Therapists for college students near Durham, NC

In my practice, I see college students and young adults for a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, transitions/major life decisions, and career concerns. I provide individual counseling using solution-focused and cognitive therapies. I also employ a whole-person process approach to career counseling so that all factors are considered when making vocational decisions. I strive to provide my clients with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to understand themselves better and move toward a fulfilling life. I often learn as much from my clients as they do from me and I consider therapy a highly collaborative process.

I believe in the basic goodness and natural wisdom of all human beings. Layers of confusion and unconscious wounds can disconnect us from our true selves. We may end up feeling bad and acting in ways that hurt our relationships— with ourselves, with others, and with this magnificent planet. We become hard and out of touch with our lives and callings. Real, deep change is possible when we face ourselves and our challenges with honesty, willingness, and compassion. - As your counselor, I will adventure with you into the weird and wonderful world of your own inner self. I'll use techniques rooted in Experiential Dynamic Therapy to help you touch into the freedom and wisdom already inside you and to overcome the barriers that arise on the path toward that life. Expect to be cared for and to be challenged— if you’re living in a stuffy little house made of old, limiting patterns, it might be time for some demolition work. I’m not afraid to hand you the sledgehammer, and I’ll be with you as you begin to step forward into an open, affirming wilderness of possibility.

"You deserve the love you so freely give to others.” – Alexandra Elle My practice is centered around you as a “whole person,” not just as a collection of diagnoses. As a therapist I seek to offer a full range of therapeutic services using theory and evidence-based practice, while also simply sitting in your challenging spaces with you, providing a comforting, nurturing, judgement-free environment, and pushing you to break through and progress in your mental health journey. I believe that taking care of yourself is the single most important endeavor you can undertake in your life, and I hope to be able to assist you in any way I can as you begin looking inward. Much like life, treatment is everchanging. Each session we will work together to develop a treatment regimen that best suits your needs both in the moment and as you move forward. We will complete an initial assessment to help me better understand your basic needs. I’ll gather information from you about your background, history, family dynamics, lifestyle, culture, socioeconomic status, and current symptoms. Then, we will have a few rapport-building sessions to get to know one another as I continue assessing your needs. As we progress, we will begin developing goals for your treatment plan centered around decreasing your symptomology and bringing balance back to your life. I will also often present other resources in our community that I believe can eliminate some of the burdens you face. Each session I will use the tools, skills, and knowledge I possess to support you, push you, and guide you through what you’re facing. I believe as a therapist it is my job to find a balance between comforting you and validating your feelings, while also challenging you and often telling you things you may not be thrilled to hear. It is my goal to make sure you feel safe and secure in treatment in addition to presenting you with alternate ways of thinking, gently coaching you through correcting any harmful behaviors, and changing your perspectives on how you perceive your reality. My process is to get to know you on an individual level, gain your trust, provide a safe and validating space for you to release your emotions, and then walk alongside you as you learn to advance in your mental health.

Feeling like a shadow of your former self. Just going through the motions. All this pretending, performing—it’s exhausting. You’ve become a master at molding yourself to fit others’ expectations of you. And just to keep the peace. And social media is messing with your mental health. Every scroll through Instagram feels like being bombarded by a barrage of perfect lives. You can’t help but compare, feeling like you’re coming up short. And so you dive deeper into the people-pleasing game, losing yourself in the process, just craving some validation. How do you even begin to claw your way out of this hot mess express? You’re not wrong, change isn’t always crystal clear. But hand me that brain teaser. Before you know it, you’re on a clear path to your goals. Fast forward, you’ve ditched the stuff holding you back from happiness. You even love your messy, imperfect parts. Now, you’re fully embracing the real, confident you. Ditching anything that chips away at your self-worth. Nodding along? I’ve got you covered. Combining your drive for change with EMDR therapy is sure to bring incredible results. Think of EMDR as a train ride through your past, leaving issues behind as you move forward. It’s time to unlock your true potential. I’m here for you every step of the way. Ready to chat? Book a free 15-minute consult on my website!

Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and you find yourself needing someone to talk to without feeling judged. You may need some tools to help you navigate through troubling times. I am an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Associate Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist with a background in community-based counseling as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment modalities. I received my Master’s in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. Anxiety, stress, depression, career counseling, and trauma are some of the challenges I can help with. I utilize an integration of evidenced-based modalities.

Hello! I specialize in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders, especially those arising from life transitions, responsibilities and relationships. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help client’s stop struggling and achieve greater resilience and the psychological flexibility needed for a better quality of life. I also am a certified clinical trauma specialist who uses EMDR to treat trauma and toxic stress.

I am so glad you found me on your journey! It can be a learning process to show up as your authentic self as you navigate through life, but you don't have to do it alone. If you've ever felt the weight of anxiety, responsibilities, stress, loneliness, life transitions & a lack of motivation; you don't have to carry it by yourself. Finding true peace & happiness involves doing the work to become a better you! If you wish to self-improve, strengthen your relationships, find your voice & rework your motivation, let's chat! I have a passion for working with youth, adolescents, and college students. My specialties involve anxiety, stress, goal-setting, self-esteem, behavioral concerns & life-transitions. We can also explore self-awareness, which leads to self-acceptance and positive outcomes. I aim to provide a space where you can unpack & move through life with a lighter load. Through genuine collaboration, you can take control of your healing process in a healthy way. I draw from compassion, affirmations, and a strengths-based perspective to highlight your capabilities throughout your journey. Allow me to offer you a safe, nonjudgmental space to help you achieve the life you deserve!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many teens and adults struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors that feel difficult to control. You may find yourself stuck in cycles of worry, overthinking, reassurance-seeking, or mental rituals, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. Anxiety or OCD may be interfering with your relationships, school, work, or ability to enjoy daily life. What you want is relief—not just from anxiety itself, but from the constant mental struggle it creates. You want to feel more confident in your ability to cope, less controlled by fear, and more present in your life. I specialize in treating anxiety and OCD using evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I work with teens and adults at their own pace, offering semi-structured, supportive therapy focused on facing anxiety, reducing compulsions, and building confidence in coping skills. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling for a long time. You are not broken or weak—anxiety and OCD are difficult, but highly treatable. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning, support is available when you’re ready to take the next step.

You made it to college but you are either overworking or you can't get yourself to do the work and somewhere along the way you started feeling like a zombie. You are physically and emotionally exhausted. You're feeling burned out, overwhelmed, disconnected and on edge. Hopelessness is sinking in or has already sunken in. You're may even be calling out of work or skipping classes. You are terrified that you can't handle life's demands or the needs of those who count on you. Your self-esteem sucks and you fucking sick of it all. Your relationships are suffering. The words "self-care" elicits both a laugh and a sinking feeling in your stomach, but also, you know that at some time something has to give. You are tired of feeling guilty for having your own needs. It is time. You want to feel capable, hopeful, and like what you do is making a difference. You may want to be rid of intrusive thoughts, memories, habits and old or destructive narratives. You need to function and you need to be at peace with what you need to do to get where you want to go. I am a queer, bi-cultural, large bodied, neurodivergent, first generation late college graduate with a lot of experience overcoming obstacles. Clients who enjoy working with me appreciate compassion, humor, secular/non-religious and trauma-sensitive approaches to therapy. If you have scratched and clawed your way to success and feel it slipping through your fingers then call me today for help learning how to get through this thing called adulting so you can meet your goals.

Many of the students I work best with share a common thread: they feel overwhelmed by the transition of college life and want a safe place to sort through it all. Some are managing anxiety, stress, or burnout from balancing classes, work, and relationships. Others are navigating questions of identity, independence, or self-confidence. What they all have in common is a desire for a supportive space where they can be honest about what’s hard and learn tools to feel more grounded. My approach is down-to-earth and collaborative, so if you’re looking for someone who understands the challenges of student life and wants to walk with you through them, you might find a good fit here.

Anxiety doesn't have to run your life. You can find joy again. On the surface, things are still looking great. You appear to “have it all”, but, on the inside, things are falling apart. You feel stressed, overwhelmed and out of control. It doesn’t have to be like this, and I can show you another way. I help driven people just like you manage their anxiety, stress and irritable bowel syndrome. You can gain stability and finally enjoy your success. If you are ready to do the hard work of changing your life, I’d love to talk to you.

Trauma-informed mental health services with a focus on empowerment and full-body wellness to help you live your happiest and healthiest life.

Are you feeling anxious or stressed out? Are you in your prime years but feeling held back by that voice telling you you're not good enough, smart enough, or fit enough? Or maybe, you're feeling the sting of a recent break-up or just not getting along with your roommate. Perhaps for you it's that horrible memory haunting you from the past. If any of those resonate, know that you are not alone, and you don't have to figure out where to go from here on your own either - we can navigate it together. I offer a space to be seen and understood while we work together on goals that help you feel like your best self. If you're curious about next steps, reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.

Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options. Dr. Faust specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar disorders. He has honed his skills in various therapeutic modalities, incorporating evidence-based practices into his work. He places a strong emphasis on creating a warm and inclusive therapeutic environment where open communication is encouraged. Dr. Faust is a trusted partner for individuals seeking a collaborative and personalized approach to their mental well-being. His commitment to empowering patients ensures that each person's voice is heard, valued, and integrated into their treatment journey.

Diane Burke provides empowering, results-focused therapy for college students navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, identity development, and life transitions. Led by Diane Burke, LCMHC—a retired correctional officer turned therapist—services are grounded in real-world insight and practical strategies that help students build emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience. Whether managing academic stress, recovering from a breakup, or working through past trauma, students are supported in gaining clarity, developing healthier coping skills, and creating a strong foundation for personal growth. The goal is to help each student not just cope, but truly reinvent themselves and thrive both on campus and beyond.

I enjoy working with young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives back from trauma, and I believe trauma therapy is more important now than ever. I believe the mind/body connection is very strong, and is important in mental health. I also work with clients who are experiencing stress, life transitions, and grief. I am an EMDRIA certified Therapist and IFS informed. I also use a lot of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness interventions. I am also very strengths- based. In my sessions, I aspire to offer a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to my clients, so they can be themselves, and work through whatever is keeping them from being their best selves. I operate through a strengths-based approach, and will try to bring laughter and humor into the sessions (when appropriate) as laughter is the best medicine.

Blue Ridge Mental Health provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management through virtual appointments. Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP sees and treats patients aged 17 years and older dealing with anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar, OCD and other mental health issues. Dr. Michael Wilson, M.D. evaluates for Autism Spectrum Disorder in patients of all ages. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid plans, and self-pay patients. We do offer sliding scale for self-pay patients.

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just trying to get through the day, I want you to know you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I work with people navigating all kinds of life transitions and stressors, and I have a special place in my heart for LGBTQIA+ folks, military families, and college students. Maybe you’re carrying expectations that don’t match who you are, in a shifting relationship, or juggling school, work, and identity exploration all at once. Whether you’re dealing with frequent moves, dorm life, or just the daily task of trying to stay afloat, you deserve support that actually gets it. Whatever brings you here, I’m not interested in “fixing” you, because you’re not broken. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, explore what’s beneath the surface, and find new ways of showing up for yourself and the people you care about. I show up as a real person in the room and I believe healing happens in genuine, respectful connection. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and trauma-informed. I use research-backed approaches, but I also trust the power of humor, storytelling, and being witnessed just as you are. I honor the identities, histories, and communities you bring with you, especially if you’ve been told those things are “too much,” “too complicated,” or “too political.” You’re safe to bring all of that here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A), trained at Pittsburg State University (BSW) and The University of Kansas (MSW). That academic foundation matters, but what matters more to me is meeting you with honesty, care, and respect for your lived experience. If this sounds like a space you’d like to explore, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Milk + Honey Counseling was founded over 10 years ago by Meredith McDaniel, MA, LCMHC. We are a private practice serving the Lake Norman region and beyond with the goal of helping others taste the land of milk + honey. Located conveniently between Exit 30 (Davidson College) & Exit 31 (Langtree) off I-77, we provide counseling to families, couples, individual adults, teens, and children.