Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

Hi, I’m Marlena. Being a college student can feel like a nonstop mix of pressure, expectations, and “why am I like this?” moments. I work with students who feel anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck—especially when school, relationships, and life transitions start piling up all at once. My style is warm, collaborative, and very real. I focus on helping you understand what’s actually going on in your mind and body (hello, nervous system), so you can learn tools that help you feel more grounded, regulated, and in control—not just during sessions, but in your day-to-day life. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start therapy. If you’re looking for a space that feels supportive, nonjudgmental, and practical, I’d love to work with you.

You’ve been carrying a lot—anxiety about your future, pressure to succeed, and the quiet fear of falling behind. It’s exhausting trying to hold it all together. At Healing Broken Pieces Counseling, LLC, I help young adults move from brokenness to restoration. Together, we’ll create space to breathe, untangle the stress, and reconnect with your purpose. You’re not too far gone. Healing is possible—and it starts here.

Life is complicated with competing demands for our time, energy and resources. Whether you're struggling with a particular issue, or just can't shake the feeling that there should be more to life, we can help you to develop balance in your life, relationships, and career. By providing you an open, affirming, and caring environment where you will be able to identify and explore those issues that may be getting in the way of a more rewarding life, career, or more fulfilling relationships. We invite you to take the first step to build your resilience and perseverance. We will work through the challenges you are facing to remove obstructions, open doors to improve relationships and social interactions, experience a calm and stable mood, and obtain clear thinking with a positive outlook. We want to help you find your inner motivation and grow toward your authentic life.

If you are struggling to get up in the morning, overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety, or have feelings of general dissatisfaction with your life, then I'd like to offer you relief. The number one most reliable predictor of a positive outcome to therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. I am an experienced therapist with a warm and dedicated approach to developing a collaborative and working relationship with you.

I'm a little weird and sarcastic and work best with clients who are a little weird and sarcastic. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced some form of trauma - this may include religious trauma, sexual assault, harrassment, bullying, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, violent crimes, accidents, incarceration, and refugee status. I also have experience working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and OCD, and those dealing with life transitions, including transition to and out of college, changes in identity and changes in religion/loss of faith.

Whether it's your freshman or senior year, college is a time of change and transition. You may be thinking about giving therapy a try to manage all the stress of independence, grades, social life, athletics, relationships, and making decisions about your future. The pressure of college can be a lot. Therapy can be a place to learn healthy ways to cope with these challenges and build confidence in yourself to get through hard times. If you are someone that is creative or has felt "stuck" with traditional talk therapy, I'm happy to also offer art therapy. I'm here to support college students gain insights about who they are and who they want to be.

College life can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also bring new pressures, responsibilities, relationships, and challenges that can feel overwhelming. Adjusting to academic demands, navigating friendships and relationships, living away from home, managing expectations, and taking care of your mental health can sometimes feel like a lot to handle. I work with college students experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, mood concerns, trauma-related difficulties, relationship and social challenges, and the emotional stresses that often accompany major life transitions. Sometimes students know exactly what is wrong; other times, they simply know that they don't feel like themselves or that something is making it difficult to function at their best. My approach combines psychiatric medication management with psychotherapy and supportive counseling. I believe treatment should be individualized and collaborative, taking into account not only symptoms, but also the whole person and the circumstances affecting their mental health. Together, we can explore what you are experiencing, identify patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties, and develop practical strategies to help you feel more balanced and in control. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where students feel comfortable being honest about what they are experiencing. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, feel more grounded, and develop the tools and support you need to navigate college and life with greater confidence.

In the sacred space of healing and wellness, I find my greatest fulfillment in guiding individuals through the intricate tapestry of their mental health journey. Whether you're navigating stress and anxiety, grappling with trauma, or undergoing challenging life transitions, my purpose is to be a steadfast companion on your path to thriving. With a foundation rooted in faith-based counseling and somatic work, I am dedicated to fostering holistic well-being. My mission is to help you overcome challenges and discover profound spiritual and emotional growth. While I can't promise to fix every problem, I assure you you won't face them alone. My commitment is to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and guide gently, providing unwavering support as you embark on this transformative journey. If you're ready to take the first step toward healing, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

In therapy, I strive to create space where clients may explore their inner landscapes and make sense of themselves in their relationships and larger social contexts. I believe that most people have parts of themselves that are affirmed and other parts that have gone underground — perhaps as a result of relational injury, lack of environmental mirroring, or trauma. I seek to develop a supportive relationship where clients can begin to see the unseen and speak the unspeakable and, with self compassion and courage, work to integrate those parts and reduce suffering and experience deeper connection and meaning. That describes, in part, the process of exploratory therapy but what is a session actually like? We talk. People share their stories— maybe the latest relationship entanglement, feeling burdened with perfectionism, dissecting a racial microaggression that happened in class, or a painful memory from elementary school. I’m curious about nuance and felt experience and I reflect and ask questions to help deepen understanding. I work through psychodynamic, intersectional, and multicultural lenses. I have worked extensively with undergraduate and graduate students in both domestic and international settings. And, I have experience working with a range of presenting concerns including anxiety, stress, complex identity, immigration, and loss. I’ve been described as kind, patient, inquisitive, and discerning. Prior to moving to Princeton in 2015, I lived in China for five years during which I worked as a therapist at Community Center Shanghai and NYU Shanghai. I am originally from Taiwan and immigrated to the US as a child. My biracial and bicultural heritage along with my immigrant and expatriate experiences have created a particular interest in working with international students, immigrants, people who identify as mixed race, and students either preparing for or returning from studying abroad. My private practice is conveniently located walking distance from Princeton University campus on 344 Nassau Street. I work extensively with graduate and undergraduate students and accept PU student health insurance (students are responsible for their $10 copay).

Core Clarity Co offers PA telehealth therapy sessions where raw truths meet radical healing. Here, there is no such thing as sugarcoating, judgement, or TMI.

I often work with individuals in recovery, teens, college students, young adults, and more. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals focusing on self-discovery, empowerment, and identity exploration. I also work with individuals struggling with religious trauma or spiritual concerns.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship challenges, or adjusting to new responsibilities and life transitions, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with female college students and young adults who want to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more confident managing life's challenges. My approach is relational, compassionate, curious, and down-to-earth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship creates the foundation for meaningful change, and I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and accepted. I also believe there's room for humor in therapy—healing doesn't have to be serious all the time. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, increase self-awareness, and develop practical skills to help you manage emotions, cope with stress, and build a life that feels more aligned with your values. My goal is to help you leave therapy with greater confidence, resilience, and tools you can continue using long after our work together.

My practice is comprised of 3 independently licensed clinicians. Each have over 14 years experience. We have a proven track record helping those struggling with depression and anxiety take back control of their lives. We offer both in office and telehealth sessions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I have over 20 years of experience in mental health and has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, school based therapy, higher education and independent practice. I began my career working with children and families who experienced abuse, neglect and other traumas. Through this challenging work, I was extensively trained in the treatment of trauma and developed a philosophy of therapy that supports each individual where they are and focuses on their resilience and capacity to heal. In addition to trauma informed practices, I have training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Art and Play Therapy techniques, Mindfulness, Tele-Health Practices, Family Systems and Attachment Theory. I have experience with the following clinical concerns: stress management, depression, anxiety, mood regulation, social anxiety, relationship and family distress, attention and motivation challenges, self-esteem, perfectionism, and grief. I have a particular passion for helping individuals develop healthy boundaries and heal from toxic relationships.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. I work with college students and young adults struggling with anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, body image concerns, stress, perfectionism, and major life transitions. Many of my clients feel pressure to have everything figured out while quietly battling self-doubt, burnout, or overwhelming emotions. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can develop practical tools, gain insight, and feel more confident navigating life's challenges. Together, we'll work toward helping you feel more balanced, connected, and empowered, while having a little fun along the way!

I work with individuals of all ages who seek to improve their communication skills, stress management, self-esteem, life transitions, and symptoms related to mental health diagnoses. My ultimate goal is to empower you to grow more resilient and confident in your ability to manage life’s challenges. My ideal clients are courageous and curious to know themselves more deeply, motivated to take steps towards identifying what is helping and hindering them in living the life they want, and are open to learning and practicing new ways of tending to their relationships with self and others- and dusting off old ones too! My approach is tailored to each individual's unique needs, incorporating aspects from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy to create a strength's based environment. I focus on cultivating awareness and insight into the thought and behavior patterns that impact your daily functioning. I want therapy to be what you need it to be- my hope is that we are able to spend our time being present, focusing on any of life’s challenges, changes, or celebrations you'd like to discuss. Building a trusting relationship is key, and I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings.

College life can feel like a high-speed juggling act. Classes, relationships, deadlines, family expectations, and trying to take care of yourself all compete for your attention. It can be hard to slow down and make sense of everything you are carrying. I work with students who want to pause, understand what is creating stress or disconnection, and refocus on what truly matters. If you want a therapist who will be your biggest cheerleader and also someone who will call you in when you need it, you are in the right place. My approach is trauma informed and grounded in CBT. Together we work to understand patterns, build clarity, and create real and lasting change. Finding the right therapist matters, especially when you are balancing a full schedule. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to visit my website and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and get a sense of whether we are a good match. I offer virtual counseling for students located in PA, VA, and DC.

I believe that therapy is a wonderful way to explore inner thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive, encouraging environment. I enjoy working with college-age students who are struggling with a variety of challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, post-partum, miscarriage, and relationship difficulties. I believe in the integration of body, mind, and spirit and the importance of bringing balance to one's life for optimal functioning. Our journey together would work toward wellness and healing in a trusting, safe, and secure relationship. I integrate a variety of therapies to best suit my clients' needs, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, trauma-focused therapies, and traditional talk psychotherapy. I have a certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, as well as training in Internal Family Systems therapy. I am dedicated to helping my clients heal from past and current traumas through the power of a trusting, secure therapeutic relationship where they can discover and know their inner strengths.