Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

We provide a safe, caring environment with only top-rated specialists. We provide secure online therapy & counseling that fits your life. With a results-based, individualized approach, our goal is to help you heal and become happy again.

CURRENT OPENINGS available for telehealth (virtual sessions) in response to management of stay at home orders. Hello! I'm Jen, a Licensed Professional Counselor, working out of a private practice in downtown Pittsburgh (PKO Counseling). I have obtained a Masters of Counseling and Human Development at Walsh University. In my practice, I use a variety of approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Art Therapy. I have particular experience in working with those facing depression, anxiety, trauma, phase of life issues, LGBT concerns, anger management, and addiction. It is my hope to be able help you build the confidence and skills you need to manage the stressors in your life. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, safe environment to work on whatever is interfering with your happiness. I am someone who enjoys bringing humor into our sessions, and look forward to having the opportunity to get to know you. I hope to help you find the strength and support you need through our sessions together.

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 see one of the most important roles as a therapist to be putting in the work to earn someone’s trust and walking beside them as an accomplice on their path towards growth. I don’t believe that people are “broken” or “need to be fixed”, but rather that somewhere within every person lies the capacity to generate change. I believe this change begins by finding someone trustworthy to support them through this process. And—that being kinder and gentler towards ourselves goes a long way to building the foundation for this change to occur. My experiences span across 15 years, with the scope of my direct work supporting clients in their exploration of gender expression/transition, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss and more- all within Allegheny County. I am also happy to provide evaluations and letters for Gender Affirming surgeries, Green Card Status, and Emotional Support Animals. The world is an often hard place to be, and my goal is to create a space for softness to occur. To not only listen but to hear and understand. To respect through accountability. To address struggles through processing and also through action leading to systemic change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At some point along the journey, our stories demand to be told. Whether through painful emotional and physical symptoms, relationship struggles, or other interruptive experiences, our lives catch up to us. They ask for our attention. Therapy is a place where, together, we can pay closer attention to your story and the person you are becoming. We are all always in process. I believe that we can experience true healing in a human encounter, and I strive to deeply listen to my clients, bringing curiosity and attention to the parts of you that may have gone unnoticed. Approach to Therapy My counseling approach is rooted in relational psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on patterns and themes from early childhood and how they show up in your life today. This approach also emphasizes the relationship between the therapist and client as a vehicle for healing and change. It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with, and it may take you some time to discern the right fit. I respect the vulnerability and bravery required to step into this work, and aim to meet you with humility, curiosity, and a responsible awareness of my own intersecting identities. Each person brings unique concerns and needs, and I am committed to ongoing research and training to provide the best care I can. I draw from a variety of approaches, including attachment-based therapy, family systems work, liberation psychology, Internal Family Systems (informed, not certified), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative-Focused Trauma Therapy. Background: I have worked with at-risk youth, college students, and folks from all walks of life in outpatient and community mental health settings. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Theater, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Trauma and Abuse from the Seattle School (2023). Outside of therapy, I enjoy lots of things, including yoga, performing arts, poetry, and being outside!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I provide individual therapy to those who want to enjoy life and get to know themselves better in the process. Through my experience, I have learned the value of an interactive and collaborative environment to best support my client’s growth and development. I take a client-centered and strength-based approach to treatment. I utilize various therapeutic interventions based on the individual client’s needs and interests. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play, art, music, and writing.

Many of us have been running all our lives. Practice stopping. Thich Nhat Hanh Thank you for Inviting us to meet you in the middle of your journey and taking us with you on your next steps. We want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek the help when things get tough, and it feels unbalanced. We are here to walk with you and to help you find your way. We understand that you can’t change the past and want to help you bridge your life and values in order to move forward. We use an acceptance stance and behavioral activation skills in order to assist you with finding your most fulfilling path. We will provide you with support and guidance through difficult times and life’s transitions. We want to help provide you with useful skills to answer the questions that you may face. We have over 15 years of experience working with a variety of people. We have the knowledge of working in a variety of settings and seeing people in different struggles in their lives. We have learned to engage with people in a variety of different ways in order to help promote healing and understanding that is unattainable on your own. It takes different questioning and new lenses to break old patterns of behavior and old responses. We teach people to be proactive and understanding instead of reactive and repetitive. If you want to have a healthier more understanding view of yourself with skills to deal with those difficult times, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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.

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

I feel the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship between the counselor and client. If we are able to create a genuine relationship that is grounded in authenticity and trust, we can further your understanding of yourself, your experiences, and how you engage with the world. I aim to help people by cultivating a safe environment where thoughts and emotions can be deeply felt, and where we can discover what steps you can take in your life that better align with your values. Through counseling, we can learn how to acknowledge thoughts, feelings, and past experiences without having them overwhelm or define us. I believe that the present is the most important time to be in; however, many things from the past (or even the future) can hold us back from experiencing what is going on around us. When we are able to process our past and our future, we are finally able to connect with the current moment we are living in. I have worked with people experiencing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, interpersonal stress, and identity/self-esteem issues. Ultimately, I am passionate about working with anyone who feels “stuck” and wants to find meaning in their life. Moving forward is possible, no matter how long you have felt stagnant.

At times, people need a safe and supportive environment to express their thoughts and feelings. Counseling is an opportunity for people to gain awareness, acceptance, insight, and identify tools for relaxation and problem-solving. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

My name is Avory Billman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Strong Foundations. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adults through trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. My concentration includes providing affirming care to LGBTQIA and neurodivergent individuals. I am licensed in PA and hold additional certification in trauma therapy.

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

Over the past 23 years, I’ve been very fortunate to have worked in a wide variety of clinical settings that have included inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient mental health, mobile mental health, WRAP services, psychiatric rehabilitation and case management services. As a result of working in such a vast array of settings, I have gained knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of mental health disorders. As a clinician who has previously provided case management services to individuals in the community, I am familiar with how to provide linkage to services and resources so that I can best support my clients when necessary. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of PA, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of OH, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of FL. I have also obtained several other certifications: National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) Board-Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH) Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGS) I believe that individuals are doing the best that they can given the skills and resources that they have available to them. It is my job as a therapist to educate, support and guide my clients on their journey to self discovery and growth. It’s important to me to focus on what’s important to my client and to strive to meet them where they are. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey!

Hi, I’m Neal Holmes. I am a believer in holistic and collaborative therapy. Bearing witness to your lived experience is an honor, because we are all striving to live and build relationships the best way we know how as people. I like to help my clients find their passion in life, remove blocks that are keeping them from being their authentic self, and live the life they wish to live with their dreams and hopes fulfilled.

Are you, or a loved one, struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or a difficult and painful past? Understanding painful feelings can be difficult and making meaningful connections as to how, and why these developed can help alleviate symptoms & lead to change. You may be looking for therapy because there is an issue you hope to change, like low self-esteem, or a behavior pattern that is distressing to yourself or others (such as being reactive, critical). Perhaps you are finding it difficult to move toward your desired goals. You may be struggling with a relationship. I am a non-judgmental, compassionate, and formally trained Clinical Social Worker and Therapist. I am qualified to help you understand and resolve a wide array of issues that can be problematic in your life, while just as importantly, helping you to recognize your own strengths and potential for growth. My interest is working with you to help you better understand yourself through a process of exploration, support, respectful listening, and honest dialogue.

I work with students who feel stuck or stretched thin. Common themes include low mood or anxiety, perfectionism and procrastination, imposter feelings, and big transitions. My style is focused and time-limited. We set clear goals, build simple routines, and track progress between sessions. I use mindfulness, behavioral tools, and values work to help you decide what matters and act on it. Sessions are structured and practical: we translate insight into small, repeatable steps for school, relationships, and health. You can expect exercises to try between sessions and a concrete plan for each week. Good fit if you want a collaborative, evidence-informed approach, you are ready to practice skills, and you prefer clear feedback over jargon. Not a fit if you seek open-ended therapy without clear goals.

My experience includes 20+ years as at Carnegie Mellon University's Counseling Center and 6 years at Persad Center. The work I do focuses on helping folks understand themselves and feel understood. Working together, we change help you work with difficult emotions,change patterns that cause distress, and nurture a meaningful life, as you define it.