Therapists for college students near University of Colorado Boulder

As someone who’s always loved the creative process and felt deeply attuned to the inner world, I believe that our emotions and sensations carry important messages. They can guide us toward understanding ourselves, healing, and finding balance — especially in a college environment where it’s easy to get caught up in expectations, pressure, and constant thinking. When we disconnect from how we feel in order to “get things done,” it can lead to burnout, anxiety, or a sense of numbness. In our work together, we’ll take time to slow down and reconnect — using somatic (body-based) techniques, art-making, mindfulness, and personal reflection to help you better understand what’s happening inside. This process can be especially meaningful if you’re exploring identity, navigating relationships, managing stress, or living with neurodivergence. I support students who are dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, trauma, perfectionism, or who simply feel “different” or overwhelmed by the world. My approach is grounded in the belief that you already hold the wisdom and insight you need — my role is to help you access it with curiosity and compassion. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Transpersonal Art Therapy from Naropa University. I’m also an artist, yoga teacher, and trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). In sessions, I integrate talk therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, KAP work, and somatic practices to create a collaborative space for exploration, growth, and self-discovery. If you’re curious about working together or just want to learn more, I’d love to connect.

Are you dealing with anger, depression, anxiety, stress, or addiction? Have you become tired of suffering every day, unable to get healthy sleep, or feeling that no one understands what you are going through? My approach allows anyone to understand where they have come from, where they are, and where they are headed.

Finding a therapist can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Sorting through seemingly endless lists of names and faces when all you want is to connect to a real person. I would like to offer you an invitation for us to meet at no cost to you. We can talk a while and see if we would like to work together. I am here to help people who feel stuck in anxiety and depression to find their way through these challenging emotions to a sense of ease in a more authentic and satisfying relationship with life and themselves. My holistic practice is rooted in building a safe, supportive relationship and trusting your inner wisdom as we work side by side exploring life's challenges. Working together we'll discover your unique needs and strengths in developing our goals for treatment. I am committed to empathy and open-mindedness while utilizing therapeutic techniques with proven effectiveness. My work involves a unique blending of therapeutic modalities. Learning and practice in Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Circle of Security, Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic Therapy have all served my holistic approach to the healing process.

We are happy that you are here, and we hope that we will get to walk alongside you for this portion of your life! While we cannot change the past, or sometimes the external stressors of our present lives, we can impact our trajectory going forward. And here at KCAPS, we believe in supporting people to do just that. Together we may move between past, present, and future… healing, recovering, processing, liberating, exploring, problem-solving, building, empowering, etc depending on your goals and your needs. With a strengths-based, culturally-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative approach, KCAPS staff flexibly utilize various treatment modalities that are evidence-based. We will work together, incorporating both your expertise and ours to move toward your identified treatment goals. Parts of life can be hard and we all could use a little help sometimes. It can take a lot of strength and courage to lean into that humanness, and allow for others to show up for us in that space of vulnerability. We would be honored to meet you there… contact us now!

LET’S BE HONEST: Existing between worlds is exhausting. Co-existing in multiple worlds and cultures doesn’t come with a roadmap. The competing demands and expectations leave you feeling tugged in opposing directions, and you’re left with the feeling that no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be enough for anyone. Even though there are many people in your life, it feels like nobody from any ‘side’ really gets you, and you’re not sure where you truly belong. You’re tired of facing microaggressions when you’re out and about and obstacles to advancing at work. All this is impacting your relationship, where you’re struggling to communicate and feel a sense of togetherness across the divides.

My goal for you is to provide a safe space that allows you to explore those areas of your life that are hindering you showing up as your best self. My practice style is one of a whole person approach, taking into consideration your own personal world, the interactions, challenges, successes and your supportive relationships. My practice approach is tailored to your needs and may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR/ Trauma Therapy, Goal-Oriented Brief Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, as well as yoga and meditation if that resonates with you and your path of healing. I practice from a non judgmental perspective and provide a safe environment to facilitate healing. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, feeling stressed and unbalanced or the loss of a loved one or relationship, I can help you work through challenges and develop goals to become grounded again. The path to becoming whole again can often take someone walking beside you and encouraging you, while facilitating the exploration of your own solutions. You know deep down in your heart of hearts what it is you may need, and I am here to help you draw on that inner resiliency, providing tools and skills that you can take with you as you face life head on.

It seems like doing life got harder. Stress is prevalent, the room clears out. You feel overwhelmed, patience is low and checking out sounds like a good idea. Tired of trying to make everyone happy? Got friends? Love? Expressing confidence is difficult and you question yourself constantly. All of these can lead to depression, anxiety, unhealthy relationships and poor habits and addiction. But they don't have to cause suffering. There are many tools available to you that can help you problem solve, reduce anxious and depressive symptoms, improve relationships and even tools that you can start using right now to find love. I practice from the belief that everyone can have a balanced life. You can have love, friends & even appreciate going to work every day. That anxiety is not to be feared but appreciated. That your mind has the potential to heal naturally given the right tools. My toolbox includes art, mindfulness, somatic techniques, CBT, outdoor therapy and more. The hardest step is to show up to your first session. For many of us it is like the first day of school. Soon, you get to know your teachers and with hard work, you learn, you grow and you move on. Team up with me and you will soon discover that you won't want to go back to the old way of being.

Phoenix Rising Centers breaks barriers in mental health care for BIPOC, QTPoC, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Through trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally rooted practices, we empower healing, growth, and resilience while confronting systemic inequities.

If you are currently feeling overwhelmed and experiencing anxiety or have had a traumatic experience, I am here to help. I know it can be bothersome and difficult to focus when you are attempting to study and your mind will not stop running or your heart is racing. Perhaps you are entering a new environment where you do not feel as though you fit in. I can help you learn skills to navigate your worries and any barriers impairing you from reaching your goals and living the life you hope for. Please reach out today for a free consultation.

Hi, I’m Joanna Lester—founder of First Circle Therapy, a Colorado-based virtual practice. I specialize in working with college and grad students who are thoughtful, creative, and sensitive—but overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together. If you're juggling deadlines, relationships, family expectations, and big questions about who you're becoming, you might feel anxious, unmotivated, burned out, or just not yourself. You’re not alone—and therapy can be a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters to you. Our work can help you move through cycles of self-doubt, people-pleasing, or perfectionism and into a more grounded, self-led life. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating identity shifts, or learning to set healthier boundaries, I offer space to explore your inner world with clarity and care. In our sessions, we’ll use nervous system tools (to help your body shift out of fight-or-flight and feel more at ease) and parts work (to help the different sides of you—like the achiever, avoider, or inner critic—work together instead of against each other). You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I offer free consultations to see if we’re a fit, and I accept several major insurance plans to make therapy more accessible. Feel free to reach out—no pressure.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in promoting emotional and relational wellness by addressing concerns about depression, anxiety, and other issues resulting from trauma. I am a naturally intuitive and empathetic person, so part of who I am as a therapist is genuinely enjoying listening to people talk about their lives. My primary goal is to create a safe space for you to explore your feelings - snarkiness, self-deprecating humor, cursing, etc. is all welcome and accepted. Over time, I will help you make sense of your experiences and start to see and understand yourself from a more compassionate perspective. I'm also a neuroscience nerd, so another part of who I am as a therapist is helping you understand how your brain works and the how and why of what we’re doing in therapy. We'll talk about subpersonalities, neuroplasticity, memory networks, and more...but don't worry: I have an extensive library of articles, videos, and memes to help explain things. The most important part of who I am as a therapist is believing that therapy isn't just where you learn how to “deal with” mental health problems, but that for those who are ready, therapy can provide real healing. Using IFS-Informed EMDR, I help clients “reconsolidate” trauma memories, allowing you to experience transformational and lasting change.

We are a small private practice located in Fort Collins, CO who treat individuals struggling with depression and/or anxiety. These conditions include a variety of symptoms including feelings of sadness, loss of motivation, low energy, isolation, feeling worthless, disruption to appetite or sleep, racing thoughts, over-thinking, worry, nervousness, and panic attacks. Due to these symptoms, the ability to function normally is impacted, and many of our clients are having difficulty in school and in their relationships. We use an evidence- based treatment called Cognitive Behavior Therapy to address symptoms and help our clients feel better. We work well with individuals who are motivated to make changes and implement the tactics they learn in between sessions. Please visit our website for more information: evolvecounselingnoco.com

As a licensed clinical social worker, I’m passionate about supporting teens and adults on their unique journeys toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. My approach is holistic, person-centered, and collaborative, creating a warm space where you can safely explore your inner world. My goal is to help you feel understood and empowered to make the changes you desire with intention and clarity. I support clients in examining and challenging unhelpful patterns that may be rooted in the past but continue to affect their present lives. Together, we can break free from these cycles and move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of being. I view therapy as a space for both healing and meaningful transformation — a place to reconnect with your true self and create a life that reflects your values. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they grow, gain insight, and step more fully into who they truly are. If you're ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to support you on your path.

Hi, I’m Rachel, but you can call me Ray! I am primarily a relationship therapist who works with college students, graduate students, and young adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating relationships, anxiety, OCD, friendships, and all of the uncertainty that can come with figuring out adulthood. Maybe you’re doing well on paper, but internally you’re overthinking everything. You might replay conversations, reread texts, worry that someone is upset with you, need reassurance that your relationship is okay, or wonder if you’re “too much.” Or maybe you’re on the other side. You care deeply about people but pull away when relationships get too close, shut down during conflict, struggle to ask for help, or worry that being in a relationship means losing your independence. These are some of the relationship and attachment patterns I specialize in helping young adults understand. I also work with OCD and relationship OCD (ROCD), including the endless “what if?” questions that can make it difficult to trust yourself. You might find yourself analyzing whether you chose the right relationship, checking how you feel, looking for certainty, comparing, researching, replaying situations, or repeatedly asking other people what they think. And relationships aren’t just romantic. Friendships can be some of the most important and sometimes most painful relationships during college and young adulthood. Therapy can be a place to talk about friendship breakups, feeling left out, outgrowing friendships, struggling to find your people, people-pleasing, boundaries, loneliness, or wondering where you stand with someone. College and young adulthood can also bring questions about identity, career, family relationships, moving away from home, dating, breakups, changing friendships, perfectionism, and what you actually want your life to look like. You don’t need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Figuring some of it out can be part of the work. My approach is relational, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I integrate attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, neuroscience, and ERP-informed work for OCD. Rather than only focusing on symptoms, I want to help you understand where your patterns came from, what they may be trying to protect you from, and whether they are still working for you today. My goal is to help you build relationships where you can care deeply about other people without losing yourself, tolerate uncertainty without needing to solve everything immediately, communicate what you need, set boundaries, and feel more secure in who you are. In addition to individual therapy, I work with dating and committed couples, particularly couples navigating attachment patterns and the pursuer-withdrawer cycle. I also offer non-religious premarital therapy for couples who want to intentionally prepare for marriage and have conversations about communication, family, finances, intimacy, values, and their future together. I offer in-person therapy in the Denver and Lakewood area and virtual therapy throughout Colorado.

I am a licensed psychologist specializing in body image/eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship concerns. I also provide general mental health services for those struggling with anxiety, life transitions, or depression. I greatly enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and am passionate about serving as an advocate as well as honoring and celebrating clients' identities in our work together. I particularly enjoy working with college students as I have spent the majority of my training and career working in university counseling centers. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and I value receiving feedback from my clients and ensuring their voice is heard and respected in our relationship. I emphasize exploring how past experiences and our unique identities shape our current selves and understanding of the world. I aim to create a safe space in therapy as well as a new experience where clients can feel truly seen and accepted as their whole selves. I believe trauma-informed care is essential to avoid pathologizing clients and to name and honor clients' resilience and many strengths. In my work with clients, I aim to be compassionate and authentic while bringing a good dose of humor and relatability. If you are interested in working together, feel free to contact me by e-mail/phone to schedule an initial consultation. This is a free 15-20 minute phone session in which we can determine if we are a good fit for one another. I look forward to speaking with you!

Has someone gone quiet when you mentioned how your person died, or said "at least they're at peace now"? Grief after a suicide or overdose loss carries an isolation most people never have to explain. If that's you, or you're facing any sudden death, painful breakup, ambiguous loss, or traumatic transition, you don't have to carry it alone. As founder of Vargas Counseling and Consulting and a nationally-recognized grief therapist, DU Graduate School of Social Work professor, and Director of Grief Outreach Programs, I've worked with thousands of bereaved individuals and trained dozens of clinicians and peer helpers in complex loss. I provide highly specialized, trauma-informed grief counseling rooted in Narrative Therapy and relational care. We won't try to "fix" your pain or rush your timeline. Instead, I leverage my deep expertise to help you safely externalize the weight of your loss, process emotional trauma, and gently rebuild meaning, clarity, and hope for your future. You do not have to carry this heavy isolation alone. Healing from painful loss starts by taking one small step. I invite you to reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. Let’s connect, see if we are a good match, and begin navigating this path together. Your story, your history, and your grief matter deeply here.

I believe growth happens when we feel seen, supported, and understood. My counseling style is compassionate and collaborative — meeting you where you are while helping you take clear, intentional steps toward where you want to be. Using a gentle yet solutions-focused approach, I draw from evidence-based practices to help you uncover patterns, develop effective coping tools, and move toward lasting change. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, stress, or relationship challenges, our work together focuses on understanding your story and finding practical ways forward. My goal is to help you build insight, confidence, and resilience, so you can feel more grounded, connected, and capable in your daily life. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adults who are navigating life transitions, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps, and are ready to find a way forward toward greater balance and fulfillment. Wherever you are on your journey, therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward growth.

You have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and have for a very long time. As a child, you had to grow up quickly and take on adult roles, because you had a parent who wasn’t always able to be fully present. Overwhelming emotional pain weighs on you. And you’ve found that the emotional pain shows up as physical pain too - a literal heartache, muscle aches, or back pain. You’ve also lost your appetite or find yourself eating more than usual. You went through something horrific. And you thought you had dealt with it, you thought you could handle it on your own, but it keeps popping its pesky little head up in your current life and relationships. Speaking of which, you have a history of unsuccessful relationships. You long for closeness and intimacy - being validated, loved, and understood - but you can’t seem to avoid toxic people and/or sabotaging the good relationships because when there’s love and harmony you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sometimes as a result of the way you’ve been treated, you question your own worth and value. You worry that your life will never be the same. The fear gnaws at you sometimes that maybe you will never get out from under this boulder of responsibility and heartache on your shoulders. You worry you will never be free. Like my clients, you deserve to find your footing, and discover healing and meaning in life again. Making a full recovery is not out of reach. If you want to not just move on, but move forward, I’d love to help you get there.

I work primarily with young adults who are navigating that in-between stage of life—college, early career, shifting relationships, and figuring out what’s next. Many of my clients come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of themselves, often dealing with anxiety, depression, or big life transitions. I tend to be a good fit for students who are looking for more consistent, ongoing support outside of a short-term counseling model. I also have experience working with clients who are struggling with higher levels of distress, including suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and I aim to provide a steady, supportive space where they can feel safe and work toward stability. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I focus on helping clients better understand what they’re going through, build coping skills, and feel more grounded and confident in themselves and their decisions. Because my practice is fully virtual, I’m able to offer flexible scheduling that works well for students balancing classes, work, and other responsibilities.