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Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

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Elizabeth Berk
Psychologist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

People come to therapy for many different reasons, but, at the core, they are looking for understanding, relief, or growth. Maybe you’re trying to understand why you feel the way you do, or you find yourself caught in the same difficult thoughts again and again. Perhaps you’ve noticed patterns of behavior that seem to work against your own well-being. You might be facing a life transition—chosen or not—and are feeling anxious about what’s next. Or maybe you just feel stuck. Therapy offers a space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening. Together, we can clarify your current experience, explore how you got here, and begin to shape a healthier, more fulfilling path forward.

Photo of Navmeet Kaur
Navmeet Kaur
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I am here to help you with struggles related to depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, stress, peer and relationships issues, family related stressors, and regulating mood instability. I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings, including in clients homes and inpatient facilities. I use these past experiences to meet my clients where they are, understand their unique perspective, and form a meaningful relationship with them in which they feel heard and understood. My primary treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, MI, and narrative therapy. Meaning, I use practices science has shown to be effective, to help clients harness their motivation to change their thoughts and behaviors, improve their relationship skills, and reach their goals. My hope is that clients view themselves as empowered agents of change in their life. I'm dedicated to helping my clients discover their strengths and potential, fostering a sense of well-being and empowerment. I believe in my clients' inherent resilience and potential for growth. I'm here to provide the support and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and create a more fulfilling life.

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Sandra Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Dr. Jen Ackerson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

My practice is a soft place for high-achieving and creative women to finally let go of the 'shoulds.' Together, we create a gentle space to breathe, slow down, and untangle the things that are keeping you from feeling truly connected to yourself. We’ll do more than just recap your week. I blend talk therapy with Gestalt and expressive arts to help you bridge the gap between your thoughts and feelings. We might explore an emotion through imagery or notice how a memory feels in your body. It’s a creative, collaborative process to help you feel at home in your own skin. No art skills required. I value authenticity, warmth, and honest feedback. My clients often tell me they feel “more like themselves” after our work together. If that sounds like something you're looking for, I’d love to connect.

Photo of Amber Kanoza
Amber Kanoza
Group practice
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I strive not to be one of "those" clinicians who wear a fake grin while holding a clipboard. Life is not that simple, and it doesn't need to be approached that way. I firmly embrace a person-centered approach, which affords me the freedom to explore different perspectives. If you are contemplating seeing someone, I encourage you to take the first step towards bettering yourself and understanding your own emotional depth. I offer free 15-minute screenings to consult and see if I would be a good fit for you; otherwise, I am more than happy to help you find a provider that has the most potential impact for your needs.

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Tranquil Trails
Group practice
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I founded Tranquil Trails with a vision to create a therapeutic space where young adults entering the "real" world feel safe to bring their whole selves into the room—without fear of judgment or dismissal, using unconditional positive regard and holistic therapy that encompass an individual and does not place people into boxes or make assumptions. I believe that when we as therapists approach our work with the vulnerability, compassion, and transparency of our humanness, we invite our clients to do the same. At Tranquil Trails, we specialize in working with youth and adults—as they navigate the ebbs and flows of transitional age, complicated by economic hardship, daily reminders of systemic oppression, access to violent videos occurring in real time across the world, AI and misinformation, fear of rights being taken away or have been, frequent complicated family histories with psychosocial stressors daily. And on top of that many of our clients are in college, graduate school, medical school or pursuing an academic career. We invite our clients into the process of collaborative treatment planning, using their own words to create positive and achievable goals. We notice when something is different and we highlight it. We teach them that to see the positives in oneself is to go against the grain of all we have been taught as members of the system. Overachieve, don’t rest, never stop producing, never slow down. We are missing out on life, and the ability to sit with emotions. The ability to notice any positive emotions at all. Our vision at Tranquil Trails is to create a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive community where individuals feel empowered to take charge of their mental health journey. We aim to foster a world where mental health struggles are not only normalized but seen as a trait of humanness, and where healing, personal growth, and resilience are accessible to all. We envision a future where every client, regardless of background or limitations, has the tools, support, and confidence to craft a life that works for them. Through authenticity, collaboration, and evidence-based care, we strive to break the stigma around mental health and create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

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Siobhan Sickels
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

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.

Photo of Melissa Michel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice
Melissa Michel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

We all want to be happy. We may feel stuck or face challenges. Getting support from someone on the outside, in the counseling or psychology field, can help you gain a new perspective. You can learn to make better choices, feel less anxious and feel more optimistic; find peace in the day-to-day. In my practice, I see adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families, and here’s a little bit about how I work: I work in the here-and-now and have background training in Gestalt theory and utilize a variety of psychotherapy techniques. I take a creative and practical approach to counseling that allows you to understand more quickly what drives you and helps you identify new and better ways of living. Quieting the “noise” that distracts you will help so you can focus your energy on what’s meaningful and fulfilling. I earned my masters in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2007 and went on to complete the necessary 3+ years of post-graduate training to qualify for a psychotherapy license in the state of PA. I am paneled with many of the major commercial insurance plans as well as several employee assistance programs. During my 17 years experience as a counselor and research clinician, I was trained to utilize several semi-structured interviewing tools such as KSADS, SCID, and ISCA-D. I have published social psychology testing materials at the University of Pittsburgh while working on several major nationally-funded depression and anxiety studies under Doctors Birmaher, Axelson, and Kovacs. In 2010, I spent a year as a volunteer with the Good Grief Center of Pittsburgh where I had extensive training in grief counseling.In addition to my clinical skills, I hold a substance abuse education/SAP certification from UPMC. In addition to my clinical skills, I hold a substance abuse education/SAP certification from UPMC. Both my creative approach to counseling as well as my comprehensive diagnostic experience help formulate a plan of action that can help put you on the path to recovery. A Unique Approach Therapy should be as unique you are. We don’t wear the same clothes or read the same books. People respond differently to different types of interventions, so I always tailor treatment to respond to the your specific needs and situation. My goal is to leave you with strategies, communication skills, and new ways of thinking. Research shows that cultivating skills learned in therapy help people manage anxiety more easily and thrive their lives. I help people with a variety of issues, and I have particular expertise in: Depression and Anxiety Grief Overcoming Creative and Emotional Blocks Career and Life Transitions Child and Adolescent Therapy/IEP and School Consultation Experience Substance Abuse/Anger Management Life Coaching/Stress Management Couples Counseling Panic Disorders/Phobias OCD PTSD

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Rachel Simonds
Psychologist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed psychologist who works with young adults who are seeking help with emotional, social, and behavioral problems. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to creating change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment to help you navigate the challenges you're facing. I use CBT and other evidence-based treatments, tailored to each individual, to help meet their needs and achieve their goals. I also conduct neuropsychological assessments for various concerns including ADHD, learning disabilities, memory problems etc. My background in school psychology has trained me to collaborate and consult with other professionals, including school counselors, teachers, doctors, and other specialists to work as a team to improve outcomes for my clients. I also have training in treating teens and college students with depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Beginning therapy can be an anxiety-inducing and scary process. My goal is to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment where we can work together to help you cope with whatever challenges and stressors you're facing. Please contact me by email or phone to see if we would be a good fit.

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Strong Foundations
Pre-Licensed Professional
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Strong Foundations was founded and is actively managed by a licensed child psychologist, ensuring our practice prioritizes the highest quality of care in psychotherapy and assessments. Guided by the ethical principles of our field, our primary mission is to provide the best possible match between patient and provider. We don’t focus on filling schedules—we take on new clients only when we are confident we have the tools and training to help them effectively. Strong Foundations began in 2018 with a simple goal: to create a team of exceptional providers who work collaboratively to address the mental health needs of our community. We’re proud to have achieved that vision and continue to work diligently every day to maintain the quality and trust our clients have come to expect.

Photo of Katie O'Connor
Katie O'Connor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Taking the first step in seeking therapy can feel overwhelming in itself. We know life can be complicated, unpredictable, and at times challenging to navigate. I've been working as a therapist for over 13 years and have experience supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. Helping young adults navigate life transitions as they embark on adulthood and gain newfound independence has become a particular passion of mine. I work from a trauma-informed framework with clients and students experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, social pressures, identity exploration, disordered eating, life transitions, grief, loss, and concerns related to the LGBTQ+ community and their families. I strive to meet clients wherever they may be on their own journey. Sessions with me are authentic, supportive, creative, compassionate, and collaborative as we work together to develop individualized goals. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and EMDR-trained clinician, I offer art therapy services and interventions alongside other counseling approaches, including CBT, DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused techniques. Disclaimer: You do not have to be “good at art” to benefit from art therapy. You also have the freedom to decline art therapy altogether if you prefer more traditional talk therapy sessions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Photo of Ian Halim
Ian Halim
Psychiatrist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Hello! I’m a Harvard-trained, board-certified general adult psychiatrist, based in Pittsburgh. My practice focuses on psychotherapy, and behavioral treatments. I also offer evidence-based behavioral treatment for insomnia. I see adults with with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, insomnia, and with most common mental health problems. Therapists who are warm, empathic, humble, committed to honing their skills, and who make effective positive working relationships with their patients, tend to be most effective. To paraphrase the psychotherapy scholar Leigh McCullough, a therapist should aim to do the most good, in the shortest time, with the least stress for the patient. I believe this is what it means to be patient-centered. I'm accepting new patients for telehealth visits throughout Pennsylvania, or for in-person visits at my office in Shadyside (in Pittsburgh). I accept private pay, and, through the Headway app, selected health insurances (including Aetna & Cigna).

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Schachner Associates
Group practice
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Carlos Golfetto
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I am pleased that you are here. I know it is not easy to take this first step, but I want you to know first and foremost, that I take great care and pride in creating a safe place for my clients to talk about their internal conflicts, interpersonal problems, traumas, and whatever is interfering with living a fuller, richer life. I bring to my clinical practice a great deal of skills coupled with passion to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I invite clients to increase their self-awareness while aspiring to high levels of wellness: biologically, psychologically, relationally, sexually and spiritually. I offer a safe space free of judgment, filled with compassion and kindness towards your own process. My theoretical orientation to counseling is rooted in humanistic theories with underlying existentialism and phenomenological philosophies. I firmly believe in the therapeutic alliance and its curative power, in addition to striving to look at all situations from a sex positive, non-shaming, and non-judgmental lens.

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Erwin Levin
Psychologist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I have been in private practice for the past approximately 30 years working primarily with adults/young adults. Although I have considerable experience with what may be described as more serious anxiety and depressive disorders, my practice more typically has consisted of individuals/couples/students interested in working on quality of life, relationship and general adjustment issues.

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Premier Psychotherapy
Group practice
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

The goal of Premier Psychotherapy is to create a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of judgment. Some area of expertise include: Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Play Therapy, Foster Care/Adoption, ADHD, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Christian Counseling, Inner Child Work and more.

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Liz Johnson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Maybe chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma has your nervous system stuck on high alert, so that even when life is relatively stable, you don't actually feel that way. Maybe your past experiences show up now as hypervigilance, tension, irritability, insomnia, or shutting down. Maybe you're managing burnout, depression, relationship struggles, or patterns you just can't seem to shake. Maybe you're tired of merely surviving and ready to actually feel different. With a background in social justice, many of my clients are queer, activists, neurodivergent, and others for whom identity/politics/systemic context are part of their story. We start by helping your body feel safer through various approaches such as biofeedback, breathwork/meditation, or the Safe and Sound Protocol so your nervous system doesn’t have to work so hard. From there, we look deeper at the patterns, relationships, and stories that shaped how you move through the world. We explore what matters to you at your own pace. Our work together isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding what has happened to you, how you've adapted, and finding out what is possible when we have more awareness and more options. My approach is a deeply relational one. You're the expert on your own life and I'm here to serve as a supporter and collaborator in the process.

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Shayla Sojourner-Zema
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I bring good energy, empathy, and clinical expertise to my work. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, culturally informed, and person-centered. I offer a safe, affirming, and comfortable space for you to be your authentic self, free from judgment. I meet you wherever you are on your healing journey and we work together on reaching your desired treatment goals at your own pace. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults who have experienced acute/chronic/complex trauma, chronic stress, PTSD, sexual trauma, and sex trafficking. I use a range of treatment modalities (EMDR, IFS, CPT, TF-CBT, SMART, Seeking Safety, etc.). I love using music, art, games, and interactive activities if you're interested. I also work well with anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, and existential crises. I am passionate about empowering others with knowledge, skills, and tools to help people rebuild, heal, and grow. Let’s connect to see if counseling is a good fit for you!

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Sydney Williams-Coxon
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

Are you ready to: Make a change? Make a decision? Find a solution? Explore who you are? Explore what you want? Or maybe all of the above? Let me help you enhance your power. It can be difficult to seek therapy, yet it can be empowering once you’ve begun. My clinical approach is grounded in humanistic and person centered therapies which allows me to continuously adapt and grow based on the needs of my clients and their personal experiences. Since 2014, I have been a practicing clinician aiding individuals with a wide range of subject matter within various treatment environments. I have found the best outcomes arise from collaboration in the therapeutic alliance. Together we identify patterns, understand motives/points of view, and integrate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My goal is to aid in positive outcomes derived from awareness, skill building, holistic well-being, and healing. Modalities: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Challenging Thoughts, Reality Therapy

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Jenna Mates PsyD LLC
Psychologist
Pittsburgh, PA
Accepting new clients

I work with students who struggle with managing their emotional, behavioral, and social needs. I know that therapy can be initially uncomfortable and/or anxiety provoking, yet I create a safe and supportive space for my patients. The therapeutic relationship is extremely important in my practice, as I believe that we need to work together in order to meet your goals and improve your overall quality of life. I will always bring honesty and compassion into our sessions. I utilize various approaches and interventions to target each individual's needs and to create the best treatment for you. I utilize techniques from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices. However, I tailor my practice and choose interventions that best suit your symptoms. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, relationship difficulties, and depression. I am offering and accepting referrals for ADHD neuropsychological testing as well. Feel free to reach out to me directly by phone or email to see if we would be a good fit. I offer in person and virtual sessions. My goal is to teach you skills and offer a different perspective to lead a fulfilling life. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions; I look forward to working together!

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