Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Our minds are powerful—they can pull us into the past or push us into the future, making it hard to stay grounded in the present. When this happens, we can feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional pain, often losing touch with our sense of identity, purpose, and what matters most. This can be especially true during times of transition, like college or early adulthood, when you may be navigating academic pressure, relationships, career uncertainty, or figuring out who you are and where you’re headed. As a therapist, I work collaboratively with you to identify what’s keeping you stuck and help you reconnect with your life in a meaningful way. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, build on your existing strengths, and develop practical tools to support lasting change. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can gain clarity, find relief, and grow. I specialize in addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD, and I welcome anyone navigating life’s challenges—especially young adults looking for direction, balance, and support.

You may look like you have it all together yet inside you feel anxious, exhausted, or like you’re never “enough.” The need to be “perfect”, frequent memories of past traumatic experiences, or challenges navigating unfulfilling relationships may have left you feeling disconnected from yourself and who you believe you truly are. You want to feel present, more confident, and at peace with yourself - to stop just “surviving” and start healing. My approach is rooted in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies, aiming to help release the emotional charge of painful memories while gaining greater self-awareness, compassion, and balance. Together, we’ll work to heal old wounds, quiet self-doubt, and cultivate a more grounded, fulfilling life. You don’t have to carry the weight of “having it all together” anymore. In doing the work, you can reconnect with your strength and rediscover peace within yourself. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Healing can begin with one courageous step.

Wholehearted Counseling for Individuals, Couples, and Families We provide therapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families with various presenting concerns including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sex and relationships, and changes through the lifespan. We focus on honoring your individual identity while addressing systemic issues that might be impacting your symptoms or impacting your relational health. Our main goal is to help you increase self-awareness and facilitate change in your day-to-day relationships, allowing for a more congruent way of life. We hope to create a non-judgmental, warm, and safe environment during the therapeutic process for you to explore your needs on how to grow and change.

If you’re a high-achieving student who looks “fine” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted on the inside, you’re not alone. The pressure to perform academically, have a thriving social life, and figure out your future (all at the same time!) can quietly take a toll on your mental health. As a licensed mental health counselor, I help driven college students build lifelong coping skills and find balance—without pushing themselves harder or burning out. Together we can work to identify what you would like to be different in your life, and make a clear plan to help you get there. By the way - I'm also a certified career counselor, so if landing internships or planning life beyond college is stressing you out, I can help you there too. If you’re looking for therapy that’s down-to-earth, compassionate, and focused on helping you actually enjoy your college experience instead of just pushing through, let's connect! I offer a free 30 minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit before we start working together.

College can be exciting and overwhelming. I work best with students who feel stuck, stressed, or unsure about who they’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship challenges, family pressure, or big decisions, I offer a calm, nonjudgmental space to sort things out. You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident in your next steps.

You've likely landed on my profile because you're looking for more support and realize that you can't do it alone. Perhaps you've put everyone's needs before yours. Maybe you've told yourself that you can keep putting your feelings to the side. We sometimes believe that we should be able to manage it all and do it on our own. Whether you're struggling with depression or anxiety, family transitions during pregnancy or postpartum, or just trying to have more effective, supportive, and fulfilling relationships, I'm here to help. You don't have to carry it alone anymore. My practice specializes in depression and anxiety. I have a particular interest in working with women during pregnancy and postpartum. I also enjoy helping people have more effective relationships with others, particularly their romantic partners and family. I primarily use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and CBT to help clients reach their goals.

We are a group practice serving the Pittsburgh community and located in the heart of Shadyside. Our team is diverse by design, bringing a unique collection of cultural and clinical experiences. Following a shared philosophy, each therapist combines evidence-based practices with holistic and mindful approaches to psychotherapy. The result is a carefully tailored plan of treatment for each individual. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, with your partner, or for your family, the Awareness & Wellness Center (AWC) is committed to providing therapy services that support your journey to greater self-awareness and better health.

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Trying to find a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling classes, jobs, friendships, and figuring out your next steps. Who We Work Best With: Students Just Like You The students who thrive most in our practice often share a few things in common. They are typically high-achieving, thoughtful, and determined, but right now, they're feeling overwhelmed and stuck. They are excellent at pushing through difficult situations but realize that the old methods of "just toughing it out" aren't working anymore. You might be a great fit for us if you are experiencing any of the following: The "Burnout Beast": You're running on empty. You feel anxious every Sunday night, your motivation is low, and you constantly feel like you should be doing more, even when you're exhausted. You're ready to stop stressing and start enjoying your college years. The Social Maze: You're struggling to make real connections, dealing with roommate conflicts, or navigating a difficult dating scene. You want your relationships to feel supportive, not draining. The Future Fog: You're feeling pressure about your major, your career path, or even just whether you're where you're "supposed" to be. You need help quieting the noise so you can figure out what you truly want. The New Normal: You're struggling to adjust to a new semester, a move away from home, or even life after graduation. Change is hard, and you need a steady, non-judgmental place to process it. We specialize in working with college and graduate students to manage anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and life transitions. Our goal isn't just to help you survive campus life—it's to help you genuinely thrive. We provide practical strategies, emotional support, and the clarity you need to move forward, all without the confusing jargon.

“It’s always best to believe in one’s self, but a little help from others can be a great blessing!” I view each person as the main character in their book of life. Each book contains stories of joy, sadness, exploration, struggle, and most importantly, HOPE. My goal to assist in exploring these stories, whether you encounter depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, intersectional struggles, or self-esteem issues...I am especially sensitive to those impacted by LGBTQ issues, religious minorities, activists, uniformed public servants, and those experiencing depression. I utilize a multiculturally sensitive approach, borrowing from ACT, DBT, MBCT, mindfulness, narrative, and solution-focused therapies to develop a collaborative and eclectic style to treatment, tailored to your needs. Cultures all over the world have a common truth: life is suffering. Through therapy, I hope to create a safe and empowering environment to help you withstand and overcome that suffering. I welcome you to reach out to start this journey.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and I am a perfect fit if you are missing your pet and believe healing feels better with an animal by your side. At Comfort Companions Counseling, I bring the human-animal bond into therapy in a real and meaningful way, creating a warm and judgment-free space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and build real coping skills. I specialize in working with college students navigating anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, life transitions, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with trying to do it all. Services include individual telehealth therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and The Comfort Canine Program, a 5-week therapy dog assisted somatic group designed specifically for college students. I also conduct ESA evaluations with care and thoroughness, and a letter will be provided if clinically appropriate following the completion of the evaluation. Sessions are held via telehealth so you can show up from wherever feels most comfortable — your dorm, your apartment, or your couch. Your pet is always welcome to join, and my co-therapist Milly, a certified therapy dog, can also be part of your sessions for extra support and comfort.

Are anxiety, challenging relationships, negative body image, or depression negatively affecting your everyday life? Do you feel overcome and exhausted by workload and expectations? Do you wish that these problems could get better, but are unsure which path to take? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and uncertain about how to move through these difficult experiences. Not addressing these challenges can lead to continued burnout and a sense of hopelessness. I believe that there is hope, answers, and growth ahead, and I would like to partner with you to help you reach your full potential. I have experience with spirituality, mental health, and sports-related presenting problems.

You want to be successful and self-assured, but your anxiety or depression has left you struggling with confidence and unsure of who you are. You may even feel confused as to what emotions you are experiencing or why you are feeling this way. This could be affecting your relationships, your work, or other areas of your life, and you're tired of pretending everything is fine when it's not. One thing is for certain: you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel good about yourself, to learn how to navigate these thoughts and feelings. You're ready to feel peace. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who they can genuinely connect with, because therapy should be a place where you feel understood. We will work together to identify new perspectives, increase awareness, and identify methods for you to effectively manage whatever causes you distress. I believe that we all possess the power to make necessary changes to live our most fulfilling lives. It is my goal to provide you with the support and guidance you need to discover the path to wellness that lies within. You don't have to continue managing your anxiety and depression alone. Reach out today for a free consult. I can't wait to hear from you.

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Hello! I am Codie Piotrowski, a licensed professional counselor with over five years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have supported clients across various settings, including schools, residential facilities, hospitals, and outpatient offices, which has allowed me to develop a flexible and compassionate approach to care. I specialize in animal-assisted therapy, using the human-animal connection as a unique and supportive way to help clients feel comfortable, engaged, and understood. I also incorporate art, play, and music expression into sessions to help clients explore emotions, build coping skills, and work toward their personal goals in ways that feel meaningful and approachable. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, focusing strongly on building positive therapeutic relationships and meeting each client where they are. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I am currently pursuing EMDR Certification. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and thrive.

College and graduate school can stretch you academically, mentally, and emotionally. When stress, burnout, or self-doubt start to pile up, that stretch can feel more like a breaking point. I work with students to navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, life transitions, and challenges that can come with disability. I also support people adjusting to new environments, including the shift from rural backgrounds into more urban, academic settings. Together, we’ll look at where you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and build practical skills to help you clear those hurdles and reconnect with what matters to you. My approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In practice, this means we’ll use a blend of tools to help you understand your thoughts and reactions, make sense of your experiences, and respond in ways that feel more manageable and effective. I will tailor our work to your personal goals, because your idea of accomplishment is what matters to me. If you’re interested, we can also bring in elements of Geek Therapy® (using movies, games, or other examples of popular culture) to make therapy feel more relatable and engaging. If you’ve been dealing with mental fatigue, cognitive overload, or a life-altering diagnosis, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We can work together to help you feel more balanced, confident, and prepared for your next chapter, whether that’s graduation or the following academic term. Reaching out can be the most difficult step in this process. Let’s start a conversation and design a treatment plan just for you.

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I love working with people of all ages who are seeking to understand themselves and other significant people in their lives! It is my joy to help my clients find peace and make meaning of both the usual challenges in life and the events that threaten to rob us of hope. My work life before becoming a therapist in 1997 included working in child welfare, teaching in China, and volunteering in religious activities. As a therapist my training and experience have been focused on themes of attachment, relationships, grief, loss, trauma, and spirituality. If you are wondering who I am as a person, I am a spouse, mother of four grown children, "Mimi" to five grandchildren, and oldest sibling in a large tribe. When not working I love to read, make quilts, play board games, cook and just spend time with the people I love.

I believe that people tend to know what is best for them deep down, and it is my job to assist them in discovering what they feel is the best solution. I am systemically oriented in my therapeutic work, seeing a problem as embedded in relationships either within the family, or even the larger societal system. Together, we will explore the root causes of your problems and evaluate specific approaches you can take to accomplish your goals. Another fundamental part of my approach is compassion and empathy. I tend to see the positive in people and can hold a significant amount of pain when clients reveal the hurt inside. I feel privileged to be a part of their healing journey.