Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

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.

Struggling with your mental health? Try therapy tailored to your needs. Feeling disconnected in an increasingly distracted world? Not prioritizing your mental well-being? Tranquil Trails specializes in "adult youth", (gen Z & millennial issues), LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, boundaries in relationships, addictive behaviors, and cultural and societal issues.

I feel the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship between the counselor and client. If we are able to create a genuine relationship that is grounded in authenticity and trust, we can further your understanding of yourself, your experiences, and how you engage with the world. I aim to help people by cultivating a safe environment where thoughts and emotions can be deeply felt, and where we can discover what steps you can take in your life that better align with your values. Through counseling, we can learn how to acknowledge thoughts, feelings, and past experiences without having them overwhelm or define us. I believe that the present is the most important time to be in; however, many things from the past (or even the future) can hold us back from experiencing what is going on around us. When we are able to process our past and our future, we are finally able to connect with the current moment we are living in. I have worked with people experiencing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, interpersonal stress, and identity/self-esteem issues. Ultimately, I am passionate about working with anyone who feels “stuck” and wants to find meaning in their life. Moving forward is possible, no matter how long you have felt stagnant.

At some point along the journey, our stories demand to be told. Whether through painful emotional and physical symptoms, relationship struggles, or other interruptive experiences, our lives catch up to us. They ask for our attention. Therapy is a place where, together, we can pay closer attention to your story and the person you are becoming. We are all always in process. I believe that we can experience true healing in a human encounter, and I strive to deeply listen to my clients, bringing curiosity and attention to the parts of you that may have gone unnoticed. Approach to Therapy My counseling approach is rooted in relational psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on patterns and themes from early childhood and how they show up in your life today. This approach also emphasizes the relationship between the therapist and client as a vehicle for healing and change. It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with, and it may take you some time to discern the right fit. I respect the vulnerability and bravery required to step into this work, and aim to meet you with humility, curiosity, and a responsible awareness of my own intersecting identities. Each person brings unique concerns and needs, and I am committed to ongoing research and training to provide the best care I can. I draw from a variety of approaches, including attachment-based therapy, family systems work, liberation psychology, Internal Family Systems (informed, not certified), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative-Focused Trauma Therapy. Background: I have worked with at-risk youth, college students, and folks from all walks of life in outpatient and community mental health settings. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Theater, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Trauma and Abuse from the Seattle School (2023). Outside of therapy, I enjoy lots of things, including yoga, performing arts, poetry, and being outside!

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.

Eating disorders rarely develop in isolation. Often, they begin as brilliant adaptations; ways of coping with overwhelming emotions, painful relationships, unmet attachment needs, or experiences that have felt difficult to carry alone. While these patterns may have once helped you survive, they can eventually leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, your body, and your relationships. Healing begins with understanding your story before trying to change it and honoring the ways you've learned to survive while creating space for new experiences of safety, connection, and self-compassion. My approach is person-centered, relational, and attachment-focused. I am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS) and am fully trained in EMDR. I integrate EMDR, ACT, DBT, RO-DBT, parts work, and psychodynamic therapy into my work with clients. My practice is anti-diet and grounded in Health at Every Size (HAES). I believe healing happens in relationship. The therapeutic relationship can become a place where new experiences of safety, trust, and connection begin to take root. Whether you're struggling with restriction, binge eating, purging, body image distress, or the lasting impact of trauma, you don’t have to navigate recovery alone.

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.

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.

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

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Debra Frankel is a private practitioner who has an expertise in Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Ddpression. I have worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School at Western Psychiatric Institute in Mood Disorder Research as both a supervisor and clinician. I utilize the Interpersonal Therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythms therapeutic modalitites. I am also skilled in treating people who suffer from anxiety disorders, trauma and transition issues.

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.

I am a white, genderqueer Licensed Associate Professional Counselor. I have experience working with queer people, people living after relational/sexual violence, and people who are interested in exploring issues that matter deeply to them, whether that is what gets called depression, trauma, anxiety, or simply a desire to explore. Authenticity, genuine human connection, and co-authorship are the pillars of how I consider client/counselor relationships, and I will bring a spirit of high regard, non-pathology, curiosity, and playfulness. Ultimately, I work to create a collaborative, co-authoring relationship with people who want more options and more say in their lives. Theoretically, I am driven by narrative, systems, and queer feminist thought. The world we live in is shaped by structures of power, including the knowledge we have about ourselves, our problems, and our options. Using narrative practices, I will work with you to investigate where that knowledge comes from and what alternate knowledge might be possible. In addition, I borrow freely from other approaches/modalities, and have experience in using trauma-informed approaches, mindfulness, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Hi! I’m Tori I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years, gaining experience in a variety of settings, and I’ve found my passion in helping adolescents, young adults, and adults navigate the ups and downs of life. This time in life is full of growth, change, and self-discovery—exciting, but also intimidating. I love supporting my clients through managing anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal challenges, and helping them build the skills to thrive. I take a laid-back approach to therapy, aiming to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. Humor is a big part of my style—life is tough enough, so I believe therapy should have some light moments. That said, I know when to be serious, and I’ll be right there with you as we work through whatever’s on your mind. I’m here for people from all walks of life, and I’m a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. My approach combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you develop practical tools for managing emotions, improving relationships, and making real, lasting changes in your life. In our work together, you’ll gain valuable insight into your thought patterns, learn skills to cope with stress, and build the resilience to live more authentically and mindfully. Outside of therapy, you’ll probably find me spending time with loved ones, catching concerts, watching horror movies, or taking walks. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to greater well-being. Reach out if you’d like to learn more or get started!

I have primarily worked with clients regarding life transitions/adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, self-harm, LGBTQ exploration, interpersonal conflicts, family dynamics, spiritual/faith/religious concerns or abuse, and boundary setting. I enjoy clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and growing their confidence in who they are. Only after we have insight and awareness can we try to make meaningful changes. I enjoy explorative, open-minded depth work that is holistic and fulfilling for the client. I am trauma-informed and use an eclectic approach with a psychodynamic foundation and incorporate dream work, as needed. Clients that work well with me are open-minded, self-reflective, and curious. I have specialty in working with religious concerns--whether that is as a religious individual or someone with religious trauma/spiritual abuse. I also specialize in working with individuals from dysfunctional family systems or those with emotionally immature parents. Lastly, CPTSD is another area that I am well-versed in.

3Rivers Therapists is dedicated to offering high-quality mental health counseling services for adults, teens, couples, and children. We believe the answers you seek are already within you. Our therapists create a safe and supportive space where you can heal and rediscover deeper connections with yourself and those around you. We have offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Somerset, and Philadelphia.

I work with individuals/families who are experiencing OCD, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Perfectionism, Phobias, BFRBs, Body Dysmorphia, Emetophobia, and other OC spectrum and all Anxiety Disorders. My treatment is focused on using Exposure Response and Prevention Therapy for OCD and other anxiety disorders, along with ACT or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I focus on helping folks develop tools for coping and then problem solving, goal setting and encouragement to face fears head on. This leads to freedom from Anxiety and transformation, building inner confidence and strength. If you or someone in your family is feeling constantly anxious, stuck in rumination cycles or sticky thoughts, or if you want to take your life back from the binds of anxiety and OCD this might be the right next step for you. If you want to learn to trust yourself better, rather than constantly doubt, this may be the place for you to start your journey. I'd be honored to walk beside you if you would like support and learning along the way.

Seeking a therapist is a courageous first step. My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship we can understand what motivates you and how to overcome the barriers you may face. I have extensive experience working with children, adults, couples, and families that face a variety of concerns from ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues, and stress management. My strengths-based, person-centered approach incorporates evidence-based modalities to provide a comprehensive approach to healing and growing through your therapy experience.

The Counseling Center provides compassionate and professional outpatient counseling to anyone seeking support for life's many challenges. Our team of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists are ready to help you work through issues such as trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, family/partner conflict, anger, life transitions, and loss and grief. We serve clients of nearly all ages and backgrounds. Our practice consists of a diverse group of licensed clinicians who have experience with a wide variety of treatment modalities and professional backgrounds. Treatment can be provided in-person, via telehealth, or via a hybrid option. We serve individuals, couples, or families. Allow us to support you on your journey towards healing and improving your mental health and wellness. We don't ask "What's wrong?" but rather "What happened? And how can we help?" Come to the Counseling Center to experience professional care in a confidential, non-judgmental, and supportive setting.