Therapists for college students near New York University
We keep therapy simple so everyone can get the support they need without judgment or labels. It doesn’t matter how big or small your concern is — if there’s something that’s getting in the way of your health and happiness, our therapists are here to help. You may be surviving and going through the motions of daily life, but we think you deserve more.
**Some Insurance Accepted in NC through Headway** I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who are secretly miserable. You may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, codependency, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking at just the cognitive, linear perspectives of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in the creative therapy of Gestalt keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.
College is a time of enormous adjustments, especially for students who identify as LGBTQIA+. Alongside the pressures to be successful academically, there are numerous personal challenges to navigate in terms of sex and sexuality, relationships, identity, social communities, and drug and alcohol use. In my work with queer college students, we take the time to understand the unique challenges of this time for you in particular, and I work to cultivate your abilities to meet these challenges with resourcefulness and creativity. We also work to bring you into greater awareness of the unconscious features of your mind, in order to know yourself better and to resolve deep-rooted conflicts.
TriBeCa Therapy is a center for psychotherapy that was founded on the assumption that human beings are original, imaginative, inspired, and inventive. We particularly love our work with young adults and college students and are connected to issues they deal with. Issues related to sex and dating, drugs and drinking, depression and anxiety and academic pressures aren’t topics that will freak us out. We can handle it. College students frequently discuss with us challenges such as: making friends in ways that don’t involve alcohol, making friends as a person of color, navigating social situations that demand connecting with strangers (like in the cafeteria) and finding “their people.” We work to create a partnership that takes these challenges on together, trying new strategies, taking increasingly bigger risks and dealing with the disappointments and celebrating the successes that follow. College is a time when many young adults are dealing with very adults issues like sex, sexual assault, eating disorders, substance abuse, managing money, race, class, and career choices. Creating a space where young adults feel comfortable talking about these issues is a strength of our therapists and a non-judgmental stance is key. The object isn’t to insist on a particular set of values or practices, but to support young people to understand what they are dealing with and to make active choices about who they want to be. Learn more about us by visiting our website https://tribecatherapy.com or emailing us at inquiries@tribecatherapy.com to schedule a consultation call.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
We utilize therapies like ERP, ACT, and CBT to provide the most effective tools for managing symptoms and achieving personal growth. We have particular expertise in treating OCD, anxiety, BFRBs, perfectionism, trauma, and eating disorders. Our experienced CBT therapists provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and develop resilience. We offer both individual and group therapy sessions tailored to adults, young adults, and adolescents aged 12 and up, designed to be accessible in person or through online therapy for clients across New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and Connecticut.
The college students I work best with are thoughtful, curious, and trying hard, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Many are dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, or OCD and feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, figure things out quickly, or keep it all together. Some struggle with focus, motivation, or routines, even though they care deeply about their goals. A lot of my clients tell me they feel stuck in their heads, constantly overthinking, procrastinating, or second-guessing themselves. They’re tired of feeling like they’re falling behind and want someone who truly understands and can offer tools that actually help. In our work, we make space for what’s difficult while building real strategies to help you feel more grounded, capable, and clear about what you want.
Alex Straaik, MA, MS, PMHNP-BC (She/Her) is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in psychopharmacology. Ms. Straaik has a diverse academic background, including a Master of Science from The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing, Literature, and Publishing and a Master of Arts in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College. She is extremely passionate about providing empathetic and empowering care that respects and values our unique life experiences and truths. Ms. Straaik takes a collaborative, intersectional, and person-centered approach, mindfully crafting a safe and supportive space for all. She worked as the sole psychiatric provider on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, where she provided psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychoeducation to underserved individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as at an outpatient community mental health center treating a wide array of disorders related to anxiety, mood, psychosis, and trauma. Ms. Straaik is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider with training and experience working with the community and is deeply committed to providing culturally and structurally competent care. In her free time, she enjoys all things literary, studying Spanish, and exploring the great outdoors. Ms. Straaik practices holistic and evidence-based psychiatry and is excited to be a part of the dynamic and like-minded team at Modern Integrative Psychiatry. If you would like to make an appointment to see Alex Straaik, MA, MS, PMHNP-BC for a medication evaluation and consultation, please click this link “SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT” to be taken to the secure scheduling website.
We believe that excellent therapy improves students lives in substantial, meaningful ways, which is what you should expect when you get started. We are a group of highly trained psychologists who love working with students to improve their lives and make changes.
Does your mind feel like it’s constantly running, overthinking every decision, replaying conversations, or trying to keep up with the pressure to do well in school, relationships, and everything else? College can bring a lot of stress. Many students I work with feel anxious, stuck in their own heads, or overwhelmed by perfectionism and procrastination. You might be juggling coursework, friendships, family expectations, or questions about your future—and it can feel like too much on your own. I’m Ahuva, a licensed therapist who helps college students manage anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, relationship stress, and major life changes. Together, we’ll use practical tools to help you understand what’s getting in your way, build healthier coping skills, and feel more grounded and in control. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. You don’t need to show up with the “right” words or have everything figured out. This is a space where you can be honest, slow down, and work through what’s really going on, without judgment. Reaching out for support can feel scary, but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. I’m here to help you take that first step and support you as you build confidence, clarity, and a healthier path forward.
You are someone who may be feeling stuck, lost, or you don’t know how to reach your goals. The worst part? You remember what it’s like to feel happy, content, and without doubt and fear. You are reaching the point where you feel so exhausted that you feel like you “can’t do this anymore.“ Your old coping skills are becoming limiting and constraining. They no longer are helping you progress in life. You are ready to put energy into reclaiming your voice. You go to work, keep up with friends and daily routines but something is missing. You don’t feel like you are in the right place and wonder how to actually get there. You’re smart enough to know you can’t do this alone anymore. You’re ready to invest in YOURSELF. I am here to help you life your best life
Kate Salama, M.D. is a board certified adult psychiatrist, who specializes in women's mental health and reproductive psychiatry. She has a lot of experience treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma across the lifespan. She has completed a fellowship in Women's Mental Health and has expertise in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, pregnancy & postpartum, perinatal loss, and infertility.
I work with clients on a wide range of issues including anxiety and depression, relational trauma, addiction and co-dependency, attachment, grief, body image, and relationship issues. I prioritize creating a safe and warm therapeutic environment that increases your self-awareness, self-compassion, and connection to your internal wisdom. By working collaboratively together, we can create a tailored approach to address the specific issues that you are currently struggling with. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ population and trauma survivors (physical, sexual, neglect). I provide integrative treatment approaches that draw from trauma-informed care, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based psychotherapy, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Pamela Rice, LMSW, graduated from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. She believes nurturing our emotional well-being allows for more peaceful relationships with ourselves and with others, and helps us to navigate the world more easily and authentically. Whether you are looking to understand and ease symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or depression, or you are interested in improving your mind-body connection, Pamela offers you space, resources, and support for this work.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure you put on yourself or by what everyone else seems to expect from you? College can come with a long list of demands. Do well in classes. Make friends. Join clubs. Keep everyone happy. Figure out your future. When all of this adds up, it can start to feel heavy and confusing. I’m Emily, a therapist with extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults in community mental health clinics, schools, non-profits, and group practices. I help students work through anxiety, depression, self-doubt, identity exploration, social challenges, and the impact of past experiences or trauma. I use approaches like CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy, along with a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. What this really means is that we work together to understand what you are experiencing and develop tools that fit you as an individual. My goal is to offer a space where you feel safe, accepted, and supported while you figure things out. You deserve a place where you can be honest, build confidence, and move toward self-acceptance. Whatever you are facing, you belong here. I am here to listen, help you make sense of things, and support you as you work toward the life you want.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
My philosophy of therapy is collaborative and holistic, and I aim to meet my clients where they’re at to inspire change. I am most passionate about working with queer people who have difficulty being fully authentic. We can work together to dismantle the stories and systems that have impacted this and cultivate greater self-compassion and self-awareness in who you are. In therapy with me, my clients feel seen and encouraged to show up as their authentic selves. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my expertise is in relationships and seeing things through a systemic lens. I have experience working with folks with anxiety or depression that can interrupt their ability to live a full life, sometimes facing unsteady relationships and hoping for more security. Together, we can work to make sense of difficult relationships, own and advocate for your feelings and needs in relationships, and identify and set boundaries with others. My experience is in working with teens and adults in the context of individual, couples, or family therapy.