Therapists for college students near Duke University

Hi there! My name is Sienna, and I am an LCMHCA in NC. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2025 with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in addiction. I also graduated from Appalachian State in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in Human Services. I believe therapy is a space where you can come exactly as you are. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all mentality, meaning each session is tailored specifically to you. Most of my experience comes from working with the neurodivergent community as well as students and young adults. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal conflict, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. I also use an eclectic approach that is person-centered and incorporates ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. Currently I am seeing clients via telehealth in NC.

My practice model is all about helping clients explore themselves and their place in the world. As a licensed psychologist with experience working in a variety of care settings, I have expertise in treating depression, anxiety, lifestyle stress, trauma, addiction, and spiritual/existential distress. My therapy takes a nonjudgmental, compassion oriented focus. Through guiding my clients to approach themselves in more open and honest ways, I help them uncover their core needs so that they may lead lives that feel vibrant and fulfilling. I view health as a balance between mind, body, spirit, and environment. As such, my therapy style is holistic. I regularly guide my clients in mindfulness-based practices and offer an approach that blends Internal Family Systems therapy with somatic work and cognitive-behavioral exploration. In a culture where consciousness altering drug use is on the rise, I also work with clients to gain optimal wellness following challenging, disorienting, or invigorating psychedelic experiences. My passion for the Enneagram heavily informs my therapeutic lens, and I happily teach this tool to clients interested in evolving their understanding of self. I work to bolster my clients’ strengths while developing new skills and fresh insights. With sensitivity to the health impact of both personal and cultural forces, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space for my clients to explore all facets of their identities.

Sun Counseling and Wellness is a consortium of providers that have many years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. We are passionate about treating the WHOLE person and helping you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. We use modern and evidence-based therapeutic techniques and are individualized and creative in our work with clients. My counseling philosophy puts the client in the driver's seat. I firmly believe you are the expert on your own concerns. I believe in the power of a person-centered approach. I believe in collaborating with my clients in order to assist them with understanding their underlying concerns while identifying and utilizing their strengths in order to accomplish their goals. Together, we'll work as a team to clarify your vision for your ideal life. Though you'll be doing the work in your own life, you can feel safe knowing you have a trusted collaborator along the way. My counseling style is warm, creative, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I consider myself an eclectic therapist, drawing from a number of different approaches, based on the presenting concern of the client "in front of me." I borrow heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Theory, which teaches individuals to challenge and change unhelpful cognitive distortions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors, which can leas to improved emotional regulation along with the development of effective and helpful coping strategies to address concerns and whole life wellness. I grew up here in North Carolina, hailing from Fayetteville. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queens University of Charlotte in 2012 where I started out working with at-risk youth in community based mental health. I now have over five years post-grad experience providing individual and group therapy. I continued providing a full range of services that helped individuals of various ages and families overcome addiction and mental health concerns along the way. Since graduating with my Masters of Social Work in 2016 from UNC Charlotte, I have worked primarily with college aged students within university counseling centers. I also enjoy supporting future generations in our mental health field by serving as an adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte since 2021. I enjoy working with tweens (12 and up), teens, young adults (18-24) to adults 24+. I celebrate you for taking the first step in this journey towards change - be it big or small. I will be here to support and empower you along the way! I look forward to working with you. Talk soon!

Attending college can be both an exciting opportunity and a stressful experience in the life of a student. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, depression or low self esteem, or find yourself relying too much on drugs or alcohol to get by, feel free to reach out and see if talking with a counselor could be helpful. I look forward to talking with you.

Much of the time we feel we should have it all together. We have to know who we are, have a career path, a life plan, walk the straight and narrow. But you may feel you are standing on the edge of a cliff and fear jumping into an abyss. Or your path is filled with roadblocks. You may feel unfulfilled by the path you started but afraid to be different, or make a change. Traumatic events out of your control may be keeping you from feeling whole, feeling yourself, feeling worthy. Or the stresses, unpredictability, and injustices of life just wane on you. You seek a place to process, grow, and be your whole self. I provide an environment of cultural humility with culturally, spiritually, and trauma responsive therapy. I meet you where you are and work with you to understand where you want to go, who you are now and who you want to be, how you feel now and how you want to feel. I am direct but compassionate and encouraging. If you are ready to take a step towards healing, personal growth, making a change, or just need a safe place to process daily life, my door is open. You don’t have to have it all together, or be walking the straight and narrow. You are welcome, just as you are. We will navigate whatever path or road you seek together.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of clinical experience and a Masters in Social Work from NYU. Having worked in both Foster Care and Health Care systems, I bring a depth of knowledge in treating individuals across a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and life transitions. I am certified and specialize in Brainspotting, a relational brain-body based therapy that taps into the brain's natural ability to release emotional distress.

Sanctuary is a non-profit counseling center with the mission to walk with all clients in order to bring healing to their minds, hearts, and souls. There are specialist within our group that work specifically with university students to help them address the unique issues they face in today's chaotic spaces. This is a place with no judgement. A place that affords each individual the opportunity to explore the places in their lives that cause unhealthy coping mechanisms. At Sanctuary we walk with you, regardless of the path you are on so that you are never alone. We can help with a variety of issues and concerns. Together we explore together ways to help you change the cycles that keep you from being the person you want to be. Our goal is to make you feel accepted and safe. We want you to find a warmth that allows you to prosper and grow. Our clients come from all walks of life and struggle with a variety of issues from anxiety to depression to trauma to relationship concerns. Check out our website or call us to find a therapist that is right for you.

I have over 20 years experience working with folks on various adjustment and mental health concerns. I especially enjoy working with college-aged people. I do not have all the answers, but together we will work to meet your goals.

I am a holistic practitioner of psychodynamic and somatic psychology who strives to help people gain confidence, fulfillment and joy in their daily lives. I offer a safe and collaborative space for my clients to discover their inner strength and connect to their own amazing spirits. The very symptoms for which we seek treatment have served some purposes, and together we shall discover the gifts therein. The empowerment gained from these insights create a rippling effect which can transcend every aspect of one’s lives.

Hi, my name is Rachel Merritt. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. I have experience working with adolescents who have been diagnosed with mental illness or substance use and are a part of the juvenile justice system. My area of focus has been working with youth in individual therapy, working with families in family therapy, working with couples through relationships difficulties and intimacy issues and working with groups in the treatment of trauma. My area of training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat disorders like depression and anxiety. My areas of interest and specialty are Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I love working with all populations because everyone's experience is as different and unique as they are. I offer in-person and virtual sessions. My goal is to help people gain a new perspective and understanding about their life. I teach people to advocate for themselves while giving them the skills needed to heal through therapeutic work. Let's work together to reach your personal goals and by utilizing your own strengths to become a better version of yourself.

I am passionate about helping other people improve their health and have dedicated my nursing career toward continually achieving this goal. I am honored to have been a registered nurse for 17 years, with most of that time spent in a major metropolitan hospital responding to medical emergencies as part of the facility’s Rapid Response Team. After gaining a wealth of experience performing rapid assessments and thus improving the physiological and mental health needs of patients in crisis, it made sense for me to evolve and find a niche that focused solely on psychiatric-mental health nursing. I approach new clients with the belief that they should be encouraged to speak freely, which is a fundamentally important step towards establishing clear goals and objectives. Furthermore, I would like my clients to feel comfortable being an active participant and engaged in improving their mental well-being. The goal of our time together is quite simply to help you start to feel better and improve the quality of your life. I would like you to feel comfortable enough to share the issues that are most challenging and burdensome so that we may work towards addressing them head on. Our initial encounter will include learning your history, how you’ve been feeling, any past successes and/or failures with medications, and then collaborating towards a plan to achieving the goal of feeling better and improving your mental health.

I have been working in North Carolina for the past 34 years. I work with clients ages 12 and up, focusing on depression, anxiety, grief, and career development. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and my Master's in School Counseling. I worked as a counselor in the school system for 28 years before deciding to practice therapy full-time. I believe that the foundation to all therapy is to develop a trusting and non-judgemental relationship. I use a variety of approaches based on client's needs that we both feel will be the most effective.

Hello students! Do you need a medication provider with immediate availability that you can see virtually? Are you struggling with symptoms of ADHD and are looking for resources? Are you experiencing anxiety or depression that is interfering with your ability to thrive? Come see us at HQ Psych. We have therapists, medication providers, and an executive functions coach to help you on your journey. We offer free consultations so you can get to know us and see if we are the right fit. We look forward to meeting you :)

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Hello, I am Melina! I worked for many years as a school counselor and have supported people on their journey from kindergarten on through their high school and college years, and beyond. In an inviting and supportive space, I offer creative pathways for verbal and non verbal expression. Such a container provides the safety and acceptance you need to uncover and express deep feelings, heal any difficulties standing in the way, and more confidently open yourself to each life transition as it comes. I offer you my experience and wisdom from decades of working with people from all walks of life.

Throughout my life, I have found people to be fascinating as each person has unique stories, values, and beliefs that guide their life. This curiosity of people combined with the belief that each person has intrinsic value and worth led me to the field of counseling. Through using collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches, I hope to facilitate a healing space where clients can learn how to care for themselves holistically, pursue personal goals, and address mental health concerns, all while feeling accepted for who they are as a person. I completed my clinical internship experience at Appalachian State University’s counseling center during 2023 - 2024 academic year. During this time I developed skills for working with clients facing life transitions, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, spiritual/ religious concerns, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal relationship concerns, low self-confidence, grief and academic distress. My main theoretical approach is person-centered therapy while also using creative, culturally-aware and trauma-informed methods. I have a passion for working with clients who are working through anxiety, depression, academic stress, neurodivergence and life-transitions. Please reach out to set up an appointment today!

When is the last time you felt unconditionally accepted, exactly as you are? It's my belief and experience that among all of our deepest desires is the longing to be fully seen, validated, and loved, when all the masks are taken away - for who we truly and authentically are. I offer a safe, heartfelt, compassionate space in which individuals can reveal their deepest vulnerabilities. I specialize in working with trauma, women's issues, sexuality, grief, addictions recovery, and spiritual crisis / emergence. I offer individualized and personalized treatment. I utilize an inclusive approach to therapy that’s somatic, mindfulness-informed and nature-based. By allowing clients to reconnect with the wisdom of the body, the natural world, and the present moment, I hold a space for transformation. Does the thought of traveling to a therapist’s office feel like a barrier to getting help? My virtual sessions, conducted via video platform or phone, offer you support where and when you need it, from the comfort of your own home. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!

Feeling stuck? Burned out? Overwhelmed by life, classes, or relationships? College is supposed to be a time of growth—but sometimes it just feels like too much. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship stress, substance use, or just trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m a licensed therapist in North Carolina and South Carolina, and I help college students cut through the noise and start making real progress. My approach is straightforward, down-to-earth, and action-oriented. We won’t just talk about your problems—we’ll work on them. Together. I’ve spent years working in mental health, helping people push through tough situations and come out stronger. If you're tired of overthinking everything and ready to get unstuck, you're in the right place. Here’s what to expect: --A mix of support and honest feedback --No judgment, no BS—just real conversation and real progress --Tools to help you manage stress, improve your mood, and get clarity on your next steps --A focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s your mental health, your relationships, or your future I work with college students of all backgrounds, including men and women, LGBTQ+ individuals, student-athletes, first-gen college students, and anyone navigating big life questions. I also have a special interest in men’s mental health. Credentials: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) - North Carolina Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) - North Carolina National Certified Counselor (NCC) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - South Carolina Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling What therapy looks like with me: We’ll talk about what’s going on now—not just dig into the past. We’ll focus on practical tools and real change using approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and 12-Step principles when helpful. If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just plain exhausted, I’m here to help you figure things out and move forward. Before we start, I offer a free 15–20 minute video consult to make sure we’re a good fit. Therapy is a commitment—you deserve to work with someone who gets you.

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Ryan Leslie is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner who enjoys helping others. He takes the time to truly listen to his patients. He aims to get to the bottom of things and then work with his patient to develop a plan. He welcomes LGTBQ patients and practices gender-affirming care.