Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Embarking on the journey of self-exploration takes courage, strength, and vulnerability. You may be feeling stuck, confused, or misunderstood. Choosing to share your experiences with a therapist can seem daunting and uncomfortable. At this stage, it is important to recognize that you already harbor this strength and courage within you as you begin to seek help. We will work collaboratively to guide you to the life you want to live - while navigating the obstacles that may be in your way to achieving strength, confidence, and empowerment. As an Art Therapist, art-making can help us explore and illustrate your unique story. Engaging in creative expression in therapy can help you make sense of your story, act as an extension of yourself, and aid in expressing unconscious feelings you may not be aware of. No artistic skill is needed to create, as the process alone can aid in healing and growth. I strive to create a safe, open, and creative space that allows you to process your experiences that have been hindering you from becoming your most authentic self. I look forward to connecting with you, and hope to be your guide as you navigate the road through self-exploration, growth, and healing.

You might be here because you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed—and you’re ready for change. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping individuals find relief and growth through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. My approach is warm and holistic. I integrate traditional talk therapy (CBT and Gestalt) with trauma-informed practices like Brainspotting and the Safe and Sound Protocol, which help regulate the nervous system and gently process deeper emotional wounds. Therapy with me is collaborative—we’ll honor your pace and goals as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

Melissa's diverse experience had lead her to focus on the importance of contentedness of relationships in fostering personal and spiritual growth in her clients. At the core, Melissa's goal is to help each person find the freedom that comes with pursuing wellness in every area of life. She strives to help people find a place of well being that goes beyond the sense of disease or illness but to a place of thriving state of health and balance.She has worked at various levels of mental health care including outpatient therapy, inpatient hospitalization, and residential treatment since 2005. In residential treatment, she worked with adolescents with behavioral difficulties and mental illness. While working in a psychiatric hospital, Melissa provided individual support and group therapy for adults, adolescents, children and their families who have struggled with disordered eating. She worked with children and their families who have struggle with anxiety and sleep disturbances in a university research setting. Her understanding of the connection between the mind and body was furthered while working in a medical hospital helping children, adolescents, and young adults with gastrointestinal disorders or sleep problems. These experiences have provided advanced knowledge in treating, not only eating disorders and anxiety but depression, sleep problems, trauma, body image disturbance, life transitions, communication difficulties, self esteem, chronic pain and other medical conditions. ​She has advanced training in non-pharmaceutical interventions, CBT for Insomnia and trauma, EMDR, attachment and dissociation. She enjoys working with transition age and early professionals who experience chronic anxiety and/or depression, complex trauma, and adjustment issues. She lived in Southeast Asia for 6 years and loves working with cultural adjustment issues.

Many of my clients are making exciting but often daunting transitions -- either from Jr High to High School, High School to College, or whatever comes next. Change is so often viewed with anxiety and negativity. Yet, change is happening all around us every day. How can we make change a positive experience in our lives? How can we choose to change something that is not working? How can we learn and grow from a challenging experience? As a counselor, I believe my job is to create a space where clients can explore these and other topics, in a way that ultimately positively impacts their day to day lives. I have 10+ years of professional experience working with adolescents and adults in outreach and community based organizations. I have a client centered, strengths-based approach to my work that integrates Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe that it is critical that the client takes an active role in the counseling process. My clients face a range of life’s challenges: depression, anxiety, peer conflict, communication, transition to college/work, enhancing self-awareness, relationship/family dynamics (separation/divorce), grief, and autism or attention deficit/executive functioning challenges. I work primarily with young adults and their families, adults, parents and couples.

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I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for 7 years and a Former School Counselor for 12 years. As a Former School Counselor for 12 years, my expertise is helping college age students with academic, career and personal/social dilemmas. I have helped thousands of students reach their academic, career and personal/social goals. Please visit my website which further outlines my college age expertise: www.ogradycounseling.com

Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified School Counselor for children in grades K-12. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Developmental Psychology. Prior to working at Cornerstone Wellness, she was a School Counselor for 12 years in a public-school setting and also spent two years prior to that working as a School Counselor at a Cyber-School. Stephanie did mental health counseling in a private practice setting and worked at the post-secondary level as an Academic Advisor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh as well. She is very passionate about working with young adults and strongly believes that all people are deserving of love and respect. "In order for positive change to happen, we need to work together as a team to support your goals of achieving happiness, success, balance, and peace. I know that this season of life can come with many challenges but I vow to work closely with you to create a therapeutic plan that we both feel comfortable with". Stephanie's therapeutic approach is centered around a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model which helps people to understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their behaviors. Her goal is to help her clients learn how to replace their negative thought patterns with more productive ones which will then, in turn, change their behaviors. She knows that teaching people how to shift their mindsets and how to discover new ways of thinking will help them to respond differently to life's stressors and ultimately improve their overall well-being. Stephanie understands that counseling can seem "scary" at first but prides herself on making sessions collaborative and relaxed. She wants therapy to be a safe place where her clients can feel comfortable to just be themselves! "I truly love what I do and I see it as a privilege to witness the change and growth that can happen for my clients as they move through therapy. With that being said, I hope to become a person that they trust and look forward to spending time with."

I work from the perspective that pain is a natural and inevitable part of life, I believe that our power lies in controlling the extent of our suffering. Recent years have been challenging, pushing many to seek healing and connection. I take joy in aiding others to make positive behavioral changes, using evidence-supported approaches that are customized to each individual's unique needs. My aim is to foster an environment of trust, care, and respect. Together, we will set therapeutic goals, devise a plan to achieve them, and help you develop tools to manage symptoms, overcome trauma, and enhance your overall well-being. I provide individual therapy with a primary focus on cognitive-behavioral orientation. My expertise lies in helping individuals navigate through anxiety and PTSD/trauma using evidence-supported therapies; however I can accommodate a wide range of needs. I cater to all adults aged 18+ and have specialized training in veteran care. Therapy can be one of life's most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but it doesn't have to be as intimidating as it sometimes may seem! I respect it likely took a lot of courage to seek help and I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive environment. Please let me join you on your journey to self-discovery and healing.

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.

Dr. Collins is a licensed therapist (LPC) and national certified gambling counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions counseling. Holding a doctorate in counseling psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her private practice. Specializing in a range of challenges, Dr. Collins offers compassionate support and evidence-based treatment for individuals grappling with: - Anxiety and depression - Life transitions - Relationship conflicts - Grief and loss - Substance abuse issues - Adult children of alcoholics With a client-centered approach, Dr. Collins is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work towards personal growth and healing. Her extensive experience and training enable her to tailor treatment plans to each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term therapy, Dr. Collins is committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and build resilience for a more fulfilling future.

Are you feeling anxious? How did I get this stressed? What happened to my self-confidence? These are questions many people ask themselves. You're not alone! I have gone through my own healing journey and can help you in your journey towards self-love and compassion. I believe that we can learn to be compassionate towards ourselves. Let’s get to work!

I believe in the inherent worth of everyone and that people genuinely do the best they can. We all experience joys and sorrows that can impact our daily functioning. Sometimes these experiences can make us feel "stuck," but we have the power to choose how we respond. Since learning never ends, we will discuss improving your self-awareness and build your "tool box" with strategies to empower you in everyday life. A caring atmosphere will be provided to help you discover your strengths, show yourself compassion, and to find balance in your life. I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and ages. Together, we'll build a tool box, so that you're better able to deal with situations that may cause discomfort. An eclectic and solution-focused approach to counseling is used. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness approaches are used as well. As we work together, we'll discuss ways to help improve your quality of life. I enjoy helping adults dealing with mental health changes, students with disabilities, individuals struggling with transitional issues (e.g. new diagnoses, elderly parents, veganism), career counseling, grief, pet loss, and how nutrition impacts mental health. If you are interested in learning what openings are available, please call 412-354-0636 Thank you, Megan

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.

Relationships are both the most difficult and the most rewarding things about being human,and they are HARD! I believe very strongly in the power of relationships to heal as well as hurt. I help people look at the relationships in their lives and figure out how to move forward in a new way. I work with all types of relationships. My particular areas of interest include defiant teenagers, self-harm, couples therapy, mindfulness, and trauma work. When the most important relationships in our lives are strong, I believe that we can handle whatever problems life throws at us.

With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviors, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances. Your session is your sanctuary. Show up for yourself, and I'll be there, judgment-free. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem. Together, we'll navigate your path with understanding and support, making each step a little easier. Why wait for a crisis to seek support? Therapy isn't just for when things go wrong—it's a proactive way to care for your mental well-being. Just like regular check-ups with your doctor, therapy helps maintain and enhance your mental health. Embrace the opportunity to nurture yourself and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

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.

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Hello! An Empowered Empathy: Counseling & Wellness we believe every client deserves to love their life. We know sometimes things can get dark and challenging. We are here to help you get to a place that feels like you’re heading in the right direction and build a life that feels meaningful for you.

I am committed to providing a safe, empathic environment. I will meet you right where you are at - accept you for you; no judgement. I believe before we can move forward, we need to become aware of what is going on in the present. I want to help you become mindful of what is affecting your life so you can move forward to live the life you want to live.

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.