Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh
Elemental Self Institute
Our aim is to create a collaborative, person-centered healing relationship with clients. The dynamic of this co-created space is one where you can explore and find your unique tools, techniques, and strengths to empower your authentic self, as well as your understanding of the world around us. Our intention in all levels of our work is to decolonize the therapeutic space. We are LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and sex-positive. We are dedicated to the continuous engagement--both professionally and personally--that this requires. Most of us identify as queer and/or neurodivergent, and several of us also live with chronic illnesses. We believe that clients have the right to interview their clinicians and choose someone they can ask questions to and get honest answers!
Prathma Sharma, M.A., Ph.D
I have over 11 years of experience working with student populations, especially in University Counseling settings. I welcome LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, and especially value supporting people whose identities, cultures, and lived experiences intersect in complex ways. I enjoy working with folx who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward - whether they’re navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, or a major life change. Together, we'll create a compassionate, affirming space to make sense of difficult emotions, heal from past harm, strengthen self-understanding, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and authentic. I offer trauma-informed, relational therapy that makes room for your full story - your relationships, culture, identity, emotions, and body. Together, we’ll explore patterns that may no longer serve you, put words to what feels hard to explain, and build insight, compassion, and practical ways to feel more grounded and connected. Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, especially when you’ve been carrying a lot alone. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. I offer a warm, collaborative space to explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you. When you’re ready, I invite you to reach out.
Shayla Sojourner-Zema
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!
Marisa Miller
I believe therapy works best as a collaborative relationship rooted in compassion and respect. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment to encourage personal insight and provide skills to help you navigate challenges and enhance your overall well-being.
Thomas Petrone
Dr. Thomas Petrone is the Director and senior faculty member of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor and is the President and Clinical Director of the Psychological and Counseling Center, Inc. where he has provided psychotherapy, consultation, training and evaluation services for over 40 years. He practices Gestalt therapy which is a non-pathologizing, supportive therapy that focusses on the whole person and provides individuals with opportunity to address concerns about the various relationship concerns in their lives. His specialty areas include, working wtih Individuals, couples, mental health evaluation services and evaluation services for immigration concerns. Dr. Petrone is also a staff member of the Pittsburgh Irish festival and co-proprietor, with his spouse Dr. Maura Krushinski, of the Irish Design Center in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Laura Kessler Psychologist, LLC
I worked in university counseling centers for over 10 years before transitioning to full-time private practice, and really enjoy working with undergraduate and graduate students. College and graduate school is often a time to better understand and define who you are and what does and does not work for you and for promoting your wellbeing. As a psychologist, I work to help clients understand themselves better in the unique context and experiences of their own lives so as to figure out what each individual needs to be well, which may be very different than what you think you should need to be well. I also work to help clients not only manage their symptoms and distress, but also understand the root causes of their symptoms and distress. I believe that this deeper understanding can often lead to transformative healing.
Premier Psychotherapy
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.
Erwin Levin
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.
Daniel Siconolfi, LSW
In our work together, you'll have a non-judgmental space to explore whatever is holding you back, while also taking steps toward change and a more fulfilling future. I work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, and low self-esteem. I became a therapist after 20 years in mental health research, where I gained a deep appreciation for the many factors that influence whether we are just surviving or fully thriving – spanning our life experiences, relationships, communities, and environment. I bring that curiosity to my work with clients, along with warmth, empathy, a sense of humor, and practical tools. We will use evidence-based approaches and a person-centered, empowering philosophy. You are a whole person and not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. We’ll focus on building concrete skills to get you through difficult moments, always anchoring our sessions with curiosity, kindness, humor, and a deep respect for what matters most to you.
Blake Watterworth
I work with students who have experienced traumas and are finding it difficult to sleep or function in school as a result of stress or anxiety. I also work with students who feel uneasy in social situations, or have expectations of themselves that are difficult to maintain. Reach out and talk with me about how I can help.
Strong Foundations
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.
Barbara Lynn Smith, MA, CAADC, CCDPD, LPC
Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. She has over 25 years of experience in providing mental health counseling to adults, couples and families. Barbara provides individual, family and couples counseling that specializes in mental health counseling. Areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, life transition issues, conflict resolution, stress management, loss & bereavement issues, self-esteem issues, emotional regulation issues, and communication issues. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs. Barbara utilizes treatment modalities such as: Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy and Developmental Psychology. In addition, Barbara is also a certified addiction and co-occurring disorders therapist.
Joseph Auria
Contact by email or text message is the most effective means of communication as I cannot answer phone calls when in session. WWW.jsAuria.com I am a seasoned psychologist with significant experience counseling clients on career, addictions and family issues, in addition to depression, anxiety and general mental health problems. My clinical background coupled with an M.B.A. makes me effective at counseling on personal issues and professional development issues, including coaching executives on planning and managing change, and strategic decision-making. In addition, I have extensive experience with substance abuse and use and its effect on personal and group dynamics within the family as well as within business networks and team management systems. Contact by phone, email, or text to the listed number.
Awareness & Wellness Center
Thank you for taking the time to look at my page. I commend you for taking the first step in exploring a therapist in the Pittsburgh area. My approach to counseling is grounded in empathy, compassion, and trust. I want our time together to be a collaborative process built on respect, understanding, non-judgment, and genuineness. There are points in everyone’s lives that may become unmanageable due to transitions, conflicts or a realization that may require the assistance of a therapist to help the client navigate forward in their journey. Counseling can be a valuable resource with lifelong tools to resolve past and present issues in people’s lives. I extend this invitation to you. My goal is to create a space for safety and empowerment. I am passionate about providing a collaborative therapeutic journey together. You are the expert of your life and your experiences, and it would be a privilege to go on this journey of growth and exploration with you. I believe learning and growing are constants in life. We can learn and grow from not only obstacles and challenges in life, but also successes and achievements, and therapy is a place to explore and process these parts of us. I value awareness and self-compassion, and I am drawn to find the deeper meaning of our behaviors and actions. My goal is to support you in living your life from a place of authenticity and self-understanding. I have a holistic perspective and I believe in the interdependence of the body, mind, and spirit. A person-centered and psychodynamic approach is what I bring to my work with individuals. My style pulls from different theories and practices of counseling. I want to meet you where you are, and I realize that one type of counseling does not fit everyone. You are unique and we will work together to find what works best for you!
Chris Gordon
There is incredible knowledge and healing potential within each of us. My job as your therapist is to carry the flashlight as we explore your inner world together. I work with adults ages 18+ on a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, psychosis, gender and sexual identity, relationships and more. I offer therapy to individuals and couples. If you are searching for an accepting, supportive space where your concerns will be heard and never dismissed, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer a safe, affirming space to people of all genders, sexualities and relationship styles. I specialize in helping queer, neurodivergent adults self-advocate, set boundaries and navigate adversity, trauma and life transitions. I have in-person openings in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood and virtually across PA. Reach out today to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.
Jamie Sloan
I offer a holistic, strength based, lifestyle approach to supportive treatment. I work collaboratively with you via a client centered care model to focus on identifying your goals and encouraging baseline self care to support your best quality of life short and long term. I incorporate evidenced based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help you improve thinking patterns, communication and relationships; develop positive coping strategies; improve focus; prevent and manage anxiety and depression; support grief and loss; and mitigate symptoms related to ADHD. I also mindful mediation and expressive arts to improve focus, soothe the central nervous system, and facilitate deeper emotional expression in a safe, warm, supportive environment. My background includes 30 years of experience in community and school based mental health settings with diverse, international populations including children, adolescents, and adults. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Art Therapist.
Julia Ofrichter, LCSW
I enjoy working with people who are experiencing difficulty managing their emotions, and feel a loss of control or direction in their lives. If anger, depression, mood swings, anxiety, or past traumas are making life and your relationships with others problematic, I want to help! My approach to therapy is relaxed and down-to-earth. I will collaborate with you, in a respectful, nonjudgemental, and supportive manner. By increasing self-awareness, you will be better able to understand the barriers keeping you from happiness, and our work together will help you to develop your strengths, coping skills, and confidence.
Nicole Yallum
I have spent the last 15 years working with clients across the lifespan with a variety of needs, specializing in life transitions, navigating change, personal growth and development, anxiety and depression, and helping clients to uncover the origin point or root cause of their symptoms, and heal from there. My background as an energy healing practitioner and mindfulness meditation teacher inform my multi-dimensional approach, which is grounded in presence, practicality, and play.
Ashley Dunn
I often work with individuals in recovery, teens, college students, young adults, and more. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals focusing on self-discovery, empowerment, and identity exploration. I also work with individuals struggling with religious trauma or spiritual concerns.
Bryce Boron
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.