Therapists for college students near Philadelphia, PA

Therapy is a space where healing, growth, and clarity can begin and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll work together to find a path forward that feels authentic and sustainable. I’m a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, working with adults and teens. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and have extensive experience using a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs. My approach is warm, collaborative, and supportive. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and empowered. In our sessions, we’ll explore patterns, address unhelpful cycles, and build new, healthier ways of moving through the world. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy drinking coffee, crocheting, hiking, and spending time outdoors. I also have a deep love for plants and find peace in caring for them.

We are a small private practice in Philadelphia and we treat a range of issues including general anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life changing events such as divorce, loss, grief and intimacy issues. By forming strong bonds, We enable clients to explore feelings, thoughts and behaviors to foster growth and positive change. Together we will work to help you free yourself from the familial, social and cultural expectations which often constrain us and become internalized truths. I encourage you to reach out and see if one of our clinicians feels like a good match to you.

As a first-generation college graduate, I know how challenging it can be to find your way. For this reason, I helped students on their college journeys for over a decade before transitioning to clinical practice. Many of my clients are cycle-breakers: the first in their family to address mental health concerns and build healthier relationships. I help clients manage anxiety, depression and challenging family relationships (i.e. emotionally immature parents/adults). You CAN have a different experience. If this resonates with you, schedule a free consultation to talk about how I can support you on your journey.

Do you struggle with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, burnout, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Even if you’ve learned ways to cope, do you feel ready to process what you’ve been holding and begin healing more deeply? The clients I work with are often thoughtful, resilient individuals who want to better understand their experiences and reclaim a sense of safety, balance, joy, and meaning in their lives. Some are curious about exploring creative expression as a way to access emotions and experiences that may be difficult to talk about directly.

Going to college may feel like it is supposed to be one of the most exciting times in your life. Leaving home, starting an independent life and creating connections with people from all over the world sounds great, right? But, it is also one of the more challenging times in life from a developmental stance. Family relations feel different, making friends can be challenging in a larger setting, academics are rigorous and there is a struggle to know who you 'really are.' On top of that, differences between you and others on identity dimensions can have you re-examining where you fit into the larger world around you. I am here to help guide you through this time so that you can work through unpleasant feelings while simultaneously feeling more confident in the person you are becoming and wish to be.

Wellness is your birthright; you are already worthy. This means you are worthy of a mental health practitioner who will partner with you, support you, and equip you to live the life of wellness you believe you are capable of, but may be struggling to cultivate alone. When clients leave sessions with me they can expect to feel heard, seen, that they aren’t alone, and they have options and practical steps reflective of their uniqueness to incorporate in their life before the next session. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has spent the past 15 years partnering with people on their journey to wellness. I specialize in supporting those who identify as women between the ages of 18-65 who desire informed, compassionate, creative, yet practical support to live well even as they manage trauma, sexual assault/abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss, workplace or career challenges, relationships, and identity shifts and changes. I’ve worked at several colleges and universities across the United States, as far west as Spokane, WA, north as Buffalo, New York, and as local as center city Philadelphia, leading wellness programming for students on campus and counseling services. I earned a BA in Human Development and Family Science, an MS in Mental Health Counseling, and upon moving back to the Philadelphia, PA area knew I wanted to start a private practice, which I did in 2018.

When I opened A Better Life Therapy in 2013, I had one goal: to create a practice where people feel truly welcomed and supported. In my own search for a therapist, I was surprised by how difficult it was to even get a call or email returned. I wanted to change that. At A Better Life, you’ll always hear back from us , whether you call, email, or schedule online. We believe finding a therapist should be simple, and you deserve to know that someone is here for you. (And yes, it’s true that I’ve been known to write prospective clients back at midnight just to make sure they could rest assured that there was an appointment available to them.) I also wanted to create a space where I am confident the therapist you are working with is not only highly trained to support you but genuinely cares about what you’re going through and where you want to go. Over time, A Better Life has grown into something even bigger than I imagined: a family practice for mental health. Much like a trusted family doctor’s office, we’re here for your whole family across the lifespan. We love being able to support parents as they navigate the transitions of raising children, help kids work through friendship struggles, guide young adults through the stress of college and career, strengthen couples as they build their relationships, and stand alongside families as they cope with loss or the challenges of aging. In short: we want to walk with you through all of life’s moments -the messy and beautiful — from birth to your second act, and every stage in between. Welcome to our practice. We hope to see you around!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My intention is to guide you into your next phase of life that's not only authentic and free but deeply fulfilling. Within our sessions, we’ll create a sanctuary where you can openly explore your desires and aspirations with curiosity and the space to be yourself. Together, we can address: - Managing and easing worry, fears, and anxieties. - Exploring better understanding and coping with low energy and depressed mood. - Relationship dynamics, including familial, romantic, and professional. - Navigating life transitions and the nuance of finding comfort in your new normal. - Uncovering pathways to personal development, through identity exploration, boundary-setting, existential questions, and processing trauma. With each individual's desires being unique, my role is to support you through the challenges and celebrations of life while ensuring that every step you take is moving you towards a life that truly aligns with what you value most. Our collaborative work will empower you, connecting you with your internal strengths and innate healing abilities, to realize your vision with confidence and clarity. Central to our sessions are effective modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), enriched by holistic philosophies. For those interested, I weave in breathwork, mindfulness exercises, guided meditations, and gentle movement, providing a comprehensive toolkit for healing and wellness. I cater to both adolescents and adults, customizing our sessions to meet you on your journey, aiming to cultivate: - An enriching connection with your inner wisdom and compassion. - Authenticity and comfort in your interactions, founded on self-acceptance. - The joy of freely expressing your true self, enhancing intimacy in all relationships. - Routine practices that propel you towards the life you desire. - Clear understanding of your values and future aspirations, grounded in self-trust. Outside of my work as a holistic psychotherapist, my passions include nature, dance, travel, yoga, and time with loved ones which inspire my approach to holistic wellness. I accept Aetna & Cigna Insurances as well as private pay. If you're considering taking steps toward growth and fulfillment, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we will discover the vibrant essence of your being. I am currently offering virtual sessions.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and psychodynamic psychotherapist with advanced training and extensive clinical experience with adults. I enjoy working with both men and women of college age and beyond to help them better understand and cope with a wide range of emotional issues and concerns that may create personal stress, anxiety, depression, confusion or low self- esteem. In addressing these issues they are better able to handle the demands of school as well as their relationships with friends and family. In our work together, my focus is on building a therapeutic relationship built on trust and openness as I attune myself to each person’s unique feelings, problems, experiences and life circumstances. Most people I work with find me comfortable to talk to, insightful, supportive, and compassionate.

Hi, I’m Djola McGowan, but most people lovingly call me DJ. I’m a neurodivergent Licensed Professional Counselor based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I identify as a woman and use she/her pronouns. As a first-generation American with roots in Jamaica—the land of wood and water—I bring a rich, culturally informed perspective to my work. I believe therapy is a revolutionary act of self-care and a collaborative journey. My approach to therapy is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and cultural awareness. I truly believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens within us, but also in our relationships, families, and the systems we move through every day. As someone who values both personal insight and practical tools, I draw from Structural Family Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients make sense of how their emotions, thoughts, and family dynamics all intertwine. Together, we untangle the patterns that are keeping you stuck and work toward building new, healthier ways of being — both within yourself and in your relationships.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi name is Vanessa, The students I work best with often have a lot on their plates. They may be high-achieving or highly motivated, but still feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Many are juggling school, work, family expectations, and social pressures, and feel like they’re expected to “have it all together” even when they don’t. The students who tend to thrive in my practice are open to self-reflection and curious about understanding themselves better. I am most aligned with individuals who want practical tools to manage stress, improve confidence, and cope with emotions, but also want space to talk things through without judgment. Clients I serve don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—many just want support, clarity, and a place where they can be honest. If you’re a student who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of support while figuring things out, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it by yourself. Therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, and build skills that help you move forward with more confidence and balance.

I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, life transitions, and relationship issues. I understand how trauma, childhood attachment, family of origin dynamics, and harm within our social/cultural/political systems underly many of these struggles. And I know how these painful experiences can disconnect you from yourself, your loved ones, and the joys of life. Together, we will explore the patterns that keep you stuck, understand their roots, and learn new ways of navigating life's challenges. Our work will help you restore a sense of agency and reconnection to your authentic, grounded Self that's innate to us all. My approach is relational, collaborative, and attachment-based. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR and integrate these models for powerful trauma processing and self-exploration. I support clients to shift from intellectualizing into more experiential understanding of your emotions, body, and life experiences. My clients describe me as warm, attuned, and able to hold them in all of their complexity. I don't view my role as "fixing" or giving advice, but to hold, support, and challenge you to create the changes you want in life. I look forward to getting to know you!

I love working with women and femmes who are dealing with anxiety, mood issues, life stress, ADHD/neurospiciness, or just a general sense that things aren't going as planned. Maybe you have "gifted child syndrome" - you were the top of your class all throughout school, but now that you're in college, things are falling apart. Maybe the decades worth of masking, overfunctioning, and prioritizing others' needs above yours are finally starting to get to you. Maybe you're a STEM major and you're feeling crushed by the weight of the world's expectations. Or maybe your anxiety, depression, or other "symptoms" aren't responding to medication or traditional therapy because there is underlying trauma that needs to be addressed. Whether you're looking for a compassionate ear, a space to explore the challenges of school and identity, or a guide to help you process untouched wounds, I'm here for you. You're invited to reach out to me to set up a free 15-20 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. I hope to hear from you soon.

Anxiety is a whole-body experience: your heart races, you feel sick to your stomach, and as hard as you might try, you can't shut off the worry thoughts. You feel disconnected from yourself and the people and things you love. You want relief from the pain, and you also want to understand why you seem to feel things more intensely than others. You'd like to life a life where anxiety and self doubt no longer hold you back, where you can overcome creative and motivational blocks and learn how to better manage "big" emotions that sometimes seem to sweep you away. You want to feel heard, seen and understood. You're not alone and there is a way out of the pain. I use compassion, humor and harnessing the power of our minds and bodies to help you make powerful and lasting shifts in how you perceive yourself and how you interact with the world. I incorporate somatic and nonverbal modalities such as yoga, music therapy and EMDR. Finding the right therapist to journey alongside you is the first step toward uncovering your strengths and building the necessary skills for navigating the uncertainties and challenges of being human. Please check out my website for more information about me and what I offer, and don't hesitate to call or email to schedule a free consultation!

If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. Our team specializes in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. We'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it. You're scrolling TikTok and are feel comforted and curious about just how well you relate to the ADHD content on your feed. I am a QbCheck Certified Provider, offering Remote ADHD Testing to support the assessment and treatment of ADHD. You don't have to self-diagnose! You don’t have to struggle alone. We have the support, the plan and the process to move you from stuck to successful. We deliver structured and evidence-based treatment to the young adult population while making care accessible to you in a way that fits within your lifestyle. Let's work together to build a life you love.

I’m a good fit for students who get trapped in their head—overthinking everything, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or feeling like they can’t relax unless everything is “handled.” You might be high-achieving, but constantly stressed, exhausted, or scared of messing up. Sometimes that turns into procrastination, avoidance, or feeling numb. In therapy, we’ll focus on helping you calm the mental noise, handle stress more effectively, and build confidence in your choices—so school and life don’t feel like a constant emergency.

Hi! My name is Emma and I’m a white, queer, cis femme millennial therapist. I know that’s a lot of descriptors, but social identity is core to my therapy practice. I believe that our social identities, along with our personal histories and relationships, shape our experience of the world. I’m a relational psychotherapist, which means I’m interested in your relationships and how they shape your life. This also means that our therapeutic relationship is the main tool for your growth and healing. When you feel heard and validated, it gives you the foundation to build healthy relationships with yourself and others. I’m not the kind of therapist who sits back and scribbles on a notepad. I believe that you’re the expert of your life and I’m here to support you—to hold the map, flashlight, and the bag of snacks. In my pre-therapist former life, I was a teaching artist, workshop facilitator, and nonprofit program coordinator. My academic journey focused on intersectional queer and feminist theory, history, and literature. I’ve also been active in organizing around racial and economic issues in my communities. I’m kink positive, fat positive, and pleasure positive. I affirm poly and queer identities. I believe white supremacy and internalized capitalism dehumanize us, and therapy is a space to name, process, and grieve these impacts. I might be the right therapist for you if: - you have anxiety and/or depression -you identify as LGBTQ or navigating questions around these identities -you struggle in relationships with family, friends, or partners, particularly around boundaries -you have experienced trauma -you navigate challenges around body image and self-esteem I also offer a free video consultation to see if we’re the right fit. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to take the next step!