Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Seeking a therapist is a courageous first step. My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship we can understand what motivates you and how to overcome the barriers you may face. I have extensive experience working with children, adults, couples, and families that face a variety of concerns from ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues, and stress management. My strengths-based, person-centered approach incorporates evidence-based modalities to provide a comprehensive approach to healing and growing through your therapy experience.

Hello and welcome to my page. My ideal client is struggling with their self-esteem, anxious and/or depressive symptoms, relationship issues, and even substance use/misuse. Most of my clients' goal is to live a more fulfilling and content life. They want to feel understood, supported, and listened to empathetically. I can help by primarily trying to understand you. That is the bottom line. I will offer you a safe, caring, and nonjudgemental environment to do this. I will listen fully with interest and respect so you can begin to talk about the parts of your life and yourself you are struggling with. I have worked as a social worker for 18 years, first at a community mental health center, then at a private group practice, and now solely in my own private practice. I work with young adults, adults, and older adults.

I often work with individuals in recovery, teens, college students, young adults, and more. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals focusing on self-discovery, empowerment, and identity exploration. I also work with individuals struggling with religious trauma or spiritual concerns.

I have been in private practice for the past approximately 30 years working primarily with adults/young adults. Although I have considerable experience with what may be described as more serious anxiety and depressive disorders, my practice more typically has consisted of individuals/couples/students interested in working on quality of life, relationship and general adjustment issues.

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.

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.

Are you trying to navigate life's many challenges in a more flexible, aware, and skillful way? Let's collaborate to change patterns that aren't working for you. Respecting that you are the expert on your life and goals, I will integrate my training and experiences to support you in growth. Individuals often work with me to shift patterns of anxiety or depressed mood, to reclaim the energy wasted on perfectionism or overly harsh self-criticism, to reduce procrastination and improve effectiveness, to make progress on health goals, to improve the quality of their relationships, and to manage stress more efficiently. I also specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy, post-partum, fertility, loss) and in working with parents of children of all ages. Most people I work with choose online therapy, and some meet with me in the office. As a member of PSYPACT I can often continue to work with you online while you visit home or work/study outside of PA. (For participating states: https://psypact.org/page/psypactmap)

At times, people need a safe and supportive environment to express their thoughts and feelings. Counseling is an opportunity for people to gain awareness, acceptance, insight, and identify tools for relaxation and problem-solving. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

My focus is to form caring and supportive relationships that are solution focused and trauma informed. I provide individual therapy and assessments. I utilize client centered modalities in the service of providing a safe environment in which clients can better understand themselves and their relationships in order to foster growth and success. I work with clients who have a range of backgrounds and disorders, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and other adjustment concerns. My clinical experience includes residential treatment and public and private school settings. Schachner Associates is unique because we offer the intimate atmosphere of a small private practice with clinicians from multiple backgrounds and specialties.

I enjoy working with people who are experiencing difficulty managing their emotions, and feel a loss of control or direction in their lives. If anger, depression, mood swings, anxiety, or past traumas are making life and your relationships with others problematic, I want to help! My approach to therapy is relaxed and down-to-earth. I will collaborate with you, in a respectful, nonjudgemental, and supportive manner. By increasing self-awareness, you will be better able to understand the barriers keeping you from happiness, and our work together will help you to develop your strengths, coping skills, and confidence.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

There is incredible knowledge and healing potential within each of us. My job as your therapist is to carry the flashlight as we explore your inner world together. I work with adults ages 18+ on a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, psychosis, gender and sexual identity, relationships and more. I offer therapy to individuals and couples. If you are searching for an accepting, supportive space where your concerns will be heard and never dismissed, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer a safe, affirming space to people of all genders, sexualities and relationship styles. I specialize in helping queer, neurodivergent adults self-advocate, set boundaries and navigate adversity, trauma and life transitions. I have in-person openings in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood and virtually across PA. Reach out today to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.

Hi! I’m Tori I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years, gaining experience in a variety of settings, and I’ve found my passion in helping adolescents, young adults, and adults navigate the ups and downs of life. This time in life is full of growth, change, and self-discovery—exciting, but also intimidating. I love supporting my clients through managing anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal challenges, and helping them build the skills to thrive. I take a laid-back approach to therapy, aiming to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. Humor is a big part of my style—life is tough enough, so I believe therapy should have some light moments. That said, I know when to be serious, and I’ll be right there with you as we work through whatever’s on your mind. I’m here for people from all walks of life, and I’m a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. My approach combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you develop practical tools for managing emotions, improving relationships, and making real, lasting changes in your life. In our work together, you’ll gain valuable insight into your thought patterns, learn skills to cope with stress, and build the resilience to live more authentically and mindfully. Outside of therapy, you’ll probably find me spending time with loved ones, catching concerts, watching horror movies, or taking walks. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to greater well-being. Reach out if you’d like to learn more or get started!

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.

I’m not your “just nod and validate everything” therapist. I have a B.S. from Penn State and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Children, Adolescents, and Trauma) from Lock Haven—but more importantly, I meet you where you are, not where you “should” be. I use person-centered and parts work, but I’m flexible and tailor therapy to what actually works for you. I love working with teens and young adults, but if you’ve got a brain and feelings, we’ll get along. I’m direct, I use humor, and I’ll call you out (with care). I’m here to help you grow—even when it’s uncomfortable. My style? Person-centered and parts work at the core, with flexibility built in. I adjust, pivot, and pull from different approaches based on what actually helps you, not what sounds the most clinical or impressive. I want all of my clients to walk into my room and feel as though they are sitting down with a friend, not a professional. I focus heavily on building rapport, getting to know you as an individual and not just as "my client." We will laugh, cry, process, and cope together in your mental wellness journey!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I know it can be really hard to share personal information with a stranger, but I strive to create a safe, relaxed and supportive environment so my clients can feel heard and understood. Our private practice is located in McCandless and is made up of 6 counselors. We offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments (in-person or telehealth). Our office building has free and ample parking.

I feel the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship between the counselor and client. If we are able to create a genuine relationship that is grounded in authenticity and trust, we can further your understanding of yourself, your experiences, and how you engage with the world. I aim to help people by cultivating a safe environment where thoughts and emotions can be deeply felt, and where we can discover what steps you can take in your life that better align with your values. Through counseling, we can learn how to acknowledge thoughts, feelings, and past experiences without having them overwhelm or define us. I believe that the present is the most important time to be in; however, many things from the past (or even the future) can hold us back from experiencing what is going on around us. When we are able to process our past and our future, we are finally able to connect with the current moment we are living in. I have worked with people experiencing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, interpersonal stress, and identity/self-esteem issues. Ultimately, I am passionate about working with anyone who feels “stuck” and wants to find meaning in their life. Moving forward is possible, no matter how long you have felt stagnant.

Tia is a Professional Counselor and National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC) who has experience working with teens and adults across diverse backgrounds and needs. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at California University of Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling at Carlow University. ​ Hi my name is Tia! I have a passion for advocacy and empowering others to succeed and achieve their goals in life. I believe that all humans are capable of change and creating a life that fulfills each unique individual- sometimes we need additional support to as we enter that journey! I utilize a holistic approach to therapy and skilled in Psychodynamics- specializing in trauma-informed therapy, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and client centered approaches; meeting the client where they are. I have helped people navigate challenges related to mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. ​I enjoy spending her time outside in nature with my Australian Shepherd and her partner- gardening, playing, and relaxing!

I am pleased that you are here. I know it is not easy to take this first step, but I want you to know first and foremost, that I take great care and pride in creating a safe place for my clients to talk about their internal conflicts, interpersonal problems, traumas, and whatever is interfering with living a fuller, richer life. I bring to my clinical practice a great deal of skills coupled with passion to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship. I invite clients to increase their self-awareness while aspiring to high levels of wellness: biologically, psychologically, relationally, sexually and spiritually. I offer a safe space free of judgment, filled with compassion and kindness towards your own process. My theoretical orientation to counseling is rooted in humanistic theories with underlying existentialism and phenomenological philosophies. I firmly believe in the therapeutic alliance and its curative power, in addition to striving to look at all situations from a sex positive, non-shaming, and non-judgmental lens.