Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

We are a small private practice dedicated to supporting college students through life’s challenges. While we work with a wide range of concerns, we specialize in trauma, sexual assault, anxiety, and relationship issues. Our therapists provide a warm, flexible, and nonjudgmental space where you can process your experiences, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. Whether you're struggling with past trauma, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or navigating complex relationships, we’re here to help.

I have been in practice for over 25 years, helping young adults navigate the challenging and exciting college years. I help young adults with anxiety, body image, stress management, peer conflicts, depression and academic success. I identify unhelpful thinking patterns, teach effective ways to regulate difficult emotions, and encourage healthy behaviors.

I specialize in working with clients from the ages of 14 to adulthood, who are inquisitive, self-aware, and deeply motivated to understand themselves better, improve their relationships, move into a place of self-respect/love, and develop adaptive ways of coping, communicating, and problem-solving. I have worked for many years with children, teens, adults, and families dealing with trauma and change and searching for authenticity, often in a world that values the superficial. Therapy is a process of seeking meaning, managing change, letting go of what no longer makes sense for who we are and what we want, healing, and growing. I am most suited to help clients dealing with loss, prior childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity (in all its manifestations), divorce, self-esteem, grief, and emotional regulation. The goals are different for everyone, yet I believe that we all want to feel more balanced, more joyful, and more healthfully connected with others. As a psychologist with 25 years of post-doctoral experience, I’ve been exposed to various modalities, settings, and clients dealing with differing issues, life changes, and developmental expectations. I’ve also found that my professional practice has evolved as I’ve matured, raised children, and survived losses and challenges. We are in this together.

At Truth Center for Health and Healing we've learned the importance of the connection with ourselves and the relationships around us. Often times, feelings of depression, anxiety, and difficulties within relationships are triggered from previous experiences/ traumas that cause us to be “stuck” in unhealthy patterns of living. We believe in connecting with each client through exploring their current living patterns that have them in unhealthy relationships, making poor decisions and/or struggling to maintain daily living. We work collaboratively with clients to empower them to create new patterns in their relationships and in life to get “unstuck”. We believe once you have been able to explore your past relationships/traumas, you will be able to begin healing from past hurts, connect more with your authentic self and feel empowered to work towards improving your current and future relationships.

College can be exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Adjusting to a new environment, navigating friendships, balancing classes, work, and social life—it’s a lot to manage. Being away from family or support systems can bring up feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness that are hard to handle on your own. Therapy can help. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you and find real, sustainable ways to manage the stress, anxiety, or challenges you're facing. You’ll gain tools to cope with the pressures of student life, uncover what’s really behind your struggles, and start to feel more grounded and confident. This is your space to talk openly, be your full self, and feel heard—without judgment. Whether you're feeling stuck, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, support is here for you.

Tired of feeling fine one moment and spiraling the next? Exhausted by the chaos overthinking and anxiety create in your mind? Maybe the constant buzzing, self-doubt, and physical tension are keeping you from truly living—and part of you wonders if therapy would even help. I get it… I’ve been there. It’s completely normal to start therapy unsure of what to expect. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you can slow down, catch your breath, and move at your own pace. Together, we’ll focus on practical tools to help calm your nervous system, quiet your mind, and help you feel more like yourself again. You bring your story, goals, and experiences—and I'll bring guidance, insight, and understanding. Together, we’ll get you moving toward a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you. With nearly 20 years of experience, a deep understanding of my specialties, and evidence-based tools tailored to you, I’m here to help you find the peace you deserve. You are warmly invited to call, email, or visit my website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I’ll be here, ready to listen, ready to guide, and 110% committed to helping you achieve the life you deserve.

I am a therapist who approaches each person from a holistic perspective. You are unique, and therefore my approach to working with you is, as well. I use a combination of behavior based therapies to work with people struggling with Trichotillomania and Excoriation disorders. Mindfulness techniques are a useful part of the therapy process, and are included in all the tools you can use to reach your goals. Cognitive behavior therapy, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention are some of the techniques that lead to the most positive outcomes, in the ares I practice. I am trained in EMDR, which is a therapy I use in treating people trying to recover from PTSD, and other Traumas.

Our practice works primarily with young adults who find themselves struggling in relationships, dealing with anxiety, stress, and general life transitions. Our therapists are all licensed- some offer in person sessions in our Bryn Mawr office and all offer telehealth sessions. We are in network with most insurance companies (Aetna, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, and Optum/United Health Care).

Kristen is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor working her way toward independent licensure. She enjoys working with individuals ages 6 to 60 across an array of mental health diagnoses and areas of concern, whether in individual or family contexts. She adopts an integrated approach to her therapeutic style, pulling from several evidenced-based models of counseling, largely utilizing elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its derivatives as well as Psychodynamic and Humanistic theoretical models. Through this, she recognizes the need for and ensures that each client and/or family has a tailored plan to address their concerns and achieve their goals. Kristen is also motivated to specialize further in trauma-focused care, especially for individuals struggling to cope with grief, ADHD, and Autism. In her free time, she loves engaging creatively by painting, drawing, and making jewelry; and spending time with friends and loved ones including her cat Monroe.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am honored to provide Pittsburgh with quality mental health services. I truly believe that people have the capacity to change, grow, and achieve their full potential within the context of a supportive environment. This belief fuels my work as a therapist. I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and received my Masters in Social Work from New York University. I help adults with trauma histories & adverse childhood experiences, college students who are overwhelmed, and I provide relationship support for those of us who keep playing out toxic patterns.

Valerie believes that everyone should be given an opportunity and have someone listen to them regardless of age, race, status, circumstances, etc. This sets her apart from others because just simply listening and caring, can make someone feel validated and respected. This approach completely changes one’s day or perspective and that means the world to Valerie. We all struggle from time to time, whether it be feeling anxious or depressed, struggling with core issues, and traumas. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these issues and learn more about ourselves in the process. As a therapist Valerie focus on individuals, families, and child/adolescent therapy. Together we can explore core issues of trauma, mood disorders, suicidality, depression, anxiety, negative behaviors, addictive behaviors, grief and loss, stage of life change, emotional regulation, co-parenting, attachment, family structure, and other life transitions.

Ellie Mental Health is not your average provider. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We have an incredible group of therapists who are encouraged to be unique and creative while offering customized care.

Danica Flinchbaugh, MA, NCC, LAPC has several years of experience working with clients under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor. She currently works with individuals, ages 18+ seeking help for anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma/grief, emotional dysregulation/mood instability along with relationship challenges, life transitions, chronic pain and health complications. Danica uses a person-centered approach to therapy along with interventions such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships. She uses her skills and training to provide a safe space where she can work collaboratively with you to find clarity, understanding and peace in your life. In her down time, she enjoy spending time outside in nature, exploring new places along with traveling and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Kim is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has several years of experience working with diverse clientele ages 9-60, offering support for complex PTSD, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, couples and family counseling, cultural identity, religious harm, and substance use recovery among others. She utilizes an evidence-based, eclectic (pulls from different modalities) approach to therapy, grounded in trauma sensitive care, that is also client-centered and strengths-based. She has received training in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and has obtained a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Counseling certification. Kim’s favorite pastime is a rainy day with a good book. She also enjoys outdoor walks, good food, and trips to the beach. Her favorite animal is the panda.

I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.

The Center for Hope and Health is a private group practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, anxiety disorders, perfectionism, and trauma/PTSD. We use evidence-based interventions to promote lasting change, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention, CBT-Enhanced for eating disorders, Prolonged Exposure, and Habit-Reversal Training. We also frequently incorporate strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to promote coping skills and values-based living. Our aim is to provide effective, research-backed treatment delivered in a human and practical way. Our style is direct, supportive, and rooted in the belief that therapy should increase your self-efficacy. Whether we’re targeting anxiety, body image distress, OCD, or a mix, we will meet you with warmth and an evidence-based approach to help you lead the life you want to live!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Desiree (she/her/hers) is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science from the University of Richmond. She continued her education at Wake Forest University where she earned her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition to her career as a counselor, Desiree is a mother (and bonus mom!) to five wonderful boys who have inspired her to be a mental health advocate for our next generation of leaders. Desiree has experience providing school-based and outpatient therapy services to children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, childhood trauma, life transitions, and also providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals. Desiree also has experience working with student athletes of various ages and skill levels in youth sports who are struggling with performance anxieties, positive self-talk, and self-actualization. She believes that each person has the potential to change, and counseling is a safe space where an individual can learn how to tap into that potential. Desiree believes in meeting her clients where they are and utilizing a person-centered, strength-based approach while incorporating cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients effectively achieve their long-term goals.

Jeffrey is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology who is passionate about supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. He works with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, stress, autism, and relationship difficulties. Jeffrey also provides couples and family counseling, as well as play therapy for younger clients. He takes an individualized, compassionate approach, drawing from CBT, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies, and integrates Bowenian, Structural, and Strategic family therapy techniques. Jeffrey is DIRFloortime–trained and creates a warm, collaborative space for meaningful growth. In his free time, Jeffrey likes to play tennis and pickleball, run, play guitar and violin, read, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends.

Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression? Maybe you are experiencing family conflict or perhaps you are dealing with grief or loss. I have specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)- an approach that offers concrete tools you can use to cultivate greater happiness, reduce anxiety, resolve conflict and navigate challenges in more effective ways. I have broad experience working with university students creating a safe and supportive environment where we focus not only on evidence-based methods, but also on identifying and harnessing your strengths to manifest positive change