Therapists for college students near New York University

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Are you or a loved one feeling stuck – uncertain about navigating changes in your life, how you see yourself, or how to reconnect with those close to you? When we feel stuck, taking steps forward can feel like a monumental task. We can work together to break down your thoughts and uncertainties, determine the best way forward, and put practical strategies into action, to empower you to create the life you want for yourself. In me, you’ll have a collaborator who will follow your lead and ensure you feel you heard but will be willing to challenge you and continue to motivate you towards achieving your goals. Therapy with me involves weaving together practical skill-building and evidence-based strategies to help you achieve your individualized goals. I work with individuals experiencing difficult life transitions at work, at home, or at school. Through individual, parent, or family sessions, we will untangle your thoughts, improve your self-esteem, and take tangible steps towards sustainable change. Neurodiversity (Autism & ADHD) affirming and LGBTQ+ friendly, I always take a person-centric approach. When you have a better understanding of who you are and what you want, your goals will feel attainable. Everyone has the ability to move past the struggles they’re experiencing, and together we can create solutions and develop skills to build long-term happiness. If you’re ready to learn how we can work together, email or call me for a 15-minute consultation.

The Dorm is a mission-driven mental health treatment organization that has been empowering young adults building independent, resilient and purposeful lives since 2009. We provide individualized, flexible and community-centered intensive outpatient care and serve a clinically-diverse and acute population (ages 18-30).

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a licensed therapist, I am dedicated to empowering adults and families of all backgrounds and cultures in navigating life challenges. These include anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, emotional struggles, trauma and PTSD, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and I believe healing happens when we feel seen, supported, and safe to explore growth and emotions in our own time. To achieve this, I take a strength-based, compassionate, and practical approach, allowing me to equip you with effective tools and skills to realize lasting mental wellness. Working together, you can expect an encouraging and nonjudgemental environment that uses evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). My goal is to help you develop healthy coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and create meaningful change through compassionate and collaborative care that is tailored to your unique goals and pace. I believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and evidence-based therapy, equipping me to be an effective and inspiring therapist. I look forward to walking alongside you as you build insight, resilience, and confidence in your journey to healing and achieving your goals. Having spent four years in the social work field, I saw first-hand how trauma impacts individuals and families, as well as how healing transforms lives. This diverse experience fueled my desire to become a therapist by deepening my passion to provide effective, empowering therapy that addresses the root causes of mental health struggles. I believe every person is capable of healing, which is why I bring empathy, curiosity, and genuine belief in each person’s potential to every session. When I'm not in the office, I’m most often spending time with friends or family. And when I’m not with loved ones, I enjoy being active – playing the piano, cooking, or discovering hidden gems in NYC!

Therapy can offer a path to personal freedom. I want to know who you are, how you are, and how you want to be. My basic training is psychoanalytic, but an overall integrative approach fosters understanding of how life has shaped you, and how it plays out in current living situations, and especially how one's strengths can be brought to good use. I know that a person can change, evolve, develop meaningful relationships, first and foremost with themselves. I work collaboratively with individuals and couples to find the way to emotional liberation - always a deeply personal course. I welcome clients to my home-office in New York (Upper West Side) or via video conference.

Two years into my work as a licensed master social worker, I've learned that healing rarely happens in isolation; it happens in relationship. That's the lens I bring to helping adults work through anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, attachment, and trauma. Relationships and trauma are where I focus most closely, alongside support for OCD and sex therapy for patients of all types and backgrounds. What guides me isn't a technique so much as a set of commitments: honesty, open communication, trust building, and empathy. Those commitments are what make our work together collaborative, safe, and supportive – not just words I use to describe therapy, but the actual conditions I try to create in the room. I look forward to empathizing with you, uplifting you, and standing alongside you as we do this work together. At the heart of my work is the simple belief that real change happens through real connection. My approach is honest, warm, and built on that connection first. I tailor the way I work to each person in front of me, because no two paths to healing look the same. Expect a space that's nonjudgmental, empathetic, and truly collaborative, where you're never just a set of symptoms to manage. I lean on psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches to help you build both confidence and insight, but how we get there depends on what you need. You'll also find that I don't take myself too seriously, even when the work is hard – a little humor tends to open doors that pure seriousness can't. Directness, empathy, and compassion are non-negotiables for me, and so is making sure you walk away from our sessions feeling seen, safe, and genuinely supported. My path to becoming a therapist began through my own experience in therapy while navigating personal challenges. Witnessing the impact of a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship inspired me to help others find that same sense of understanding and hope. As the descendant of Holocaust survivors, I also recognize the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma and the resilience that can emerge through healing. My Jewish values, particularly the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), continue to guide my work and commitment to serving others. These experiences deepened my dedication to providing warm, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. They are why I strive to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where patients feel genuinely seen, supported, and empowered to navigate life's challenges and create meaningful, lasting change. I love performing comedy, working on pottery, traveling, biking, reading, swimming, and playing pickleball.

Times of transition are exciting and challenging. Starting something new, moving through inflection points in your education and career, preparing for completion and uncertainty while you figure out what's next, are all important processes everyone hopes will go smoothly - but sometimes they can feel rocky. Even good changes or subtle shifts can feel unsettling, especially for highly sensitive people. If social, academic or emotional / mental health issues are stressing you and making it hard to feel confident and supported in working towards your goals, therapy can be a great tool to help increase understanding about "how it all works" and get support in developing patience and progress towards deepening clarity and commitment to your goals. Anxieties, insecurity, depression, difficult patterns in relationships or work, and problems focusing can be understood and changed, so you have more energy and confidence to devote to living. Become more connected to yourself and others through a specialized process of exploration with a trained professional, and see a difference in your life. A therapist’s expertise and experience are very important, but the *key* ingredient of effective therapy is a “good fit” between you and your therapist. If you’d like to meet and see how it would be to work together, I would be pleased to hear from you. Beginning work as a psychotherapist in clinic settings in 1995, I opened my private practice in 2002. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University, am a New York City based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (licensed in New York and New Jersey), and earned a certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the NYFS Institute.

Psychoanalytic therapy provides you with unique experience that focuses on uncovering your unconscious thoughts and lets you articulate them in a protected space. It gives you an opportunity to improve the quality of your life through better understanding of yourself and your relationships. I am dedicated to providing therapeutic and analytic help to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, and problems with finding their path in life. I am also working with artists and other creative individuals who are having trouble starting and finishing their projects and with people who are going through major life changes. As a writer and a scholar, I am familiar with performance anxiety, having learned to overcome personal and creative blocks in my life and work through my own analysis. I am also a first-generation immigrant who was schooled in this country and knows about the psychological challenges of adjusting to new situations. I welcome people working in high-pressure and creative fields, as well as immigrants, people from different cultures, gender orientations and races. I work with adults, adolescents, children and their families. Apart from English-speakers, I welcome people who wish to communicate in Russian. Please reach out to book a consultation.

You might be someone who generally has things together. You’re responsible, capable, and used to handling things on your own, but internally, things feel harder than it looks. Your mind may be constantly racing, second-guessing, or getting stuck on certain thoughts. Maybe anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, or stress is making it harder to enjoy school, relationships, or everyday life, or you're navigating a major transition and feeling overwhelmed behind the scenes. I work with students who want to better understand what’s going on internally and learn how to respond differently. Many of my clients are high-achieving and motivated but feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or avoidance that are hard to break alone. Together, we'll work on changing how you relate to difficult thoughts and emotions so they have less power over your daily life. I also work with students coping with chronic illness, chronic pain, or physical symptoms that don’t have clear medical answers. I help clients understand the mind-body connection and how stress, anxiety, and the nervous system can influence physical symptoms while taking their experiences seriously. My approach is practical, collaborative, and warm. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing what’s on your mind without judgment while building evidence-based skills you can use in everyday life. My goal is to help you feel more confident, resilient, and better equipped to navigate life's challenges.

Hi, I’m a queer-identified therapist who is passionate about creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and adolescents, as well as people in non-traditional relationships]. I believe therapy should be a place where all parts of you are welcome—without judgment, without assumptions, and without having to educate your therapist about your identity or lifestyle. I work with adults, teens, and couples navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, relationship stress, trauma, and burnout. Whether you're exploring your identity, managing emotional overwhelm, or navigating complex relational dynamics, my goal is to support you with compassion and evidence-based care. I use an integrative approach to care, basead on your needs. In our work together, we’ll balance insight and self-exploration with skill-building and practical strategies, so you can feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in your daily life. My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of your lived experience.

I believe that all of us have had some challenges in our lives whether that translates to bigger traumas or smaller hardships. As a result of our challenges, we have beliefs about who we are and our place in the world. I use evidence-based practices including EMDR to identify and manage triggers that may manifest in fear, anxiety, and negative beliefs about who we are and what we deserve. Let me help you break free from your People-Pleasing, Perfectionist, and/or Procrastinating tendencies and find peace with being your authentic self.

While the transition to college life can be an exciting period, filled with freedom and opportunity, many students can also feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious. Cope NYC (also known as Cope With School NYC) is a team of caring, experienced and diverse therapists. We are here to help you through whatever challenges you may be facing, to listen non-judgmentally and to provide a safe space to explore your feelings. We are committed to anti-racism and are affirming of all backgrounds and identities. Our clinicians have vast experience helping students manage depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, academic stress, ADHD/executive functioning difficulties, autism spectrum, gender and sexuality issues, social anxiety, family conflicts and much more. We offer in-person (Upper West Side of Manhattan) and telehealth sessions throughout New York State. Please reach out to us to see how we can help you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When you're navigating big life transitions, you may find yourself searching for clarity, wanting to better understand your emotions, or looking for practical ways to cope with stress. After spending a decade in the corporate world before becoming a therapist, I understand what it means to make meaningful change in pursuit of a more fulfilling life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs. We'll work together to understand the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, explore your hopes and fears, and develop practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges. I have a particular interest in working with grief in all its forms, and strive to cultivate a grounded space for healing and resilience. Whether you're new to therapy or returning after time away, my intention is to provide a supportive environment where you feel seen and empowered to move toward a life that feels more aligned with your values. Together, we'll work to help you feel more confident in whatever comes next.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) working with adults and adolescents on social anxiety, identity exploration, relationship difficulties, mood instability, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, challenges with goal attainment, intergenerational conflict, and major life transitions. This work also includes a particular focus on young adults, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ populations, helping them navigate relationship challenges, self-compassion, and major life changes. Collaboration is at the center of how I practice: you stay at the forefront of your own care, guiding your life toward a better future. Watching you take control of your decisions and life in our work together is what I look forward to most. Helping people access their inner world in order to gain self-compassion is something I'm passionate about. That’s why I take a strength-based, non-judgmental, and curious approach centered on emotional regulation skills and self-esteem building, in a compassionate, relaxed environment. Through an exploratory, conversational style, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build self-esteem and understand your thoughts and behaviors. These treatments are tailored to you at all times, taking your unique needs and situation into consideration for truly customized care. My path to becoming a therapist began with my journey of carving my own identity within a religious circle, along with the challenges I faced during that time. This experience deepened my commitment to providing humanistic and collaborative care to my patients, allowing me to bring a sincere and authentic perspective to each session in my practice now. Outside the office, I enjoy bike rides and beach days when the weather is nice, and I love catching a great comedy show when it's cold out!

I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, self-doubt, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking only at the cognitive, linear perspective of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in Gestalt creative therapy keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and for my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City, where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.

Sometimes along our journeys we learn ways of thinking and feeling that aren’t most helpful to us later on. I offer an opportunity to consider unlearning what isn’t serving us and to find new ways of thinking. Other times, we’d all just benefit from an extra layer of support; time set aside that’s all ours. Most of all, the work we do will allow you to feel some relief, comfort, connection, the opportunity to experience positive feelings, and sit with the hard ones. I offer therapy to adults struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, obsessive thoughts, trauma, grief, career challenges, and motherhood. I specialize in treating disordered eating and body image concerns. I work extensively with runners. I practice a holistic approach and am skilled in meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and coping techniques. I understand that the best therapy happens when you and your therapist are a great fit. I offer a compassionate, thoughtful, and effective approach. I believe in the healing power of animals and my bulldog, Olive, joins us for sessions.

Are you struggling to feel understood in therapy? Are you having trouble within your relationships and feeling like you have no idea what to do? Are you interested in exploring who you are and what is happening inside you? Do you want to engage with more coping skills? Then I might be the therapist for you. I work best with clients or couples who are under the queer, trans, and BIPOC umbrellas. I also specialize in working with sex workers, avoidance/ dissociation patterns, identity/gender/sexuality exploration, sex/intimacy, communication, confidence/ self-esteem, boundaries, non-monogamy, and shame/guilt. Your input and experiences are paramount in our work together. In therapy, I will draw upon a variety of modalities such as narrative therapy, CBT, somatic work, creative arts therapies, and parts work to help us get closer to your ideals and goals. As a trans-femme, queer, bigger-bodied, white-latine, southerner I know how difficult and sometimes dangerous vulnerability can be. I know this as a human being, as a counselor, and as a person in a position of power. Your vulnerability will be honored and cared for with me as well as all of the intersections of power, privilege, and identity that you share.

You may be dealing with a major life transition, struggling with expectations at school or work, feeling disconnected from yourself, or finding that anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing is getting in the way of the life and relationships you want. You may also be working to better understand your identity, communicate your needs, set boundaries, or manage difficult emotions. That's where I can help. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions, working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next as they navigate life's challenges in pursuit of greater confidence, connection, and well-being. My goal is to provide a supportive, LGBTQ+-affirming space where you can slow down and develop tools to move forward. I believe in the dignity, worth, and inherent strengths of every person. That meaningful change happens through trust, collaboration, and connection, so I strive to be a supportive partner who respects your autonomy and meets you where you are. In our work together, I hope to help you better understand yourself, build confidence in your own voice, and feel empowered to advocate for your needs. I value the opportunity to witness patients grow, heal, and recognize their own capacity for change, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and that you are the expert on your own life. That belief shapes an approach that is curious and compassionate, with space for us to explore your experiences, patterns, and goals together. Because I value self-determination, therapy is shaped around what feels most meaningful and helpful to you, which means creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected. I also recognize that taking the first step toward therapy can be difficult, and believe simply showing up is meaningful. From there, my role is to guide you as you navigate challenges, and work toward the changes you want to make. In doing so, you'll find a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you can show up as you are. I draw from integrated, evidence-based practices adapted to your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences, while valuing open conversation and curiosity, following your lead, and making space for whatever feels most important to you. Therapy doesn't have to feel overly formal, and I bring my authentic self, and even a little humor into our work together when it feels appropriate. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll help you find an approach that feels helpful and genuine. My path to becoming a therapist began with a love of learning about human development and a desire to support others. I initially planned to become a teacher, gaining experience working in special education and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Those experiences sparked a deeper interest in understanding the many factors that shape a person's well-being, not just what happens within us, but also our relationships, environments, communities, and access to support. This ultimately led me to social work, where I found a field that allowed me to look at the whole person. I bring that perspective, along with curiosity and genuine compassion, into each session, because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood, supported, and empowered in their own journey. I enjoy creative hobbies like scrapbooking and crafting, listening to music, and reading. Exploring New York City is another favorite, whether I'm finding new cafés, traveling, or taking walks in the park. I am happiest spending time with friends, enjoying a sweet treat, watching a good movie or show, or relaxing at home with my cat.