Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Please see www.drramirao.com for more information! Office hours are by appointment, M-Th and Saturday.

Create the life you want — with the support of Calm Pittsburgh. Our therapists employ a variety of eclectic, evidence-based techniques to help our clients navigate feelings, relate to thoughts differently, and build better behaviors. Our techniques include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Compassion-focused, Family/Marital, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, Narrative, Person-centered, Positive Psychology, Reality Therapy, Strength-based Brief Therapy, Sex Therapy, and Trauma-focused Therapy. Sessions at Calm Pittsburgh typically last one hour — the frequency of which can be scheduled as needed.

Our practice provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy. A psychoanalytic approach to treatment offers a comprehensive and nuanced framework for addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, identity struggles, self-esteem, and a sense of self. If advisable, we can also provide careful expert medication management that is informed by our therapeutic work together. Our approach facilitates an environment where people are able to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and wishes in a setting that is inherently collaborative, caring, and non-judgemental. A strong therapeutic relationship is the most powerful means of treatment and developing this alliance is an essential priority for me.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy. Having spent many years working in university settings, I understand the needs and challenges of being a college student and navigating the stresses and demands of student life. I work best with clients who are struggling with anxiety and stress, depression, and family and/or other relationship concerns. I believe that therapy is most effective in the context of a supportive and honest relationship in which we agree to work together to help you: -- Gain a better understanding of your feelings and experiences -- Explore aspects of your life or experience that you may have been avoiding -- Identify patterns in your actions, thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationships -- Live a more authentic life, i.e., a life that is most consistent with your beliefs, values, and feelings As I listen to your story, I will offer reflections and interpretations with the goal of increasing understanding of your feelings and experiences, both past and present. An honest, unflinching look at our own feelings and experiences helps us make the best decisions possible about our lives. While I believe that understanding oneself is of utmost importance, I also make use of skill-focused approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to help with the process of behavior change. While engaging in a process of self-reflection can be difficult at times, developing self-awareness helps you gain the skills to live an authentic life. In simple terms, the goal of therapy is to give you the skills to be able to check in with yourself about what you want and need and take the steps to meet those needs while at the same time nurturing and maintaining your relationships and social/vocational commitments.

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Life can be stressful and overwhelming; so can reaching out for therapy. I’m here to create a welcoming and safe space, where you can heal, grow and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Through greater awareness, we increase our choices in the world and find more joy and fulfillment. I help clients explore and process emotions, find their voice and improve their relationships. My approach to therapy focuses on creating a strong relationship with each client. If you are looking for a therapist who offers a warm, caring and nonjudgmental approach, I may be the right fit for you. I feel passionate about the therapeutic alliance and believe it is integral in helping you become your more authentic self and meet your goals. I specialize in working with people who've experienced trauma, are going through life transitions and are struggling in their relationships with themselves or others. While we often come to therapy when we are feeling lost, disconnected or dissatisfied, I believe you can leave feeling more joy, happiness and connection. I welcome the chance to work with you.

The Renfrew Center, a multi-generational, family-owned eating disorder treatment organization, has been a pioneer since opening the nation's first residential facility in 1985. With 15 locations nationwide and virtual care in 25+ states through Renfrew@Home, we have supported more than 100,000 adolescent girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals on the path to recovery. Our evidence-based treatment addresses the full range of eating disorders—anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating—along with co-occurring presentations such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Care is grounded in The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®, part of Oxford University Press’s Treatments That Work series, with outcomes published in peer-reviewed journals. We offer a full continuum of care, from Residential to Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient Services, tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

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

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.

As a counselor, I utilize both relational and body-mind approaches. One of my preferred modalities is Somatic Experiencing, which is a therapeutic approach used to address trauma-related stress responses. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages, backgrounds, and therapeutic goals. I have a particular interest in working with clients looking to resolve trauma, address relational or attachment issues, and to explore content around identity and sexuality. I come from a social justice and queer background. I work to provide competent and accessible services to people experiencing oppression, and likewise seek to support folks in decolonization work.

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Need support through life’s challenges? I will help you work through a range of issues, whether that’s depression, anxiety, or any other life transition issue. In each step of your journey, I will encourage self-empowerment and positive growth. I will also work with you to identify the areas of your life that may no longer serve you. I use an integrated psychotherapy method grounded in existential, phenomenological, interpersonal, and gestalt approaches. What this means is that I will tailor your treatment to incorporate your worldview, values, and creativity, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to ensure that we manage acute suffering along the way. If you’ve ever felt different or marginalized, I am committed to providing you a space that is welcoming and inclusive. I am accepting new clients and can work with you either in-person or virtually. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

With over a decade of experience, Emerson specializes in helping college students navigate the unique challenges of young adulthood. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, academic stress, relationship conflicts, substance use, or grief, Emerson provides a supportive space to work through it. He focuses on identifying and challenging negative self-talk while fostering self-compassion, self-love, and personal growth. Understanding that meaningful connections enhance the therapeutic experience, Emerson prioritizes building strong, authentic relationships with his clients. He takes a Solution-Focused approach, integrating CBT and Positive Psychology techniques, and is also certified in Brainspotting and Motivational Interviewing for specialized care. Emerson has dedicated much of his career to supporting young adults through transitional periods, helping them develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in college and beyond. As an old Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Emerson embraces this wisdom, committing himself to helping students build a foundation for a successful future.

Open Space Counseling, Consulting & Wellness is a LGBTQIA+, racial and relationship minority affirming practice. Our mission is to eliminate fear of judgement as a barrier to personal growth. You’re likely here because your life isn’t quite where you’d like it to be. You’re struggling with relationships, or finding yourself reliving old patterns that are causing you pain. You’re sick of feeling so isolated, depressed, disconnected, and frustrated when everyone else on Instagram seems so much happier and more successful. Maybe you’ve been trying to solve these problems on your own for a long time, yet still feeling stuck in the same old rut. You might be contemplating a big transition. You might really need space to talk through all the jumbled up thoughts and feelings inside. Maybe it'd be helpful to share the self-critical thoughts ("I am broken;" "I'm a failure;" "I have nothing to offer;" "I can't change;" "If I make changes, everyone will hate me"), so that we can look at them together, and notice that they aren't you. I am experienced in providing supportive counseling to folks across the lifespan, in and around the gender binary, and at all stages of “acuity.” In light of my experience, I am a staunch believer in the philosophy that all people have the resources inside themselves to make changes toward becoming ever more healthy, connected, and complex. The focus of my approach is self-acceptance. This means that I'm not going to push you to talk about things you're not ready to talk about yet, or offer much in the way of advice or homework. Instead, we'll make space for you to examine your process toward making the changes you want for your life. I am a gender affirming therapist specializing in trans and nonbinary wellness. Since 2013, I have co-authored several letters of recommendation for medical gender confirmation, and am familiar with that process. I also know that many people aren’t seeking physical changes as a part of their journey. In 2021, I obtained WPATH certification, which rewards those committed to staying on top of both the current evidence and consensus in the field through continuing education. It is the gold standard of trans-specific healthcare certification.

Yihhsing Liu (中文: 劉懿馨; Pronouns: she/her/hers), Ph.D., LPC., NCC My clinical practice is informed by principles of humanistic psychology with the following focuses: psychodynamics, cultural relational theory, and trauma-focused framework. I believe in the power of therapeutic discourses that facilitate clients to discover unspoken thoughts and emotions related to their issues. I help clients to make meaningful connections and integrate thoughts, feelings, and actions given a situated culture and context. Additionally, I help clients explore meanings and patterns from a variety of roles they may identify with while developing creative mechanisms to respond to contextual and systematic stressors. My overarching treatment direction is to promote insight and adaptability for clients in each unique healing journey. I have practiced psychotherapy and clinical mental health counseling in various types of treatment facilities in the United States since 2010. I offered individual as well as group counseling in the areas of mood disturbances, maladaptive behaviors, crisis & trauma, relationship issues, identity issues, and substance abuse. I practiced psychiatric nursing as a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Registered Professional Nurse (RPN) in both child & adolescent and adult in-patient units at the designated psychiatric treatment center in the city of Taipei, aka Taipei City Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Taiwan from 1999 to 2004. Additionally, I served as a clinical faculty in the program of Counselor Education at Duquesne University (2015-2024). I provided teaching, training, and clinical supervision for counselors-in-training and supervisors-in-training on a regular basis throughout my academic appointments. I offer services for a variety of mental health issues from short term, brief interventions to long term psychotherapy. I am a native speaker of Mandarin and offer bilingual mental health counseling.

Hi I’m James (they/them). I am currently accepting sliding-scale clients at $10-$100 depending on what you can afford. I am doing in-person work, or virtual (in PA). I am available for short-term therapy (through April), with a focus on somatic experiencing: a type of therapy can support you to build capacity to show up in the world and in your body the way you want to. Somatic experiencing (SE) explores ways our bodies hold stress, overwhelm, and trauma patterns. By bringing awareness to these patterns and learning new tools, you can shift the patterns held in your body that are no longer serving you. Somatic experiencing is geared towards resolving trauma held in the body. It can be used to address specific events/trauma, ongoing stressors, or to build resilience in a more general way. If you aren’t interested in somatic therapy and would prefer someone to talk and process with, I’m also down for that. I draw upon my background in harm reduction, clinical herbalism, and personal experiences with physical and mental health struggles. My practice focuses on supporting queer and trans communities. I’m currently working towards a masters degree in social work from Smith College.

Seeking help requires courage and strength, and I applaud you for the steps you have already taken in your journey. The demands of life are vast, but I believe they can feel a little lighter with a supportive, affirming presence by your side. I am committed to providing a compassionate, accepting, collaborative, and empowering space for you. I firmly believe each person possess an incredible capacity for enhancing their well-being, and I am honored to accompany you on your journey of healing and personal growth. I am a trained Art Therapist. I believe art and creative expression have an incredible capacity for healing and transformation. Art has been instrumental in my own healing process, and I grateful to share this gift with others. I am passionate about helping people develop effecting coping skills and fulfilling forms of self-expression. I use multiple approaches in my practice to create an experience tailored to each client’s individual strengths, values, and goals. My theoretical orientation is eclectic but deeply rooted in humanistic theories, especially person-centered and gestalt. I also use narrative therapy techniques to empower individuals to tell their life story in their own words.

Over the past 30 years I’ve developed a psychotherapeutic approach that integrates psychoanalytic principles with insights of Eastern mindfulness traditions. Having trained, taught, and worked in various college counseling centers in Pittsburgh for many years, I’ve focused my private practice on the mental health concerns of young adults, including struggles with depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexuality, family, relationships, and acculturation.

Do you feel isolated, like you just can’t really seem to connect with others in a meaningful way? Is life starting to become boringly repetitive with no end in sight? Are you drinking or using other drugs more than you are comfortable and worry you might have a problem? Maybe you chronically feel depressed, anxious, or that your mood is just all over the place for no obvious reason? Are you experiencing distressing memories, thoughts, and strong feelings without having a sense of control over them? I can help you by developing healthy self-resourcing tools to manage your thoughts, feelings, and distress experiences. I work with individuals by offering a healthy, nonjudgmental, encouraging, and collaborative relationship that promote your strengths through a process of discovery, acceptance, growth, and becoming. I believe every person has an inherent potential for growth. I work diligently with you as a collaborator to help you harness this potential through support, encouragement, and, at times, even challenging you. I work with adults of all ages, gender identities, races, sexual orientations and economic/ethnic backgrounds to treat a wide range of problems like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic anger management issues, addiction, PTSD, and a variety of other behavior conditions. I practice eclectically with a strong emphasis on Person-Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. I am trained in a variety of techniques including Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.