Therapists for college students near New York University

I have a particular interest and experience in working with OCD and generalized anxiety-related concerns. I'm interested in how factors that include intrusive thoughts, avoidance patterns, excessive responsibility, and chronic worry can gradually restrict a person's functioning and quality of life. I've also worked with a lot of immigrant populations, particularly Chinese and Chinese-American clients who are going through anxiety, depression, and other interpersonal or adjustment concerns. In treatment, I focus on helping patients better understand the emotional and cognitive processes underlying their anxiety while gradually building tolerance toward uncertainty, discomfort, and feared experiences through insight-oriented and behavioral approaches, including exposure therapy. My passion for my work is simple: I want to be of help. I believe many people struggle not only because of symptoms themselves, but because they feel misunderstood, isolated, or ashamed of their experiences. I want to help patients make sense of their emotional patterns in a way that feels compassionate, not pathologizing.

I use a warm and collaborative approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients navigate life transitions, identity development, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and OCD. My goal is to help each person leave sessions with greater insight, practical tools, and an increased confidence in themselves and their ability to reach their goals. My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe, supported, and empowered to better understand themselves and who they want to become. I especially enjoy working with adolescents and young adults as they navigate one of life's most transformative periods. I have experience supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD and OCD-related symptoms, and life transitions. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or trying to make sense of where you are in life, I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being your authentic self. My style is both validating and gently challenging. After we have established trust and safety, I am not afraid to ask difficult questions that encourage deeper reflection and growth. My hope is that every session leaves you with something tangible—whether it is a new strategy, meaningful insight, different perspective, or practical tool you can carry with you outside of therapy. My goal is to help you build resilience, trust yourself more deeply, and feel more equipped to navigate whatever comes next.

When you make the decision to attend therapy, you are making the decision to prioritize your wellbeing in a fundamentally unique way. Therapy is something that can be challenging, but also transformative– Especially for those who have not been listened to, believed, or had the freedom to pause and practice introspection due to the demands of life. Knowing the challenges of finding a therapist who can understand your life experiences, I prioritize working with communities with whom I share personal experience. This includes, but is not limited to: LGBTQIA+, polyamorous/ENM, BDSM/kink, sex worker, SA/DV survivors, neurodivergent, chronically ill & disabled communities. My work is grounded in Relational-Cultural Therapy, which emphasizes the importance of the relationship between therapist and client as an essential part of the therapeutic process. I aim to minimize power dynamics in the room between therapist and client, and firmly believe you are the expert of your life. Rather than an authority in the room, I see my role as a collaborator in helping you achieve your therapy goals. For those who wish to know my social location: I am a Black, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, polyamorous, non-binary therapist in my 30s. I come from a middle-class background in a mixed race household, am a US citizen, and was raised Catholic but am not religious. I approach therapy as a team effort grounded in trauma-informed, anti-racist, fat liberatory, sex & kink positive, and feminist ideals. My therapy practice is eclectic, borrowing from multiple modalities in order to find the best approach for each individual client, couple, or polycule. Common approaches I incorporate include: EFT (emotion focused therapy), IFS (internal family systems), Sex Therapy, and Attachment Theory. I work with clients on a variety of topics, but special interests include: Unpacking attachment wounds using IFS; Transition stages in Poly/ENM; Freedom from shame regarding sex & kink; Impacts of disability; Relationships to health, disordered eating, and/or fatness from a fat liberatory and body neutrality lens. If you are curious about working together, please email lowell@expressyourselftherapynyc.com to set up a free consultation.

We have been an outpatient mental health provider for New York City and the state of New York, and our groups have grown to 80 plus therapists. We are one of the few group practices in offering specialized psychotherapy services for adults, teens, children, couples, and families and have availability for immediate scheduling. Our therapists have specialized training in CBT, DBT, ACT, Substance Abuse Counseling, Mindfulness, EMDR, Humanistic and Integrative approaches, trauma, Family Systems, Psychodynamics, Person-Centered Therapy, child play, etc. and we handle both moderate to high risk clients including, self-harmers ,mandated cases, illness/ cancer diagnosis, grief/loss, brain injury, addiction, suicidal ideation, lower functioning clientele, high risk, couples, family, PTSD, OCD, substance abuse, agoraphobia, ADHD, mood disorders, LGBTQ, child/adolescent, developmental & physical disabilities, family systems, infertility, behavioral issues, anxiety/depression, personality disorders, psychiatric medication tapering support, borderline personality disorder, domestic violence, transgender, gastric sleeve, to name a few, etc. and we have many groups including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (for self-harmers and Borderline Personality patients), men’s group, trauma group, single parent support group, anger management group, and an LGBTQ/eating disorder group to name a few. We are well established and well known in Manhattan as a solution-focused team of providers offering evidence-based outpatient mental health care and we have immediate availability when clients call for services. The group include LMHC’s and MHC-LP, CASAC, PsyD , and PhD in mental health. Incorporation of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Clinical Work: We have a multicultural staff who are LGBTQ-aligned. We have many languages at Talk, such as Hebrew, Spanish, Turkish, Hindu, Urdu, Greek, Arabic, Bengali, Portuguese, Mandarin/Chinese, Cantonese, Serb-Croatian, Italian, Bahasa Indonesia, Malayalam, Romanian, French, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Tagalog, Cebuano, Persian, to name a few. We are expanding due to the high demand for mental health needs in NYC.

College can feel overwhelming—you may be juggling classes, relationships, family expectations, and major life decisions all at once. You deserve support that helps you feel grounded, focused, and able to grow during this time. I take a strengths-based approach, recognizing the resilience and determination you already bring. As a parent who completed my degree while working full-time, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing multiple roles. That experience shapes how I help students build boundaries, stay focused, and create sustainable strategies for success. I work best with students who want more than a space to vent. Together, we focus on practical tools, clearer direction, and meaningful change you can apply in daily life. I especially enjoy supporting working parents, adult learners, and first-generation college students navigating anxiety, cultural or family pressures, identity concerns, and relationship stress. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW with over 10 years of experience, I provide a supportive, structured space to help you feel more confident, connected, and empowered in college and beyond.

I tend to work best with college students and young adults who look “high-functioning” on the outside but feel overwhelmed on the inside. Many of the students I see are smart, reflective, and trying hard — yet struggling with anxiety, mood swings, burnout, panic, or a constant feeling of pressure to perform or hold everything together. You might feel stuck between who you were expected to be and who you’re becoming. You may overthink conversations, feel emotionally exhausted, struggle with motivation, or feel disconnected from yourself or others. Some students I work with have experienced past stress or trauma that still shows up in their body — through anxiety, sleep issues, emotional shutdown, or feeling on edge — even if “nothing bad” seems to be happening now. In therapy, we move at your pace. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear goal right away. My approach is supportive, curious, and collaborative — focused on helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and develop tools that actually feel usable in real life. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, feel less alone, and build steadiness during a demanding and uncertain chapter of life. I will be getting credentialed with additional insurances and accepting private pay-please feel free to check back or reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns.

My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, weaving together elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), narrative therapy, somatic awareness, and creative expression. Grounded in classic psychodynamics and viewed through a queer lens, my work resists rigid categories and honors complexity, multiplicity, and self-determination. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating identity, trauma, and structural inequity. Whether you're carrying the weight of old wounds, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or rewriting your own story, I am here to help you make sense of it all at your own pace.

I specialize in assessment and treatment of sleep problems and ADHD. I am board certified in behavioral sleep medicine (i.e., the behavioral treatment of sleep difficulties). I provide CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) and also treat other sleep problems such as circadian rhythm disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase) and nightmares. I also have extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. I provide neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, including testing for the purpose of requesting accommodations on standardized exams, and ADHD/executive function coaching (also known as CBT for ADHD).

Many of the students I work with are used to pushing through, even when they're overwhelmed. They may be questioning their career path, struggling with perfectionism, procrastination, people pleasing, or feeling like they're falling behind while everyone else seems to have life figured out. Others are navigating ADHD, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or family stress. As a college professor and psychologist, I understand the unique pressures students face and help them better understand the patterns that keep them stuck, build confidence in their decisions, and develop a stronger sense of who they are both in and outside of the classroom.

Ms. Shilpa Shah, LMHC the Clinical Director and Founder of Woodrose Counseling. She is a bilingual licensed mental health counselor fluent in Gujarati and first generation South Asian American. Her experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds and age groups in community-based and outpatient settings informs her culturally sensitive approach to treatment. Ms. Shah believes that therapy is an opportunity to explore our struggles in the context of our past experiences and patterns while in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space and developing more effective ways of navigating them. Her philosophy is that therapy is a collaborative place for finding support in healing, developing self-awareness and working towards your goals. She utilizes an eclectic approach drawing from psychodynamic, person-centered, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy is a collaborative process providing an opportunity to bring awareness to how past experiences are affecting current struggles. In our sessions together, we will work towards identifying your goals and meeting your needs while working on healing, developing self-awareness, and practicing self-compassion. I will provide a safe space for you to feel emotionally supported while also helping you challenge unhelpful patterns in order work towards change.

Blue Harbor Psychotherapy is a virtual psychotherapy practice based in New York City whose primary goal is to provide a safe, supportive and comfortable space for clients to work through issues and challenges. We believe in a holistic, integrative and collaborative approach to mental health wellness. We also aim to remove the stigma around mental health. We believe that mental health matters and taking care of it should be priority for everyone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College years are exciting and full of opportunity, but they also have their share of challenges. Navigating academic pressure and social changes, managing stress and uncertainty about the future, balancing academic demands with work, family, and social life can feel overwhelming. As a therapist working with college students I draw on my own experiences as a student in multiple settings and work to provide a supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals without judgment. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or just adjusting to the demands of college life, I’m here to help. Together, we can explore your strengths, learn and implement strategies to cope with the stress, and help you identify a path that will feel meaningful and fulfilling to you. As a person-centered therapist I work to create a space where you can be unapologetically yourself. I provide non-judgmental, compassionate and affirming support to individuals navigating the complexities of life, including dealing with depression and anxiety, navigating significant life transitions, and exploring gender identity and sexuality. My therapy approach is rooted in understanding, respect, and empowerment. I offer a safe environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths and cultivate a sense of authenticity and self-acceptance. Working from a perspective of cultural humility and drawing from evidence-based practices, I tailor therapy to meet your specific needs and goals. I commit to providing you with the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. The goal in my work is to help clients identify anything that will help them feel a sense of fulfillment and meaning in their life – work through any obstacles that they are experiencing – both internal and external – and take steps towards those values. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals (particularly transgender and non-binary individuals), neurodivergent individuals, activists and artists. I also draw on personal experience as a transgender, neurodivergent (Autistic) woman in my work. For transgender and non-binary individuals seeking support in medical transitioning I can work with you to explore that and provide any support you need in the process (including letters as needed). I work from a Feminist and Person-Centered perspective and use a mix of Existential, Narrative, and Acceptance & Commitment therapy.

For me, therapy is a privilege: I have the opportunity to foster healing, growth, and genuine relationships. If you are experiencing stressful events, unpredictable challenges, and important transitions in life, I am here to assist you explore your goals, navigate your routes, and equip you with knowledge and skills. If you feel overwhelmed by some emotional and mental disturbance, I am here to help you explore the root of the issue, and practice skills to achieve mind-body balance. I appreciate the uniqueness of each client and work to create individualized psychotherapy experiences. I accommodate a variety of therapy modalities in my sessions with empathy, humor, and critical thinking. My space is safe and non-judgmental for you to feel comfortable and be your true self. It is impressive that you took the first step to seek resources and professional assistance. I would be honored to accompany you on this journey. If you think we would be a good match, please reach out by email or phone for a complementary call/appointment with me.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Trauma can be an invisible wound that can affect many parts of our lives we don’t even realize. I work with clients with depression, anxiety, adoption triad concerns, and trauma-related issues. Change can be hard. Having the courage to reach out and discuss your inner pain and anxiety is the first step. I want to help you work through your past painful experiences, feelings of shame, and traumatic events so that you can create a new life path. I believe each person has their own pace, and am willing to find therapies and strategies that work for you. My approach is open-minded, trauma-based, cognitive, and holistic. I started my career in psychology and counseling when I experienced a suicide in my family. It gave me the courage to make changes for myself, and help people around me who were also suffering grief, loss, and depression. I’m an advocate of mental health issues, a proud adoptee, and a supporter of the arts. **I only accept insurance in the state of North Carolina**

**My FULLY VIRTUAL practice is now accepting new clients and I promise to answer all inquiries within 24 hours or less!** Life is full of difficulties, obstacles, and making tough decisions. You do not have to deal with this universal experience alone! Together we can explore and process past traumas, gain a deeper understanding of how they are impacting your life and interpersonal relationships today, and decide if now is the time to make the healthy changes necessary to thrive. I have half a decade of clinical experience consisting of crisis intervention counseling along with working in the inpatient psychiatry setting. My experience has allowed me to be well versed in depression, anxiety, complex emotions, familial and relationship stressors, suicidal ideation, and much more. I also integrate multiple therapeutic approaches. I promise to keep an open mind, a judgment free zone, and to continue learning with you throughout the duration of our work together. Growth starts with you! Call today for a free consultation and we can see if we would be a good team.

Let’s face it, taking the steps towards bettering your life can be hard. But let’s also recognize that you just accomplished a hard thing by finding me here in the first place! As your therapist, I am committed to helping you navigate all of those challenges life throws your way by using an approach that is centered around your needs, in a place that makes you feel safe and heard. My work is done through a strength based, person focused lens as this journey in therapy is about YOU. I have experience supporting adolescents and adults struggling to work through an array of challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment and life transitions, and LGBTQ+ issues. I want to be someone who not only listens to you and your needs, but also works with you to create the tools and skills that help you get through those “life is really hard” days.

Life has a way of feeling overwhelming just when you think you’ve got it figured out. Whether you’re navigating a major transition, struggling with a persistent cloud of anxiety, or simply feeling disconnected from the person you want to be, I’m here to help. I believe that the most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. My style is warm, collaborative, and occasionally punctuated with a bit of humor! Healing is hard work, but it doesn't always have to be heavy. Together, we’ll create a safe space to untangle your thoughts and build the tools you need to feel more grounded and resilient.

Life can feel overwhelming these days, and meaningful relationships, joys and values can be hard to sustain. The coping patterns we adopt often get in the way of feeling better, and connected with others. My practice fosters an empathetic environment where clients are at ease exploring emotions and concerns. Collaboratively, we address issues such as anxiety, depression and self-esteem struggles, and tackle problems such as relationship difficulties, life transitions, loss and school-related stressors. Jointly, we will define concrete goals, develop real-life coping skills and become more aware of underlying barriers to well-being. I am an LCSW (NYU) with a psychodynamic approach. I also draw on techniques from mindfulness-based therapies and trauma-informed methodologies. A former art history professor and undergraduate advisor (B.A. & M.A., Williams; Ph.D. U.Chicago), I understand the particular challenges college students face. Often, the hardest step about therapy is the decision to begin. I welcome the opportunity to meet you and explore how I can be helpful to you.