Therapists for college students near Durham, NC

Dr. Molly Foukal is a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD from University of Virginia and BA from Dartmouth College. She completed her clinical internship at Duke University Medical Center and post-doctoral fellowship at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders. In therapy, Molly helps her clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives consistent with their goals and personal values. As clients deepen their self-awareness, they become more intentional, self-compassionate, and successful in their daily lives. For many, this leads to a new permission to prioritize their own needs and paves the way for improved mental health, greater productivity, and increased life satisfaction. Please visit Molly's website for more details on her clinical expertise and approach to therapy.

Getting started can be overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible so we can go at your pace. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and addiction. Many of my clients have tried to cope with difficult life changes by pushing their feelings away or finding short-term coping mechanisms that serve as a distraction. My role is to help people listen to and manage their emotions without feeling overwhelmed or ruled by them. Being personally in recovery from alcohol helps me understand and empathize with what you’re going through because I’ve probably been there too. I like to break down clinical approaches to collaboratively determine the best fit for each person’s unique goals. I incorporate elements of neurobiology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and schema work to help people better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their lives. If you're not sure what you're looking for yet, that's okay! Feel free to reach out to set up an introductory phone call to see if we're a good fit.

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.

Finding a therapist can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Sorting through seemingly endless lists of names and faces when all you want is to connect to a real person. I would like to offer you an invitation for us to meet at no cost to you. We can talk a while and see if we would like to work together. I am here to help people who feel stuck in anxiety and depression to find their way through these challenging emotions to a sense of ease in a more authentic and satisfying relationship with life and themselves. My holistic practice is rooted in building a safe, supportive relationship and trusting your inner wisdom as we work side by side exploring life's challenges. Working together we'll discover your unique needs and strengths in developing our goals for treatment. I am committed to empathy and open-mindedness while utilizing therapeutic techniques with proven effectiveness. My work involves a unique blending of therapeutic modalities. Learning and practice in Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Circle of Security, Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychodynamic Therapy have all served my holistic approach to the healing process.

Hello, and congratulations! Whether you realized or not, you just took your first step on the road toward becoming a better you. Let’s face it – being a human can be tough. Life transitions happen and can be scary, sometimes shaking us to our core. Helping you work through your past, present, and planning for a brighter future is where I come in. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, you are in the driver’s seat of your own life. With that realization comes responsibility but also power. It is my life’s joy to empower others to design the life that they have always envisioned for themselves. When you are ready, we will uncover barriers, bust through obstacles, and build you up to where you are ready to take on the world. Some of those barriers could be past experiences that are causing you to experience trauma symptoms or memories that can weigh you down like a backpack full of books. You may be able to carry on for a while, but in time that backpack is going to slow down your progress and ability to maintain present activities. One of my favorite quotes is, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards,” by Soren Kierkegaard. Countless people before you have joined with a therapist or counselor and benefited from an objective view of their life and experiences. That is my goal, to look down from above and help you see things in a different light. Now for some information on my background: I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Music Performance from the University of TN at Chattanooga in 2013. I then went on to earn my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the same university in 2016. Since then, I have worked intensely with youth and families at a nonprofit agency. I have experience with many various mental health issues and diagnoses and I particularly enjoy working with family issues. I have training in several models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Community Advocacy Project (CAP), and Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). My therapeutic approach is collaborative, action- and goal-oriented. When we meet, I want to make sure you leave feeling validated but also with some tools to put into practice in your life outside of session. We will set goals together and regularly check in on progress toward these goals, determining where revisions may be needed. Also, no matter what life outside of session is like, I want to create a calm and safe space for you to be able to think and process clearly. If you have any questions about me or what to expect, feel free to reach out. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Hi, I'm Michelle Daley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a deep commitment to guiding individuals through their journey of healing and growth. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and trauma-related issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a belief in each person's innate ability to heal. I create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, confront past experiences, and develop effective coping skills. Therapy with me is collaborative and personalized. Together, we will work towards understanding the root causes of your anxiety or trauma, and I will support you in building resilience and fostering a sense of empowerment. My goal is to alleviate symptoms and help you thrive in all aspects of your life.

Sims Counseling & Consulting is a sanctuary for holistic and integrative mental health. At Sims, we go beyond conventional psychotherapy, weaving mindfulness, art, meditation, yoga, movement, and somatic experiencing into the fabric of our services. Here, we believe in nurturing the complete being – mind, body, and soul. Every now and then life has a way of hitting us hard. We believe that when individuals enter counseling they are feeling gridlocked in their current situation and need assistance navigating their way out of the storms. We see counseling as a process by which I guide my client in exploration and identification of their needs. Through cognitive and somatic techniques we help raise clients' awareness of ineffective behaviors, toxic cycles, and distorted thinking patterns that may be standing in the way of the changes they desire in life. We believe that transformation begins when we slow down, tune into our bodies, and honor what comes up. We have experience supporting emerging adults and college students, let's get started!

Many of the people we work with are thoughtful, caring, and capable individuals who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, self-doubt, identity questions, or feeling overwhelmed by the expectations they place on themselves. Some students come to therapy because they’re facing a specific challenge. Others simply want a better understanding of themselves and why they think, feel, or react the way they do. Whether you’re navigating college life, relationships, family dynamics, career decisions, or personal growth, we aim to provide a space that feels supportive, thoughtful, and genuine. Our approach combines practical tools with deeper self-reflection, helping you build insight, develop healthier patterns, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to create.

Healing happens when we feel safe enough to show up exactly as we are. All parts of you are welcome here. I’m not here to change you or fix you. I don’t think you are “broken” or that there's anything "wrong" with you. Together we'll create an accepting + compassionate environment, with respect for your intuition + body's wisdom underlying all that we do. I’m trauma + social justice-informed and view therapy through an intersectional lens (mind, body, environment, culture). During our time together, we’ll likely look at environmental factors (interpersonal, economic, oppression) that create individual/collective stress and trauma. I value equity, consent and boundaries in the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a space that is safe, non-judgmental and accepting. My approach is collaborative + holistic, centering around values of⁣ empathy, connection and deep listening. I’m Internal Family Systems-informed and incorporate somatic + mindfulness-based approaches into sessions. I provide an Autism-affirming perspective in therapy and believe Autism is a genetically-based neurotype, not a medical disorder. "I understand being autistic to be a cultural identity and recognize autistic people as experts on their own culture." (quote from Trauma Geek). Please visit my website for more information. Warmly, River (they/she)

I offer affirming and anti-oppressive space for you to explore who you are, what you've been through, how those experiences have shaped you, and how you'd like to shape your future. Everything is connected: symptoms such as anxiety and depression are often related to relationship and resource issues, which connect to things like identity, neurotype, or environment. I work with teens and adults struggling with multiple concerns within themselves, their relationships, and their communities. I've worked with students dealing with things like: understanding their own gender/sexual/romantic identities, social isolation and anxiety, relationships with family, friends, and significant others, academic concerns, on-campus discrimination, and histories of childhood mistreatment or abuse.

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.

Hello, my name is Joel. If you are struggling with anxiety, relationships issues, mood changes, or daily struggles of being a student then we can work together on making it better. Difficulties come in all shapes and sizes and are personal to your experience. I have been in the field since 2004 and performing therapy since 2012. This progression with helping clients has been guided by a professional and person centered approach to help you meet your goals and desires. I have helped many students with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship, self-esteem, and interpersonal issues. When you choose to work with me you will find an easy going, confidential, and strength based approach that will promote self-awareness, growth, and empowerment. I have an Undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Appalachian State University, and a Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have recently relocated to NC from 7 years in VT and excited to be back in my home state of NC. Therapeutic approaches will include, but not limited to CBT, Reality Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, and DBT. I enjoy being outdoors, sports, cooking, family, and education. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College is supposed to be exciting — but sometimes it’s just too much. If you’re stuck in your head, overthinking everything, or pretending you’re fine when you’re really not, you’re not alone. I help college students tackle anxiety, perfectionism, and all those “Who even am I?” moments — no B.S. My style is real, honest, and down-to-earth. We’ll call out what’s getting in your way and find tools that actually work, so you can feel clear, confident, and more like you again.

We offer outpatient behavioral health services in Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany Counties, which includes support for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, stress, insomnia, support through life transitions, and more. All insurances are welcome, as well as self-pay with sliding scale fees and flexible billing agreements. As an integrated service alongside primary care, we aim to provide whole-person care and prioritize seeing clients who already see us for primary care or are interested in becoming a new patient with us. Even if you don't, we're still happy to connect and see if we can help! Please see website link for a referral form. After you complete this form, a member of our team will respond within 3-5 business days.

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to balance responsibilities, relationships, work, and expectations while also managing anxiety, stress, or unresolved trauma. You may appear to be holding it all together on the outside while struggling internally with burnout, overthinking, self-pressure, or feeling emotionally stuck. I specialize in helping clients process, heal, and grow through life transitions, anxiety, and trauma in a supportive and nonjudgmental space. I utilize evidence-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and ACT to help clients move beyond survival mode toward greater clarity, balance, confidence, and emotional relief. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, respected, and actively involved in the process, so I take a collaborative and personalized approach focused on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping you create a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.

Contact us via phone call, text, or email if you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors can get us to realize our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.We utilize therapeutic tools to help with overcoming provoked fears, worries, and depressed moods. Our experience includes working with youth, adults and families focused on mood disorders (depression, anxiety, Bipolar II), behavior modification, interpersonal development (relationships), trauma, and substance abuse. It takes courage to ask for help. We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be. Therapists at SHINE work to strengthen, help, inspire, nurture and empower desired life changes. “Success is not final, and failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

CoRe Therapy & Resolutions, PLLC is committed to equipping individuals, groups, and community organizations with resolutions to strengthen their CORE, with services and interventions that are comprehensive and responsive to established mental health and organizational goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.