Therapists for college students near New York University

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I specialize in depression and anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, relationship issues, stress management, and life transitions for young adults and adults who want more than just a space to process difficult emotions. If you’re looking for practical tools, greater self-awareness, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with growing confidence and independence, then I am here for you. Therapy, to me, works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. I bring authenticity, curiosity, and respect to every session, and am committed to being a warm, honest presence as you work toward the life you want to create. Together, we'll explore the patterns that may be holding you back, develop skills that actually fit your life, and build the insight you need to keep moving forward. I don't believe therapy is about someone else having the answers for you. At its core, it's about creating space to slow down, get curious about yourself, and develop the tools needed to move through life with more confidence and intention. That belief shapes everything about how I work. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, explore your experiences with openness, and gain a clearer understanding of the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Rather than directing what you should do, I'll support you in discovering what feels right for you and help you build the confidence to trust yourself along the way. In practice, I draw on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic interventions. Sessions are welcoming and nonjudgmental, a space where you can learn to respond to emotions more effectively and strengthen your ability to act in alignment with your values. My interest in becoming a therapist started early in life. After losing loved ones, I found myself wanting to be a source of support for my family during the hardest moments. As I grew older, that desire evolved into a deeper passion for understanding people and the human experience. Through studying psychology and social psychology, I became fascinated by the ways our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and environments shape how we move through the world. I carry this passion and curiosity with me now, offering a genuine investment in understanding who you are and what you need to move forward. When I'm not working, I love exploring my creative side through art, cooking, baking, and decorating. I'm also an avid runner and regularly race half-marathons. Both creativity and running have taught me a great deal about myself, from learning how to navigate challenges and adapt to setbacks to appreciating the value of patience, curiosity, and growth.

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.

Welcome! I work with adolescents and young adults with trauma, anxiety and depression. Many are struggling to navigate family relationships during life transitions or identity shifts. As a writer, I enjoy working with artists as they navigate creative blocks. I practice from a psychodynamic approach, drawing heavily on attachment theory and relational strengths. I have extensive experience working with college-aged students and young adults. I welcome you to reach out for a phone call to discuss your needs, and whether we might work together.

Hi! I’m Rachel Wolk (she/her), a neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. I’m passionate about supporting folks through anxiety, complex trauma, Autism, and ADHD. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, where I specialized in Advanced Clinical Practice. I'm also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, relationship-based work. I often integrate sensory and somatic interventions, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Coherence Therapy to support the mind-body-environment connection. I believe in honoring each person’s unique nervous system and lived experience, and I strive to create a space where all parts of you feel seen and supported. While I do offer in-person sessions, we’ll likely meet virtually to better accommodate the flexibility needed for a college schedule. That said, I’m always open to making exceptions on a case-by-case basis if in-person sessions feel essential to creating a safe and secure therapeutic space for you. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email, I'm happy to set up a free 15-minute consultation call!

Our NYC-based practice specializes in anxiety and OCD treatment for college students and young adults. Many of the students we work with are high achievers who are used to pushing through, but are finding that anxiety, overthinking, or burnout are becoming harder to manage. This often shows up as getting stuck in your head, feeling overwhelmed by academic or social pressure, or getting caught in patterns of procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance. For some, OCD or panic are a big part of the picture. College also brings a new level of independence, and managing academics, friendships, and daily life on your own can make these patterns feel more intense. Our approach is warm, structured, and grounded, focused on helping you understand what’s keeping you stuck, build practical skills, and feel more confident navigating this stage of life.

The Compassion Practice is a mental health practice that offers a wide range of services to help individuals improve their mental wellbeing and lead more fulfilling lives. Our team of clinicians includes licensed therapists, psychologists, and social workers who are dedicated to meeting our clients' needs through evidence-based practices and genuine human connection. We work with individuals across the age span, including adults, young adults, teenagers, children, couples, and families. Our specialized services include support for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other mental health issues. We are excited to now offer ketamine assisted therapy as well. What sets The Compassion Practice apart is our commitment to providing personalized care that is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care, and we work hard to ensure that our services are affordable and accessible to all. Our clinicians create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

I specialize in helping people who have OCD, phobias and insomnia. It's very common for these problems to emerge in college, which can add immense pressure to an already intense time of life. Many people who struggle with these issues are very functional in other ways, and work hard to hide their pain. You may be used to solving problems on your own, and you might ask yourself "What's wrong with me? Why can't I fix this" when your usual strategies haven't helped. In our work together, I can help you understand why you keep getting stuck, and find a way to break free. My clients with OCD are smart, conscientious people who want to do the right thing. The things that they fear feel like very real possibilities to them, and they feel like it would be irresponsible to just ignore them. They want someone to tell them that everything is going to be okay, but when someone says that, they have a hard time believing it. They might go back and forth between feeling like other people are in denial about the terrible things that can happen in life, and feeling angry with themselves for not being able to stop spiraling. My treatment approach to OCD is very sensitive to these aspects of OCD. We don’t put energy into determining probabilities or disputing whether or not something is possible. Instead, we help you learn to trust in your own ability to distinguish between real world problems that deserve your time and attention, and OCD created problems that don’t need to be (and can’t be) solved because they are based on a believable, but false story. Once you feel confident that you can tell the difference between these two kinds of problems, you won’t feel the need to seek reassurance or do compulsions. People with specific phobias spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid the thing that they fear. They are often very creative at finding work-arounds! At the same time, they might also feel limited by their phobias, and wish to seek help. Unfortunately, they might also have an impression that therapy will be like a sadistic game show, where they are forced to come into contact with something terribly frightening. This is not the case! Therapy for phobias is all about education and increasing your sense of self-efficacy and self-acceptance. We go at your pace, with the goal of helping you live your life freely. When you have insomnia, most advice about sleep is not helpful. You probably feel like you know more about sleep than anyone, and yet you still find yourself awake all night and exhausted all day. In therapy, I will listen to you and help you understand why you have been unable to sleep well. Then we will create a plan that actually helps you sleep!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

BODA Therapy offers a new approach for preteens, adolescents, young adults, and families. Rooted in accessibility, engagement, and accountability, we facilitate experiential therapy and coaching through familiar, enjoyable activities that extend beyond traditional hour-long office sessions. We provide a structured accountability program to prevent backsliding and reinforce progress. We also design customized 3-to-5-night retreats in the Catskills, blending immersive outdoor experiences with therapy that is dynamic, meaningful, and often enjoyable. BODA Therapy aims to take clients outdoors, where exposure to nature has been clinically proven to improve mood, enhance concentration, and reduce stress. We strive to make therapy enjoyable while creating a blueprint for maintaining long-term well-being. When therapy becomes enjoyable, clients are more engaged and more invested in their own growth.

Check out our team of therapists here: https://www.downtownpsychological.com/therapists Downtown Psychological Services, P.C. is a full-service psychotherapy practice located in Manhattan. We offer both virtual and in-person individual, couples, and group therapy to adults seeking support and self-understanding to facilitate personally meaningful goals. We practice a personalized form of psychotherapy that combines the latest research and theory with the collective wisdom of generations of therapists. Broad and deep knowledge helps us tailor the goals and treatment process to each person's individual needs. A highly-influential therapist and writer named Dr. Rollo May once remarked that, “people are running (from problems) not because they are afraid, but afraid because they are running.” Committing to a process of personal growth and exploration takes courage and effort. Wellness is about enhancing and finding your strengths, your creativity, and the joy in everyday life. We strive to enhance the positive and meaningful aspects of your life, while developing new capacities for mitigating the discomfort that led you to seek help.

As an MHC-LP, I help adults age 18+ navigate anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. My mission is to help you identify and utilize your inherent strengths, taking a collaborative, empowering, and empathetic approach that builds an authentic relationship where you feel seen, heard, and respected. If you’re interested in working with a supportive, humanistic, and eclectic therapist focused on your healing and growth, please reach out today. You deserve authenticity and unconditional positive regards that promote safety and healing. I am dedicated to ensuring just that by providing expectations of a warm and nonjudgmental environment tailored to your unique needs and goals. Care may include Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you achieve those goals by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during our work together. My passion for therapy began with my own personal experience in counseling. Through my work with my individual therapist, I came to understand therapy as a tool to help people transform their lives. This experience showed me firsthand the value of providing supportive care and positive regard to patients who may struggle to view themselves kindly. In my care now, I remain committed to that value, bringing genuine compassion and authenticity to each session. When I’m not seeing patients, I love to unwind by sitting down with a good book, playing the piano, and spending time with my adorable cat, Finn.

Hi! My name is Alicia, and I want to meet you. Yes, you! College can be intense. You're away from home with the pressure to succeed and do well, but there's also dealing with roommates, parties, and being around people who resemble aliens. You know, they just don't get you and you've never encountered anyone quite like them before. On top of this, you may be the first in your family to go to college. You can't admit to them that it's hard. They had all their hopes and dreams riding on you. So where to go? Come to therapy! Yes, therapy. It may be your first time talking to someone, but I promise it helps to tell someone what you're thinking and what you're feeling. College doesn't have to be scary, and you don't have to go through it alone. We can figure it out together. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with many college students, especially those who identify as first-gen and/or veterans. Therapy with me is conversational. In sessions, you can speak freely. I'm not into judging. That would probably make me a lousy therapist. I offer thoughtful reflection and point out patterns in your behavior that may not be the most helpful, and then we problem-solve and strategize solutions to help get you feeling better. I can also teach you skills to help when your emotions feel overwhelming.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you feel tired pleasing others and ignoring your own needs? Bold Brown Therapy is a culturally informed practice where healing speaks your language. You do not have to explain your culture as you begin your healing journey. I am aware taking the first step is hard and scary, at Bold Brown Therapy I focus on holistic and collaborative care. This is rooted in CBT,DBT,IFS,and EMDR modalities to go below the surface of the presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, body image, intergenerational trauma, people pleasing, and chronic health conditions.

I am a licensed therapist with 15 years experience - I have extensive experience working with young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues (peers + intimate partner relationships), and exploring parts of their identity. My intention is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming therapeutic space. We will identify your strengths and explore strategies that can facilitate the effective changes that you are seeking. I am trained in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I will help you understand your patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. We will reflect on those and identify which habits work and which may no longer serve you. We will work together to identify and develop insightful and practical tools that can help you reach your goals and I will support building self-compassion through this process. I provide individual psychotherapy services for adults and adolescents in New York. I also, offer documentation for gender affirming procedures depending on client need. You made a big step! Reach out to me by email and we can set up a time to talk (I offer free 15 minute consult calls). I take a friendly and warm approach to getting to know you. We will discuss if I could be a good fit for your needs.

Michael is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over five years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in New York. He is especially passionate about supporting clients navigating stress, anxiety, relationships, identity, and major life transitions—common during college and early adulthood. As a Latino clinician who is fluent in Spanish, he understands how stigma around mental health can make it difficult to take that first step. Michael focuses on creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself. He takes a warm, collaborative approach, helping clients gain clarity, build insight, and work through challenges at their own pace. His approach is flexible and tailored to each individual, drawing from person-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you’ve been unsure about starting therapy, it can help to begin with just one session and see how it feels.

Hi, I’m Jess Benston (she/they), a licensed art therapist, certified gestalt therapist, and clinical supervisor with over 17 years of experience supporting teens and adults through anxiety, depression, burnout, and identity exploration. Using a combination of relational talk therapy and arts-based processing, I work with folks to make shifts in how they understand themselves and how they move through the world. Sessions are held either remotely or in-person at my fully stocked Brooklyn studio/office. If you are feeling lost, burnt out, or just "off", I welcome you to reach out.

I’m Shreeja Vachhani, LMSW, a psychotherapist at Transcendent Self Therapy. To learn more about what it's like working with me in a clinical capacity, please explore my work at: https://shreejavachhani.com/ To learn more about Transcendent Self, please explore: https://ts-therapy.com/

Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task — developing a connection with someone is vulnerable and challenging, but it can be well worth it. I am committed to equipping and empowering my clients with the necessary tools to effectively understand and manage their mental health. In my work with teens and adults, my number one priority is creating a comfortable, person-centered, and safely challenging environment where you can move at your own pace and trust that you will be met with understanding, support, and respect. I provide a trauma-informed, empathetic space to explore difficult prior experiences, without rush or judgment. I am especially passionate about anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, and queer and trans community work. As a proud member of the queer community myself, I understand the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in the therapeutic space. While I am formally trained in ERP, ACT, and LGBTQ+ centered CBT, I am adaptable in my treatment style and I believe that supporting client needs and fostering the therapeutic relationship is key. To learn more about my practice and treatment style, please feel free to send me an email or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Healing and growth can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling the weight of past experiences or facing challenges in your relationship, we offer a warm, welcoming space where you can be honest about what you’re carrying and feel fully supported. We focus on what matters most—the moments that spark insight, the conversations that feel necessary but tough, and the steps that help you move forward. Together, we will process what has been difficult, nurture your connection with yourself, and deepen your bond with the people who matter most.