Therapists for college students near 80309

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected? You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I work best with college and graduate students who are carrying a lot on their shoulders, even if it doesn’t always show on the outside. Many of the students I support are struggling with anxiety, stress, or burnout. They may be navigating big life transitions like starting college, transferring, or getting close to graduation. Some are dealing with family stress, relationship challenges, or attachment issues. Others are carrying the impact of past trauma or loss. Many feel disconnected from themselves and unsure of who they are or what direction they want to take. You might look high-functioning on the outside but feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or numb on the inside. You may be the one everyone depends on, yet you rarely feel supported yourself. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. My approach is warm, grounded, and trauma-informed. That means we go at your pace, focus on helping your nervous system feel safer, and work on real-life tools you can actually use between sessions. You do not need to have the right words or a clear goal before starting. Showing up as you are is enough. If you are a student who wants to feel more steady, more connected, and more like yourself again, I would love to support you.

Life can start to feel heavy when you’re constantly carrying the weight of worry, unhealed emotional wounds, or a cloud of sadness that just won’t lift. Maybe you find yourself trapped in a loop of overthinking, feeling disconnected from the people around you, or exhausted from trying to look like you have it all together. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply tired of navigating these challenges on your own, please know that you don’t have to carry this by yourself. My therapeutic approach is down-to-earth and collaborative: less like a rigid assessment and more of a supportive, open conversation where you can feel comfortable truly being yourself. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, significant life changes, and safely process past traumatic experiences. When you sit down with me, you can expect a space that is entirely free of judgment, where your unique story is heard and respected. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but you deserve a space that’s dedicated to your healing and growth. If you're interested in working together, please reach out.

I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ population, addressing men's health issues, and supporting people struggling with addiction and substance use. I am experienced in working with people facing anxiety, stress, depression, and interpersonal conflict. I use a variety of techniques to help my clients, based on what we agree might be best for them - the most important part of therapy with me is you being an active participant in your own goals, progress, and life.

You might be a student who looks like you have it together but feels anxious, burned out, or disconnected underneath. Maybe the pressure of classes, relationships, or figuring out who you are is heavier than you expected. Maybe you're navigating a big transition, far from home for the first time, or just noticing that the way you've always coped isn't working anymore. In therapy, we'll slow down, get curious about what's really going on, and build skills that help you feel more like yourself. I draw from a variety of approaches — including body-based techniques, mindfulness, and talk therapy — to tailor our work to what you actually need. You don't have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to show up.

Healing is rarely a straight path, and having the right support can make all the difference. As a mental health therapist, my work centers on helping adults 18 and older from diverse backgrounds navigate the ways mental health shapes their personal, professional, and social lives, whether that means managing everyday stress or working through more complex challenges. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are, as a collaborative partner on your therapeutic journey, to help you build the tools and insight needed to move forward. Together, we'll work toward the clarity, resilience, and hope you deserve. Compassionate, humorous, and guided by you — that's the foundation of how I show up for every person I work with. I believe deeply in the healing power of human connection, and getting to witness that unfold in practice is what drives me. At all times, you can expect a nonjudgmental space where laughter is always welcome alongside the harder conversations. My style is empathetic and adaptive, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches to strengthen your sense of well-being across all areas of life. Your unique goals, experiences, and needs shape the direction of our work together, because the most meaningful progress happens when care is truly tailored to you. My path to becoming a therapist began with first being a patient myself. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to seek support and the profound impact attentive, caring treatment can have on a person's life. Today, that lived experience informs every session I offer. Alongside my clinical training, it grounds me in empathy and authentic presence, and I'm just as eager to learn from your story as I am to share the tools that may help you write the next chapter. Outside of the therapy room, you'll find me recharging through creative and outdoor pursuits. Drawing and painting offer a meditative outlet, while fishing and archery bring a welcome sense of patience and focus. Reading keeps my curiosity alive, and regular walks help me stay grounded, a practice I find just as valuable in everyday life as in the work we do together.

I am dedicated to supporting people as they navigate through the new chapters that pregnancy and parenthood bring. I'm certified and trained through Postpartum Support International as an advocate to increase awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety symptoms. I also specialize in grief and loss, infertility, and adoption. In addition, I offer services and support to individuals and couples wanting to improve their relationships with themselves, their partners and/or their family. I specialize in working with those who are experiencing​; depression, anxiety, grief, relational challenges, self-identity issues and trauma. My goal as your therapist is to provide you with an environment where you feel heard and understood. I value creating relationships with my clients and want to build a trusting space for you. I work in collaboration with you to find skills that work for you on an individual basis; actively working towards moving your life in a direction that you desire. Unlike traditional talk-therapy, our work is present-focused, where we work on identifying your values and goals, and look into how they fit into your life. It’s common to believe that you should be able to handle whatever life throws at you on your own, however having support and guidance along the way can make the learning curve much less intimidating.

As a deeply empathetic clinician, I am honored to guide you through your mental health journey. My specialties include helping men, women, and teens navigate life changes, negative self-image, and relationships. I embrace a direct and empowering style, as I believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance, which helps me be your biggest supporter. I look forward to being that source of support for you, collaborating and growing in our work together. In our time together, you can expect a warm and safe environment tailored to your unique goals, as I’m passionate about the belief that healing happens when we feel secure enough to understand ourselves with curiosity rather than criticism. That’s why my approach is always warm, empowering, and grounded in the belief that you know yourself best. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) are two treatments we may explore to help you better understand your behaviors and feelings. My own work in therapy showed me firsthand the value in working with an empathetic therapist during times of emotional upheaval, and how empowering it can be to lean more deeply into who we are as individuals. This knowledge strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate care to each of my patients, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to every session thanks, in great part, to the breadth of my life experiences. When I’m not seeing patients, I love being outdoors with my family, learning and exploring new things (including trying new restaurants!), and watching classic movies from the 80s and 90s. I’m also an avid reader, specifically anything Agatha Christie.

"I wish my relationships brought me joy." "Nothing makes me happy anymore." "I can't move on." Change can be intimidating, and asking for help can be hard. I hope to create a safe and brave space for you to grow. My job is to support you in your journey of finding joy and fulfillment. I use a person-centered therapeutic lens, promoting self-awareness and acceptance with clients. Together, we can work to help you find self-empowerment, fulfillment, self-discovery, and growth. If you're interested in learning more, or feel we'd be a great fit, don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation!

LET’S BE HONEST: Existing between worlds is exhausting. Co-existing in multiple worlds and cultures doesn’t come with a roadmap. The competing demands and expectations leave you feeling tugged in opposing directions, and you’re left with the feeling that no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be enough for anyone. Even though there are many people in your life, it feels like nobody from any ‘side’ really gets you, and you’re not sure where you truly belong. You’re tired of facing microaggressions when you’re out and about and obstacles to advancing at work. All this is impacting your relationship, where you’re struggling to communicate and feel a sense of togetherness across the divides.

Hi, I’m Joanna Lester—founder of First Circle Therapy, a Colorado-based virtual practice. I specialize in working with college and grad students who are thoughtful, creative, and sensitive—but overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together. If you're juggling deadlines, relationships, family expectations, and big questions about who you're becoming, you might feel anxious, unmotivated, burned out, or just not yourself. You’re not alone—and therapy can be a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters to you. Our work can help you move through cycles of self-doubt, people-pleasing, or perfectionism and into a more grounded, self-led life. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating identity shifts, or learning to set healthier boundaries, I offer space to explore your inner world with clarity and care. In our sessions, we’ll use nervous system tools (to help your body shift out of fight-or-flight and feel more at ease) and parts work (to help the different sides of you—like the achiever, avoider, or inner critic—work together instead of against each other). You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I offer free consultations to see if we’re a fit, and I accept several major insurance plans to make therapy more accessible. Feel free to reach out—no pressure.

I offer trauma-informed virtual therapy for individuals navigating brain injury, concussion, chronic illness, and complex trauma. I founded this practice to bring both rare clinical expertise and lived understanding to every session. My services include individual therapy, EMDR, and care coordination, all drawing from evidence-based modalities tailored to the unpredictable nature of brain injury recovery. I support clients in processing grief, identity shifts, medical trauma, and the invisible burdens that come with conditions others can't see. I'm currently accepting clients in Connecticut and Colorado.

I am originally from California, but have called Colorado (Denver) my home for the last thirteen years. While I do miss the ocean, I love being in the mountains and all they have to offer. When I am not working, I am often playing in my garden, doing something in the kitchen, spending time with friends and family, or traveling. I am the same person during session as I am outside of session; laid back, a little goofy, genuinely curious about others’ lives, and compassionate. I use she/her pronouns. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and am licensed to see clients in Colorado, Indiana, Florida and Nevada. I have been practicing therapy since 2013 and truly enjoy working with my clients. I love learning about how trauma and stress can impact our minds, bodies and nervous systems and the ways we can heal and start to feel better. I am a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist as well as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I often use a mixture of EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (SE), attachment, parts focused, and mindfulness techniques to help clients begin to unpack stressful or traumatic events and begin to integrate a sense of healing back into their minds and bodies. These techniques can be helpful for clients struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms, who have experienced one or more traumatic events, substance use, emotion regulation, or uncomfortable body sensations.

Embark’s Virtual IOP will guide you through a DBT and Trauma Focused CBT curriculum where you can gain skills like emotional regulation and mindfulness to help you navigate the stress of college. Our therapists and specialists help young adults struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We are serving young adults (18-26) in nine states: California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland (including Washington, D.C.). Our program includes group therapy, individual sessions, and as needed, family counseling, while also providing psychiatry and medication management support. Our team of highly experienced clinicians lead a virtually-curated intensive outpatient program that focuses on individualized treatment goals and objectives with therapeutic alliance and outcomes-focused approach taking the forefront. Our young adult programming is engaging, focusing on TF-CBT and DBT modalities, and we offer an OCD-specific track that brings exposure therapy to life. Reach out to learn more!

Micah Duke is dual board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and board-certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. He has nearly two decades of experience helping adults and children in crisis and emergency situations. Micah self-identifies as a "professional student" and understands the many stresses associated with leaving home and attending college. He believes in a holistic, person-centered approach to mental health that focuses on both the physical and mental stresses of life. He also believes that everybody needs someone to talk to sometime so nobody should ever feel stigmatized for seeking mental health help.

We've all heard that life is about balance, but who teaches us how to find that balance? It's hard enough under normal circumstances, but when life throws a curveball that changes your routine, it can feel like you're walking a tightrope. Add other people's needs and expectations to the mix, and finding balance for yourself can seem downright impossible. You don't have to navigate it on your own - I'm here to help! Let's work together to help you become a happier, healthier version of yourself. My therapy sessions are a space for the helpers, healers, carers, and people-pleasers that I work with, to prioritize their OWN needs. At bare minimum, you can count on being seen and acknowledged for who you are, not just for what you can provide or achieve. This on its own can be healing, and will serve as the foundation for our work together. I take a very collaborative approach to treatment, and recognize you as the expert of your own goals, needs, and experiences. Together we'll identify what parts of your life feel out of whack, how you'd like things to look different, and what manageable and realistic steps you can take to get there. We'll gently challenge any thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs that might be keeping you stuck. I also like to teach tools and skills that you can use outside of our sessions to help combat anxiety, improve communication, make difficult decisions, avoid impulsive responses, and cope with life's challenges. I am a strong believer that therapy should be a partnership. Like any strong relationship, the therapeutic relationship needs to be built on trust. I strive for transparency at every step. If I'm teaching a particular skill, I'll tell you about the science behind the skill and why it works. When it comes to mental health diagnoses, we're gonna talk through it together. It shouldn't feel like the work is happening mysteriously behind a curtain - I'm always happy to explain why I'm asking certain questions and where my head is at during our sessions. In the vast majority of situations, I believe that people are just trying to survive in the best way they know how. Your responses may not be serving you well at this juncture in life, but they got you this far, and I think it's important to honor that. If you are seeking therapy, you've already overcome adversity and have some amazing resilience and survival skills. My job is to help you build upon those strengths that you already have. I genuinely look forward to working with you!

Finding a therapist is hard, especially when 99% of these profiles sound exactly the same. So, let's cut to the chase. I work with men who are struggling with their life the way it is, who are ready to make changes, and get back to living. Whether you're depressed, stressed, angry, constantly fighting, shutting down, or overwhelmed - you're stuck, and I can help. I offer a free initial call so we can work out what's going on, and exactly how I think we can make an impact - both on an immediate basis, and over the long-term. Our first goal: to give you the tools you need to stop feeling stuck, and start moving forward. I want you to walk out of our first session feeling confident you know what you can do to start helping yourself now. As we work together, we'll take a look at the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that caused those problems in the first place, and start to explore your path forward so you can get back to being the man and partner you want to be. I do great work with Men because I know Men's issues. I know what it's like to feel stuck, and how great it feels to get back to your life, self-esteem, and full potential. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away, so shoot me an email and let's get started. I offer free consultations and online scheduling.

Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, or the impacts of trauma? I am a licensed therapist and addiction counselor dedicated to providing support to women and LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, identities, and mental health. With an understanding of the unique challenges faced by these groups, I am committed to empowering clients to live authentically and work through any obstacles they may encounter. I take a client-centered and holistic systems approach, which maintains that we all have the ability within ourselves to heal, and that our identities, environments, and experiences can have a big impact on our mental and physical well-being. I use a variety of clinical tools, including EMDR, to address the roots of problems, allowing you to move forward. I aim to leave clients feeling empowered by providing a supportive, safe, and affirming space where you can show up just as you are. There will likely be many times we laugh during session, or times where you need to cry, swear, or just rant - know that this is all welcome (and encouraged) on your journey to healing. I look forward to hearing from you!

Embarking on your counseling journey is an exciting and meaningful step in exploring your story and the unique experiences that have shaped your life. I approach counseling as a collaborative process, working toward your goals while providing comprehensive services for individuals throughout the different stages of life. With a strong commitment to supporting my clients’ well-being, I strive to support your discovery of self and holistic well-being throughout your life journey. Throughout the counseling process, I tailor my approach through your feedback, goals, and our sessions to meet the unique needs of every individual. I have an educational background in psychology and clinical mental health. My continuous education allows me to stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic approaches, ensuring that my clients receive the most effective evidence-based care. I have worked with diverse populations and those seeking counseling. Specializing in telehealth therapy for individuals 16 + and licensed in ND, CO, and FL. I foster a warm, non-judgmental environment where personal growth and healing can thrive. Through genuine empathy, listening, and dedication to my client's well-being, I try to foster a trusting clinical relationship on your journey toward a happier and healthier life.

A lot of changes happen in college and life! Are you feeling stressed or depressed as you try to navigate through college and life issues? Are you dealing with relationship problems with friends or family? Are you feeling lonely, or feel bad about yourself in some way? Do you have some unresolved trauma that bothers you? Are you trying to find more purpose and meaning in your life? We can talk about these issues and any others to sort out feelings, triggers for anxiety and depression, and develop a plan so you can cope better and have more joy! I have a gentle and empathetic approach. Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation!

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