Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

Hi, I’m Nikoleta! I’m an international doctoral student from Greece, and for the past seven years I’ve called the U.S. home—living in both the Northeast and the South. Before pursuing psychology, I was a Division I athlete, an experience that gave me first-hand insight into body image struggles and the stigma surrounding mental health across different systems and communities. I’m passionate about uplifting and centering voices that have historically been excluded, both within my own communities and beyond. My path into psychology began with recognizing how stigma shaped the lives of those I care about, and how systemic barriers have marginalized people for far too long. When we work together, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we’ll explore your authentic self, replace fear and shame with self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we’ll honor your intersecting identities, heal wounds of oppression, and strengthen your confidence so you can live with clarity, purpose, and self-worth. At my core, I’m guided by curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and warm. I believe in the importance of balance—embracing the many roles and identities we carry—and in celebrating the richness of our multifaceted selves. My hope is that everyone I work with feels safe, seen, valued, and deeply connected.

My experiences as a queer, transgender man from the South inform how I move through the world and how I work with clients. I understand the challenges and inherent stress of navigating institutional, educational, and family systems that fail to make space for all identities and backgrounds. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive and culturally affirming principles and I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space where clients can experience and examine themselves and experiment with new skills and perspectives. I collaborate with clients to co-create realistic goals and sustainable solutions that honor and encompass their unique identities, challenges, and strengths. I have experience working with a variety of backgrounds and concerns and I have particular expertise working with gender identity and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), trauma, individuals living in larger bodies, individuals in helping professions, life transitions, and young adults. My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends to my work as a researcher and counselor educator-in-training. My primary areas of research are improving counselor training concerning LGBTQIA+ and larger-bodied individuals, demystifying research for students from marginalized backgrounds, and combating cisnormativity in counseling research.

Many of the people I work with live in the “in-between” — between cultures, identities, roles, and expectations. Maybe you’re constantly navigating competing demands from family, community, and self. Maybe you feel caught between pride in your roots and the ache of not quite fitting in. That kind of in-betweenness can carry invisible grief, deep resilience, and stories that are layered and complex. Therapy with me is a place where all of that gets to exist. Where silence—once a survival strategy—no longer has to be your default. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re tired or tone yourself down to be understood. You get to show up as you are—messy, in progress, tender, whole. I offer a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences with curiosity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, multicultural frame-work, because I know that our relationships—with family, partners, culture, and self—shape so much of how we move through the world. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone navigating the complexities of intersectional identities. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, working through relationship dynamics, or exploring identity, I’m here to help you reconnect—with yourself, your story, and your values. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that have helped you survive, even if they’re no longer serving you. We’ll unpack the unspoken “rules” you’ve been carrying, and gently build new ways of living that feel more aligned, grounded, and free. With individuals, our work might focus on: • Honoring your cultural and personal history while creating space for your own voice • Tending to the inner critic or survival modes that no longer reflect who you want to be • Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-compassion With couples and polycules, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners move beyond the surface-level conflicts and into the deeper emotions underneath. Often, what looks like disconnection is really a longing—to be seen, to be safe, to feel understood. We’ll slow things down, make space for those vulnerable moments, and help you learn how to reach for one another in ways that build trust, not distance. This work can be especially powerful for couples navigating cultural differences, unspoken family dynamics, or intergenerational expectations. Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple or polycule, our work will move at your pace and be centered around your needs. You don’t have to hold it all together here. We’ll make room for your full self—your questions, your emotions, your healing. One step at time.

Have you ever felt that forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in consistent self-care, or navigating everyday "adulting" feels more challenging for you than those around you? Do you struggle to “be yourself” or even understand what that truly looks like? Are you caught in the feeling of being either “too much” or “not enough?” Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal diagnosis, I’m here to support you. I’m passionate about working with clients on this journey, helping them navigate the complex emotions that often arise—excitement, curiosity, and validation in discovering more about who you are, alongside grief and anger for the time spent feeling othered or broken. This is a deeply personal journey, and together, we can create a path that honors your unique experiences and needs. In our work together, we will focus on helping you: • Find confidence in navigating healthy relationships • Learn how to self-advocate • Identify neurodivergent-affirming people and spaces • Break free from the cycle of high achievement and burnout • Become attuned to the needs of your nervous system and develop skills to better regulate its responses I work with individuals who are often left on the margins of traditional therapy models—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals who may have been made to feel that their identities or experiences don’t fit the mold. In our sessions, you’ll never be asked to minimize or hide any part of yourself. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome—your personality, culture, and lived experiences are integral to the work we do. My approach is both challenging and supportive, direct yet affirming. I’m committed to creating a therapy space that values your autonomy and centers your lived experiences, particularly if you hold marginalized identities. As a therapist, I weave lessons of self-advocacy and resilience into our work, always mindful of the broader oppressive systems we navigate. I encourage clients to provide feedback on our therapy relationship so that together, we can create a dynamic that serves you best without reinforcing harmful systems of power or control. I also believe that self-disclosure and authentic expression are crucial in our work together. Therapy is not just about following outdated rules of professionalism but about showing up fully as ourselves, both therapist and client. This authenticity allows us to build a stronger, more human connection, which is at the heart of meaningful healing and growth.

Navigating today’s world can be challenging enough—finding culturally competent therapeutic support shouldn’t add to that burden. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space where we can collaboratively explore and address your concerns. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, I strive to truly understand your unique journey and support your path toward health, wellness, and growth. As a therapist, I bring a social justice lens to my work, recognizing the impact that systems of oppression and marginalization can have on mental health. I am dedicated to offering culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences. Together, we will explore how these dynamics influence your personal challenges, while also empowering you to navigate and resist these barriers with resilience and strength. I recognize that trust is at the core of an effective therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to earning your trust through genuine care, understanding, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where you can reflect on how these experiences have shaped your life. By building a foundation of psychoeducation, emotional tools, acceptance, and self-compassion, we can empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking the step to seek therapy is an act of courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating and vulnerable—it takes immense courage to seek support, especially from someone you don’t yet know. My goal is to demystify and destigmatize the therapy process so we can walk together toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. In our work, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and identify what might be keeping you stuck. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we co-create a space that honors your full, intersectional self and empowers you to live more authentically. ​ I work with individuals across the lifespan, and I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and families. For young children, I use play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach that allows them to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills through play. With teens and families, I offer a space to navigate identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics with empathy and cultural responsiveness. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships and promote emotional connection. In addition to individual and family therapy, I work with couples navigating communication difficulties, disconnection, and relationship challenges. I provide a supportive and affirming environment for partners of all backgrounds and relationship configurations to explore their needs, repair trust, and strengthen their bond. My practice is rooted in a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive framework that affirms the lived experiences of BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others with marginalized identities. I’m particularly passionate about supporting clients who are navigating intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and systemic oppression. I also deeply value working with men and masculine-identified individuals, especially those who have internalized messages that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Creating space for these clients to heal and grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. ​Together, we’ll create a space where your experiences are seen and your story is honored—where you feel empowered to grow into the fullest, most liberated version of yourself.

I work primarily with young men in college and graduate school who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. You may be struggling with substances, pornography or sexual behaviors, gambling, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, or problems with motivation and direction. As a former university professor, I understand the pressures of academic life a. I offer compassionate, direct, evidence-based therapy to help you understand what's happening, build practical skills, and move forward.

I work best with people who are carrying a lot at once, whether that’s anxiety, relationships that keep hurting them, substance use that feels out of control, or old experiences they’re finally ready to look at. They usually appear fine on the outside but feel worn down on the inside. What they share is knowing something needs to change and being ready to do the hard work to shift old patterns. If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to reach out!

Hi! I'm a therapist licensed in Georgia and North Carolina. I help people who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed to better cope with challenges, change patterns of behavior that aren’t working, improve relationships with friends and family, and increase an overall sense of well being. By providing a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and welcoming space, I help you explore how social, political, economic, and cultural factors impact your health and wellbeing. My approach is compassionate, culturally-responsive, and identity-affirming, with a social justice perspective. Both my life and work experiences have shaped my work as a therapist. My life experience includes growing up as a child of Taiwanese immigrants, living in Europe as an adult, and advocating for social justice. My work experience includes providing counseling at Duke University Medical Center, Elon University Counseling Center, and multiple therapy agencies. In therapy sessions, I use various evidence-based treatments to help you work towards your personalized goals. You can learn ways to cope with stress, how to not let your emotions overwhelm you, and how to skillfully ask for what you need in your relationships. Sessions are offered online via a secure format. Before beginning therapy with any new client, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer any questions and to see if we are a good match to work well together.

We all deserve the space to be seen and heard. I'm a genuine therapist who will meet you where you are and work with you on your unique path to self-discovery. I'm a therapist who is already your advocate because I deeply believe you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect no matter who you are. In the counseling room, you'll find me to be genuine, creative, and laid back. Cup of coffee in hand, I'm here to journey alongside you! Online sessions also available.

Do you often feel anxious or overwhelmed, more than you'd like? Is it impacting your relationships or your ability to function? Maybe you feel frazzled or out of control, or you're navigating a significant loss or life transition that feels especially challenging. Therapy can bring clarity and support meaningful change. I support clients experiencing overwhelm & anxiety, difficult life transitions and grief by customizing care and equipping each client with easily accessible tools. I take an integrative approach by utilizing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and also drawing from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). My services are specialized to meet the unique needs of women because women’s physical & mental wellness is unique! Creating a safe, inclusive environment, cultivating a genuine relationship and laughter are all important to me. I deeply appreciate being able to learn as much or more from my clients as I have from my training and experience.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We are a group practice made up of experienced and caring professionals committed to providing clinical excellence in psychotherapy, integrative services, and recovery resources for individuals, couples and families. Formed in 2009 as a joint venture by Dr. Amy Smith Barnes and Meg McLeroy, LMFT, Midtown Psychotherapy Associates (MPA) was created to provide outstanding out-patient services and clinical care. As an integrative practice, we offer psychotherapy services, groups, adjunct wellness services, and resources for recovery. We seek to address the health and well being of mind, body, and spirit for clients of all ages. We offer a variety and balance of specialties and interests within our community. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, we also support nutrition education, yoga, health coaching, play therapy and other experiential modalities. Our clinicians are committed to the art and science of psychotherapy; bringing an enthusiasm and passion for clinical excellence combined with a commitment to evidence based practices and interventions. As a practice, we value fostering a strong sense of cooperation, collaboration, and community with each other. We also work to cultivate relationships within the larger community of other mental health professionals, doctors, and agencies in order to maintain a network of trusted resources for the benefit of our clients. For scheduling, please contact the therapist of your choice directly. Fees range from $125 - $225 / hour with sliding scale options available. For general questions or if you need to be matched with a therapist, please visit our website and fill out the Contact Form or leave a voicemail message on the main line and your request will be answered within 24 business hours.

I am so honored you found yourself here. I believe therapy works best when you feel deeply understood—not analyzed or rushed. Before I’m a therapist, I’m a human who values gentleness, curiosity, and compassion. It’s truly a privilege to sit with folks as they share their stories, their pain, and hopes for something different. I have a special passion for working with neurodivergent (or “neurospicy”) humans and those whose nervous systems have been shaped by trauma. Therapy with me moves at a pace that honors your body, your boundaries, and your unique way of being in the world. There’s no pressure to perform or “fix” yourself. My work is grounded in experiential and somatic approaches, meaning we don’t just talk about what’s happening—we gently explore how your experiences live in your body, emotions, and relationships. This can be especially powerful for healing complex trauma, navigating chronic pain and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have learned to stay guarded. If you desire to connect with a therapist that cultivates a safe space for you to explore healing without judgement and approaches your experiences with curiosity and empathy I invite you to this space. As a fellow neurodivergent, chronically ill, queer woman - I understand how exhausting life can be. Let us explore what living authentically means for you.

As a therapist, I work with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions. Having particular insight into dysfunctional family systems, I offer compassionate support for those navigating complex family-of-origin experiences. At the heart of my practice is the belief that everyone possesses the capacity to heal and grow. I create a therapeutic environment characterized by compassion and curiosity, providing a safe space for clients to explore experiences, discover strengths, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with clients who want to heal from the experience of growing up in addicted or dysfunctional family systems. By examining childhood trauma and generational patterns, we will work to foster the emotional growth, improved relationships, and freedom from codependency that emerge when we rediscover our authentic selves and live in alignment with our personal integrity. I also worked in student affairs/higher education administration for 13 years and have extensive experience supporting young adults through the various challenges of adjusting to, navigating, and transitioning to life after college and graduate school.

We might be a good fit for each other if: ○ You're wanting to explore your sexual or gender identity ○ You want to build a deeper relationship with Self ○ You want to sit with someone who shares a queer identity & understands the unique stressors our lived experiences come with ○ You want to explore somatic coping resources to add to your toolbox ○ You're exploring consensual non-monogamy or are in a relationship structure minority ○ You want to work on self-advocacy or people-pleasing You are the expert of your lived experiences and intuition. Ethical counseling is non-pathological and radically accepting. Together we can create what therapy looks like for you; time to pour into yourself and explore what could be. I am open, fluid, flexible, and radically transparent in my work, as I understand your trust is something to be earned.

Hello! I love working with individuals who are dealing with anxiety, life transitions, caretakers (of all kinds), burnout, and chronic illness. I specialize in helping to increase self-esteem, set boundaries, and be in presence with feelings and emotions safely and calmly. I strive to create trust in self by sharing tools and using strengths you already have to develop a healthier relationship with self which will translate to better relationships in all aspects of life. I look forward to hearing from you!

I am an integrative, humanistic therapist who draws from many approaches to best serve my clients. I place an emphasis on creating a secure therapeutic relationship to foster a sense of safety and openness for clients. As we go through life, we develop habits and coping strategies to protect ourselves. I respect these coping mechanisms for the important role they play in helping us navigate the challenges of life. However, sometimes the very strategies that once helped us can become limiting or harmful. My goal is to support my clients in letting go of those old patterns and in discovering healthier, more effective ways to move forward. My work is rooted in empathy and the deep respect I have for each individual’s unique perspectives and life experiences. Humans are resilient beings, and I hope to help you bring awareness to the resilience within you.

Life can sometimes be difficult, and stressful when you are going to college and preparing for your future. I am passionate about listening to you share your concerns, and helping clients find solutions to a wide range of life stressors. As a client, you can expect to be supported every step of the way on your recovery journey. You can expect to receive compassionate, confidential support, and develop practical tools for lasting recovery and life transformation.

The process of starting or reentering counseling can be overwhelming but a brave step towards improving your wellness. I honor that step by committing myself to meet you where you are, sit with you in whatever emotion arises, and offer you a safe and relaxed environment to discuss your concerns. As your therapist, I will work with you to collaboratively create a road map to greater health using our alliance and therapeutic tools along the way. We will work together to identify your goals, beliefs, and assets; process life stress; and empower your life for greater wellness, however you define this. I offer Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Exposure (ERP), Strength-Based and Person-Centered services for adults and young adults, addressing symptoms of anxiety, OCD, stress, life transitions, relationships, and ADHD. Through my Masters and Doctoral work as well as my background teaching and supervising Master's level clinicians, I have created a therapeutic approach that is not only centered around YOU, the client, but incorporates practices that are backed by scientific evidence. It is my greatest desire to use what I know to see you grow and live the life you want.