Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

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!

As a licensed psychologist, I work with adults and adolescents seeking personal growth and change through psychotherapy. Areas of focus within my practice include anxiety, depression, college student mental health, graduate student mental health, career planning and change, partner relationship concerns, grief and loss, life-long and acquired disability issues, and adjustment to life changes such as medical diagnoses, traumatic brain injury, relationship loss, school transition and death of a loved one. I work extensively with undergraduate students with academic and mental health concerns. Academic stress, choice of major, career direction and planning, time management, motivational difficulties, underachievement, disability adaptation needs, and relationship/family issues are common concerns brought to therapy by college-aged students. Having a safe, reliable space to explore concerns and develop solutions can enhance well-being, satisfaction and success. The academic and research responsibilities of graduate programs can be challenging to juggle. In addition, graduates school can often be an isolating time for many students. Motivation, goal clarification, stress management, school-life balance, relationships, financial concerns, and post-graduate career exploration and planning are among the many challenges graduate students face in their academic lives. Work with graduate students is an integral part of my practice.

If you feel like you’re stuck in limbo—waiting for your "real life" to start while constantly getting in your own way—you are exactly where you need to be. Life transitions, relationships, and past events can be complicated. We all have those patterns—the ones where we know we're self-sabotaging, but we do it anyway. Whether it’s messy relationships, past stuff that keeps popping up, or the overwhelming stress of being a young adult in a chaotic world, you don't have to piece it together alone. Some days you might need a roadmap and direct advice; other days, you just need a safe space to sit with the big, scary questions. If you’re looking for a mix of humor, directness, and a partner to help you navigate, let's talk. I specialize in helping people explore the "in-between" stages of life and processing the heavy stuff that holds them back. LGBTQ+ affirming and provide gender affirming care letters. New openings available for June 2026! Stop overthinking it and take the first step. Self Schedule a FREE 15 min consult by clicking my website link!

Hello! I am Jessica Rose. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have a BA in Psychology and an MSW in Social Work. I have been working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in a therapeutic capacity for over 13 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings such as public schools, alternative schools, crisis teams, hospitals, homes, and juvenile detention centers. My guiding principles are validating feelings, active listening, and using humor and open communication as a means to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I am a reliable, consistent support for my clients. I believe in genuine positive regard, being non-judgmental, being warm, understanding, and empathetic.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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.

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 believe that the therapeutic relationship, the relationship between the therapist and the client, is the cornerstone of therapy and is an essential tool in working through interpersonal issues. I would provide a warm and safe environment in which to collaboratively address your concerns. Therapy would entail learning skills to more effectively cope with your stressors and exploring your understanding of yourself and underlying causes of your difficulties in order to enhance your quality of life. While this process can be challenging, it can also be meaningful and rewarding. I have experience working in community and academic settings with diverse adult populations experiencing a wide array of problems.

Marybeth Kennedy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in outpatient psychotherapy with children, teens, and college-age young adults. She has practiced in the field of mental health since 1984 in a variety of settings, including foster care, schools, group homes, and in the pediatric hospital setting. Her areas of expertise include working with patients with adjustment problems, mood disorders, ADHD, and chronic medical illnesses. She focuses particularly on children and teens with anxiety. Ms. Kennedy incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, anger management training, relaxation training, mindfulness interventions, and individualized psychotherapy in her outpatient practice. Ms. Kennedy has provided consultation to schools that specialize in serving students with behavior disorders by advising teachers and administrators in best practice behavioral interventions in the school setting and in the development and implementation of school-wide behavior management systems. She has been an adjunct faculty at several colleges in the Pittsburgh area, teaching courses in psychology. She has also been a guest lecturer in the special education department at the University of Pittsburgh, addressing behavioral interventions for classroom management. Ms. Kennedy earned her master’s degrees in psychology and social work. She is an alum of West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Home-School Visitor certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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.

Sometimes life feels overwhelming — stress, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges can leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. Therapy can help you understand why you feel this way and explore new paths toward change. Often, what seems like the “problem” on the surface is connected to something deeper. Together, we’ll work to uncover and understand these underlying patterns so that meaningful change can happen. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and help you create more satisfying relationships and a life that feels aligned with your goals.

I believe therapy works best as a collaborative relationship rooted in compassion and respect. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment to encourage personal insight and provide skills to help you navigate challenges and enhance your overall well-being.

Hello! Searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming task. I am hoping to make this a bit easier for you. I currently have availability on Tuesdays during day the day (9:30-3:30). Telehealth sessions are offered to accommodate your needs. I hope to help you in building coping skills and to challenge difficult thoughts and patterns you may find yourself experiencing. My objectives are to individualize your care, help you to develop and work towards your long-term goals, and also process through the general difficulties that every day life presents.

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).

Life is hard, especially when you feel like you just can’t manage everything on your plate. From school to work to relationships with friends and family, there is always a lot to juggle, and stress can build up quickly! When you’re overwhelmed, your behavior, mood, and relationships are all impacted, and it’s harder to be able to fully enjoy life. I help people who feel stressed and overwhelmed learn to manage their emotions so they can be the best version of themselves. I want to hear what is already going well for you, so that we can build on what is already working to improve behaviors, mood, and relationships. From there, we can make a plan to get you back to experiencing the best parts of life. Reaching out for support can be the hardest part, so I’m glad you are here. Contact me by phone or email to discuss options for setting up a consultation call or scheduling an appointment.

Do you feel isolated, like you just can’t really seem to connect with others in a meaningful way? Is life starting to become boringly repetitive with no end in sight? Are you drinking or using other drugs more than you are comfortable and worry you might have a problem? Maybe you chronically feel depressed, anxious, or that your mood is just all over the place for no obvious reason? Are you experiencing distressing memories, thoughts, and strong feelings without having a sense of control over them? I can help you by developing healthy self-resourcing tools to manage your thoughts, feelings, and distress experiences. I work with individuals by offering a healthy, nonjudgmental, encouraging, and collaborative relationship that promote your strengths through a process of discovery, acceptance, growth, and becoming. I believe every person has an inherent potential for growth. I work diligently with you as a collaborator to help you harness this potential through support, encouragement, and, at times, even challenging you. I work with adults of all ages, gender identities, races, sexual orientations and economic/ethnic backgrounds to treat a wide range of problems like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic anger management issues, addiction, PTSD, and a variety of other behavior conditions. I practice eclectically with a strong emphasis on Person-Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. I am trained in a variety of techniques including Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.

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.

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.

Therapy should provide a safe space free from judgment where you can seek support, be genuine, feel heard and grow into the person you want to be. In sessions, we will work together to identify your unique abilities, strengths and successes. We will explore how to use those strengths and abilities to process past events, feel better, achieve your goals and live a life that feels meaningful to you. My integrative approach is strengths based and person centered with elements of evidence based approaches including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and EMDR. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, teens and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, depression, parenting issues, life transitions, effects of trauma and relationship struggles. I am trained in EMDR via EMDR Consulting, an EMDR International Association Approved Training Provider. I look forward to meeting with you!