Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience providing quality mental health care and career counseling services. I value supporting clients and the communities I serve by providing individual therapy for LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, body image concerns & disordered eating, ADHD, and career development concerns. My approach focuses on exploring what makes each individual thrive, providing empathy and understanding, free from judgment and societal expectations.

LaKeisha Cotton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Masters in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Her experience includes working with youth and families involved in the foster care and adoption system, underserved populations, and crime victims. LaKeisha’s specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions and adjustment, PTSD, self-esteem, stress, and attachment issues. While treatment is unique to each individual, LaKeisha’s therapeutic beliefs derive from a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/Solution focused approach that helps aid in the battle of negative self-talk. She believes her role in therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to identify, evaluate, and modify any presenting patterns bringing discomfort in life. She strives to create a warm, non-judgmental environment that encourages clients to gain awareness of themselves. She is passionate about meeting people right where they are and believes that all people have it within themselves the capacity for growth, change, and positive thinking. Let her remind you of your strengths and introduce you to new skills.

Are you tired of overthinking everything—relationships, school, work, finances, and what’s coming next in life? Do you find yourself always thinking ahead, planning details, and trying to stay on top of everything… to the point that it feels exhausting? Maybe your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, and put pressure on yourself to do things the “right” way. You may find yourself feeling anxious about the future or wondering whether you’re somehow falling behind. Internally, it can feel exhausting to always be this “on.” If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many highly capable people feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together while quietly struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional exhaustion. And often, it’s not simply a time management issue—it’s the mental and emotional load of carrying too much for too long. I specialize in helping individuals manage overthinking, overwhelm, anxiety, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and driven, but feel mentally stretched and unable to fully enjoy where they are in life. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and grounded. Together, we’ll work to untangle anxious thought patterns, quiet the constant pressure you place on yourself, and create more space for clarity, confidence, and ease—without lowering your standards or stepping away from what matters most to you. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Most of the people I work with reach out while they’re still trying to make sense of what they’re experiencing—they just know they’re tired of feeling constantly “on” or stuck in cycles of pressure and overthinking. Please reach out today to start your care. I’m happy to answer any initial questions and help you determine whether we’d be a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you in feeling more grounded, more present, and more like yourself again—so life can start to feel a little lighter.

Everyone tells you that college is the best time in your life and to enjoy it because it flies by. But what people don’t tell you is all the challenges that it can bring. Maybe it’s the first time you are away from your family and friends from home. It can also bring many challenges with pressure to drink or use drugs, navigating friendships and dating in a more complicated way, and figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. You might be in a position where in order to afford school you need to work on top of doing well in all your classes. I know personally how challenging, yet exciting, this time can be, and I am here to tell you that you don’t need to figure it all out on your own or even right now. Are you ready to enjoy your college experience, be fully present in the great moments without feeling stresses weighing you down everyday? It’s time to feel a sense of relief, confidence in who you are, and in your decisions. Together, we can make your life feel lighter and free up space for everything else you have going on! My Approach: I am a strong believer in the power of relationships. Having someone to talk to can increase our sense of happiness and positivity, and most importantly let us know that we are not alone. Life has many ups and downs, but it's what you do with them that matters. I am here to help you transform the tough moments into growth. Therapy with me looks like an open dialogue, where we both respect each other's point of view and collaborate to find solutions that help you overcome what’s been holding you back. We can talk about anything, no matter how hard it is to share. Whether it’s the good things or the bad, I am ready to hold space for even the strongest emotions that come up, because I know we can work through it together. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy that not only looks at your thoughts and feelings, but also how your environment, your cultural experiences, close relationships, and health, affect your mental wellbeing. We’ll use a variety of therapeutic techniques to best fit what you need, because therapy is not a one size fits all approach. We’ll make sure that those techniques are really working for you. It might be practicing mindfulness or trying out different coping skills to help things feel less overwhelming. Our approach will continue to grow as our therapeutic relationship develops. I know that therapy is not always easy, but I am here to support you each step of the way and I will always accept you for how you are in that moment, even the hard ones. A Little About Me: I went into undergrad undecided and had a hard time knowing what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to do something to help people and I wanted a career that I would enjoy. I always felt behind in some way because I didn’t know what I wanted to do right away. I have learned that a lot of people have a unique path to get to where they are. I worked as a school social worker for 8 years before private practice and that is when I really knew I loved counseling and wanted to continue on this path. I have lived in the Chicago area for most of my life and love the city! You can find me by the lake or exploring all the city has to offer. My hobbies are all over the place and include a mixture of baking, triathlons, knitting, going on long walks and finding the best matcha. I also love traveling (but hate flying) and have an ever growing list of places I want to visit.

Hi, I'm Ayesha! We all face mental health challenges at different points in life, and seeking clarity is often the first step toward healing. You may be experiencing low moods, intrusive thoughts, or body image distress—all of which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue. Sadly, many people suffer in silence, avoiding the deeper work needed to shift unhelpful thinking patterns. This can create a cycle of guilt, shame, and unworthiness that reinforces emotional and behavioral struggles. I’m here to help you break that cycle. Through evidence-based therapeutic interventions, I support clients in identifying and disrupting negative thought patterns, gaining new perspectives on themselves and their life experiences. Together, we’ll work to unlearn unhealthy beliefs, better understand your emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies to manage life's challenges more effectively. As a clinician, I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can grow, heal, and explore your emotional experiences. I lead with empathy, compassion, and validation, while also maintaining a goal-oriented approach to help you make lasting changes. My passion lies in helping individuals navigate mood disorders, stress-related issues, and eating disorders. If you're ready to take that first brave step, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reach out today, and let’s begin your journey to healing.

Are you exhausted with trying to be the best at everything? Do you feel like you must have your future figured out while balancing your home life, your relationships and your academics? I understand the pressure put on the first-generation college student to achieve the goals that your parents could only dream of. I understand the internal struggles of trying to be the please everyone else while putting your own needs last. Let's work together to talk about your struggles and how we can put a plan in place to better to yourself!

My approach is one of empathy and compassion where I will hold space for all of your emotions while you navigate through difficult life events. My counseling style is warm, nurturing, and person-centered and I use interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - helping you work toward acceptance and awareness of the full range of your emotions, thoughts, and sensations in order to better understand yourself. Some of the specific issues I address include eating disorders, self-image, body-image dissatisfaction, life transitions, and anxiety/depression. I have experience working with those in recovery from eating disorders, with a focus on binge-eating and emotional eating, and body-image issues. I believe that through a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can begin to make decisions with clarity. During our work together, we will work on developing a better understanding of your values, in order to live a life with more purpose and meaning.

College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. It’s a time of big changes, big questions, and a lot of pressure—about who you are, where you belong, and whether you’re doing “enough.” I work with college students who are navigating anxiety, body image struggles, perfectionism, and that nagging feeling of not measuring up, even when everything seems fine on the outside. If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just off, therapy can be a space to slow down and figure out what’s really going on. Together, we’ll explore what matters to you and what helps you feel more like you. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. Whether you’re on campus or away, we’ll work together to help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected—both to yourself and the life you’re building.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many people start thinking about therapy because, emotionally, they don’t feel good. Maybe your emotions end up taking you for a ride and you feel helpless to stop it. Emotions come and go, but they can sometimes feel endless, especially if they are intense. Or maybe you are struggling to get in touch with your emotions and you find it difficult to connect. Either way, what ends up making it worse is the power struggle we get into with our own emotions. We want to push away the ones that feel bad and force the ones that feel good, but that never works for long. Wouldn’t it be easier to avoid the power struggle completely?

I am a compassionate and experienced clinical and sport psychologist dedicated to supporting high achievers in cultivating both mental well-being and peak performance. With a deep appreciation for the diverse journeys of athletes, military service members, and first responders, I strive to create a space where individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and rooted in evidence-based strategies that foster resilience, growth, and lasting change. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of high performance, overcoming challenges, or striving for personal and professional excellence, I am here to support you. I believe in a holistic, personalized approach to care—one that honors your unique experiences and strengths. If you’re seeking guidance in managing mental health, optimizing performance, or finding balance amid life’s transitions, we can work together to help you thrive.

Anise Health is a culturally-attuned digital mental health platform for the Asian community. Our therapists specialize in addressing unique cultural stressors such as pressure to achieve, bicultural tension, Asian family dynamics, and racial trauma. To start care, submit a short intake form (>5min) and you'll be instantly matched to therapists: https://patient.anisehealth.co/onboarding.

My approach as a therapist is simple- I'm here to help you recognize the parts of yourself that you're proud of and change the parts you want to be different. Trust me, there is no problem too big or too small to bring to therapy! My clients have usually included people who have been marginalized by socio-economic barriers, people who have experienced trauma, and those with autism or other types of neurodivergence, or developmental disabilities. Since these issues can make life especially tough in new and different ways during college and the transition to adulthood, I've found that this stage of life can be the perfect time to seek out some help. Although I have a lot of experience working with ages 12-18, I'm also passionate about providing therapy to adults throughout the lifespan. I believe that a comfortable working relationship between you and your therapist is so important for you to fully access your resilience to heal and be empowered to achieve your goals. I'll always encourage you to give me honest feedback to ensure that sessions are supportive and meet your specific needs. Sessions with me will always be judgement free zones where authenticity and vulnerability are highly valued. Whether that sounds well within or far outside your comfort zone, I'd love to meet to answer any questions you have and to see if we might be a good fit. Find me at Austin Trauma Therapy Center (virtually or in-person) or schedule virtual sessions by clicking on my Headway website link.

Seeking support takes courage and I am honored to be part of that journey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been in the helping profession since 2018. Over the years I've had the privilege of supporting individuals as they navigate challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and centered on helping you build effective coping skills, strengthen your sense of self, and move toward living a more authentic and fulfilling life. I believe therapy is a journey we take together. A journey that helps you uncover your strengths, find balance, and rediscover happiness in your everyday life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unfulfilled in your relationships? Whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or even yourself, our relationships shape how we move through the world. My passion is helping individuals heal from relationship trauma, build healthier connections, and find lasting fulfillment in their interpersonal lives. I believe that everyone deserves relationships that feel safe, respectful, and meaningful. In our work together, I’ll support you in understanding how your past experiences are impacting your present, and guide you toward developing stronger connections. In addition to relationship communication, I am also am also focused in PTSD, anxiety, self-worth, disordered eating, and women's' and LGBTQ+ issues. I treat a broad array of other issues, as well, using a tailored-to-you approach that ensures you get what you need out of our time together. In sesh, you can expect to work hard towards healing while also laughing, celebrating your wins, and getting validation. We will work together to help you reach your goals. Connect with me today to see how I can support your growth journey! Note: Licensed in Nevada, Michigan, Utah, and Idaho.

Intimacy & Connection doesn't have to be out of reach... Pleasure should be accessible to everyone. Specializing in treating mismatched libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, vulvodynia, vaginismus, fear or anxiety associated with sex, dating coaching, communicating needs in a poly or ENM relationship, exploring kink in partnership and much, much more... Jessica Massaro, LCSWR (New York), owner of Compassionate Connections Sex & Couples Counseling, PLLC, is a kink & fetish affirming relationship therapist and her goal is to help folx within partnered relationships (couples and ENM relationships) address concerns with their communication, create intimacy and connection, reignite chemistry, and provide sex education, because you *CAN* have the pleasure-filled life you're seeking. Jessica also works comfortably around issues of infidelity, helping couples repair ruptures, work through difficult life transitions and learn skills to support one another in feeling seen and heard. Cara Cole, LCSW, LCSW-C (Texas & Maryland) is a kind and empathetic therapist who believes in supporting individuals & families during life's transitional periods. Cara specializes in individual & partner relationship therapy as folx transition through each phase of life and learn to navigate each new chapter of your life, journey within parenting, identity, or phase of your partner relationship. Cara also loves supporting people around their bodies post shift in identity focusing on reclaiming or beginning to claim the authentic self again. Cara also has a special place in her heart and a special understanding for military families as this has been part of her own personal identity story.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Most of the clients I work best with have one thing in common: they feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “have it all together,” especially around food, body image, and big life transitions. Many of them are students who look fine on the outside but are quietly struggling with anxiety, burnout, or feeling disconnected from their bodies. I often work with people who: Feel guilty or stressed about eating and don’t know how to break the cycle Overthink food choices or feel “out of control” around food Are adjusting to a big life change (moving away from home, starting college, pregnancy/postpartum, major stress) Carry a lot of self-criticism and feel exhausted from trying to meet everyone’s expectations Want a space where they can be honest without feeling judged or misunderstood My clients tend to be caring, hard-working, sensitive, and often the “strong one” in their friend group. They’re usually trying to balance school, relationships, and their own mental health—often without giving themselves the same compassion they give others. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. My goal is to make therapy feel like a safe, steady place where you can slow down, understand what’s going on underneath the stress, and feel more connected to yourself again.

Life can be brutal, can’t it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions…What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We’ve all been there in some season of life. But who says this can’t make us better! Every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs. Therefore, we adapt our interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who you are and what you need. We are all trained in a number of different interventions and like to use a combination of our training and expertise to utilize an eclectic approach to best meet the needs of each individual person. We know that every individual is uniquely different and therefore each person should have a unique therapy journey based on their own needs.

Do you ever feel unseen or unheard? Maybe you feel like you don't quite belong? Or maybe you don't feel anything at all? Often, we can feel like we aren’t "good enough." We might feel frustrated or confused about why we lash out at those closest to us. We may feel like we are faking it through adult life and hiding behind our accomplishments or titles. Maybe we feel stuck in our relationships so we avoid conflicts or pretend like things are fine. Maybe we are afraid to take up space, speak up for ourselves, or ask for help. Maybe we don't know how to admit to ourselves that we need help. That's where I can help! I am enthusiastic in supporting and championing first-time therapy seekers because working towards healing is courageous and beautiful. I hope to equip each of my clients with tools and strategies so that, each time we meet, they can leave feeling heard, seen, and empowered. An ideal client will be curious and committed to the process of growth, healing, and recovery; they will be willing to invest time, energy, and effort despite inevitable struggles and setbacks. I function in a lot of ways like a coach: I'll teach skills, provide feedback, and guide clients on how to incorporate and internalize what they've been learning. Together, we can uncover key insights and learn tools to overcome nagging doubts and fears. We can revisit past hurts with curiosity and compassion. I am ready to journey alongside you with humor, grace, and empathy. If you're ready to treat yourself to deep healing & restoration from intergenerational trauma, schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation today!