Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

I’m a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania with a passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their inner strength. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life transitions, emotion dysregulation, and family or relationship challenges. I also specialize in supporting clients through emerging adulthood—those transformative years of identity development, shifting relationships, and new responsibilities. My approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized. Drawing from a strengths-based and humanistic perspective, I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, compassion, and curiosity. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions and strive to create a safe, welcoming space for growth and healing. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin—taking the first step is often the most powerful one.

I’m dedicated to helping foster emotional well-being and personal growth in the people I work with and strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. I am versed in working with children, adolescents, young adults and families who are experiencing an intersection of issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict, and trauma. Helping people recognize and replace maladaptive coping behaviors and negative self talk with healthier, non-judgmental practices is a crucial part of my practice. Additionally, I am specialized in addressing the intersection between identities (race, gender, class, ethnicity) and mental health. I incorporate my studies in psychology and women’s gender and sexuality into my work as a clinical social worker. They allow me not only to see the person sitting in front of me as an individual but as part of a larger set of systems that have a direct impact on their lives and the lives of those they hold dear. I understand what it is like to feel unmoored and anxious in a world that can sometimes seem daunting. But it’s okay – you are stronger than you realize and are not alone. Come in, and we’ll work through it together.

I’m passionate about working with individuals who have experienced a wide range of traumatic experiences, and I hold specialized training and experience in supporting survivors of sexual trauma. I’m trained in EMDR, which I find especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, disconnected, or trapped in old patterns that no longer serve them. It’s one thing to logically tell yourself, ‘what happened wasn’t my fault’ or ‘I am safe now’ – and an entirely different journey to help your body believe that the threat has passed. I specialize in helping clients navigate shame and identity challenges with compassion and curiosity. My approach focuses on creating a non-judgmental space to explore the stories and experiences that have shaped how you see yourself. Together, we’ll work on uncovering the roots of shame, building self-compassion, and encouraging a more authentic sense of self. Anxiety often feels like you’re bracing for something you can’t quite name. You might feel restless, hyperaware, overwhelmed, or like you’re always trying to stay one step ahead of disaster. In our work, we’ll slow things down and get curious – not critical. Instead of fighting your anxiety, we’ll explore what it’s trying to signal, protect, or prepare you for. I’ll help you develop grounding strategies and ways of relating to your anxiety that actually fit your life and values, so you can feel more settled and connected in the present. When working with me, you can expect to enter a space where you don’t need to have it all together. We’ll celebrate your successes, and I’ll be there to sit with you during the heavy moments. I’m not here to ‘fix’ you, but I am here to help you dig deeper and start connecting the dots in your life. Typically, this will include a healthy dose of sarcasm, practical skills, humor, warmth, and empathy. My goal is to help you find what works best for you while we move at a pace that feels right.

Welcome! My name is Stephen. I understand that seeking therapy can feel like a big step, it is important to choose a counselor that makes you feel comfortable and supported. My approach is warm, empathetic, and collaborative, aimed at creating a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights you need to live a more fulfilling, balanced life. I utilize an evidence-based and holistic approach to helping adult clients struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality disorder, Anger Management, Addiction, Interpersonal Issues, Identity Issues, Grief/Loss, Stress, and ADHD management. My approach to therapy is rooted in Client Centered Therapy. I will incorporate elements of Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe that it is important to provide clients with an environment that promotes genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My professional background includes community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, substance use rehabs, and private practice. I am skilled in working with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA+ community. If you’re ready to start your journey toward healing, reach out today!

(Under Development)

I believe each of us has deep intuition, wisdom and knows what we need in order to heal; I will help you clear that path to healing. Making peace with the changes in our lives and finding acceptance can be extremely challenging. I would be honored to be present with you as you navigate this experience. I work well with individuals who are motivated and ready to transform by providing practical, research based tools and interventions that can help alleviate symptoms like stress, anxiety, sadness or irritability. I often encourage clients to continue our work outside of the therapy hour to expedite progress. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan in various settings including outpatient, home, school, community mental health, and crisis support. I help clients understand thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, blending somatic approaches, mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques to repair the body-mind connection and facilitate healing. Known for my calm, grounding presence, I bring authenticity, humor, and intuition into my work. Drawing on my knowledge as a Reiki Master and yoga teacher, I incorporate holistic practices such as relaxation, breathwork, and embodiment. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with lived experience managing the chronic pain of endometriosis, I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding to my work. I believe in the inherent dignity and worth that each of us carries and in our innate capacity for healing.

We believe that psychological well-being and healing come from our ability to foster awareness, understanding and acceptance of our experience of life as a whole - the good, the bad and everything in between. Talking with a therapist can often help facilitate this kind of personal growth. We believe that through developing a trusting relationship, therapist and client can explore aspects of the client’s struggle and the experience of relating to each other in deeper, more honest and productive ways. While each therapist in our practice has a unique approach to the work, we all share a deep appreciation for the importance of meaning making and lived experience in understanding human experience and effective therapy.

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, your anxiety, stress, or burnout never lets up? Perfectionism, overthinking, or past trauma may leave you tense, stuck, or constantly on edge. Your body might feel wired, your mind keeps racing, and you can’t fully relax even when life seems “fine.” You want relief, better focus, and a calmer, steadier nervous system. You want to thrive without being trapped by overwhelm, worry, or patterns that keep you from feeling truly present—and maybe even laugh a little along the way. I specialize in anxiety, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Using trauma-informed and somatic approaches, I help you regulate your nervous system, address patterns from past experiences, and, when appropriate, use Brainspotting for deeper trauma processing. You don’t have to manage anxiety or stress alone. Therapy is a space to feel supported, slow down, and create meaningful change. We may even use humor to lighten the load and help your nervous system settle. If this approach resonates, I invite you to reach out and explore whether we are a good fit.

Hi, I'm Rebecca! I'm passionate about working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, & overall transitional life challenges. If you want a life with less worry, anxiety, or hopelessness, we can work together to explore attainable goals to get you where you'd like to be. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space for you to talk about your individual challenges & how you envision your ideal life worth living. I respect & encourage the individuality of every person's life story. We’ll work together to explore your potential for change & growth in a supportive & collaborative environment. I've worked with people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction, & people struggling with difficult life transitions. I treat couples, and have worked with couples struggling with addiction in their relationship. I have experience as a crisis & trauma counselor, particularly with people who've experienced sexual assault. Starting therapy can be the most intimidating part for many people. I hope to prevent that and to talk with you about your goals for therapy, and how you envision a life worth living. I focus on creating an engaging, open space for everyone, and to value & respect everyone's individuality. Reach out via email or phone with any questions you have!

Hello and welcome to my page. My ideal client is struggling with their self-esteem, anxious and/or depressive symptoms, relationship issues, and even substance use/misuse. Most of my clients' goal is to live a more fulfilling and content life. They want to feel understood, supported, and listened to empathetically. I can help by primarily trying to understand you. That is the bottom line. I will offer you a safe, caring, and nonjudgemental environment to do this. I will listen fully with interest and respect so you can begin to talk about the parts of your life and yourself you are struggling with. I have worked as a social worker for 18 years, first at a community mental health center, then at a private group practice, and now solely in my own private practice. I work with young adults, adults, and older adults.

Do you struggle with self esteem, decision making, or just life in general? Are you ready to make a change? Often times our experiences can/have shape(d) who we’ve become. You may be in need of support and that’s ok. Congratulations to you for taking the first step in seeking support. My mission is to help make a difference in the lives of others one day at a time. As a certified Compassion Fatigue counselor, I can assist with emotional exhaustion. Life experiences can often leave us drained, stressed and or overwhelmed. Are you one who has always been there for others in their time of need? Who helps you? Do you have a healthy support system? The helper often gets neglected because they’re busy assisting others which can lead to Compassion Fatigue. Let me assist you.

I work with clients who are experiencing any one of a variety of issues, including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, sexual issues, and grief following the loss of a loved one, including to suicide. I also specialize in helping college students learn positive coping strategies to deal with stress, depression, anxiety, social issues, cultural concerns, and life transitions. I weave a holistic mindfulness approach throughout my therapeutic work by incorporating mind-body awareness practices such as breathwork, meditation, and relaxation techniques. These techniques aim to increase the client’s sense of well-being, decrease stress, improve confidence, allow for new perspectives, and restore balance to the client’s life.

I work with athletes, performers, and professionals to improve focus, confidence, and emotional agency under pressure. I will support you in attaining mindful engagement and psychological flow in your daily life. If you’re looking to navigate an important career transition, improve relationship patterns, or heal after a breakup, I’m also here to help. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve to experience life to its fullest potential. My style is practical, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are preparing for a critical moment, navigating a high-pressure or professional transition, working through relationship challenges, or trying to break through a plateau, I will help you gain the insight and skills needed to overcome barriers that may be holding you back. Over time, my goal is to help you stay present under stress, recover more quickly from setbacks, and respond to situations with clarity and control rather than force or self-criticism. I bring over a decade of experience as a psychologist, academic instructor, training director, and clinical supervisor. I look forward to serving you. Education and Career I am a licensed psychologist and a founding co-owner of Avellar Warden Psychological Associates, PLLC. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed my doctoral and post-doctoral residencies respectively at the University of Delaware and University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am a licensed psychologist in PA, NY, and a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows me to work with clients in almost every state within the U.S.

I enjoy working with people who are experiencing difficulty managing their emotions, and feel a loss of control or direction in their lives. If anger, depression, mood swings, anxiety, or past traumas are making life and your relationships with others problematic, I want to help! My approach to therapy is relaxed and down-to-earth. I will collaborate with you, in a respectful, nonjudgemental, and supportive manner. By increasing self-awareness, you will be better able to understand the barriers keeping you from happiness, and our work together will help you to develop your strengths, coping skills, and confidence.

At the Center for Counseling Arts we are committed to helping you discover your own ability to live more fully. Our licensed counselors, social workers and psychotherapists offer a wide range of counseling and can be contacted online through our therapists directory; and our directors are glad to offer their recommendation. We welcome students and young adults to reach out to us, whether seeking healing for a specific concern or simply a confidential and supportive environment to begin the therapeutic process for meaningful change.

Serenity Counseling, LLC, was created to provide competent psychological counseling while maintaining the utmost confidentiality, respecting the various cultural differences between clients and practicing ethically and responsibly. Serenity Counseling provides an objective, non-judgmental atmosphere where clients will be validated, empowered and encouraged. Serenity Counseling LLC consists of professional therapists, licensed in the State of Pennsylvania and Certified by National Boards. Serenity Counseling features support for a variety of stressors

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in psychoanalysis, an intensive therapy that involves meeting multiple times a week. I provide a safe, welcoming space where together we can come to deeply understand and appreciate you and your unique story. I can help explore connections between your past experiences and current challenges, and help you feel more at home within yourself and out in the world. I am a careful and insightful listener, with a style that is empathic, gentle, and nonjudgemental. If you are curious about my approach and would like to know more, feel free to reach out. We can meet to see if we could be a good fit.

My approach to therapy emphasizes mindfulness and the development of inner resources to meet the challenges the world presents at every stage of life.

It can be difficult to navigate finding mental health care, but you’ve made it this far. I view my role as holding a warm space for us to explore what is working and not working for you in your life. Most of us weren’t taught how to experience our emotions mindfully and respond with intention. It makes sense that many of us struggle with responding to our emotions compassionately. I may help you identify, understand, and accept difficult internal experiences while taking meaningful action in your life. My experiences range from outpatient care to more intensive eating disorder partial hospitalization. I seek to help you feel empowered to move through the world in your body as it is in this moment. Whether or not you’re struggling with your relationship with food or your body, I find self-compassion an important tool in promoting mental health. One of the ways change happens is by doing something differently than you’ve done before. I encourage you to make small changes in between sessions as we work together. The therapy process can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. I'd be honored to be a part of it with you.