Therapists for college students near Duke University

If you're feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, you're not alone. Therapy can help you regain clarity and control—and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. I offer therapy for children (10+), teens, and young adults who are looking for support, growth, and relief from life’s challenges. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, overwhelming emotions, trauma, and stress by providing a safe, supportive space where you can be heard, understood, and empowered. I incorporate evidence-based practices to help clients build real-life tools to manage overwhelming emotions, improve coping skills, and heal from life's challenges. For younger clients, I use techniques to help them express themselves and process feelings in developmentally appropriate ways. Whether you're navigating school pressures, identity exploration, young adult transitions, or just feeling stuck—I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you toward where you want to be. Let’s work together and walk this journey toward healing!

Now welcoming new clients in VA, NC, SC and MA! Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, workplace stress, or a major life transition? Do daily responsibilities feel exhausting or frustrating, leaving you unsure of how to move forward? You're not alone. Many people today are navigating uncertainty and searching for clarity and balance in their lives. With the right support, it's possible to regain a sense of control and well-being. I'm passionate about helping individuals improve their lives in meaningful ways. Whether you're looking to develop coping skills, set healthy boundaries, or feel more grounded, I'm here to support you! I take a person-centered holistic approach, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs and goals. I integrate evidence-based methods including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectal Behavioral therapy, and solution-focused techniques. I help clients build a personalized toolkit to manage symptoms and enhance overall well-being. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, gain clarity, and take steps toward lasting change. Together we'll work to help you feel better and live a more fulfilling, balanced life. Contact me today to begin your journey to healing, growth and becoming your best self!

If you've found your way here, something in you is already reaching toward healing. That takes courage. And I don't take that lightly. Maybe you're the one everyone else leans on. The one who keeps it together at work, at home, in every room that needs you while quietly wondering when someone is going to show up for you. Maybe you've been carrying the weight of trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or simply running on empty for so long that you can't quite remember what full felt like. You don't have to keep doing it alone. I'm Alexandria "Alex" Cooke, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and I created this space specifically for high achieving women, women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, caregivers, and teens 16+ who are ready to stop surviving and start living. I know this world firsthand and I built this practice because I believe the people who spend their lives holding space for others deserve a space of their own. Here, you are not too much. You are not broken. You are not behind. You are a whole person who has been through real things and healing is not only possible for you, it is something you are already moving toward just by being here. No judgment. No pressure. No timeline that isn't yours. You belong here. Let's begin.

Hi, I’m Elaina, a bilingual (Spanish/English), trauma-informed therapist who works virtually with college students navigating anxiety, family stress, cultural identity, and past trauma. I’m here for students who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck trying to manage school, relationships, and expectations, especially first-gen students, students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and those who carry the weight of childhood or generational trauma. You don’t have to sort through it all alone. My approach is gentle, supportive, and empowering. We’ll go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you, whether that’s setting boundaries, healing from the past, or finding your voice. Therapy with me is a space where all parts of you are welcome.

Is worry or anxiety starting to overwhelm you? Are you having difficulty balancing your social life with school and other tasks? College can be a challenging change for many people. I can help you learn better ways to cope and find patterns that make your life a little easier. I provide online video therapy in addition to in person sessions for easy access to fit into your busy schedule. I also specialize in trauma, relationship concerns and substance use. Let's connect to see if I would be a good fit for your needs.

I’m Elena Engle, LMHC, a virtual therapist specializing in EMDR therapy with college students, emerging adult women, and high-achieving individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and identity-related stress. Many of the people I work with are used to holding a great deal together for others while quietly feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves. My approach is warm, thoughtful, and collaborative. I help clients better understand the deeper patterns shaping how they feel, relate, and function while building greater regulation, self-trust, clarity, and resilience. This work is often a strong fit for students and professionals who want support that goes beyond surface-level coping and addresses the underlying experiences affecting their well-being.

I’ve found that the most effective counseling takes a team approach: I am knowledgeable about mental health treatment, but you are the expert on you. We’ll explore your concern together and find a solution you are comfortable with. I do virtual sessions only. Check out more on my website! https://www.michaelburroughsllc.com/

I have over ten years of experience in providing therapy services. I pride myself on providing a safe and non-judgmental space to assist my clients in achieving their goals. Building therapeutic rapport and maintaining engagement are important to me. It helps me understand who you are and ensures that you feel seen as a unique individual. Your perspectives on life are determined by your life experiences. Understanding your unique experiences are important to me. My goal is to partner with you to help you achieve the meaningful and sustainable changes you desire. I primarily use evidenced-based treatment modalities including Cognitive-Based therapy and Solution-focused therapy. I specialize in helping adults and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety, grief, minority stress, LGBTQ issues, internal struggles, and mood disorders to include major depression and bipolar disorders.

I’m Robert G. Engle, LMHC, a virtual therapist specializing in EMDR therapy with student-athletes, college students, and high-performing individuals. I help clients work through performance anxiety, trauma, injury-related stress, fear of failure, burnout, perfectionism, ADHD-related stress, and identity strain. Many of the people I work with are used to performing well on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or under constant pressure internally. My approach is thoughtful, direct, and collaborative. I help clients better understand what is happening beneath the surface while building regulation, resilience, confidence, and clarity under pressure. I am licensed to provide virtual therapy in both North Carolina and Florida, which makes this a strong fit for student-athletes and high-performing students in either state.

I am Anita Daniels, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions specialist. I have a sports counseling certificate from PennWest California in PA. I work with collegiate, professional (including Olympians), and former professional athletes in North Carolina and Florida. I specifically address depression, anxiety, addictions, performance, sleep hygiene, and emotional intelligence. My sessions are virtual; however, I occasionally meet athletes in person particularly when I'm in close proximity. I look forward to supporting you through your athletic and personal journeys! Pro D~

Are your imposter syndrome and perfectionism besties? You’re high energy, curious, spontaneous, and fun to be around! But you’ve just forgotten another important birthday or missed another huge deadline. You’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you have to do and it never feels like you have enough time to do them. Maybe you’re also feeling stuck or stagnant in your career, it was something you were passionate about but now it’s unfulfilling. You're living for your next PTO but it doesn't matter how long it is, it's not enough to feel rested. And maybe you wonder… is this just what adulting is like now? Clients come to me needing someone who can help get to the root of their problems, because therapy should be a place where you find peace beyond just what’s wrong today. Therapy sessions are a combination of talking and exercises—whatever makes sense for you. We will always go at your pace, never pushing to place you’re not ready to be. Let's work together to help you be fully present in the important moments in your life, whether it's breakfast with your family or an important presentation, and spending your time doing what you're uniquely gifted to do, what brings you the greatest joy, and allows you to make your deepest contribution to the world. Schedule your free strategy call today!

My clinical practice mainly consists of fellow queer and neurodivergent folx who struggle with complex trauma. Common concerns include self-abandonment through people pleasing, exploring gender/sexual identity, executive dysfunction, immense shame/guilt, perfectionism, identifying community supports, and processing underlying traumatic experiences. My clients often come into session looking to better understand who they are and what really works for them. Many times they feel so detached from themselves and their own bodies that it has been hard to even know what they want from life or who they are. I am EMDR trained and primarily work with clients to map out and process traumatic and other stressful experiences to improve self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. My goal is to help people feel more connected with themselves, their needs, and find approaches that help reduce overall distress and improve relationships. I understand that therapy may be new experience for you or you may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past. Nevertheless, I strive to be mindful of and responsive to the individual needs of my clients. I am open to feedback and happy to adjust approaches as needed. Please feel free to reach out. I would love to work with you!

Whether you're running on empty, navigating identity and belonging, or simply ready to stop circling the same patterns, you are welcome here. I work with adults ready for authentic connection and meaningful change: LGBTQ+ people, people of color, women, and all intersections of these identities. I love working with folks exploring spirituality and spiritual practice, especially those who don't connect with or have been harmed by faith institutions. Presence, liberation, and deep connection are at the heart of my approach. This includes how we relate to ourselves, our identities, and the world around us. I pay deep attention to your story, and that story lives within a dynamic context. I move at your pace, and I'm here to help you see what's in the way, and what's already fabulous about you. If something here resonates, reach out. You don't need to have it figured out! Curiosity is enough. So is exhaustion. We can chat and explore whether working together is a next right move for you. Taking that first step is its own act of courage, and I don't take it lightly. I offer telehealth throughout North Carolina and look forward to connecting.

I offer individual, partners/couples (including polyamorous partners), and family counseling, in addition to letter of support services for gender transition, for anyone age 13+. My primary focus areas are exploring & supporting identity development (racial identities, LGBTQ+ identities, etc), developing healthy relationships, improving communication, processing trauma, understanding family dynamics, & resolving conflicts. I am open to working with anyone who thinks they would be a good fit, but in general, I tend to be process-oriented, often focusing on how different dynamics impact clients’ experiences. I most value building trusting relationships with my clients and strive to offer a nonjudgemental listening space. I believe that clients have the right, and the ability, to make the best decisions for themselves.

You deserve an authentic therapist that doesn’t rely on gimmicks and mind tricks. We believe in high-quality services (just like you would expect when paying for childcare, dental work, car maintenance, or pizza). We help you through your mental health journey in the way that works for you— because that’s the respect you deserve. Our online counselors in North Carolina are authentic people and know what it’s like to sit in the client’s seat. Using that experience and our knowledge, we provide you with what clients have proclaimed “the best counseling” they have received. Here’s the truth about therapy: you’re what really matters. And that’s exactly why we at C&C Betterworks have decided to put the focus back on you. You often feel like the odd one out. You don’t want to feel that way in therapy, too! With us you do not have to hide anything. With our online counseling in North Carolina, we encourage you to be authentic in therapy, no matter what that looks like. Let’s keep it real. You bring your whole, true self. And we’ll bring our whole, true selves to every session The only thing that matters is that you’re being the real you. No psychology jargon or “how does that make you feel?” here. We speak human, not bullshit. Masking is exhausting. Therapy is the last place that you want to hold it in. Your sessions are a mask-free zone. Autonomy + Accountability = Results Your autonomy is respected- meaning you choose the direction your mental health treatment takes. All people have the ability; sometimes you just need a nudge to get going. We get shit done. Healing takes work, and sometimes it’s tough. That’s why we’re on this journey with you. #cantstopwontstop #sorrynotsorry Book a free 20 minute consultation today: https://cc-betterworks.com

I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with 20 years of experience across inpatient, oncology, eating disorder, college counseling, drug and alcohol counseling, and outpatient settings. My work focuses on integrating creative + talk therapy integration—especially for adolescents & families—helping clients access emotion, develop insight, and build practical coping skills. I offer individual, family, couples, group therapy with a focus on DBT-informed skills and trauma-informed expressive approaches.

You are sitting in therapy watching your therapist's lips move while she tells you for the fourth time that her cousin is gay and just got a “very butch” haircut. You can’t help thinking, “She just doesn’t get it.” He misgenders you, or forgets your partner’s pronouns, she pulls out Food and Mood, and he talks about how apple cider vinegar might be the solution to all your problems. She hasn't lived in a fat body. He hasn’t experienced homophobia or heterosexism from the inside. What initially seemed like a small hill to climb in your relationship has started to feel like a mountain. Maybe she tells you your black top is so slimming. Maybe once he referred to queer people as ‘homosexuals.’ Maybe, when you report your experiences of oppression, she tells you that the other party probably meant well and just wanted you to be healthier or have it easier in the world. You don’t trust him with your whole self, how can you? You’ve tried so many therapists in the past and she’s not that bad, is she? You continue to hope that therapy with a therapist who doesn’t quite get it will be enough to meet your needs. It’s not enough. You deserve a therapist who understands your lived experiences. You deserve a therapist who knows what it’s like to have your doctor prescribe weight loss to treat arthritis in your wrists, and who can truly hear it when you tell them about your experience with your homophobic aunt at Thanksgiving. You deserve a therapist who approaches the world with a solid intersectional anti-oppression framework that sees society, rather than some flaw in you, as the central piece of your problem. I can be that therapist. I’m fat, I’m queer, I have an intersectional lens, and I want to dismantle systems of oppression one client session at a time.

At Serenity & Grace Therapeutic Services, we believe meaningful change begins with a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based, client-centered care for individuals, couples, and families navigating life's challenges. We are committed to creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can build resilience, gain insight, and move toward lasting emotional well-being. Wherever you are in your journey, we are honored to walk alongside you.

✨ Meet April-Autumn Sparks Therapist. Sexologist. Real Talk Enthusiast. Hey! I’m April-Autumn—founder of "establisHER+empowerHIM=embraceUS Counseling & Consulting"—and I help students like YOU figure life out while holding space for your growth, your healing, and your identity. Whether you’re managing relationship drama, figuring out who you are, recovering from life’s hard hits, or just trying to breathe between classes—I’ve got you. This isn’t your traditional therapy vibe. It’s a *you-can-bring-your-whole-self* kind of space. Whether you’re navigating emotional overload, gender expectations, culture clashes, heartbreak, or pressure to have your future figured out—I’m here for all of it. 💁🏽‍♀️ For Women & Femmes: We’ll work on **identity, purpose, self-worth, and pleasure**—yes, that too. Together we’ll explore how to get unstuck, break generational habits, reclaim your voice, and build a solid foundation of self-love that doesn't rely on outside approval. Whether you’re tired of shrinking or trying to figure out what healing actually looks like—I’m here to help you feel *more you*. 🧠 For Men & Masculine Folks: We get real about the pressures of manhood—how you were raised, what society expects, and how you show up in the world. This is a space to unpack what’s heavy, ask hard questions, and build strategies for emotional clarity, confidence, and peace. We’ll work on relationships, stress, purpose, and how to be fully human—not just strong and silent. 🔁 For Everyone: My work is all about **Establishing, Empowering, and Embracing**: 🧠 *Establish* your identity 💥 *Empower* your growth ❤️ *Embrace* your relationships—with yourself and others This is therapy, but it’s also a space to evolve, exhale, and **be your whole self without judgment**. No need to have it all figured out. Just bring your curiosity, your truth, and a willingness to grow. 🧭 Let’s Get You: * Unpacked and unstuck * Grounded in who you really are * Focused on healthy relationships * And maybe even laughing a little along the way Ready to begin? Let’s talk. Let’s heal. Let’s evolve. Because this version of you deserves support, clarity, and care. 📍Serving college students virtually in **NC, TX & FL** 📧 aprilautumnsparks@gmail.com 🔗 www.aprilautumnsparks.com 📣 IG: @AprilAutumnSparks

College can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. I work with students navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity concerns, relationship stress, and big life transitions. My approach is attachment-based and trauma-informed, which means I focus on building a safe and supportive space where you can feel understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and develop strategies that help you feel more confident, balanced, and connected.