Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA
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)
As a licensed psychologist, I work with adults and adolescents seeking personal growth and change through psychotherapy. Areas of focus within my practice include anxiety, depression, college student mental health, graduate student mental health, career planning and change, partner relationship concerns, grief and loss, life-long and acquired disability issues, and adjustment to life changes such as medical diagnoses, traumatic brain injury, relationship loss, school transition and death of a loved one. I work extensively with undergraduate students with academic and mental health concerns. Academic stress, choice of major, career direction and planning, time management, motivational difficulties, underachievement, disability adaptation needs, and relationship/family issues are common concerns brought to therapy by college-aged students. Having a safe, reliable space to explore concerns and develop solutions can enhance well-being, satisfaction and success. The academic and research responsibilities of graduate programs can be challenging to juggle. In addition, graduates school can often be an isolating time for many students. Motivation, goal clarification, stress management, school-life balance, relationships, financial concerns, and post-graduate career exploration and planning are among the many challenges graduate students face in their academic lives. Work with graduate students is an integral part of my practice.
The goal of Premier Psychotherapy is to create a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of judgment. Some area of expertise include: Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-Focused Play Therapy, Foster Care/Adoption, ADHD, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Christian Counseling, Inner Child Work and more.
My experiences stem from working with children of all ages within a variety of educational and therapeutic settings that ultimately led towards my work with at-risk children as a Family Based Therapist. Working hands on with families in their homes within authentic and relational setting(s) (i.e., home and community) had shaped my learning experiences and identified my growth as a person and a therapist. My work prepared me to differentiate my therapeutic approaches and enable connections that no traditional clinical experience could offer. Fast forward, working as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have the privilege to work with a variety of populations, with clients ranging from mild to severe mental health conditions. I offer a warm safe setting that enables a professional therapeutic collaboration and growth towards client centered therapeutic goals. I continue to rely upon evidenced based interventions to help guide our therapeutic relationship towards progress or help uncover potential barriers to that may impede your therapeutic progress.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and have worked with a wide range of clients over my career, from teenage years all the way through late adulthood. I specifically specialize in Women's Health, where I help those struggling with PMDD, hormone related mood/anxiety issues as well as perinatal mental health, infertility and loss. In addition to this specialty, I very much enjoy working with college-aged individuals navigating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma and grief and loss. College can be a time of growth for many and also a time of major transition and change. I would be privledged to work together with you to help navigate this time in your life.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am honored to provide Pittsburgh with quality mental health services. I truly believe that people have the capacity to change, grow, and achieve their full potential within the context of a supportive environment. This belief fuels my work as a therapist. I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and received my Masters in Social Work from New York University. I help adults with trauma histories & adverse childhood experiences, college students who are overwhelmed, and I provide relationship support for those of us who keep playing out toxic patterns.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming — stress, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges can leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. Therapy can help you understand why you feel this way and explore new paths toward change. Often, what seems like the “problem” on the surface is connected to something deeper. Together, we’ll work to uncover and understand these underlying patterns so that meaningful change can happen. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and help you create more satisfying relationships and a life that feels aligned with your goals.
My therapeutic approach is humanistic and combines creative expression with elements of CBT, DBT, and ACT. While my specialization is in Art Therapy, I am also trained in traditional counseling, Sports Counseling, and Adoption Competency and will work with you to decide what will best support you and your treatment goals. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and day-to-day life stressors and transitions, as well as children and adolescents living with chronic pain and illness. My other experience involves individual, group, and familial support in medical, residential, and educational settings. I aim to provide a calm, relaxing, and inviting environment.
People come to therapy for many different reasons, but, at the core, they are looking for understanding, relief, or growth. Maybe you’re trying to understand why you feel the way you do, or you find yourself caught in the same difficult thoughts again and again. Perhaps you’ve noticed patterns of behavior that seem to work against your own well-being. You might be facing a life transition—chosen or not—and are feeling anxious about what’s next. Or maybe you just feel stuck. Therapy offers a space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening. Together, we can clarify your current experience, explore how you got here, and begin to shape a healthier, more fulfilling path forward.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I provide individual therapy to those who want to enjoy life and get to know themselves better in the process. Through my experience, I have learned the value of an interactive and collaborative environment to best support my client’s growth and development. I take a client-centered and strength-based approach to treatment. I utilize various therapeutic interventions based on the individual client’s needs and interests. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play, art, music, and writing.
I love working with clients who want to better themselves. Whether it be understanding yourself or your identity, conquering anxiety, or working through relationships, I partner with clients to reach their goals and set themselves up for success. Some mental health concerns that I can help with include: ADHD, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, identity (including LGBT, religion, and others), imposter syndrome, and more. Clients can expect a younger therapist who isn’t afraid to use humor and who isn’t afraid to call out potential stuck points. I am also culturally competent and offer services in both English and Spanish.
Life is hard, especially when you feel like you just can’t manage everything on your plate. From school to work to relationships with friends and family, there is always a lot to juggle, and stress can build up quickly! When you’re overwhelmed, your behavior, mood, and relationships are all impacted, and it’s harder to be able to fully enjoy life. I help people who feel stressed and overwhelmed learn to manage their emotions so they can be the best version of themselves. I want to hear what is already going well for you, so that we can build on what is already working to improve behaviors, mood, and relationships. From there, we can make a plan to get you back to experiencing the best parts of life. Reaching out for support can be the hardest part, so I’m glad you are here. Contact me by phone or email to discuss options for setting up a consultation call or scheduling an appointment.
Todd Pungratz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex and meaningful challenges. His career has taken him through hospital settings, primary care clinics, and community mental health, where he’s worked with people facing trauma, grief, mood and thought disorders, substance use, and neurodivergence. He draws from a range of evidence-based approaches – including CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care – and collaborates with prescribers when medication is part of your healing process. Todd offers a safe, nonjudgmental space in which clients can feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward at their own pace.
Hello! I am Jessica Rose. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have a BA in Psychology and an MSW in Social Work. I have been working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in a therapeutic capacity for over 13 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings such as public schools, alternative schools, crisis teams, hospitals, homes, and juvenile detention centers. My guiding principles are validating feelings, active listening, and using humor and open communication as a means to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I am a reliable, consistent support for my clients. I believe in genuine positive regard, being non-judgmental, being warm, understanding, and empathetic.
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.
If you are struggling to get up in the morning, overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety, or have feelings of general dissatisfaction with your life, then I'd like to offer you relief. The number one most reliable predictor of a positive outcome to therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. I am an experienced therapist with a warm and dedicated approach to developing a collaborative and working relationship with you.
Rachel Porterfield is a licensed clinical social worker who provides psychotherapeutic care to adults of all ages. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with a variety of challenges, including anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief and loss, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Rachel helps others to share their intimate thoughts and feelings while guiding them to learn new skills that will encourage them to develop healthy life changes openly and collaboratively. Rachel has been extensively trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches/models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy. Rachel has worked in outpatient dual diagnosed programs, hospitals, and primary care offices. Rachel received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a certification in mental health.
Therapy should provide a safe space free from judgment where you can seek support, be genuine, feel heard and grow into the person you want to be. In sessions, we will work together to identify your unique abilities, strengths and successes. We will explore how to use those strengths and abilities to process past events, feel better, achieve your goals and live a life that feels meaningful to you. My integrative approach is strengths based and person centered with elements of evidence based approaches including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and EMDR. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, teens and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, depression, parenting issues, life transitions, effects of trauma and relationship struggles. I am trained in EMDR via EMDR Consulting, an EMDR International Association Approved Training Provider. I look forward to meeting with 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.
My counseling style is grounded in the belief that, as humans, we are all imperfect; but are also inherently "ENOUGH". I believe in an empoweringly collaborative approach to help clients identify patterns and address cycles of distress.