Therapists for college students near Duke University

Deborah knows that everything heals. One of her favorite quotes continues, “Your heart heals. The mind heals. Wounds heal. Your happiness is always going to come back. Bad times don’t last” (Unknown). As a provider, Deborah offers her clients support, guidance and encouragement to help them find the internal cognitive resources needed to increase their resiliency against life’s difficulties. She encourages her clients to begin their work together with an open mind and a readiness to explore different solutions to their challenges. Since childhood, she has had a passion for helping others and, today, loves it when her patients learn to feel empowered and more positive about themselves and their lives. With an empathetic, conversational approach, Deborah explores behaviors, solutions and goals with her patients. She draws from numerous modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused (brief) therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Since her clients are often dealing with complex issues, she pulls from multiple approaches in order to address everyone’s needs.

Welcome. I am Dr. Christiane Speed. I am a licensed psychologist in CA and NC. I have been practicing for over 12 years and possess extensive experience working with college and university students both in CA and NC. I enjoy helping students regain a sense of control and empowerment over their life struggles so that they can engage and enjoy life more fully and create a healthier academic and personal life balance. A major part of therapy involves helping students adapt to student life, balance school and personal life. Students come to see for help with how to communicate effectively in relationships, and to learn practical coping skills for stress and time management. We work on identifying and managing procrastination, increasing motivation and goal directed activities and setting very clear, realistic, achievable goals and having a growth mindset. Other areas of work might include managing and resolving interpersonal problems, setting healthy emotional, physical and personal boundaries, improving family, friendship and romantic relationships and overall functioning. My areas of specialty include anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, imposter syndrome, OCD, social anxiety, specific phobia), complex stress and life struggles, depression , grief and loss. I take a flexible and individualized approach to treatment and integrate effective techniques from different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. To gain a more holistic understanding, treatment also addresses how cultural, family, medical, physical, social, societal and spiritual factors interact with each client's unique life struggles. My main focus is getting to know each of my client's unique life experiences, difficulties and needs so that I can tailor therapy to best suit what will work best for that client. If you feel that we would be a good fit working together, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to the potential of working with you.

We offer outpatient behavioral health services in Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany Counties, which includes support for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, stress, insomnia, support through life transitions, and more. All insurances are welcome, as well as self-pay with sliding scale fees and flexible billing agreements. As an integrated service alongside primary care, we aim to provide whole-person care and prioritize seeing clients who already see us for primary care or are interested in becoming a new patient with us. Even if you don't, we're still happy to connect and see if we can help! Please see website link for a referral form. After you complete this form, a member of our team will respond within 3-5 business days.

I work with adolescents and adults that feel overwhelmed, nervous, stuck, worried, or stressed with situations, big and small. We will work through those situations and feeling to identify themes to help you feel more comfortable addressing future situations. Therapy is about progress and growth where you will feel heard and understood. I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is crucial to the therapeutic process. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist with a commitment to social justice and diversity. I value and seek to uplift all intersecting identities you may hold. No ofrezco terapia en español, pero puedo comunicarme con los miembros de la familia del cliente.

You came to college with a plan. Maybe you're the first in your family to be here, or the one everyone back home is counting on. You're supposed to have it together. But instead you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and quietly wondering if you even belong here. The pressure to perform is relentless. The anxiety before exams, presentations, or even just speaking up in class. The feeling that everyone else got a manual you never received. You push harder, achieve more, and still feel empty or behind. And underneath all of that hustle, there are older, heavier things: childhood wounds, family expectations, generational patterns, anger, and the grief of watching violence hit people who look like you, love like you, pray like you. That's not weakness. That's not a disorder. That's a lot to carry, and you've been carrying it alone for too long. This is a space for college students who are done pretending they're fine. Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, depression, burnout, a hard time fitting in, or just a deep sense of not being enough, you don't have to keep grinding through it. Using body and mind approaches, we work with how stress and trauma live in your nervous system, not just your thoughts. We also dig into the stories you tell yourself, where they came from, and whether they're actually yours to carry. We work with college students across North Carolina and specialize in multicultural counseling for BIPOC individuals, first and second generation immigrants, and people from SWANA (South West Asian and North African) communities, including Arabs, North Africans, and people from the Gulf region. We understand what it means to navigate life between worlds, and we meet you exactly where you are. You've carried enough alone. Reach out for a free consultation. We'd love to meet you.

Counseling is like creating a work of art. It can be messy, beautiful, and transformative, but overall, it is a collaboration between client and therapist. I believe that you are the expert on your life and as such use a person-centered approach leaning into a balance of body, mind, and emotion. Doing so allows me to work with you to identify and reach specific goals, which assist in achieving well-being for emotional, physical and mental health. I enjoy working with a wide array of cultures and lifestyles. I currently offer telehealth sessions and see persons of all ages and backgrounds. I am trained in child and adolescent trauma, adult trauma, EMDR, human sexuality, grief, and somatic therapy, amongst other areas. I have a special focus in women’s trauma, adverse childhood experiences and military trauma, utilizing somatic modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

My approach is one of empathy and compassion where I will hold space for all of your emotions while you navigate through difficult life events. My counseling style is warm, nurturing, and person-centered and I use interventions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - helping you work toward acceptance and awareness of the full range of your emotions, thoughts, and sensations in order to better understand yourself. Some of the specific issues I address include eating disorders, self-image, body-image dissatisfaction, life transitions, and anxiety/depression. I have experience working with those in recovery from eating disorders, with a focus on binge-eating and emotional eating, and body-image issues. I believe that through a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can begin to make decisions with clarity. During our work together, we will work on developing a better understanding of your values, in order to live a life with more purpose and meaning.

Your story is uniquely your own—your therapy should be too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, you’re in the right place. I provide personalized trauma and PTSD recovery treatment that honors your lived experience and meets you exactly where you are, as well as a space for healing, growth, and emotional wellness whether you’re: -Carrying the weight of past trauma or PTSD that still impacts your day-to-day life -Feeling drained by burnout or chronic stress, like you’re running on empty -Struggling with anxiety or depression that makes even small tasks feel heavy -Navigating a major life transition such as a breakup or divorce, career change, relocation, or identity shift where you are feeling unsteady and need support -Grieving a loss or coping with traumatic grief that feels impossible to put into words -Wanting a supportive space to explore women’s issues, including boundaries, identity, self-worth, or empowerment -Looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming care where all parts of who you are are fully respected and welcomed Your healing deserves a space that feels safe, steady, and thoughtfully tailored to you. I will walk alongside you as a trusted guide, helping you make sense of what’s happened, reconnect with your strengths, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you. You don’t have to navigate any of this alone. Contact me to book a free consultation and let’s take the first step together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I provide individual and family therapy to adolescents & young adults (ages 13-30). I treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, family conflict, mild substance use disorders, and oppositional defiant disorder. I have found tremendous success in working with resistant clients and the resulting family conflicts.

I am adept at treating much of the human condition because my training is existential-humanistic. My approach is holistic, client-centered, and tailored to the specific place you are in the world. I will help you move to your place of purpose and meaning, as well as evoke your innate healing ability. I do not think there is an ideal client, but there is an ideal relationship that we establish together. I ensure that you feel attended to, heard and seen in the way you wish to be. You deserve stellar care. Visit or call for free 15 minute consultation. As a yoga instructor, I will draw (if you wish) from ancient healing techniques and practices; this includes breath work, mindfulness, meditation and philosophical teachings. As a specialist in primary care behavioral health, I am able to focus your treatment comprehensively, integrating your physical and mental well-being. No matter your ailment, I will provide you with focused, dedicated, experienced, and compassionate care. You will feel relief on your first visit, and after some time working together, you can expect tremendous growth and healing. This goes for individuals, couples, and groups.

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Are you feeling stuck in your life? Unsure of how to change things for the better? Are you struggling with perfectionism, self-esteem, anxiety, adjusting to new or difficult life experiences? It can be overwhelming and isolating when you’re struggling emotionally. If you can relate to these experiences, there is hope. As a therapist I have to come to understand my clients needs and believe in the following: you can increase Self-acceptance, create positive change through your own Wisdom and begin to heal with the support of an Authentic and Nurturing therapeutic relationship. S.W.A.N. is more than just a name.

Many of the people we work with are thoughtful, caring, and capable individuals who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, self-doubt, identity questions, or feeling overwhelmed by the expectations they place on themselves. Some students come to therapy because they’re facing a specific challenge. Others simply want a better understanding of themselves and why they think, feel, or react the way they do. Whether you’re navigating college life, relationships, family dynamics, career decisions, or personal growth, we aim to provide a space that feels supportive, thoughtful, and genuine. Our approach combines practical tools with deeper self-reflection, helping you build insight, develop healthier patterns, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to create.

College brings a lot—stress, pressure, tough emotions, and sometimes habits you’re not proud of. I support students navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, and self‑esteem challenges. We’ll focus on what matters most to you and help you feel more balanced and confident. You don’t have to show up perfect or know exactly what you want to say—just come as you are. If you’re curious about getting support, I’m here to help you take the next step.

Present. Calm. Centered. Your authentic YOU. These are the things you may be longing for yet sometimes feel out of reach. Life can bring about storms and seasons of hardship that leave their mark on our human spirits. Sometimes we can find our center, yet other times we may feel lost in the seas of emotions - worries and anxieties that sweep us from our connections to ourselves and those we care about. Maybe you experienced painful moments in your youth or adult life that you just can’t find a way to shake. Or maybe you find yourself caught in certain patterns of responses despite knowing you value interacting with yourself or others differently. Maybe you hope to gain more confidence in yourself to follow your dreams. I am deeply honored to explore these thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you, so that you can draw new connections to live the life you want to lead. I work with adult individuals (18 years and up) and have experience with a variety of different presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and addictions. I offer a nurturing person-centered approach where I believe you are truly the expert in your own life. My aim is to use my professional training to collaborate with you on reaching your goals. I use a variety of counseling approaches including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, CBT and brainspotting. With this, I often interweave somatic/body based awareness, emotional attunement and cognitive aspects into the work we engage in together. I also recognize the decision to choose to start counseling can be a vulnerable and difficult one. I believe a strong therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect for supporting therapy outcomes (research supports this too!). I aim to create an environment with elements of empathy, non-judgment, compassion and humor. And if you wind up finding my therapeutic style is not the best fit for your needs, I am glad to support you in getting connected with another therapist.

Daya Mental Health and Wellness provides treatment for a diverse range of behavioral health concerns. Our team specializes in providing a personalized approach to care, designed to decrease the impact of symptoms on daily life and to increase independence by using therapy and medication management.

I believe there is no true beginning or end to Healing, working on ourselves, or trying to have forward motion in our lives (but that it DOES get better!), so any entry point into counseling as a tool in those processes is the right one. /"This is heart work, and you can't think your way around this; you've gotta feel your way through it." / /"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind."/ The therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. I will ask you to face hard things in our work together, so I expect of myself that same call for transparency and authenticity- I do my best to live out Brene Brown's concept of "getting in the arena" with you. I also try to instill hope and light (I know I sure need it); we will also laugh! Healing requires both grit and softness. This work is such an honor, and it has become built into the fiber of my being. Please come as you are- I hope you can trust yourself to take the next step, no matter how many steps have already been taken or how many you feel have yet to be taken.

Hello! My name is Payton Austin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a special focus on supporting college students. The college years can be an exhilarating time of discovery, growth, and forging lifelong friendships. Simultaneously, it's also a period of significant transition, adjustments, and challenges that can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to stress. Understanding that the mental and emotional well-being of students is just as vital as academic achievements, my primary mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express, explore, and work through any feelings or challenges you're facing. Whether it's stress from coursework, relationship dynamics, navigating personal identity, or facing anxieties about the future, I'm here to support and guide you. Collaboratively, we'll work towards understanding the root causes of any distress or concern, and develop strategies and coping mechanisms that resonate with you. My therapeutic approach is integrative, pulling from cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies, tailored to suit your unique needs and strengths. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm honored to be a part of yours. Let's take this journey together, ensuring that your college experience is not just about surviving, but truly thriving. Looking forward to our time together! Warmly, Payton Austin, MA, NCC, LCMHCA

In-person and virtual counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Specialties include LGBTQIA+ Issues, Relationships, Trauma, Religious Issues, Grief, and others. Clinicians at Trinitas Services practice the Nurture Play Structure Model of Therapy.