Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

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Hey there! I’m Sonya, a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board Certified Transgender Care Specialist licensed in Pennsylvania. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA2+ community and specialize in providing gender affirming care to gender expansive, non-binary and trans individuals, as well as BIPOC individuals with diverse multicultural and racial backgrounds and those from the diaspora. I am a child of immigrants, "third-culture kid", and specialize in working with first and second generation immigrants and racial and cultural minority members who have been impacted by harmful cultural narratives, intergenerational trauma, and who have experiences feeling “othered.” I am guided by a feminist and person centered approach that prioritizes an exploration of our intersecting identities, and value the healing power of exploratory and respectful conversation that acknowledges the effects oppression and colonialism have on mental health. I approach therapy from a lens of non-judgmental curiosity and strive to bring humility, humor and creativity into our shared space. I utilize art making and expressive therapies to help facilitate greater self-acceptance, self-confidence, personal growth, and to empower you to create positive change. I believe art making has the power to heal and the magic to transform. My goal is to create a safe, affirming and warm environment for you and if you’d like, to guide you in the art making process to help you feel empowered to create change. I hope to make your journey in therapy validating, supportive, and strive to make you feel heard, understood, and accepted. It would be an honor and privilege to work with you.

On the outside, you’re a success- but on the inside, you're secretly miserable. Your emotional reactions are unpredictable, extreme, or out of control. You feel helpless to change and you worry that you will feel this way for the rest of your life. You may have felt depressed, anxious, or both, for years - or have a history of trauma that still affects you. You wish that you had more control over the way that you feel - that you didn’t lose it so quickly. You’d love to strengthen the meaningful relationships in your life and be able to open up more freely. And of course you’d like to reduce any self harm urges and actions. I can help you. The most frightening step is asking for help and you’re already here. I make therapy convenient with weekend/evening hours, available online to individuals residing in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and all states with enacted PSYPACT legislation (https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap) Please note that clients from New Jersey are not being accepted at this time due to state legislation issues related to telehealth providers. - Level 3 trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (through Behavioral Tech) - Level 2 trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (through AEDP Institute) - Certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure (through the Department of Veterans Affairs) PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are online only.

I have practiced child, adolescent and adult psychiatry in Pittsburgh since 1976. I graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1972 and completed specialty training at the University of PIttsburgh School of Medicine/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in 1976. I am a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorders. My approach is to be thorough and to evaluate and treat each individual systematically and carefully. I have extensive experience with difficult to treat psychiatric conditions. I have a full time office manager and a 24 hour per day answering service. I am available for emergencies. Someone will always answer my telephone and all telephone calls are returned. My typical visits are from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the needs of each person.

Are you feeling anxious? How did I get this stressed? What happened to my self-confidence? These are questions many people ask themselves. You're not alone! I have gone through my own healing journey and can help you in your journey towards self-love and compassion. I believe that we can learn to be compassionate towards ourselves. Let’s get to work!

We are a group practice serving the Pittsburgh community and located in the heart of Shadyside. Our team is diverse by design, bringing a unique collection of cultural and clinical experiences. Following a shared philosophy, each therapist combines evidence-based practices with holistic and mindful approaches to psychotherapy. The result is a carefully tailored plan of treatment for each individual. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, with your partner, or for your family, the Awareness & Wellness Center (AWC) is committed to providing therapy services that support your journey to greater self-awareness and better health.

You didn’t ask for this—whether it’s a major life change, a new mental health diagnosis, or that frustrating sense of being stuck in the same loop over and over. You may be navigating something unfamiliar: a shift in your identity, a change in your relationships, or a diagnosis that’s left you overwhelmed, confused, or doubting yourself. Maybe you’ve noticed patterns that no longer serve you but haven’t been able to break free from them. You want to feel in control again—or maybe for the first time. And while you might hate what you’re feeling right now, some part of you is ready to figure it out. That’s where I come in. Our work together is collaborative. I’ll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and care—helping you connect the dots, challenge stuck narratives, and build something new. We’ll explore how past experiences might be shaping the present, how your diagnosis fits into the bigger picture, and what tools will actually help you feel more like you again. My clients are open to the therapy process, even when it's hard. They want clarity, relief, and a sense of mastery over their mental health—not just symptom relief, but true understanding. If you’re ready to start, reach out. We can talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get there—together.

College can be exciting and overwhelming. I work best with students who feel stuck, stressed, or unsure about who they’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship challenges, family pressure, or big decisions, I offer a calm, nonjudgmental space to sort things out. You don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident in your next steps.

To live is to suffer; to survive is to find meaning in the suffering (Neitzsche). We would never be able to experience our joy had we not of grown through our pain. GROWTH is the key component of findings ones true self. Be it feelings of anxiety, depression, or symptoms of PTSD, you CAN and WILL grow to be a better version of you when you take this journey of wellness. Exploration of ones self and mental toughness are key components to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Sometimes our past experiences, generational patterns, or our current thought patterns prohibit us from achieving greatness. I have over 15 years of experience I specialize with teens, young adults, and pro athletes. I am LGTBQI affirming. As a former Division 2 basketball coach, I enjoy working with college bound students and student athletes along with folks just experiencing stressors of everyday life. I utilize a strength based and holistic approach that incorporates pieces of DBT, CBT, MI, and mindfulness While we share time together you will find me to be a genuine, humorous, and empathetic clinician. Therapy should be about being authentic not only as a client but as your clinician. At the end of the day my job is to work myself out of a job where you feel empowered, self aware, and motivated to hit the ground running to achieve your life's purpose.

​​I provide effective help for individuals, couples and families, who are seen by scheduled appointment via secure and confidential telehealth sessions. Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others. I participate with most health insurance plans and many employee assistance programs.

With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviors, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances. Your session is your sanctuary. Show up for yourself, and I'll be there, judgment-free. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem. Together, we'll navigate your path with understanding and support, making each step a little easier. Why wait for a crisis to seek support? Therapy isn't just for when things go wrong—it's a proactive way to care for your mental well-being. Just like regular check-ups with your doctor, therapy helps maintain and enhance your mental health. Embrace the opportunity to nurture yourself and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for 7 years and a Former School Counselor for 12 years. As a Former School Counselor for 12 years, my expertise is helping college age students with academic, career and personal/social dilemmas. I have helped thousands of students reach their academic, career and personal/social goals. Please visit my website which further outlines my college age expertise: www.ogradycounseling.com

I have been a therapist for over 30 years and have focused my work around helping clients develop healthy, satisfying relationships. I find that the people I see feel isolated, disappointed, and fearful of connecting with others. My approach is psychodynamic meaning that I see current concerns as a function of past relationships with significant people in one's life.

Are you, or a loved one, struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or a difficult and painful past? Understanding painful feelings can be difficult and making meaningful connections as to how, and why these developed can help alleviate symptoms & lead to change. You may be looking for therapy because there is an issue you hope to change, like low self-esteem, or a behavior pattern that is distressing to yourself or others (such as being reactive, critical). Perhaps you are finding it difficult to move toward your desired goals. You may be struggling with a relationship. I am a non-judgmental, compassionate, and formally trained Clinical Social Worker and Therapist. I am qualified to help you understand and resolve a wide array of issues that can be problematic in your life, while just as importantly, helping you to recognize your own strengths and potential for growth. My interest is working with you to help you better understand yourself through a process of exploration, support, respectful listening, and honest dialogue.

We are Pennsylvania's premier therapy & assessments centers. We’re not simply counselors for your mind. We specialize in a results-based, individualized approach to healing and mental well being. Our clients are people; with their own lives, experiences and lifestyle. At Makin Wellness we treat the person… not the ailment.

College and graduate school can stretch you academically, mentally, and emotionally. When stress, burnout, or self-doubt start to pile up, that stretch can feel more like a breaking point. I work with students to navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, life transitions, and challenges that can come with disability. I also support people adjusting to new environments, including the shift from rural backgrounds into more urban, academic settings. Together, we’ll look at where you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and build practical skills to help you clear those hurdles and reconnect with what matters to you. My approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In practice, this means we’ll use a blend of tools to help you understand your thoughts and reactions, make sense of your experiences, and respond in ways that feel more manageable and effective. I will tailor our work to your personal goals, because your idea of accomplishment is what matters to me. If you’re interested, we can also bring in elements of Geek Therapy® (using movies, games, or other examples of popular culture) to make therapy feel more relatable and engaging. If you’ve been dealing with mental fatigue, cognitive overload, or a life-altering diagnosis, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We can work together to help you feel more balanced, confident, and prepared for your next chapter, whether that’s graduation or the following academic term. Reaching out can be the most difficult step in this process. Let’s start a conversation and design a treatment plan just for you.

Trying to find a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling classes, jobs, friendships, and figuring out your next steps. Who We Work Best With: Students Just Like You The students who thrive most in our practice often share a few things in common. They are typically high-achieving, thoughtful, and determined, but right now, they're feeling overwhelmed and stuck. They are excellent at pushing through difficult situations but realize that the old methods of "just toughing it out" aren't working anymore. You might be a great fit for us if you are experiencing any of the following: The "Burnout Beast": You're running on empty. You feel anxious every Sunday night, your motivation is low, and you constantly feel like you should be doing more, even when you're exhausted. You're ready to stop stressing and start enjoying your college years. The Social Maze: You're struggling to make real connections, dealing with roommate conflicts, or navigating a difficult dating scene. You want your relationships to feel supportive, not draining. The Future Fog: You're feeling pressure about your major, your career path, or even just whether you're where you're "supposed" to be. You need help quieting the noise so you can figure out what you truly want. The New Normal: You're struggling to adjust to a new semester, a move away from home, or even life after graduation. Change is hard, and you need a steady, non-judgmental place to process it. We specialize in working with college and graduate students to manage anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and life transitions. Our goal isn't just to help you survive campus life—it's to help you genuinely thrive. We provide practical strategies, emotional support, and the clarity you need to move forward, all without the confusing jargon.

My training and orientation are mainly psychodynamic, but I utilize multiple theories and techniques, including mindfulness, family systems, as well as my background in cultural anthropology. I mainly work with grief, stress, anxiety, trauma, immigration and relocation, relationships, as well as LGBTQ+ and couples/family issues.

I work w/ adults 20 y.o. and up. I approach symptoms not as nuisances to be managed or reduced, but rather as signposts to be read. They point us to the deeper, meaningful issues that compel thoughtful reflection both in and outside the consulting room. We can look forward to exploring the patterns/themes that announce themselves in our work together, approaching all that we see w/ the respectful curiosity that sets the conditions for growth. I have experience working with adults struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, and the universal issue of learning to live in the face of loss. Since 1987 I’ve done psychotherapy in a variety of settings. Early on I worked in community mental health and then a rape crisis center. Later, I was a member of a large group private practice for over 25 years. My clinical orientation is psychodynamic with a strong relational orientation. My continuing education in psychodynamic approaches is ongoing. If you're interested in meeting, we'll first have a brief conversation on the phone so that I'll have a chance to tell you more about how my practice works and you'll have the opportunity to tell me more about your expectations or ask any questions you might have.

You want to be successful and self-assured, but your anxiety or depression has left you struggling with confidence and unsure of who you are. You may even feel confused as to what emotions you are experiencing or why you are feeling this way. This could be affecting your relationships, your work, or other areas of your life, and you're tired of pretending everything is fine when it's not. One thing is for certain: you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel good about yourself, to learn how to navigate these thoughts and feelings. You're ready to feel peace. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who they can genuinely connect with, because therapy should be a place where you feel understood. We will work together to identify new perspectives, increase awareness, and identify methods for you to effectively manage whatever causes you distress. I believe that we all possess the power to make necessary changes to live our most fulfilling lives. It is my goal to provide you with the support and guidance you need to discover the path to wellness that lies within. You don't have to continue managing your anxiety and depression alone. Reach out today for a free consult. I can't wait to hear from you.