Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

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

I founded Tranquil Trails with a vision to create a therapeutic space where young adults entering the "real" world feel safe to bring their whole selves into the room—without fear of judgment or dismissal, using unconditional positive regard and holistic therapy that encompass an individual and does not place people into boxes or make assumptions. I believe that when we as therapists approach our work with the vulnerability, compassion, and transparency of our humanness, we invite our clients to do the same. At Tranquil Trails, we specialize in working with youth and adults—as they navigate the ebbs and flows of transitional age, complicated by economic hardship, daily reminders of systemic oppression, access to violent videos occurring in real time across the world, AI and misinformation, fear of rights being taken away or have been, frequent complicated family histories with psychosocial stressors daily. And on top of that many of our clients are in college, graduate school, medical school or pursuing an academic career. We invite our clients into the process of collaborative treatment planning, using their own words to create positive and achievable goals. We notice when something is different and we highlight it. We teach them that to see the positives in oneself is to go against the grain of all we have been taught as members of the system. Overachieve, don’t rest, never stop producing, never slow down. We are missing out on life, and the ability to sit with emotions. The ability to notice any positive emotions at all. Our vision at Tranquil Trails is to create a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive community where individuals feel empowered to take charge of their mental health journey. We aim to foster a world where mental health struggles are not only normalized but seen as a trait of humanness, and where healing, personal growth, and resilience are accessible to all. We envision a future where every client, regardless of background or limitations, has the tools, support, and confidence to craft a life that works for them. Through authenticity, collaboration, and evidence-based care, we strive to break the stigma around mental health and create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

The goal of Premier Psychotherapy is to create a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of judgment. Some area of expertise include: Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Play Therapy, Foster Care/Adoption, ADHD, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Christian Counseling, Inner Child Work and more.

At Sensory and Sensibility, our therapists can help you with anxiety, depression, family issues, sexuality or gender identity exploration, and all kinds of other concerns. We tailor your therapy to fit your needs, using a variety of evidence-based therapies, including cultural-relational, mind-body, attachment-based, cognitive/insight based, strengths-based and trauma focused. Feel free to reach out to schedule a free initial phone call to see if any of our therapists would be a good fit for you.

Hi! I'm from Pittsburgh and proud to be practicing in my home town. Therapy ranges from directive to less structured approaches. Directive approaches involve identifying a specific problem and starting interventions including skill building for the client. Less directive therapy involves self exploration and understanding our symptoms in an interpersonal context. These two approaches can be combined, tailored to the client. The client's responsibility is committing to therapy, and showing up weekly at the designated time, and engaging in the process. While the therapist is an expert in psychology, the client is an expect in themselves and is ultimately the source of change and improvement. I see myself as a guide, helping the client see things they may have missed or avoided, and making connections that wouldn't otherwise be obvious. The process is collaborative and frequently rewarding.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Training and professional background: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, graduating in May of 2014. In the Fall of 2012, I received training as a victims’ advocate and crisis line operator at the Family Justice Center in South Bend. For the rest of my time as an undergraduate, I continued volunteering for the FJC, focusing on taking crisis calls, yet unaware of the skills I was building in attending to each caller’s concerns. I utilized my training again during grad school to volunteer for Crisis Text Line, where I honed my skills in crisis management and planning. In December of 2018, I graduated with my Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Duquesne’s program is CACREP accredited and meets all standards and requirements as an institution for counselor education. I received my license November of 2023. Theoretical orientation and approach to counseling: My clinical approach is rooted in two orientations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I also draw heavily from the Humanistic-Existentialist perspectives of Psychology and philosophy in helping my clients better understand their feelings, goals, and experiences. My clinical practice embodies the spirit of meeting clients where they are. I enter each session with one objective: a readiness to talk and warmly receive. Client rights and responsibilities: As my client, I encourage you to ask questions and raise concerns about anything, especially my credentials and qualifications, the progress of our work together and its cost, my therapeutic approach, or anything else that concerns you. I take my role seriously as a helper and strongly believe that healthy relationships, especially therapeutic, require communication, consistency, and warmth. Therapeutically, we might be a good fit if: -- You are ready to make new moves in your life and relationships – So many of us know what must be done to address problematic behavior or to build better habits. What might be lacking is an awareness of the theory or tools to support those efforts. I am equipped to teach you how to individualize widely known coping skills, if you are ready to prioritize your mental health treatment. -- You are a creative person – The scaffolding or foundation you need to accomplish your long-term goals comes from your ability to generate creative solutions—no matter the medium! Your unique skills and worldviews can enrich to the work we do in the room. This takes the form of interesting, billowing conversation, not traditional art therapy. -- You are looking for a space to feel seen and heard – I take great pride in my ability to attend to the emotional needs of my clients. A dedicated space where the floor cedes to you, a conversation that is focused with warm curiosity on you, that is quickly becoming a rarity in our social interactions. While attentiveness is one of my biggest strengths to offer, I find being a witness to my clients’ concerns and vulnerabilities the greatest honor and reward in this field; we are the most human in these moments. It sets the stage for therapeutic collaboration and honors our innate drive to identify and hold our emotions without urgency or shame.

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.

Evolve provides unique and individualized coaching support in the areas of education, employment, and the arts. Academic & Organizational Coaching Does perfectionism sometimes prevent you from turning in assignments? Do you often get “stuck” when trying to shift from one task to the next? Is communicating with your professors and/or peers a challenge? Do you avoid things like laundry, cleaning, eating and socializing? Do you simply want to take advantage of quality support during this pivotal time in your life? Live up to your potential. We meet you on campus or by video to help you time manage, organize, and prioritize your daily tasks into a manageable schedule that allows you to be a successful and well-rounded student at your college or university - all while taking advantage of social opportunities as well! Choose once or twice-weekly sessions which take place on or near your college campus. Services also include consultation with college faculty, peer support, and a weekly group session for those interested. Employment Coaching & Interview Prep Have you been struggling to find a job? Do you know you have specific talents, but struggle with interviews? Do you want to keep your next job for longer than just a few months? Gain independence. Let us help you identify your strengths and skills to find a job that's right for you. We can guide you through the preparation of a great resume and cover letter and help you prep for interviews. If you are currently working, we can discuss ways to improve communication at work and advocate for yourself on the job. Invite us to consult with managers, and provide workplace support as needed. Social and Self-Advocacy Groups ​Do you dread "small talk"? Do you wish that people would just say what they mean? Would you like to meet people who share your interests? Would you like to discuss ways to stand up for yourself? Gain confidence. Consider joining one of our groups! Social groups meet weekly and are available to college students and non-students.

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.

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or trauma you may feel stuck in cycles that once helped you cope but now feel overwhelming, isolating, or out of control. I specialize in supporting individuals healing from eating disorders and attachment-related trauma. Disordered eating often develops as a way to cope. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion while building safer, more sustainable ways to cope. I hold advanced training in eating disorder treatment, am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS), and am fully trained in EMDR to help process trauma at the root, not just manage symptoms. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or trauma you may feel stuck in cycles that once helped you cope but now feel overwhelming, isolating, or out of control. I specialize in supporting individuals healing from eating disorders and attachment-related trauma. Disordered eating often develops as a way to cope. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion while building safer, more sustainable ways to cope. I hold advanced training in eating disorder treatment, am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS), and am fully trained in EMDR to help process trauma at the root, not just manage symptoms. My approach is person-centered, relational, and attachment-focused. I integrate EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, parts work, and polyvagal-informed interventions to support both emotional healing and nervous system regulation. My practice is inclusive, anti-diet, and aligned with Health at Every Size (HAES), providing affirming care for all bodies. It makes sense if part of you feels hesitant to reach out. Healing often begins in the very places that feel most vulnerable. If you’re longing for a space where you can feel understood, supported, and not judged, I invite you to connect. We can take this at a pace that feels safe for you.

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.

Contact by email or text message is the most effective means of communication as I cannot answer phone calls when in session. WWW.jsAuria.com I am a seasoned psychologist with significant experience counseling clients on career, addictions and family issues, in addition to depression, anxiety and general mental health problems. My clinical background coupled with an M.B.A. makes me effective at counseling on personal issues and professional development issues, including coaching executives on planning and managing change, and strategic decision-making. In addition, I have extensive experience with substance abuse and use and its effect on personal and group dynamics within the family as well as within business networks and team management systems. Contact by phone, email, or text to the listed number.

Hello! I’m a Harvard-trained, board-certified general adult psychiatrist, based in Pittsburgh. My practice focuses on psychotherapy, and behavioral treatments. I also offer evidence-based behavioral treatment for insomnia. I see adults with with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, insomnia, and with most common mental health problems. Therapists who are warm, empathic, humble, committed to honing their skills, and who make effective positive working relationships with their patients, tend to be most effective. To paraphrase the psychotherapy scholar Leigh McCullough, a therapist should aim to do the most good, in the shortest time, with the least stress for the patient. I believe this is what it means to be patient-centered. I'm accepting new patients for telehealth visits throughout Pennsylvania, or for in-person visits at my office in Shadyside (in Pittsburgh). I accept private pay, and, through the Headway app, selected health insurances (including Aetna & Cigna).

Debra Frankel is a private practitioner who has an expertise in Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Ddpression. I have worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School at Western Psychiatric Institute in Mood Disorder Research as both a supervisor and clinician. I utilize the Interpersonal Therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythms therapeutic modalitites. I am also skilled in treating people who suffer from anxiety disorders, trauma and transition issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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.

I have significant experience addressing mind/body issues, physical health-related issues, stress and coping with academic, family, relationship, personal and work-related issues. My approach is client-centered and I utilize evidence-based interventions that are appropriate for the individual client's presenting issues. I am trained in CBT to address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, etc., Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based approaches to stress management; Interpersonal psychotherapy, to name a few evidence-base practices that I offer.

I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming life experiences. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, weighed down by difficult experiences, or unsure how to move forward. Using a warm, client-centered approach, I provide a supportive space where clients can better understand themselves, process what they have been through, and build the confidence and resilience needed to create meaningful change in their lives. Specializing in anxiety and trauma treatment, including acute trauma. Using a warm, client-centered approach, I help clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow. As a trained EMDR therapist, I integrate EMDR and draw on IFS-informed concepts to help clients heal from difficult experiences and build lasting resilience. Taking the first step can feel difficult, especially when things feel overwhelming or unclear. A supportive and focused space is available to help you make sense of what you’re going through and begin moving forward at a pace that feels manageable.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.