Therapists for college students near Philadelphia, PA

Welcome! Your courage to work towards a better you is commendable. When starting out in therapy, our focus will be on developing a therapeutic relationship based on trust. I approach sessions with empathy and compassion in a nonjudgmental space where you may ask yourself, "What do I want from this experience?" I can support you through addressing current/past hurt and be present with you as emotions come up. I will be with you as you explore the internalized narratives that influence your functioning and wellbeing. I believe therapy should be an empowering process, in which your strengths are highlighted. I consider multicultural systems and identities in my framework for treating adolescent and adult clients within the contexts that matter most to them. I have specialized interests in serving college and graduate students; multiracial/multiethnic identifying clients; clients who identify as racial minorities; LGBTQIA+ clients and women. Prior to transitioning to private practice, I worked as a counselor at Immaculata University's Counseling Center. During my time there, I supported students in navigating the college experience and its nuances. This included, but was not limited to, supporting students experiencing homesickness; supporting first generation college students; supporting students' challenges with perfectionism; supporting students navigating identity development; supporting students of color in navigating a predominantly white campus; supporting students with time management; supporting neurodivergent students; supporting seniors in navigating anxiety around graduation etc.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more. I offer a warm, empathic, non-judgmental and collaborative treatment approach. My philosophy is that using psychotherapy, coping skills, and healthy lifestyle choices combined with psychiatric medications often result in the best treatment outcomes. Offering HIPAA-compliant virtual Telehealth Psychiatric appointments for patients located in PA and NJ. Our practice does not have admitting privileges at local hospitals, and therefore, if a patient is high risk for self-harm, is acutely suicidal or needing crisis intervention, has a history of inpatient psychiatric admissions, suicide attempts, or psychosis, we may recommend providers with additional emergency resources outside of our practice.

I work with people who are interested in improving their relationships with one another. 

Therapy is a place where partners can learn how to disrupt old patterns and start experiencing the pleasure of interacting in new ways. The work involves talking, examining the obstacles to talking, and using what happens in sessions as a way to understand what goes on outside of therapy. It also involves bringing creativity to the problems at hand and trying things differently. 

 I like to create a space with ample opportunity for collaboration as we address the issues that present. Most of all, I strive to provide a safe environment where each individual can explore anything about themselves in their relationships. 

 If you're interested in enhancing the communication and understanding in your relationship, therapy may be right for you. I offer 50-minute and 75-minute sessions in-person and online. Therapy is a significant investment; if you're curious whether therapy could help, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a free phone or video consultation.

People often seek therapy to resolve past experiences and life complexities and the decision to enter therapy may carry feelings of ambivalence and uncertainty. I believe that therapy is most effective when persons are offered an environment that is inviting, collaborative, affirming, and safe. Subsequently, my goal is to provide a challenging, but non-judgmental and encouraging atmosphere for persons to explore concerns and difficulties as a means of achieving desired change. I have been trained in psychodynamic and gestalt therapy and trauma and attachment theory and I integrate these theoretical constructs to understand the uniqueness of each person. Further, I include harm reduction, cultural, strengths perspective, and social justice lenses to recognize each person's lived experience. In end, I have an extensive history working with persons of queer and trans/GNC experience and specific interest in working with complex trauma, substance misuse and addiction, attachment, and grief/loss. I offer an informed perspective when working with persons in polyamorous relationships and/or the kink community.

Life is complicated enough. Starting therapy doesn't need to be. I offer state-of-the-art evidence-based treatment for insomnia, depression, obsessive, compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders. I offer personalized, evidence-based treatment delivered with compassion. I welcome and affirm clients of all backgrounds and identities in my practice.

I know firsthand how powerful and healing therapy can be, as well as how frustrating and painful it sometimes is. I believe therapy is a co-created relationship that enables us to reckon with ourselves, therefore making possible the change we want to see in our lives. My style is human — I’m not a neutral observer or blank slate, I am an engaged, deeply caring person. I share what I think honestly and with humility. My therapeutic approach is integrative. I work primarily from a psychodynamic lens, and am internal family systems-informed. Clients have described me as caring, calm, and “bad at having a poker face.” To that end, I share what I think honestly and with humility. In my practice, I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, relationship issues, and want to work through life transitions, and boundary setting. I help my clients develop tools, communicate more effectively, clarify their needs, unlearn old unhelpful beliefs about themselves, and get unstuck from painful patterns. Together we will look at your past to understand what you’re still hanging onto that you’d like to let go of. I can help you understand links between the past and present, while also helping you develop skills for coping and emotional regulation as you engage in therapy.

Many of the students and young adults we work best with are in the middle of a transition. They may have just moved away from home, started college or graduate school, begun a new job, or are trying to figure out who they are outside of their family. On the outside, it can look like they’re “doing fine.” On the inside, they often feel anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid of making the wrong choices. You might relate if you’re struggling with independence — wanting space from your family but also feeling pulled back by guilt or expectations. Maybe you worry about the future, question your decisions constantly, or feel behind compared to everyone else. “Adulting” can feel harder than anyone warned you about. If you’re navigating identity, relationships, pressure to succeed, or fear of what comes next, you’re not alone. We work well with students who are thoughtful, self-aware, and ready to better understand themselves — even if they’re not sure where to start.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. I provide therapy to adults of all ages struggling with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, coping with medical illness, trauma, unsatisfying relationships, low self-esteem, general stress, and other difficulties. College students can be particularly susceptible to these kinds of distress. When you're trying to manage intense coursework and maintain a satisfying social life while also considering what kind of a life you might want to live and the kind of person you want to be, it is not unusual to struggle with feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, and depression. Searching for a therapist can also seem intimidating, particularly during a stressful phase of life; however, it is my goal to ease the process and be of help. Your mental health is important and deserves attention, especially if you are not feeling well. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feel I might be of help. It would be my pleasure to work with you.

Do you have unresolved issues with yourself, in your relationship, or within your family? You are not alone, and you do not need to suffer. My name is Dr. Jesse Smith, and I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationships and more. I will help you heal old wounds, form secure attachments, and develop effective ways of managing your thoughts, feelings, and actions. My promise to you is that I will listen—really listen—to understand your unique background, identity and needs, and employ established therapeutic approaches to help you flourish in the life you want to lead.

As a psychotherapist, I help individuals and couples overcome their emotional problems and cope with tough situations. Through the unique experience of the therapeutic relationship, I can help individuals develop a better understanding of their struggles and what they need to persevere and persist. Psychotherapy provides a safe place for those to communicate their feelings. I utilize an eclectic therapy approach and tailor that to my client’s needs.​​ I am graduate of New York University’s Masters in Social Worker program and have eight years of experience. I have my License in Clinical Social Work. I am also trained in Emotion Focused Therapy and modality utilized in couples therapy. My undergraduate background was in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California Irvine. My experience includes working in community based agencies with a chronic and persistent mentally ill population as well as experience in medical social work. I am skilled in tailoring treatment based on clients’ needs. I have knowledge and awareness of therapeutic processes. I have completed a specialized field-learning program on substance-abuse and co-occurring disorders and have worked with a diverse population of individuals. I see clients in South Jersey and in Philadelphia by appointment.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of who you are or where you belong? You’re not alone. I specialize in working with queer and trans students, those exploring identity and relationships, survivors of trauma, and recovering perfectionists. Therapy with me is about creating a safe, affirming space where you can process your experiences, build self-trust, and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

If you're not feeling like college is exactly what you pictured, - you're overwhelmed by meeting a ton of new people, - finding it harder to be away from home than you expected, - or feeling like you're expected to just know how to "adult", That makes sense! And you're not the only one. It's really difficult to balance all of the competing priorities in college. There's the pressure to do well academically, the constant socializing or feeling isolated away from friends, the emotional shit creeping up on us at 4am... It's a lot. Many of our clients think, "On top of everything else, how am I supposed to know who I am or what I'm doing with my life?" Especially if you're queer or trans, this time can be even more challenging when you don't feel like you have a dedicated space to process what comes up. The truth is, you're not supposed to have all the answers. As you go through figuring it out (and finding more questions) - one step at a time - it might help to have some extra support. Kindred Therapy LLC is an inclusive, affirming psychotherapy practice seeing clients over telehealth in PA and NJ. We support you in accepting all of your parts, healing from trauma, and just overall navigating this weird life. We particularly prioritize space for queer, gender expansive, neurodivergent, and QTBIPOC individuals.

I work best with students who are motivated and thoughtful, but feel stuck—whether that’s struggling to focus, feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, or wondering if ADHD, a learning difference, or anxiety might be part of the picture. I offer neuropsychological evaluations to help students understand how their brain works—clarifying strengths, challenges, and what may be getting in the way of learning or performance. These evaluations are often helpful for students seeking answers, clarity, or documentation for academic supports. I also provide CBT-based therapy, which focuses on practical tools to manage anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and unhelpful thinking patterns. Therapy is active and collaborative, and we work toward concrete changes that make daily life and school feel more manageable. If you’re looking for clearer answers about yourself and support that’s structured, practical, and grounded, I may be a good fit.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

In these *trying times*, you want a therapist who can do more than just talk. Creative arts therapies build us up and give us a light in the darkness when you want to build new skills to cope with difficult feelings, find courage to live a life that aligns with your values, or simply want to use creative expression as a way to explore your emotional landscape. Whether you're tackling changes in your living situation, deciding how to manage relationships with family members whose words and actions are causing pain, or learning new skills to move through periods of big emotions, I create a therapy space dedicated to witnessing and supporting you as we cocreate create a plan to keep you safer and more present in your everyday life. My approach to care is strengths-first and values-driven to promote personal agency and build skills that you can use to be more present and satisfied in your life. Using flexible approaches from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and more, we can focus on short-term goals like handling stress as an adult learner returning to school, building new community when you're away from home for the first time, or exploring a new identity in a safe and curious space. The journey is yours, and I'm here to support you through it. Reach out for a free consultation to see if we’re a good match. I have immediate availability on weekdays and evenings for telehealth sessions for clients located in Pennsylvania. For folks needing lower-rate therapy, sliding scale rates are available. Sometimes, you just need a place to exist without judgement. Sometimes, that “place” is telehealth with Kas Burok.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🍉 ✨ LGBTQIA+ Affirming ✨ Anti-Capitalist ✨ Non- Pathologizing 📍Virtual Sessions As a worker-owned therapy cooperative, we are committed to providing quality trauma-sensitive mental health services, rooted in equity, care, and community. We prioritize the well-being of our clients and members while operating as a democratic, inclusive organization, where all voices are valued and decisions are made collectively. Our mission is to practice person-centered care, reduce harm, and support personal and collective transformation. We seek to do this through sustainable, non-pathologizing, and community-based approaches.

I am a human being learning, like you, how to be here. In a world that can feel overwhelming, I offer space to slow down, understand what you are carrying, and find ways to cope that feel aligned, rooted in care, intention, and honesty. My approach to therapy is collaborative and grounded in curiosity. I support clients in exploring how their experiences shape how they feel, relate, and move through the world.

You feel like you could be doing better and that you have some areas in your life that you could improve in. You want to learn effective strategies and skills, break the cycles you are in, make deep insights, and improve your life and the relationship you have with yourself and others. We will explore your sense of self, relationships, personal aspirations, life stressors, goals and more. We will uncover your patterns of behavior and create a deeper understanding of who you are and what you value. We will talk about the therapy process and make sure I set the stage so that you can understand how I can best support you. My unique combination of three master’s degrees supports my skillset of critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and emotional intelligence. My style can be best described as being supportive, directive, playful, and challenging. I value your time, energy, and money and so I cater our sessions to be most productive, efficient, and supportive for you. I'll help you expand your level of self-awareness, enrich your relationships, and increase your personal growth. Your investment in therapy is an investment in your potential. I'll support you & create a safe space for you to be vulnerable. I appreciate you and promise to respond to your message. Thank you for reading about me, I look forward to meeting you!