Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

I often work with students who feel weighed down by stress, perfectionism, or the pressure to have it all figured out. My goal is to give you a supportive space to sort through those challenges, build healthier coping skills, and feel more confident in both school and life.

As a relational, attachment-based therapist, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a powerful vehicle for change. As a systemic therapist, I also believe that the systems you’re part of matter, and that your experience can’t be understood outside of those systems. You may have had the experience of “getting” something on a logical level, yet finding that knowledge to be inadequate or insufficient. I believe real change has to be felt, not just rationalized. So I focus on creating a relationship where it’s safe to take relational risks and have new experiences that create change on a deeper level. Within the relationship, the work can take many forms. We may start by looking into your past, as I believe the past is important in understanding the present, and that it’s useful for helping you understand your attachment style and relational patterns. And if you’re one of the many neurodivergent people who have experienced trauma, we can draw on Internal Family Systems/parts work and Emotion-Focused Therapy to help heal your younger self. My goal is to always meet you where you are, and sometimes that might mean taking a more practical, skills-based approach. This could mean developing strategies to manage overwhelm, big emotions, and struggles with organization, time-blindness and prioritization. For example,you may be feeling like you know what you need to do yet still can’t get it done. Here I also draw on my background as an ADHD coach, and use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems to help you understand the emotions that may be getting in your way, see the different parts that create internal conflicts for you, and change how you relate to these parts.

I am a highly qualified psychotherapist-counselor and licensed clinical social worker. I have extensive experience in mental health and have developed a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind. I am committed to helping people navigate complex emotional and psychological issues. If you’re struggling with any kind of mental health issue, I am here to help you. I am currently pursuing Linehan Certification in DBT. I am also presenting a Certification in CBT at the Beck Institute. Additionally, I am working on becoming a Registered Play Therapist at the Family Play Therapy Center in Philadelphia. Lastly, I am pursuing certification as a group psychotherapist at the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

Welcome. I am an licensed psychologist with a decade of experience helping students and young adults to navigate transitions and effectively manage mental health. My approach is warm and practical, providing evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs and goals. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, you will receive an opportunity to speak and understand your experiences in a new light. And we will work together to find paths towards a more fulfilling life. For those interested in the details of my approach, I primarily utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including more specific CBT-based treatments (e.g. Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and various evidence-based treatments for PTSD). In addition to therapy, I also provide a variety of assessment services, including diagnostic clarification and psychoeducational assessment, including diagnosis of ADHD. Please reach out for a free consultation call if you think my practice might be a fit for your needs.

Hello and welcome! I’m Dr. Larsen Avnet and I’m a clinical psychologist licensed in Pennsylvania. I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves. I focus on helping people understand their emotional experiences to create change and meet their goals. I aim to help clients understand their emotions, body, and relationships within a space where clients feel seen, heard, and free to be their authentic selves as we work towards healing. My approach looks at how a person’s biology, mental health, social resources, and early relationships all come together to shape how we see the world and care for our emotional well-being. If you are struggling to understand yourself, feeling disconnected from others, experiencing conflict or challenges in your relationship, having a hard time with transitions, stress, or life changes, I am here to walk alongside you as you find your way.

Alex Kapnek, LPC, is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent clients navigating trauma, addiction, and emotional dysregulation. They bring a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, offering personalized care for those who have found that traditional talk therapy “just wasn’t working.” Their work invites curiosity, safety, and authentic connection—creating a space where clients can feel truly seen and supported in their growth. Drawing from somatic and cognitive approaches, Alex integrates modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based practices, as well as specialized training in sex and love addiction and chemsex recovery. Their sessions emphasize grounding in the body and cultivating awareness, helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and sustainable coping strategies. With over a decade of experience in trauma recovery and addiction treatment, including three years working at an inpatient facility specializing in trauma and sex addiction, Alex supports clients in building resilience, reducing emotional reactivity, and living with greater clarity and self-compassion. Their therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that healing happens in relationship—through trust, openness, and the courage to face what’s been avoided. Alex offers 60-minute telehealth sessions so you can fit therapy into your busy schedule. They also provides a free phone consultations to help prospective clients explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

It takes courage and strength to share your personal struggles with a therapist. My goal is to help assist you in your journey of discovering ways to cope and manage your mental health with respect, kindness, and warmth. There is something truly incredible about a human being living their authentic and complete truth without feeling burdened by mental or emotional blocks. My specialty lies in the treatment of OCD, Anxiety disorders, Depression, & Trauma. I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), & Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). I also provide supervision to other clinicians. I am licensed in NY, CT, NJ, & PA to provide virtual therapy. Reach out to me to form a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, & understanding. I know it can feel difficult to take the first step, and it will be so worth it.

College is full of transitions, like moving away from home and support systems, navigating relationships while balancing academic stress, and entering the professional world after graduation. These transitions can be exciting, but also daunting and overwhelming! So whether you are just starting to explore ways to improve your mental wellbeing or have been struggling for many years, you don't have to navigate it alone. My approach to therapy is always rooted in empathy, compassion, and a genuine curiosity about your unique experiences. We will work together using evidence-based practices to strengthen coping skills for the symptoms you most wish to address. Once these symptoms feel more manageable, we can then identify treatment goals that are built around understanding the impact of your past experiences, current obstacles, and hopes for the future (even if you don't know what those are yet!). I have provided individual therapy for seven years, and am especially passionate about helping those with neurodivergence (whether formally diagnosed or not) make sense of historical struggles through a non-judgmental, self-compassionate lens. Everyone can benefit from having a safe and supportive space to tackle symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors, self-esteem issues, or any other mental health difficulties. I welcome an opportunity to speak with you about your therapy goals and to see if we are a good fit, so please reach out to me via email, or phone (texts are okay too)!

I’m Kayla Billger, a licensed clinical social worker who works with adults who are tired of feeling overwhelmed, worried, and stuck in the past. I am here to offer you a space where you feel comfortable processing your feelings and learning to cope with the difficulties of everyday life. Together, we can learn how to navigate distressing thoughts and emotions, while creating momentum that leads towards a life that feels valuable and meaningful to you. The one where you feel empowered, peaceful, and fulfilled. Sessions will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. It is important to me to create a safe environment and ensure that the process is collaborative. I believe that therapy is more than just listening and nodding. I strive to be an active part of sessions, offering individualized feedback in identifying and meeting your goals. I use a combination of techniques and interventions from: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Hi! I'm Grace, a white, queer, disabled, cis-woman. I believes that therapy is an intuitive and collaborative process. I view my work as a privilege, and believe that the therapeutic relationship is built over time. I hope to co-create a space of mutual growth with you, exploring pathways of healing, connection, and meaning. I bring humor, compassion, and support to the therapy space. I truly believe that we heal through our relationships with others, ourselves, and the world - and hope to provide safety and containment for folx exploring relational or attachment trauma, and/or those living with chronic illness and disability. Other areas of speciality include queerness and identity formation, anxiety and depression, disordered eating and body image, and life transitions.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, depression, or a life transition that has left you feeling stuck, uncertain, or unlike yourself? Maybe you’re trying to manage the pressures of school, work, relationships, family responsibilities, or a major change in life and finding it hard to cope the way you used to. If so, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board-Certified Counselor who works with individuals ages 14+. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, adjustment issues, and the everyday stressors that can begin to feel overwhelming. I also have more than 13 years of experience counseling college students, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young adults balancing academic, personal, career, and relationship concerns. My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself and know that you are being truly heard without judgment. I use an integrative approach tailored to each person’s needs, helping clients better understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while also building practical tools for coping, healing, and change. Therapy can be a place where you feel grounded, connected to yourself, and better able to manage the challenges in front of you. To schedule a telehealth appointment click this link: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/susan-alexander/

At Cognitive Pursuits, I provide therapy for athletes and high-achieving professionals and academics who want to strengthen their mental health and enhance performance. With over a decade of clinical experience, including leadership roles at Thomas Jefferson University, I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, substance use, self-doubt, and burnout. I integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychotherapy, and existential psychotherapy—among other evidence-based techniques—to create a supportive, practical, and collaborative space where clients can make meaningful progress toward their goals. I offer both traditional therapy and Performance Anxiety Therapy Intensives — focused, short-term programs designed to help clients gain clarity, build confidence, and develop effective strategies to perform at their best while maintaining balance and wellbeing. Services are available virtually to residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. My name is Meghan Morley - I’m a licensed therapist, former NCAA athlete, and personal trainer. My background in both mental health and performance psychology allows me to understand the unique pressures faced by driven individuals—whether in competition, academics, or demanding careers. Before founding Cognitive Pursuits, I served as Clinical Operations Manager at Thomas Jefferson University’s Center on Community Substance Abuse Programs and currently am an adjunct professor at St. Joseph's University counseling graduate program. My work is grounded in the belief that high performance and wellbeing don’t have to compete. I help clients quiet mental noise, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of confidence and purpose that extends far beyond achievement alone.

The desire to know and to be known is a normal human experience. I value the trauma-informed safety and client-centered connection we collaboratively create through a systematic lens. I am particularly sensitive to diversity in culture and self-identity, including with respect to race, gender and sexuality. I believe the importance of affirming the unique individual experience with cultural humility. Through compassion, sensitivity, and empowerment, we will work together respectfully to acknowledge vulnerability, unearth patterns, attend complexity, and gain ownership change to achieve the most authentic and expansive self. I have experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, life transition challenges, self-esteem, relationship issues including intimate partner violence, and immigration matter. I approach this work holistically with warmth, empathy, and ever developing curiosity. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first step towards change. It takes intentions to create the time and space to understand and explore ways to navigate the situation we are in. If you would like to explore what that looks like, I am here to support and empower you.

I do two things really well - listen and empathize. You and your story are unique. My job is to help you set goals and develop a plan to set the path for our work together. I strive to create a safe, inclusive space for open sharing and reflection. My role is not to judge or tell you what you should do. My role is to empower and support you to be your best self even if that sometimes means challenging you to promote change. I work with young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and/or general life stress. The world itself impacts how we move through it particularly for members of neurodivergent and BIPOC communities. I offer a 15 minute phone consult to see if we vibe.

You are the expert on you, and you already possess all the tools necessary to heal and achieve your goals! Life experiences however can cause those tools or skills to become buried. In a safe and supportive therapeutic environment my role is to help uncover your “toolbox”, remove the broken or ineffective tools, sharpen the dull ones, and add a few new shiny ones. To embark on this counseling journey several critical therapeutic ingredients are needed: safety, empathy, and trust (SET). You'll lead and I'll closely follow, serving as a skillfully trained second pair of eyes and ears.

Are you tired of dieting and want to have a healthy relationship with food? I can help you learn to enjoy all foods and live a healthier life. Dieting is isolating and stressful and ultimately can cause you to gain weight and feel distrustful of your body. I will help you learn how to do meal and snack planning and listen to your natural body cues. You can feel good about food! If you have PCOS, I can help you learn how to manage symptoms with food, supplements, and other lifestyle modifications. I can also connect you with other providers in the area to help you get the best care.

As a psychologist, a father, a husband, a runner, a first Gulf War era Army officer and a former country manager of an American business in Russia, I bring a varied and eclectic style to my work. Trained in marital, family and child therapy, I have worked with clients from childhood into retirement and enjoy the diversity of seeing people at all stages of their lives and development. My goal is to maximize happiness and reduce anxiety and the impediments to truly enjoying your life. To do so, I am happy to see individuals, couples or families, and look forward to seeing you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi. If you're looking to create a more joyful and accepting life, If you're looking for tools and practices to help you manage the curve balls that life has thrown your way, let's connect, and together, create a space where you can grow and thrive. Currently working with Pennsylvania and California clients. Please check out redmountainwellness.com for more information about me. And, I look forward to learning about you. Warm regards, Deborah

I'm a therapist who is here for you, exactly how you are and where you are. Connecting with someone you can build trust with is the first step to building our therapeutic alliance. We all experience stress and challenges in life. These events, whether big or small, stay with us, often showing up in our thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and bodies. Carrying our burdens takes a toll. Recognizing these impacts in ourselves can be complex because our brains are doing the hard work of protecting us. I help adults manage daily stress, life transitions, self-doubt, career stress, relationships, and identity challenges. You're welcome to connect over a free 15-minute consultation before deciding to book. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in non-profit, hospital, school, and community behavioral health settings. I come to this work rooted in a deep commitment to social justice. I use a personalized, integrated approach to match you and your needs best. People typically leave the first session feeling heard, validated, and proud of themselves for investing in themself. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for healing and growth. My approach is collaborative, following your pace. It's focused on helping you to give yourself the grace to build practical tools towards change.