Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA
Perhaps you are struggling with a life transition or an unexpected loss in your life? Are you struggling with adjusting to college life, finding your place or with friendships? Concerned about depression or anxiety? Do you have strained relationships or trouble communicating? Counseling can help you navigate these difficult experiences with more confidence.... After an assessment of your conflicts, we will work together to set goals for approaching life in different ways. We use an evidence based, integrated approach to help you learn new skills and attitudes for managing your life. I use a variety of tools to help you move to your next level, including mindfulness practices, commitment and acceptance (ACT), cognitive behavioral and expressive art therapy. I am a skill based therapist. One essential part of the counseling process is finding "the right fit". Bottom line, counseling is about stretching yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Finding the "right fit" helps you access your courage to stretch yourself toward your goals. Visit our website to learn more: www.counselingworks.pgh.com
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Are you trying to navigate life's many challenges in a more flexible, aware, and skillful way? Let's collaborate to change patterns that aren't working for you. Respecting that you are the expert on your life and goals, I will integrate my training and experiences to support you in growth. Individuals often work with me to shift patterns of anxiety or depressed mood, to reclaim the energy wasted on perfectionism or overly harsh self-criticism, to reduce procrastination and improve effectiveness, to make progress on health goals, to improve the quality of their relationships, and to manage stress more efficiently. I also specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy, post-partum, fertility, loss) and in working with parents of children of all ages. Most people I work with choose online therapy, and some meet with me in the office. As a member of PSYPACT I can often continue to work with you online while you visit home or work/study outside of PA. (For participating states: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap)
I believe each of us has deep intuition, wisdom and knows what we need in order to heal; I will help you clear that path to healing. Making peace with the changes in our lives and finding acceptance can be extremely challenging. I would be honored to be present with you as you navigate this experience. I work well with individuals who are motivated and ready to transform by providing practical, research based tools and interventions that can help alleviate symptoms like stress, anxiety, sadness or irritability. I often encourage clients to continue our work outside of the therapy hour to expedite progress. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan in various settings including outpatient, home, school, community mental health, and crisis support. I help clients understand thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, blending somatic approaches, mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques to repair the body-mind connection and facilitate healing. Known for my calm, grounding presence, I bring authenticity, humor, and intuition into my work. Drawing on my knowledge as a Reiki Master and yoga teacher, I incorporate holistic practices such as relaxation, breathwork, and embodiment. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with lived experience managing the chronic pain of endometriosis, I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding to my work. I believe in the inherent dignity and worth that each of us carries and in our innate capacity for healing.
My counseling style is grounded in the belief that, as humans, we are all imperfect; but are also inherently "ENOUGH". I believe in an empoweringly collaborative approach to help clients identify patterns and address cycles of distress.
I love working with clients who want to better themselves. Whether it be understanding yourself or your identity, conquering anxiety, or working through relationships, I partner with clients to reach their goals and set themselves up for success. Some mental health concerns that I can help with include: ADHD, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, identity (including LGBT, religion, and others), imposter syndrome, and more. Clients can expect a younger therapist who isn’t afraid to use humor and who isn’t afraid to call out potential stuck points. I am also culturally competent and offer services in both English and Spanish.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, AWPA is an insurance-accepting psychological practice with two convenient locations in Squirrel Hill (2345 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15217) and the South Hills (927 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226). Telehealth appointments are also available, allowing clients to receive care from anywhere. AWPA provides the quality, attentiveness, and personalized care often associated with high-end self-pay practices. Our services are delivered by licensed psychologists who are directly involved in treatment, rather than through a rotating corporate model. We offer individualized, evidence-based care and take the time to understand each client’s goals, experiences, and life context. Our therapists work with individuals from all walks of life and support clients through a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life-transition concerns. For individuals in need of a low-cost therapy option, AWPA also offers reduced-rate, sliding-scale services. Session fees range from $35–$95, based on the client’s ability to pay. These services are provided via telehealth by highly qualified doctoral trainees enrolled in an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program, under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists within our practice.
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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 am here to help you with struggles related to depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, stress, peer and relationships issues, family related stressors, and regulating mood instability. I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings, including in clients homes and inpatient facilities. I use these past experiences to meet my clients where they are, understand their unique perspective, and form a meaningful relationship with them in which they feel heard and understood. My primary treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, MI, and narrative therapy. Meaning, I use practices science has shown to be effective, to help clients harness their motivation to change their thoughts and behaviors, improve their relationship skills, and reach their goals. My hope is that clients view themselves as empowered agents of change in their life. I'm dedicated to helping my clients discover their strengths and potential, fostering a sense of well-being and empowerment. I believe in my clients' inherent resilience and potential for growth. I'm here to provide the support and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and create a more fulfilling life.
At Strong Foundations, we understand that finding the right mental health provider can be a daunting task. Please see our website for a full list of services we offer and description of our counselors. As a practice, our highest priority is providing supportive, personalized, and effective care to every individual and family. We offer individual therapy, neuropsychological testing, family & marital therapy. We use evidence-based treatment methods, including CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and PCIT. Our therapists offer daytime, evening, and some weekend hours to accommodate busy schedules. Sessions can be scheduled in person or virtually. Please call (412) 368-2211 to schedule an appointment or contact us via email: support@sfpgh.com
Strong Foundations was founded and is actively managed by a licensed child psychologist, ensuring our practice prioritizes the highest quality of care in psychotherapy and assessments. Guided by the ethical principles of our field, our primary mission is to provide the best possible match between patient and provider. We don’t focus on filling schedules—we take on new clients only when we are confident we have the tools and training to help them effectively. Strong Foundations began in 2018 with a simple goal: to create a team of exceptional providers who work collaboratively to address the mental health needs of our community. We’re proud to have achieved that vision and continue to work diligently every day to maintain the quality and trust our clients have come to expect.
Hello and welcome to my page! I am an LCSW in Pennsylvania and am currently a Doctorate of Social Work candidate. My passion is in helping individuals to recover from traumatic events and have worked extensively with survivors of sexual trauma and other traumatic events. I have also worked extensively with survivors of forced migration, including refugees and asylum seekers and I offer evaluations for immigration court.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am honored to provide Pittsburgh with quality mental health services. I truly believe that people have the capacity to change, grow, and achieve their full potential within the context of a supportive environment. This belief fuels my work as a therapist. I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and received my Masters in Social Work from New York University. I help adults with trauma histories & adverse childhood experiences, college students who are overwhelmed, and I provide relationship support for those of us who keep playing out toxic patterns.
Do you ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, your anxiety, stress, or burnout never lets up? Perfectionism, overthinking, or past trauma may leave you tense, stuck, or constantly on edge. Your body might feel wired, your mind keeps racing, and you can’t fully relax even when life seems “fine.” You want relief, better focus, and a calmer, steadier nervous system. You want to thrive without being trapped by overwhelm, worry, or patterns that keep you from feeling truly present—and maybe even laugh a little along the way. I specialize in anxiety, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Using trauma-informed and somatic approaches, I help you regulate your nervous system, address patterns from past experiences, and, when appropriate, use Brainspotting for deeper trauma processing. You don’t have to manage anxiety or stress alone. Therapy is a space to feel supported, slow down, and create meaningful change. We may even use humor to lighten the load and help your nervous system settle. If this approach resonates, I invite you to reach out and explore whether we are a good fit.
I work with students who struggle with managing their emotional, behavioral, and social needs. I know that therapy can be initially uncomfortable and/or anxiety provoking, yet I create a safe and supportive space for my patients. The therapeutic relationship is extremely important in my practice, as I believe that we need to work together in order to meet your goals and improve your overall quality of life. I will always bring honesty and compassion into our sessions. I utilize various approaches and interventions to target each individual's needs and to create the best treatment for you. I utilize techniques from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices. However, I tailor my practice and choose interventions that best suit your symptoms. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, relationship difficulties, and depression. I am offering and accepting referrals for ADHD neuropsychological testing as well. Feel free to reach out to me directly by phone or email to see if we would be a good fit. I offer in person and virtual sessions. My goal is to teach you skills and offer a different perspective to lead a fulfilling life. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions; I look forward to working together!
Rachel Porterfield is a licensed clinical social worker who provides psychotherapeutic care to adults of all ages. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with a variety of challenges, including anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief and loss, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Rachel helps others to share their intimate thoughts and feelings while guiding them to learn new skills that will encourage them to develop healthy life changes openly and collaboratively. Rachel has been extensively trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches/models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Rachel has worked in outpatient dual diagnosed programs, hospitals, and primary care offices. Rachel received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a certification in mental health.
My orientation to psychology integrates interpersonal, psychodynamic, and somatic/mindfulness approaches, each looking at different aspects of the relationship of humans to the world around us. My focus on connectivity and context—the whole picture of someone’s life—forms the basis of my practice and treatment. I also believe that each person is the author and expert of their lives, so I strive to meet people where they are and focus on their needs in that moment in time. Because our bodies (neurology, muscles, fascia, biorhythms, etc) are not separate from our minds, I also utilize trauma-informed somatic and mindfulness-based interventions where appropriate. I treat: anxiety and depression; grief and loss; trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD; survivors of narcissistic relationships; women’s issues; end-of-life issues; life transitions; sexual and relationship wellbeing (kink- and consensual nonmonogamy-aware); LGBTQIA+; substance use disorders and recovery; ecological and sociological distress; acculturation issues; religion and spirituality issues Other interventions used: art therapies; nature-based/ecotherapies, dream work/image rehearsal therapy; mindfulness and somatic therapies
People come to therapy for many different reasons, but, at the core, they are looking for understanding, relief, or growth. Maybe you’re trying to understand why you feel the way you do, or you find yourself caught in the same difficult thoughts again and again. Perhaps you’ve noticed patterns of behavior that seem to work against your own well-being. You might be facing a life transition—chosen or not—and are feeling anxious about what’s next. Or maybe you just feel stuck. Therapy offers a space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening. Together, we can clarify your current experience, explore how you got here, and begin to shape a healthier, more fulfilling path forward.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.