Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA
My experience includes 20+ years as at Carnegie Mellon University's Counseling Center and 6 years at Persad Center. The work I do focuses on helping folks understand themselves and feel understood. Working together, we change help you work with difficult emotions,change patterns that cause distress, and nurture a meaningful life, as you define it.
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.
Are you stressed out and overwhelmed? Feeling frozen by the pressure that comes with college, either academically or socially? Feeling like you're always people-pleasing and not being true to yourself? You're not alone. College can be one of the most exciting and confusing times in one's life, from navigating new identities and relationships to intense academic pressure to the looming questions of "What's next?" and "Where do I go from here?" At HeART Felt Therapy, we specialize in gently and creatively treating the symptoms that come from all of these pressures - including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our approach is supportive and non-judgmental. If traditional talk therapy hasn't felt quite right, you might find that art therapy gives you a new way to express yourself (no artistic skill required!) that is gentle, intuitive, and healing. We understand how much pressure you're under. Together, we can unpack anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and anything else that's weighing on you - in a space that actually feels safe and supportive. Whether your'e trying to find your voice, heal from burnout, or just need someone who gets it, we're here for you. Not sure we'd be a good fit? Check out our Insta and TikTok pages to get the vibe! @heart_felt_therapy
As a licensed psychologist, I work with adults and adolescents seeking personal growth and change through psychotherapy. Areas of focus within my practice include anxiety, depression, college student mental health, graduate student mental health, career planning and change, partner relationship concerns, grief and loss, life-long and acquired disability issues, and adjustment to life changes such as medical diagnoses, traumatic brain injury, relationship loss, school transition and death of a loved one. I work extensively with undergraduate students with academic and mental health concerns. Academic stress, choice of major, career direction and planning, time management, motivational difficulties, underachievement, disability adaptation needs, and relationship/family issues are common concerns brought to therapy by college-aged students. Having a safe, reliable space to explore concerns and develop solutions can enhance well-being, satisfaction and success. The academic and research responsibilities of graduate programs can be challenging to juggle. In addition, graduates school can often be an isolating time for many students. Motivation, goal clarification, stress management, school-life balance, relationships, financial concerns, and post-graduate career exploration and planning are among the many challenges graduate students face in their academic lives. Work with graduate students is an integral part of my practice.
Rachel Porterfield is a licensed clinical social worker who provides psychotherapeutic care to adults of all ages. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with a variety of challenges, including anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief and loss, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Rachel helps others to share their intimate thoughts and feelings while guiding them to learn new skills that will encourage them to develop healthy life changes openly and collaboratively. Rachel has been extensively trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches/models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Rachel has worked in outpatient dual diagnosed programs, hospitals, and primary care offices. Rachel received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a certification in mental health.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I am pleased that you are here. I know it is not easy to take this first step, but I want you to know first and foremost, that I take great care and pride in creating a safe place for my clients to talk about their internal conflicts, interpersonal problems, traumas, and whatever is interfering with living a fuller, richer life. I bring to my clinical practice a great deal of skills coupled with passion to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I invite clients to increase their self-awareness while aspiring to high levels of wellness: biologically, psychologically, relationally, sexually and spiritually. I offer a safe space free of judgment, filled with compassion and kindness towards your own process. My theoretical orientation to counseling is rooted in humanistic theories with underlying existentialism and phenomenological philosophies. I firmly believe in the therapeutic alliance and its curative power, in addition to striving to look at all situations from a sex positive, non-shaming, and non-judgmental lens.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I provide individual therapy to those who want to enjoy life and get to know themselves better in the process. Through my experience, I have learned the value of an interactive and collaborative environment to best support my client’s growth and development. I take a client-centered and strength-based approach to treatment. I utilize various therapeutic interventions based on the individual client’s needs and interests. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play, art, music, and writing.
Hello! Searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming task. I am hoping to make this a bit easier for you. I currently have availability on Tuesdays during day the day (9:30-3:30). Telehealth sessions are offered to accommodate your needs. I hope to help you in building coping skills and to challenge difficult thoughts and patterns you may find yourself experiencing. My objectives are to individualize your care, help you to develop and work towards your long-term goals, and also process through the general difficulties that every day life presents.
If you feel like you’re stuck in limbo—waiting for your "real life" to start while constantly getting in your own way—you are exactly where you need to be. Life transitions, relationships, and past events can be complicated. We all have those patterns—the ones where we know we're self-sabotaging, but we do it anyway. Whether it’s messy relationships, past stuff that keeps popping up, or the overwhelming stress of being a young adult in a chaotic world, you don't have to piece it together alone. Some days you might need a roadmap and direct advice; other days, you just need a safe space to sit with the big, scary questions. If you’re looking for a mix of humor, directness, and a partner to help you navigate, let's talk. I specialize in helping people explore the "in-between" stages of life and processing the heavy stuff that holds them back. LGBTQ+ affirming and provide gender affirming care letters. New openings available for June 2026! Stop overthinking it and take the first step. Self Schedule a FREE 15 min consult by clicking my website link!
(Under Development)
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, AWPA is an insurance-accepting psychological practice with two convenient locations in Squirrel Hill (2345 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15217) and the South Hills (927 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226). Telehealth appointments are also available, allowing clients to receive care from anywhere. AWPA provides the quality, attentiveness, and personalized care often associated with high-end self-pay practices. Our services are delivered by licensed psychologists who are directly involved in treatment, rather than through a rotating corporate model. We offer individualized, evidence-based care and take the time to understand each client’s goals, experiences, and life context. Our therapists work with individuals from all walks of life and support clients through a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life-transition concerns. For individuals in need of a low-cost therapy option, AWPA also offers reduced-rate, sliding-scale services. Session fees range from $35–$95, based on the client’s ability to pay. These services are provided via telehealth by highly qualified doctoral trainees enrolled in an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program, under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists within our practice.
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.
Do you struggle with self esteem, decision making, or just life in general? Are you ready to make a change? Often times our experiences can/have shape(d) who we’ve become. You may be in need of support and that’s ok. Congratulations to you for taking the first step in seeking support. My mission is to help make a difference in the lives of others one day at a time. As a certified Compassion Fatigue counselor, I can assist with emotional exhaustion. Life experiences can often leave us drained, stressed and or overwhelmed. Are you one who has always been there for others in their time of need? Who helps you? Do you have a healthy support system? The helper often gets neglected because they’re busy assisting others which can lead to Compassion Fatigue. Let me assist you.
I am here to help you with struggles related to depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, stress, peer and relationships issues, family related stressors, and regulating mood instability. I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings, including in clients homes and inpatient facilities. I use these past experiences to meet my clients where they are, understand their unique perspective, and form a meaningful relationship with them in which they feel heard and understood. My primary treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, MI, and narrative therapy. Meaning, I use practices science has shown to be effective, to help clients harness their motivation to change their thoughts and behaviors, improve their relationship skills, and reach their goals. My hope is that clients view themselves as empowered agents of change in their life. I'm dedicated to helping my clients discover their strengths and potential, fostering a sense of well-being and empowerment. I believe in my clients' inherent resilience and potential for growth. I'm here to provide the support and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and create a more fulfilling life.
My therapeutic approach is humanistic and combines creative expression with elements of traditional counseling. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and day-to-day life stressors and transitions, as well as children and adolescents living with chronic pain and illness. My other experience involves individual, group, and familial support in medical, residential, and educational settings. I aim to provide a calm, relaxing, and inviting environment.
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.
As a licensed psychologist, I can help you cope with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. I also specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether in exploring one’s identity, navigating coming out, considering or actively transitioning, relationship and sexual concerns, coping with queerphobia, or looking for connections. I do my best to be genuine, respectful, and honest with my clients so together, we can create a collaborative relationship that allows for vulnerability. I approach therapy from a relational-existential perspective, also drawing on feminist psychology and trauma-informed practice. In therapy with me, I will help you understand your relationship patterns and empower you to make autonomous, well thought-out decisions in your life, as well as get relief from your symptoms and generally cope better. Coming from a somatic and trauma-informed background means I deeply appreciate the ways our bodies carry the potential for healing within psychotherapy. As a queer transgender person, I am thankful to be able to give back to my community as an “out” therapist. I believe it is also important to take care of my own well-being, since I’m a person too! I do so by spending time with loved ones, exploring natural spaces, reading, baking, and gardening.
At times, people need a safe and supportive environment to express their thoughts and feelings. Counseling is an opportunity for people to gain awareness, acceptance, insight, and identify tools for relaxation and problem-solving. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Hi! I'm from Pittsburgh and proud to be practicing in my home town. Therapy ranges from directive to less structured approaches. Directive approaches involve identifying a specific problem and starting interventions including skill building for the client. Less directive therapy involves self exploration and understanding our symptoms in an interpersonal context. These two approaches can be combined, tailored to the client. The client's responsibility is committing to therapy, and showing up weekly at the designated time, and engaging in the process. While the therapist is an expert in psychology, the client is an expect in themselves and is ultimately the source of change and improvement. I see myself as a guide, helping the client see things they may have missed or avoided, and making connections that wouldn't otherwise be obvious. The process is collaborative and frequently rewarding.