Therapists for college students near Duke University

I am constantly inspired by people who have the strength, courage, and motivation to open themselves to a shift in perspective. Those who take a fresh look at the things impacting their lives. My role is to listen, empathize, challenge, and offer suggestions or alternatives to help you build a more robust set of tools to assist in your journey. Through this collaborative process, we will navigate those obstacles together. Sometimes having someone in your corner to help open new doors can make all the difference.

I have always had a calling for helping others, and I am so grateful to have found the career path of clinical social work. I was inspired to become a therapist after I met with a therapist after my father passed away when I was a young girl. I know first-hand how scary it can be to share your story, but trust me having an un-biased, non-judgmental, listening ear can go a long way. I have gained valuable skills working in various settings, including non-profit work, public health, research, and inpatient hospitalization. My experiences have allowed me to work with people of all ages, across diverse backgrounds, and on the individual, family, and group level. I work with individuals aged 12 and up, couples, and families. Prior to joining Wake Counseling & Mediation, I worked with adults who have chronic health conditions using my training in Lifestyle Medicine, a holistic approach to preventing disease through nutrition, exercise, and self-care habits. I additionally have worked closely with the gender diverse population by addressing anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria, creating a support group, and engaging in research to better gender affirming care. I also have clinical experience in counseling pregnant & postpartum women, their children and families. Depending on your needs, I utilize a variety of modalities including Solutions-Focused, Psychodynamic, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. I prefer to use a multicultural, person-centered, and strengths-based lens in all situations. No matter the setting or population, I provide a passionate and caring approach for patients to work through all of life’s challenges, whether that be chronic illness, major life transitions, mental health concerns including anxiety, depression trauma, and sexual or gender identity journey. As a counselor, I am here to listen, partner with you, and offer support for you to overcome obstacles, meet your goals, and ultimately live your best life possible.

Are you trying to keep up with classes, deadlines, work, relationships, and family expectations while quietly feeling like you are falling apart? Maybe you cannot turn your thoughts off. You keep procrastinating, missing assignments, losing motivation, or feeling anxious about your future. Maybe your romantic relationship has taken a turn and it has you feeling down or unlike yourself. You may look fine to everyone else, but inside you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, lonely, or unsure of yourself. College is supposed to be exciting, but right now it may feel like too much. I’m Teinesha Smallwood, LCSW, owner of Whispers of Serenity Counseling and Consulting PLLC. I provide online therapy for college students and young adults throughout North Carolina. I help students work through anxiety, depression, academic stress, burnout, trauma, grief, relationship problems, family conflict, low self esteem, difficult life changes, and more. Therapy with me is not about being judged, lectured, or expected to have everything figured out. It is a space where you can be honest about what is really happening. Together, we can work on calming your thoughts, managing stress, setting boundaries, rebuilding confidence, and finding practical ways to feel more in control of your life. Virtual sessions make it easier to receive support without traveling or adding another task to your schedule. Whether you are struggling to adjust to college, questioning your direction, or simply tired of pretending you are okay, you do not have to handle it alone. **Schedule a free 15 minute consultation. You don’t have to do college or life alone.**

Hey there! I'm passionate about supporting teens and young adults as they rediscover joy, peace, and connection through life-giving attunement and fun. I also love collaborating with caregivers and family to support my clients' best. My approach to counseling is a balance of warmth and confidence in helping clients reach their goals, improve communication, and create sustainable, meaningful change. Healing doesn’t have to be heavy to be impactful. There's a lot of life and fun possible in counseling, so let's find it together! During our first session we'll get to know each other and see if we're a good fit. If not, then I'd love to help you find someone who is.

I specialize in overthinking, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Clients who come to me often struggle with feeling “enough.". They often feel an imbalance in their lives and are quick to sacrifice self-care for others or in the face of stress. They feel their emotions strongly and sometimes feel controlled by them, leaving them often emotionally and physically drained. My clients are ready to create change in their lives and feel more peace of mind.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to the belief that connection - to ourselves, each other, and the natural world - is the catalyst for true transformation. While I welcome individuals at any stage of life's journey, I am especially passionate about supporting young adults, women, and those navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism. My approach is rooted in meeting you exactly where you are to foster healing, growth, and meaningful change.

Hey, I’m Ambrosia Spaulding, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and strength-based interventions, customizing therapy to each individual with tailored treatment plans that align with your unique needs and preferences. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship challenges, cope with addictions, and overcome depression, fostering growth and healing every step of the way. I typically work with young adults, adults, and seniors, and I also have experience supporting teens. I am most comfortable treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship challenges. My goal is to provide compassionate care tailored to each individual, helping clients navigate life’s complexities and find clarity, strength, and healing.

Life can feel overwhelming at times — but you don’t have to face it alone. At Intentional Purpose Counseling PLLC, we create a safe, nonjudgmental space to help you unpack life’s challenges, rediscover your strengths, and cultivate calm, confidence, and connection in your daily life. We are currently accepting self-pay clients (with a sliding scale available for those who qualify) and in-network with BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. You can also find and schedule with us conveniently through Headway.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren Chase, founder of Climbing Hills Counseling. I help high-achieving women boost their self-esteem, overcome anxiety and self-doubt, and unlock their full potential. Come sit down on your favorite chair, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s talk about the pressure you’ve been carrying, including the constant juggling of work, parenting, relationships, and everything in between. Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities can be so exhausting! Whether you're joining between meetings or during naptime, we’ll work together to quiet the self-doubt and ease the anxiety. Let’s help you feel more like yourself again. As a fellow beautifully anxious person, I understand what it’s like to live in constant survival mode, always anticipating the next challenge and struggling to enjoy your achievements because it’s hard to feel “good enough.” Let’s work together to quiet that anxiety, stop the people-pleasing, and silence that bully in your head telling you that you’re just not “enough.” You can overcome your challenges and reconnect with your true self. Sometimes, though, we all need a little guidance and a push up the hill to get there. By understanding the “how” and “why” behind our behaviors, we can become brave enough to break free from old patterns and start creating a life that feels more aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I believe therapy should feel approachable, empowering, and rooted in authenticity. Come as you are, messy, tired, driven, unsure. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Together, we’ll create a space where you’re fully seen and supported while you work toward the goals you’ve carried for too long.

Hello, and welcome. I'm Avianna Marcelin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work from Winthrop University and take an eclectic approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs and goals. I enjoy working with folks from all walks of life who may experience depression, anxiety, or have a history of trauma. My goal is to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where you feel supported as you work toward greater well-being and personal growth.

How can therapy with us help you shine? At Solace Counseling & Consulting, we believe in your inherent worth and value, no matter how you show up. We’re dedicated to helping you find comfort in whatever it is you’re going through and master the skills to face distress that may arise in your life. Our group of thoroughly trained clinicians are passionate about working with women and individuals who come from diverse backgrounds, are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or are suffering from mental illness to provide an accepting space without judgement or stigma. We want you to feel comfortable enough to come to us for help breaking through negative thinking patterns, learning how to set healthy boundaries, and bringing joy back into your life. Long story short, we’re here to help you reclaim your magic.

Life in your teen and early adult years is overwhelming. Figuring out who you are, fielding all the expectations, managing unknowns about the future, and putting yourself out there socially are all demanding your time and energy. It's a lot. Maybe you’re about to give up, feeling ready to stop being disappointed in yourself, or feeling that this is just how life is, and you need to cope however you can. You've done all the things you thought you were supposed to, and it doesn’t seem like it’s enough. You don’t have to keep pushing through. A meaningful, joyful life is possible for you, too. I work with teens, young adults, and their families to address the “never enough,” “what’s wrong with me,” or “why did this happen to me?” In our work, we will slow down and process the beliefs and patterns that no longer serve you while learning behaviors that support the person you are becoming. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet direct. Teen years and young adulthood are hard enough; you don't have to figure it out on your own. Together, we will work through the self-doubt, feelings of hopelessness, and the sense of isolation so that you can be your unique self—truly seen and valued. Strong and confident.

Jessica Baker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and an advanced candidate in the Clinical Doctoral program at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. With specialized training in psychodynamic and relational counseling from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, trauma-informed modalities of CBT and DBT from the Justice Resource Institute, and addiction counseling from UMass Memorial Hospital, she is interested in providing compassionate care to better understand the sources of emotional distress within the here and now. She is licensed in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. She has virtual appointments available, regardless of diagnosis.

Hey there! Congrats on taking this step in your healing journey. You are always worth the investment! Maybe you just started college and this is your first time away from home and you’re kind of freaking out. Or maybe you’ve been at this for a while but the stress is building up and you don’t feel like yourself. Perhaps that person you’re dating is causing you stress and you’re trying to figure out if it’s worth staying with them. Whatever challenges may be thrown your way, I am here to support you and help you on your healing journey. College is crazy stressful, life is hard, and sometimes things just are downright challenging. Good news is you don’t have to do this alone. I am here and ready to support you however is best.

Come to terms with the past & change your life for the better. Whether the issue is depression, anxiety, failed relationships, work/school stress, or just life in general, we can help you sort it out. Working together, we will clarify goals, identify your strengths/challenges, and customize a strategy for lasting change. Don't let ongoing problems and unproductive approaches keep you from the life you envision & deserve!

As a trauma-informed therapist, I'm committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals, couples, and families. My approach combines a blend of empathy, humor, and energy to create a safe and engaging therapeutic environment. Drawing from systems theory and evidence-based modalities such as ACT, I tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs and goals, empowering you to develop the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and build healthier connections.

Welcome to my profile! I am a therapist who specializes in providing support for clients with trauma and neurodiversity. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive, and I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space for my clients to do just that. I enjoy working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions. I believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity, and I am committed to helping my clients leverage their unique strengths and abilities to achieve their goals. My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic experiencing. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them identify their goals for therapy and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Whether you are struggling with the effects of trauma or navigating life as a neurodivergent individual, I am here to offer support, guidance, and compassion. My goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship that allows you to explore your experiences, identify your strengths, and move forward with greater resilience and confidence. If you are interested in learning more about my approach to therapy or scheduling a consultation, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Being a human is a difficult job! But you're doing it. Together we can find ways to make it feel a little easier. If you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the day to day, or have little support or people to turn to therapy is a great option. I'm here as an impartial ear to listen, problem solve and support. I offer a safe and accepting space for you to process whatever it is that's going on right now. I think of myself as a collaborator, ready to meet you wherever you're at within your process. Although I specialize in DBT, I use multiple approaches in order to best support your needs within a session. I have a background working in social justice initiatives and utilize an anti-oppresive lens that is an inclusive and safe space for all identities. I know that finding the right therapist is vulnerable work that requires persistence and tenacity and I am honored to be considered. ​Please feel free to reach out to see if I'm the right fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

The college experience can be both amazing and stressful. Sometimes you might need someone to talk to, someone who won’t judge you or take away your independence. If you are looking for a new perspective on old challenges or a helping hand with new struggles, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Cat Salemi (they/them) is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA) who provides counseling services to adults (18+) in North Carolina via telehealth. As an autistic therapist & ADHDer, Cat is especially passionate about helping other neurodivergent folks, and uses a non-pathologizing and neurodiversity-based approach. Cat is experienced in treating clients struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and OCD, among other concerns. Cat identifies as nonbinary and is a proud part of the LGBTQIA+ community. They are kink-affirming, polyamorous-allied, use a Health At Every Size (HAES) informed approach, and are committed to anti-racist practice.