Therapists for college students near University of Pittsburgh

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Training and professional background: I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, graduating in May of 2014. In the Fall of 2012, I received training as a victims’ advocate and crisis line operator at the Family Justice Center in South Bend. For the rest of my time as an undergraduate, I continued volunteering for the FJC, focusing on taking crisis calls, yet unaware of the skills I was building in attending to each caller’s concerns. I utilized my training again during grad school to volunteer for Crisis Text Line, where I honed my skills in crisis management and planning. In December of 2018, I graduated with my Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Duquesne’s program is CACREP accredited and meets all standards and requirements as an institution for counselor education. I received my license November of 2023. Theoretical orientation and approach to counseling: My clinical approach is rooted in two orientations: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I also draw heavily from the Humanistic-Existentialist perspectives of Psychology and philosophy in helping my clients better understand their feelings, goals, and experiences. My clinical practice embodies the spirit of meeting clients where they are. I enter each session with one objective: a readiness to talk and warmly receive. Client rights and responsibilities: As my client, I encourage you to ask questions and raise concerns about anything, especially my credentials and qualifications, the progress of our work together and its cost, my therapeutic approach, or anything else that concerns you. I take my role seriously as a helper and strongly believe that healthy relationships, especially therapeutic, require communication, consistency, and warmth. Therapeutically, we might be a good fit if: -- You are ready to make new moves in your life and relationships – So many of us know what must be done to address problematic behavior or to build better habits. What might be lacking is an awareness of the theory or tools to support those efforts. I am equipped to teach you how to individualize widely known coping skills, if you are ready to prioritize your mental health treatment. -- You are a creative person – The scaffolding or foundation you need to accomplish your long-term goals comes from your ability to generate creative solutions—no matter the medium! Your unique skills and worldviews can enrich to the work we do in the room. This takes the form of interesting, billowing conversation, not traditional art therapy. -- You are looking for a space to feel seen and heard – I take great pride in my ability to attend to the emotional needs of my clients. A dedicated space where the floor cedes to you, a conversation that is focused with warm curiosity on you, that is quickly becoming a rarity in our social interactions. While attentiveness is one of my biggest strengths to offer, I find being a witness to my clients’ concerns and vulnerabilities the greatest honor and reward in this field; we are the most human in these moments. It sets the stage for therapeutic collaboration and honors our innate drive to identify and hold our emotions without urgency or shame.

25+ yrs of post-licensure experience. Co-owner of Existential-Dynamic Associates. I see counseling as a collaborative process designed to help you overcome problems & live more fully. I believe that seeing yourself & others with compassion & acceptance is a path to well-being & meaning. I have an engaging, experiential style. I also lecture domestically & internationally on anger management, mindful eating, & perfectionism. My approach to self-criticalness was validated by an independent research team. I am on the Advisory Board of The Mindfulness Project (London, UK).

My name is Avory Billman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Strong Foundations. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adults through trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. My concentration includes providing affirming care to LGBTQIA and neurodivergent individuals. I am licensed in PA and hold additional certification in trauma therapy.

The Center for Advanced Psychotherapy (CAP Clinic), is part of Bellefield Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, UPMC in Oakland. Most cases referred will likely be seen by a trainee under supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed mental health counselor through the CAP clinic. Trainees are either advanced students earning their doctorate in clinical psychology (PhD or PsyD) or medical residents (MDs) who are specializing in psychiatry and receiving specialized psychotherapy training. Video or audio taping of sessions is required in the CAP Clinic for supervision and training purposes. Patients participating in weekly psychotherapy can also be seen for med management services by a Psychiatrist or Psychiatry Resident, if appropriate. Lauren Bylsma, PhD has expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches for mood, anxiety, traumatic stress (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in adults and adolescents. Other providers in our clinic (Holly Swartz, MD and Kelly Wells, MSW, LCSW) have expertise in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) for unipolar and bipolar depression in adults. Some patients may not be a good fit for our clinic, including those with active alcohol or substance abuse issues, active psychosis, uncontrolled mania, high risk for suicide, homicidality or history of aggression, eating disorders, or those not appropriate for an outpatient level of care. Session fees are based on your insurance co-pays but it may be possible to see a trainee who does not bill insurance (i.e., no session fees), depending on trainee availability. We currently have availability with psychology trainees who do not bill (no charge for sessions, any insurance or no insurance is ok). Med management visits are billed to insurance. We currently offer both in-person and Telehealth services.

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.

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.

Looking for support, problem solving, coping skills, or an opportunity to talk through what is not working? My goal is to create a working relationship that feels comfortable and hopeful. It takes courage to share personal information with someone new. Individuals and families are facing a lot of stress and difficulties which makes psychotherapy incredibly important. My work with clients has them feeling respected and involved in their own treatment goals. The clients I serve range in age from teens through adulthood. Young adults/college age are often a large part of my practice as well. Change takes time and the therapy process is based upon trust, comfort and consistency. Progress can occur and is to be expected with shared treatment goals and ongoing communication. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions about the process or for more details about my specialities and approach to care. Let's find out if I am a good match for your needs with an initial call.

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.

At Pittsburgh PCIT and Counseling our experience enables us to offer effective individual counseling for adolescents and young adults. Whether starting college or transitioning into adult life, late teens and early twenties can be a seriously exciting, but stressful time. We are able to address a number of behavioral and mental health concerns including, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, trauma, behavior problems, personal adjustments, LGBTQ+ issues, and other life stressors.

We provide a safe, caring environment with only top-rated specialists. We provide secure online therapy & counseling that fits your life. With a results-based, individualized approach, our goal is to help you heal and become happy again.

Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Taking the first step in seeking therapy can feel overwhelming in itself. We know life can be complicated, unpredictable, and at times challenging to navigate. I've been working as a therapist for over 13 years and have experience supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. Helping young adults navigate life transitions as they embark on adulthood and gain newfound independence has become a particular passion of mine. I work from a trauma-informed framework with clients and students experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, social pressures, identity exploration, disordered eating, life transitions, grief, loss, and concerns related to the LGBTQ+ community and their families. I strive to meet clients wherever they may be on their own journey. Sessions with me are authentic, supportive, creative, compassionate, and collaborative as we work together to develop individualized goals. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and EMDR-trained clinician, I offer art therapy services and interventions alongside other counseling approaches, including CBT, DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused techniques. Disclaimer: You do not have to be “good at art” to benefit from art therapy. You also have the freedom to decline art therapy altogether if you prefer more traditional talk therapy sessions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Seeking a therapist is a courageous first step. My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship we can understand what motivates you and how to overcome the barriers you may face. I have extensive experience working with children, adults, couples, and families that face a variety of concerns from ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues, and stress management. My strengths-based, person-centered approach incorporates evidence-based modalities to provide a comprehensive approach to healing and growing through your therapy experience.

Dr. Thomas Petrone is the Director and senior faculty member of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor and is the President and Clinical Director of the Psychological and Counseling Center, Inc. where he has provided psychotherapy, consultation, training and evaluation services for over 40 years. He practices Gestalt therapy which is a non-pathologizing, supportive therapy that focusses on the whole person and provides individuals with opportunity to address concerns about the various relationship concerns in their lives. His specialty areas include, working wtih Individuals, couples, mental health evaluation services and evaluation services for immigration concerns. Dr. Petrone is also a staff member of the Pittsburgh Irish festival and co-proprietor, with his spouse Dr. Maura Krushinski, of the Irish Design Center in Pittsburgh.

Alyssa Kline is a mental health therapist working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor at PKO Counseling Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She supports clients facing a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, life transitions, social conflicts, and executive functioning difficulties. Alyssa has experience working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and young adults. She has provided mindfulness-based therapy and social coaching to transition-aged neurodivergent clients at a vocational school. Additionally, she worked at summer camps and elementary schools offering support and individualized accommodations for children. She also has experience working within college athletic departments, helping student-athletes meet their academic and personal goals. She uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach and often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Behavioral techniques. Alyssa’s goal is to help you find your voice, feel empowered, and create desired change. Alyssa strives to foster a welcoming and safe environment and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Alyssa believes that having support during life’s ups and downs is essential and she will work with you to build confidence and develop the necessary tools for growth.

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.

Hello. I have been in Private Practice for over 25 years. I have also worked in college counseling centers. My first task is to listen and fully understand the individuals that I work with. Then, we collaboratively identify skills and solutions to improve the situation. We heal old wounds and work through issues so that you can feel more at peace and reach your fullest potential.

Same or next week availability! Welcome, I'm Dr Amy O'Donnell. I'm not here to fix you. Because you aren't broken. I believe everyone naturally has the capacity for healing. Together we learn how that looks for you. I help you incorporate natural approaches into your mental health care to create lasting change in mood, stress and sense of purpose. I’m an integrative psychiatrist. I think of my practice as like a one-stop-shop as services that are normally diluted among different providers get streamlined into one place - psychodynamic psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic approaches like nutrition, supplements and botanicals. While I can help with many concerns, my main areas of focus include new and expectant moms, medication de-prescribing and navigating high stress or low mood. We dig deeper to build insight into your whole person, address root causes and establish a resilient foundation so you face life’s challenges with increasing confidence and balance. I’ll be honest; creating lasting change will be challenging and uncomfortable at times. It will require commitment. My promise to you is that you won’t be alone on this journey. If you think we might be a good fit, please check out my website www.naturesflowpsych.com and schedule a free 15-minutes introductory call. I look forward to connecting with you.

Our aim is to create a collaborative, person-centered healing relationship with clients. The dynamic of this co-created space is one where you can explore and find your unique tools, techniques, and strengths to empower your authentic self, as well as your understanding of the world around us. Our intention in all levels of our work is to decolonize the therapeutic space. We are LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and sex-positive. We are dedicated to the continuous engagement--both professionally and personally--that this requires. Most of us identify as queer and/or neurodivergent, and several of us also live with chronic illnesses. We believe that clients have the right to interview their clinicians and choose someone they can ask questions to and get honest answers!

Maybe chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma has your nervous system stuck on high alert, so that even when life is relatively stable, you don't actually feel that way. Maybe your past experiences show up now as hypervigilance, tension, irritability, insomnia, or shutting down. Maybe you're managing burnout, depression, relationship struggles, or patterns you just can't seem to shake. Maybe you're tired of merely surviving and ready to actually feel different. With a background in social justice, many of my clients are queer, activists, neurodivergent, and others for whom identity/politics/systemic context are part of their story. We start by helping your body feel safer through various approaches such as biofeedback, breathwork/meditation, or the Safe and Sound Protocol so your nervous system doesn’t have to work so hard. From there, we look deeper at the patterns, relationships, and stories that shaped how you move through the world. We explore what matters to you at your own pace. Our work together isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding what has happened to you, how you've adapted, and finding out what is possible when we have more awareness and more options. My approach is a deeply relational one. You're the expert on your own life and I'm here to serve as a supporter and collaborator in the process.