Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with college students, adults, and couples. I specialize in treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and coping with life stressors. I am a cognitive-behavioral therapist and my goal is to help clients develop strategies to make meaningful change in their lives. Goals for therapy could include better understanding your thoughts and emotions, learning to practice healthy ways of coping, processing traumatic events, increasing self-esteem and self-compassion, improving emotion regulation, and improving relationships with boundaries and assertive communication. I have extensive experience working with clients using short-term, evidence-based treatments. I also enjoy working with longer-term clients who want to focus on increasing self-awareness, identifying your values, and achieving personal growth. Therapy is a collaborative flexible process tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I use a strengths-based approach. I received my undergraduate degree from Brown University and my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Binghamton University (SUNY). I am a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD and I have served as a consultant for the National Center for PTSD training program.

I believe in the inherent worth of everyone and that people genuinely do the best they can. We all experience joys and sorrows that can impact our daily functioning. Sometimes these experiences can make us feel "stuck," but we have the power to choose how we respond. Since learning never ends, we will discuss improving your self-awareness and build your "tool box" with strategies to empower you in everyday life. A caring atmosphere will be provided to help you discover your strengths, show yourself compassion, and to find balance in your life. I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and ages. Together, we'll build a tool box, so that you're better able to deal with situations that may cause discomfort. An eclectic and solution-focused approach to counseling is used. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness approaches are used as well. As we work together, we'll discuss ways to help improve your quality of life. I enjoy helping adults dealing with mental health changes, students with disabilities, individuals struggling with transitional issues (e.g. new diagnoses, elderly parents, veganism), career counseling, grief, pet loss, and how nutrition impacts mental health. If you are interested in learning what openings are available, please call 412-354-0636 Thank you, Megan

Serenity Counseling, LLC, was created to provide competent psychological counseling while maintaining the utmost confidentiality, respecting the various cultural differences between clients and practicing ethically and responsibly. Serenity Counseling provides an objective, non-judgmental atmosphere where clients will be validated, empowered and encouraged. Serenity Counseling LLC consists of professional therapists, licensed in the State of Pennsylvania and Certified by National Boards. Serenity Counseling features support for a variety of stressors

The clinicians of Spiegel Freedman Psychological Associates provide outpatient psychotherapeutic care to the people of the greater Pittsburgh area. We are committed to excellence and strive to provide our community with the highest quality of psychological services. We combine professional expertise with personal compassion in our therapeutic care. Our diverse staff and associates offer psychological evaluation and care for children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples and families. In our collective expertise and collaborative efforts, we provide psychological care for those who are struggling with: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Marital Issues, Family Conflict, Sleep Disturbance, Grief and Loss, Abuse Issues, Chronic Illness, Dementia, Gender Identity Issues, Women's Issues, Men's Issues. We strive toward a comprehensive treatment team approach. With your consent, we collaborate our efforts with our own group, your family doctor, your child's school, and if indicated, psychiatrists and other specialists. However, we place your privacy first and are committed to maintaining your confidentiality.

I believe each of us has deep intuition, wisdom and knows what we need in order to heal; I will help you clear that path to healing. Making peace with the changes in our lives and finding acceptance can be extremely challenging. I would be honored to be present with you as you navigate this experience. I work well with individuals who are motivated and ready to transform by providing practical, research based tools and interventions that can help alleviate symptoms like stress, anxiety, sadness or irritability. I often encourage clients to continue our work outside of the therapy hour to expedite progress. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan in various settings including outpatient, home, school, community mental health, and crisis support. I help clients understand thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, blending somatic approaches, mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques to repair the body-mind connection and facilitate healing. Known for my calm, grounding presence, I bring authenticity, humor, and intuition into my work. Drawing on my knowledge as a Reiki Master and yoga teacher, I incorporate holistic practices such as relaxation, breathwork, and embodiment. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with lived experience managing the chronic pain of endometriosis, I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding to my work. I believe in the inherent dignity and worth that each of us carries and in our innate capacity for healing.

I believe in using a holistic, strength based approach that builds on your current assets to help you achieve your goals. I work collaboratively with you to focus on individual whole health, which includes identifying your aspirations and emphasizing empowerment and self care. I have experience creating a safe and warm environment in which to incorporate evidenced based interventions and coping strategies to help improve focus and manage anxiety, grief, and depression. I also utilize expressive arts to help identify unique, creative approaches to help you improve the quality of your life. My background includes over 25 years of experience in community and school based mental health settings with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Art Therapist.

Alyssa Kline is a mental health therapist working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor at PKO Counseling Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She supports clients facing a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, life transitions, social conflicts, and executive functioning difficulties. Alyssa has experience working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and young adults. She has provided mindfulness-based therapy and social coaching to transition-aged neurodivergent clients at a vocational school. Additionally, she worked at summer camps and elementary schools offering support and individualized accommodations for children. She also has experience working within college athletic departments, helping student-athletes meet their academic and personal goals. She uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach and often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Behavioral techniques. Alyssa’s goal is to help you find your voice, feel empowered, and create desired change. Alyssa strives to foster a welcoming and safe environment and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Alyssa believes that having support during life’s ups and downs is essential and she will work with you to build confidence and develop the necessary tools for growth.

I'm a psychotherapist and licensed psychologist specializing in trauma, body image, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. I strive to cultivate a safe and open environment to explore each client’s experience with curiosity and compassion. I support each client’s goals and desire for meaningful change through a collaborative and nonjudgmental approach. With clients, I will strive to work towards genuine growth and self-understanding about the past and present, while strengthening relationships and navigating difficult feelings. I bring my authentic self into each session and will continue to encourage you to be you. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a vehicle for healing and I invite honest feedback about our work together. I'm attentive to the nuances of identity and committed to integrating a social justice approach. Therapy can be a process of healing and transformation with challenging moments along the way. I'm interested in joining you on this process and working through moments together. Prior to Forward Wellness, I was a staff therapist at CaPS at Carnegie Mellon University.

Core Clarity Co offers PA telehealth therapy sessions where raw truths meet radical healing. Here, there is no such thing as sugarcoating, judgement, or TMI.

If you are struggling to get up in the morning, overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety, or have feelings of general dissatisfaction with your life, then I'd like to offer you relief. The number one most reliable predictor of a positive outcome to therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. I am an experienced therapist with a warm and dedicated approach to developing a collaborative and working relationship with you.

My training and orientation are mainly psychodynamic, but I utilize multiple theories and techniques, including mindfulness, family systems, as well as my background in cultural anthropology. I mainly work with grief, stress, anxiety, trauma, immigration and relocation, relationships, as well as LGBTQ+ and couples/family issues.

I see one of the most important roles as a therapist to be putting in the work to earn someone’s trust and walking beside them as an accomplice on their path towards growth. I don’t believe that people are “broken” or “need to be fixed”, but rather that somewhere within every person lies the capacity to generate change. I believe this change begins by finding someone trustworthy to support them through this process. And—that being kinder and gentler towards ourselves goes a long way to building the foundation for this change to occur. My experiences span across 15 years, with the scope of my direct work supporting clients in their exploration of gender expression/transition, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss and more- all within Allegheny County. I am also happy to provide evaluations and letters for Gender Affirming surgeries, Green Card Status, and Emotional Support Animals. The world is an often hard place to be, and my goal is to create a space for softness to occur. To not only listen but to hear and understand. To respect through accountability. To address struggles through processing and also through action leading to systemic change.

Trying to find a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling classes, jobs, friendships, and figuring out your next steps. Who We Work Best With: Students Just Like You The students who thrive most in our practice often share a few things in common. They are typically high-achieving, thoughtful, and determined, but right now, they're feeling overwhelmed and stuck. They are excellent at pushing through difficult situations but realize that the old methods of "just toughing it out" aren't working anymore. You might be a great fit for us if you are experiencing any of the following: The "Burnout Beast": You're running on empty. You feel anxious every Sunday night, your motivation is low, and you constantly feel like you should be doing more, even when you're exhausted. You're ready to stop stressing and start enjoying your college years. The Social Maze: You're struggling to make real connections, dealing with roommate conflicts, or navigating a difficult dating scene. You want your relationships to feel supportive, not draining. The Future Fog: You're feeling pressure about your major, your career path, or even just whether you're where you're "supposed" to be. You need help quieting the noise so you can figure out what you truly want. The New Normal: You're struggling to adjust to a new semester, a move away from home, or even life after graduation. Change is hard, and you need a steady, non-judgmental place to process it. We specialize in working with college and graduate students to manage anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and life transitions. Our goal isn't just to help you survive campus life—it's to help you genuinely thrive. We provide practical strategies, emotional support, and the clarity you need to move forward, all without the confusing jargon.

Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. She has over 25 years of experience in providing mental health counseling to adults, couples and families. Barbara provides individual, family and couples counseling that specializes in mental health counseling. Areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, life transition issues, conflict resolution, stress management, loss & bereavement issues, self-esteem issues, emotional regulation issues, and communication issues. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs. Barbara utilizes treatment modalities such as: Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy and Developmental Psychology. In addition, Barbara is also a certified addiction and co-occurring disorders therapist.

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!

At Roots, we prioritize delivering evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual needs. Counseling tends to be short-term, goal-oriented and focused on specific issues or concerns, while therapy is often long-term, explores underlying issues and patterns. Our team of experienced therapists are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that empowers clients on their journey to mental wellness. Along the way we will provide you with the tools and resources to support success that is long term. We welcome you to contact us via phone or email to setup an initial consultation to determine if we will be a good fit.

Marybeth Kennedy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in outpatient psychotherapy with children, teens, and college-age young adults. She has practiced in the field of mental health since 1984 in a variety of settings, including foster care, schools, group homes, and in the pediatric hospital setting. Her areas of expertise include working with patients with adjustment problems, mood disorders, ADHD, and chronic medical illnesses. She focuses particularly on children and teens with anxiety. Ms. Kennedy incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, anger management training, relaxation training, mindfulness interventions, and individualized psychotherapy in her outpatient practice. Ms. Kennedy has provided consultation to schools that specialize in serving students with behavior disorders by advising teachers and administrators in best practice behavioral interventions in the school setting and in the development and implementation of school-wide behavior management systems. She has been an adjunct faculty at several colleges in the Pittsburgh area, teaching courses in psychology. She has also been a guest lecturer in the special education department at the University of Pittsburgh, addressing behavioral interventions for classroom management. Ms. Kennedy earned her master’s degrees in psychology and social work. She is an alum of West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Home-School Visitor certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.