Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

I work from the perspective that pain is a natural and inevitable part of life, I believe that our power lies in controlling the extent of our suffering. Recent years have been challenging, pushing many to seek healing and connection. I take joy in aiding others to make positive behavioral changes, using evidence-supported approaches that are customized to each individual's unique needs. My aim is to foster an environment of trust, care, and respect. Together, we will set therapeutic goals, devise a plan to achieve them, and help you develop tools to manage symptoms, overcome trauma, and enhance your overall well-being. I provide individual therapy with a primary focus on cognitive-behavioral orientation. My expertise lies in helping individuals navigate through anxiety and PTSD/trauma using evidence-supported therapies; however I can accommodate a wide range of needs. I cater to all adults aged 18+ and have specialized training in veteran care. Therapy can be one of life's most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but it doesn't have to be as intimidating as it sometimes may seem! I respect it likely took a lot of courage to seek help and I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive environment. Please let me join you on your journey to self-discovery and healing.

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.

Mark Thomas, PhD, DBSM, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist who is passionate about improving patients' sleep. Dr. Thomas earned his doctoral in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his clinical internship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He received specialized behavioral sleep medicine training and experience during his postdoctoral fellowship at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, where he addressed a wide range of sleep issues in Veterans. He is the founder of Restore Sleep Health, a telehealth private practice offering evidence-based therapy to adults with sleep disorders. Dr. Thomas’ clinical work is focused on the treatment of sleep issues including insomnia, PAP adherence, circadian rhythm disorders, and nightmares.

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.

My training and orientation are mainly psychodynamic, but I utilize multiple theories and techniques, including mindfulness, family systems, as well as my background in cultural anthropology. I mainly work with grief, stress, anxiety, trauma, immigration and relocation, relationships, as well as LGBTQ+ and couples/family issues.

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.

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.

I believe that people tend to know what is best for them deep down, and it is my job to assist them in discovering what they feel is the best solution. I am systemically oriented in my therapeutic work, seeing a problem as embedded in relationships either within the family, or even the larger societal system. Together, we will explore the root causes of your problems and evaluate specific approaches you can take to accomplish your goals. Another fundamental part of my approach is compassion and empathy. I tend to see the positive in people and can hold a significant amount of pain when clients reveal the hurt inside. I feel privileged to be a part of their healing journey.

With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviors, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances. Your session is your sanctuary. Show up for yourself, and I'll be there, judgment-free. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem. Together, we'll navigate your path with understanding and support, making each step a little easier. Why wait for a crisis to seek support? Therapy isn't just for when things go wrong—it's a proactive way to care for your mental well-being. Just like regular check-ups with your doctor, therapy helps maintain and enhance your mental health. Embrace the opportunity to nurture yourself and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

Hey there! I’m Sonya, a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board Certified Transgender Care Specialist licensed in Pennsylvania. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA2+ community and specialize in providing gender affirming care to gender expansive, non-binary and trans individuals, as well as BIPOC individuals with diverse multicultural and racial backgrounds and those from the diaspora. I am a child of immigrants, "third-culture kid", and specialize in working with first and second generation immigrants and racial and cultural minority members who have been impacted by harmful cultural narratives, intergenerational trauma, and who have experiences feeling “othered.” I am guided by a feminist and person centered approach that prioritizes an exploration of our intersecting identities, and value the healing power of exploratory and respectful conversation that acknowledges the effects oppression and colonialism have on mental health. I approach therapy from a lens of non-judgmental curiosity and strive to bring humility, humor and creativity into our shared space. I utilize art making and expressive therapies to help facilitate greater self-acceptance, self-confidence, personal growth, and to empower you to create positive change. I believe art making has the power to heal and the magic to transform. My goal is to create a safe, affirming and warm environment for you and if you’d like, to guide you in the art making process to help you feel empowered to create change. I hope to make your journey in therapy validating, supportive, and strive to make you feel heard, understood, and accepted. It would be an honor and privilege to work with you.

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 provide effective help for individuals, couples and families, who are seen by scheduled appointment via secure and confidential telehealth sessions. Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others. I participate with most health insurance plans and many employee assistance programs.

I’m here to support you in figuring out what to do with all the insight you already have. I primarily serve folks who are navigating chronic pain/illness, disability, health anxiety, medical trauma and gaslighting, gender dysphoria, neurodivergence, and complex PTSD. I use feminist and narrative methods to translate awareness into actionable change. I also practice Somatic & Attachment Focused EMDR and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). My integrative approach is insight, depth, and systems oriented, and I’m influenced by liberation psychology, contemplative and existential philosophy, and harm reduction principles. My sessions are pragmatic and easygoing, but I am direct and don’t shy away from difficult topics. I love stories, metaphors, and riddles, and I like to incorporate humor for levity. I use books, podcasts, art, music, writing, and somatics to supplement my work. Keep an eye out for intensives and ketamine-assisted therapy options in the near future too!

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in supporting international students as they navigate the unique challenges of adapting to a new culture, managing academic pressures, and balancing personal and family expectations. Together, we can work through feelings of homesickness, anxiety, identity shifts, or loneliness in a safe, nonjudgmental space. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, with a focus on building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and helping students feel more grounded and connected.

Embarking on the journey of self-exploration takes courage, strength, and vulnerability. You may be feeling stuck, confused, or misunderstood. Choosing to share your experiences with a therapist can seem daunting and uncomfortable. At this stage, it is important to recognize that you already harbor this strength and courage within you as you begin to seek help. We will work collaboratively to guide you to the life you want to live - while navigating the obstacles that may be in your way to achieving strength, confidence, and empowerment. As an Art Therapist, art-making can help us explore and illustrate your unique story. Engaging in creative expression in therapy can help you make sense of your story, act as an extension of yourself, and aid in expressing unconscious feelings you may not be aware of. No artistic skill is needed to create, as the process alone can aid in healing and growth. I strive to create a safe, open, and creative space that allows you to process your experiences that have been hindering you from becoming your most authentic self. I look forward to connecting with you, and hope to be your guide as you navigate the road through self-exploration, growth, and healing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for 7 years and a Former School Counselor for 12 years. As a Former School Counselor for 12 years, my expertise is helping college age students with academic, career and personal/social dilemmas. I have helped thousands of students reach their academic, career and personal/social goals. Please visit my website which further outlines my college age expertise: www.ogradycounseling.com

If you’re a high-achieving student who looks “fine” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted on the inside, you’re not alone. The pressure to perform academically, have a thriving social life, and figure out your future (all at the same time!) can quietly take a toll on your mental health. As a licensed mental health counselor, I help driven college students build lifelong coping skills and find balance—without pushing themselves harder or burning out. Together we can work to identify what you would like to be different in your life, and make a clear plan to help you get there. By the way - I'm also a certified career counselor, so if landing internships or planning life beyond college is stressing you out, I can help you there too. If you’re looking for therapy that’s down-to-earth, compassionate, and focused on helping you actually enjoy your college experience instead of just pushing through, let's connect! I offer a free 30 minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit before we start working together.