Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

You didn’t ask for this—whether it’s a major life change, a new mental health diagnosis, or that frustrating sense of being stuck in the same loop over and over. You may be navigating something unfamiliar: a shift in your identity, a change in your relationships, or a diagnosis that’s left you overwhelmed, confused, or doubting yourself. Maybe you’ve noticed patterns that no longer serve you but haven’t been able to break free from them. You want to feel in control again—or maybe for the first time. And while you might hate what you’re feeling right now, some part of you is ready to figure it out. That’s where I come in. Our work together is collaborative. I’ll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and care—helping you connect the dots, challenge stuck narratives, and build something new. We’ll explore how past experiences might be shaping the present, how your diagnosis fits into the bigger picture, and what tools will actually help you feel more like you again. My clients are open to the therapy process, even when it's hard. They want clarity, relief, and a sense of mastery over their mental health—not just symptom relief, but true understanding. If you’re ready to start, reach out. We can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get there—together.

I have significant experience addressing mind/body issues, physical health-related issues, stress and coping with academic, family, relationship, personal and work-related issues. My approach is client-centered and I utilize evidence-based interventions that are appropriate for the individual client's presenting issues. I am trained in CBT to address depression, anxiety, panic disorder, etc., Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based approaches to stress management; Interpersonal psychotherapy, to name a few evidence-base practices that I offer.

Mark Thomas, PhD, DBSM, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist who is passionate about improving patients' sleep. Dr. Thomas earned his doctoral in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his clinical internship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He received specialized behavioral sleep medicine training and experience during his postdoctoral fellowship at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, where he addressed a wide range of sleep issues in Veterans. He is the founder of Restore Sleep Health, a telehealth private practice offering evidence-based therapy to adults with sleep disorders. Dr. Thomas’ clinical work is focused on the treatment of sleep issues including insomnia, PAP adherence, circadian rhythm disorders, and nightmares.

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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.

Everyone has a unique story. Feeling safe and comfortable in therapy to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions is essential to the therapeutic process. I understand that the decision to choose a therapist can be a daunting task and the first step into treatment requires a lot of courage. For the past 20 years I have specialized in working with people who have been impacted by complex trauma and loss. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, distorted self-image, and a sense of disconnect with self, their environment, and others are often the byproducts of trauma that I see my clients experiencing. Within my practice, I focus on creating an environment in which everyone feels safe, accepted, and empowered to explore and express what they want to express and how they feel comfortable expressing it. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I consider myself an eclectic therapist who is client-focused, strength-based, and humanistic. I utilize aspects of Gestalt and Mindfulness in my treatment.

I founded Tranquil Trails with a vision to create a therapeutic space where young adults entering the "real" world feel safe to bring their whole selves into the room—without fear of judgment or dismissal, using unconditional positive regard and holistic therapy that encompass an individual and does not place people into boxes or make assumptions. I believe that when we as therapists approach our work with the vulnerability, compassion, and transparency of our humanness, we invite our clients to do the same. At Tranquil Trails, we specialize in working with youth and adults—as they navigate the ebbs and flows of transitional age, complicated by economic hardship, daily reminders of systemic oppression, access to violent videos occurring in real time across the world, AI and misinformation, fear of rights being taken away or have been, frequent complicated family histories with psychosocial stressors daily. And on top of that many of our clients are in college, graduate school, medical school or pursuing an academic career. We invite our clients into the process of collaborative treatment planning, using their own words to create positive and achievable goals. We notice when something is different and we highlight it. We teach them that to see the positives in oneself is to go against the grain of all we have been taught as members of the system. Overachieve, don’t rest, never stop producing, never slow down. We are missing out on life, and the ability to sit with emotions. The ability to notice any positive emotions at all. Our vision at Tranquil Trails is to create a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive community where individuals feel empowered to take charge of their mental health journey. We aim to foster a world where mental health struggles are not only normalized but seen as a trait of humanness, and where healing, personal growth, and resilience are accessible to all. We envision a future where every client, regardless of background or limitations, has the tools, support, and confidence to craft a life that works for them. Through authenticity, collaboration, and evidence-based care, we strive to break the stigma around mental health and create lasting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

My practice offers both in person and virtual appointments, making it more convenient for your scheduling needs. My background has been working with college aged young adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, and career counseling/ vocational planning. It can be uncomfortable to start therapy but I want you to acknowledge you have already made the first step, so you are already making progress!

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Hello, I'm Rebecca Taylor, Psy.D., a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Pittsburgh and providing services across Pennsylvania. I have over 15 years of experience working with students at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and Purdue University. I enjoy working with graduate and non-traditional students who: ~ are going through life transitions, like starting graduate school or preparing for what comes after graduation ~ want support for decision-making around career/academic focus ~ want to figure out how to have healthy, satisfying relationships with family, friends, and/or a partner ~ are interested in interfaith/interracial dialog, the acculturation process, and multicultural concerns ~ cope with a health problem, disability, or a body-focused repetitive behavior (like skin picking, hair pulling, or other BFRB) ~ are learning intuitive eating and ways to care for their physical body ~ want support for grief and loss ~ feel anxious, depressed, or stressed out ~ have panic and/or anxiety symptoms Together, we’ll explore what matters to you the most and address your concerns. In this process, you can decide if and what changes you want to make. And you can do it at a pace and in ways that fit you best. My clients describe me as warm, respectful, and able to tailor therapy to their unique circumstances. My relationship centered integrated approach combines: ~ Humanistic/Person-Centered ~ Gestalt, Mindfulness, and Mind-Body ~ Experiential and Expressive Therapies ~ Empirically-Supported/Research-Based Treatments ~ CBT--Cognitive Behavior Therapy ~ DBT--Dialectical Behavior Therapy ~ ComB--Comprehensive Behavior Therapy and Habit Rehearsal Training for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) ~ EMDR--Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ~ Other approaches as indicated, like motivational interviewing and the transtheoretical approach to change. One of the things that characterizes my work as a psychologist is that I am also a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR). I know first-hand what it takes to go back to school and change careers. After studying and working as an occupational therapist for several years, I decided to expand my skills and expertise by becoming a psychologist. My varied professional experiences share some commonalities and have allowed me to develop my interest in listening, understanding people, being present and mindful, seeing people from a holistic perspective, and exploring what gives meaning to life. While I don’t know the specific challenges you are facing, I know first-hand some of the pressures that face graduate students, traditional, and non-traditional students. I’d be curious to hear what you are facing. I would like to offer you a free phone consultation so that we can determine if we are a good therapeutic match. You can contact me by phone or email to set up a time to speak. I make every effort to protect your privacy. Therefore, please let me know if I can identify myself as “Rebecca” and if it is okay to leave a voicemail if necessary.

Hi. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 25 years of experience. I specialize in supporting college students during times of change, challenges, losses, or mental health symptoms. I strive to help students better understand and navigate their experiences and make meaningful changes. I support self-compassion, perspective taking, discovery, and skill development. I’m flexible in my approach, and believe in personalizing scientifically proven methods to best fit your needs. I also can help you clarify, or confirm a diagnosis (i.e., label), of your mental health experiences. As an Interpersonal Therapist (IPT), my approach is a great fit for college students, who often face major transitions and challenges during school and emerging adulthood. For some students, we also focus on building healthy daily routines. Life changes can throw off routines, especially things like sleep schedules, which can worsen mental health symptoms. I help students create routines that support their well-being.

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I help my clients get results fast. Therapy isn't a complicated process. We meet, we talk about the expectations of therapy, identify specific treatment goals and map out a plan. Our work takes place in the boundaries of a safe, corrective emotional relationship. I put patients’ feelings into words, focus on symptom management and reduce their impact on personal and professional lives. I've been practicing as a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker for over 15 years. I use a CBT/ Solution Focused approach in helping patients reduce anxiety and elevate and stabilize depressed mood. I help people move toward wellness in a safe, non-judgemental space. Therapy works. It is about growth and evolution, and I've observed that there is great joy in embracing positive new behaviors based on this collaborative approach. I look forward to working with you via telehealth or in-person in our Squirrel Hill office.

The Counseling Center provides compassionate and professional outpatient counseling to anyone seeking support for life's many challenges. Our team of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists are ready to help you work through issues such as trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, family/partner conflict, anger, life transitions, and loss and grief. We serve clients of nearly all ages and backgrounds. Our practice consists of a diverse group of licensed clinicians who have experience with a wide variety of treatment modalities and professional backgrounds. Treatment can be provided in-person, via telehealth, or via a hybrid option. We serve individuals, couples, or families. Allow us to support you on your journey towards healing and improving your mental health and wellness. We don't ask "What's wrong?" but rather "What happened? And how can we help?" Come to the Counseling Center to experience professional care in a confidential, non-judgmental, and supportive setting.

My passion is to work with individuals, families and couples experiencing emotional or behavioral barriers in their life. I work predominantly with adults, offering individual, couples and family therapy. With the use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I assist clients in making necessary behavioral changes. Together we will work to modify thought processes and apply behavioral changes that facilitate lasting change in your life. I am committed to bringing healing, growth and wholeness to clients. My specialty is working with clients who struggle with depression, sense of self, anxiety, grief and loss. I use a mindfulness approach in treatment to help clients focus in the here and now. I focus on the present moment as part of treatment, without neglecting the past and future, but mindfully approaching both.

College can feel like a lot to carry. Classes, relationships, expectations, and trying to figure out what comes next. You might look like you’re handling things on the outside, but inside feel overwhelmed, stuck, exhausted, or unsure of yourself. You may notice the same patterns showing up in relationships or feel like you’re falling behind. You are not alone, this is a very common experience. Therapy is a place to sort through what’s going on and understand why things feel this way. With over 20 years of experience, I work with students navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, academic challenges and family and relationship challenges. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly, make sense of your experiences, and start to feel steadier and more confident. Together, we’ll work on building healthier boundaries, finding clarity, and helping you move forward in a way that feels right for you. If you’d like to connect, email is the best way to reach me. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or trauma you may feel stuck in cycles that once helped you cope but now feel overwhelming, isolating, or out of control. I specialize in supporting individuals healing from eating disorders and attachment-related trauma. Disordered eating often develops as a way to cope. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion while building safer, more sustainable ways to cope. I hold advanced training in eating disorder treatment, am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS), and am fully trained in EMDR to help process trauma at the root, not just manage symptoms. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or trauma you may feel stuck in cycles that once helped you cope but now feel overwhelming, isolating, or out of control. I specialize in supporting individuals healing from eating disorders and attachment-related trauma. Disordered eating often develops as a way to cope. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion while building safer, more sustainable ways to cope. I hold advanced training in eating disorder treatment, am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS), and am fully trained in EMDR to help process trauma at the root, not just manage symptoms. My approach is person-centered, relational, and attachment-focused. I integrate EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, parts work, and polyvagal-informed interventions to support both emotional healing and nervous system regulation. My practice is inclusive, anti-diet, and aligned with Health at Every Size (HAES), providing affirming care for all bodies. It makes sense if part of you feels hesitant to reach out. Healing often begins in the very places that feel most vulnerable. If you’re longing for a space where you can feel understood, supported, and not judged, I invite you to connect. We can take this at a pace that feels safe for you.

Sometimes life feels overwhelming — stress, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges can leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. Therapy can help you understand why you feel this way and explore new paths toward change. Often, what seems like the “problem” on the surface is connected to something deeper. Together, we’ll work to uncover and understand these underlying patterns so that meaningful change can happen. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and help you create more satisfying relationships and a life that feels aligned with your goals.

My name is Avory Billman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Strong Foundations. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adults through trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. My concentration includes providing affirming care to LGBTQIA and neurodivergent individuals. I am licensed in PA and hold additional certification in trauma therapy.