students and young adults navigating OCD, anxiety, trauma, relationship and friendship struggles, family conflict, self-esteem, and life transitions. College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty, and challenges that are difficult to manage on your own. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I meet each client where they are and tailor treatment to what actually works for them. Together, we will focus on understanding your emotions, managing anxiety and overwhelming thoughts, building confidence, strengthening relationships, and developing coping skills that you can carry with you beyond college. Therapy can also be a space to explore your values, identity, boundaries, and the kind of life you want to create for yourself. To guide my work, I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also use Brainspotting to support clients in processing trauma and experiences that may feel difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whatever you’re carrying, my goal is to help you build a life that feels steady, fulfilling, and fully yours.

Welcome! The individuals at The WAY to Healthy Living are here to provide individual based resources for healing, healthier living and resolution in order to help support healthier lives. Resources include counseling, coaching, fitness programming, fitness classes, healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition education.

I have enjoyed working in the mental health and behavioral health fields for over 12 years. I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychological and Social Science from The Pennsylvania State University and my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University. I began my career working in behavioral health where I obtained my License as a Behavior Specialist working with children and families in both behavior modification and play therapy techniques for treatment of mood-related disorders, ADHD, and Autism. Additionally, I obtained my License as a Professional Counselor while working in outpatient therapy settings and I became recognized as a National Certified Counselor using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction to provide treatment for issues relating to trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and adjustment with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

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Ashley Schrag, M.Ed., LPC, has been a practicing therapist in the State College area for over 15 years. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University, she went on to earn Masters Degrees in Psychological Services and an Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After graduation, Ashley went on to work at the Penn State Psychological Clinic, where she continues today as a Senior Staff Therapist. In her role at the clinic, Ashley provides individual and group psychotherapy to adults, as well as providing psychological consultation services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their service providers. She also devotes time to mentoring and supervising current counseling students. Ashley holds a license as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She works from a primarily Humanistic and Interpersonal perspective, incorporating components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and CBT. She enjoys serving a diverse group of clients, with particular interest in working with undergraduate and graduate students to address issues related to anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and challenges related to adjustment and phase of life transitions. Ashley is committed to welcoming and affirming clients of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, sexual and religious identities.

Let’s face it—finding a therapist can feel a little awkward. You’re trying to choose someone you’ve never met and wondering if you’ll actually feel comfortable opening up to them. I get that. What matters most to me is that you feel like you can show up as yourself, without worrying about being judged or saying the “wrong” thing. I’ve worked with all kinds of people, and I can promise you, you don’t need to have everything together before coming to therapy. You can bring the messy stuff, the uncomfortable stuff, and the things you’re embarrassed to say out loud. I also know from my own experience with chronic health issues that sometimes life takes turns we never expected. It can be exhausting, scary, frustrating, and lonely. That experience, along with my work as a therapist, has shaped the way I connect with people going through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, health challenges, and major life transitions. Therapy with me isn’t about having all the answers or saying all the right things. We’ll start wherever you are, figure things out together, and probably even laugh sometimes along the way. My hope is that you’ll feel heard, understood, encouraged, and a little less alone in whatever you’re facing. I'm here for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with adults from many different backgrounds and stages of life. I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, ADHD, relationship concerns, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and other mental health challenges. I believe you are so much more than a diagnosis or a difficult chapter in your life. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as yourself, feel heard, and talk openly without judgment. Clients often describe me as genuine, approachable, and direct. I bring curiosity, compassion, and honesty into our work together, while offering practical support to help you better understand yourself and navigate whatever life is bringing your way.

We specialize in providing trauma, sex, body and LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy to those who feel lost and unsatisfied, and want a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. We're here to help you slow down, sort through the pressure, and figure out how the hell to take care of yourself and go after the life you want while remaining true to who you are. It doesn’t have to be so hard. We are not distant, blank faced analysts, but instead are responsive and collaborative in our approach. Together, we will untangle the knots created by anxiety, depression, trauma, family, eating, and relationship problems that leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, and your emotions.