Therapists for college students near Philadelphia, PA

I believe we all have the potential to live a life that brings us joy and satisfaction. I believe we all have an inner strength that allows us to change and grow, no matter how adverse the circumstances that brought us here. A therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and non-judgment can bring that strength to its rightful place in our lives. I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I recognize that there are generational, environmental, social, political, and cultural factors that impact our day-to-day lives and decisions and believe it's important to consider these factors when learning about my clients and their experiences. When we begin to understand ourselves and our ways of thinking and acting as a part of a larger whole, we can begin to improve the quality of our lives and our relationships, especially our relationship to the self. I help clients create real change through cultivating insight around their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of their life, relationships, and the world around them. I also help clients develop healthier, more effective coping skills. Together, we'll work to deepen your self awareness and build on what is good, strong, and true about yourself.

I am full of energy, observant, assertive, self-discipline, and compassionate. I am Afro-Latina and a first-generation immigrant, bilingual (Spanish). During my intense training in working with the minority community, I have grown to become a more authentic human being. This has led me to continue to foster cultural humility when engaging with others, as we become a more diverse country enriched by an influx of multiculturalism. In sessions, you can expect a burst of energy. We will translate that energy into a collaborative “work in progress.” We will go at the pace that is most convenient for you. I will join you and go inside those scary places, while you overcome the fear of the unknown. I will help you challenge your own belief systems and construct a new reality that works for you. You will discover deeper and more vulnerable emotions and learn to recognize the things that keep you stuck. You will discover well-rounded results that continuously allow you to develop a sense of self. I’m happy to guide you through all of life’s challenges with the attention and care you deserve.

Healing Hearts Wellness offers compassionate, individualized therapy rooted in somatic and experiential approaches. Our work is collaborative, trauma-informed, and paced to support nervous-system regulation, embodied awareness, and meaningful change. We support individuals, couples, and polycules navigating trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, medical trauma, injury, athletic identity, and perfectionism-related stress. Healing Hearts Wellness is neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+-affirming, and Health at Every Size® (HAES)-aligned, and we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive space for all bodies and identities. Our therapists integrate somatic therapy, EMDR, IFS, mindfulness, yoga therapy, and other experiential approaches, thoughtfully tailored to each client. We also offer adult ADHD assessments and introductory ADHD intensives.

Many of the students and young adults we work best with are in the middle of a transition. They may have just moved away from home, started college or graduate school, begun a new job, or are trying to figure out who they are outside of their family. On the outside, it can look like they’re “doing fine.” On the inside, they often feel anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid of making the wrong choices. You might relate if you’re struggling with independence — wanting space from your family but also feeling pulled back by guilt or expectations. Maybe you worry about the future, question your decisions constantly, or feel behind compared to everyone else. “Adulting” can feel harder than anyone warned you about. If you’re navigating identity, relationships, pressure to succeed, or fear of what comes next, you’re not alone. We work well with students who are thoughtful, self-aware, and ready to better understand themselves — even if they’re not sure where to start.

I work best with students who are motivated and thoughtful, but feel stuck—whether that’s struggling to focus, feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, or wondering if ADHD, a learning difference, or anxiety might be part of the picture. I offer neuropsychological evaluations to help students understand how their brain works—clarifying strengths, challenges, and what may be getting in the way of learning or performance. These evaluations are often helpful for students seeking answers, clarity, or documentation for academic supports. I also provide CBT-based therapy, which focuses on practical tools to manage anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and unhelpful thinking patterns. Therapy is active and collaborative, and we work toward concrete changes that make daily life and school feel more manageable. If you’re looking for clearer answers about yourself and support that’s structured, practical, and grounded, I may be a good fit.

My work is dynamic, effective, and tailored to you. I specialize in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, and grief. I'm trauma informed and relational, and I work creatively, with warmth and humor, to get you where you need to be. I'm LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally responsive.

Antonia Cianfrani is a board certified, registered art therapist and licensed professional counselor. Since 2015, she has been providing recovery-oriented treatment for a wide variety of disorders and diverse populations of children, adolescents, and adults utilizing art therapy techniques tailored to the client. She views art therapy as a collaborative process where client and therapist work together to identify potential areas for development and growth. Her approach to art therapy is infused with elements from evidenced-based interventions, behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic therapies. Antonia’s extensive experience working in inpatient behavioral health afford her the ability to assess the appropriate level of treatment for her clients needs as they improve or increase. She views the therapeutic process as an opportunity to model appropriate behaviors, foster meaningful connections, and develop positive identity formation. Antonia is also an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University.

Do emotions take over and exhaust you? Have people marveled at how resilient you are or mentioned your sensitivity as a liability? Maybe you sometimes wonder if you’re the only one who is seeing the hurt and pain all around. It’s likely you have figured out how to adapt to what the world wants you to be. You present the part of yourself that is widely accepted by your community and our social systems, but what about the rest of YOU? We always hear that college is the best days of our lives, but it is also a time a self discovery. That discovery process can be painful, and I can help. I guide young adults to connect to their inherent worth, power, and self-compassion. I work collaboratively with clients and draw from an expansive toolbox including body-oriented practices, talk therapy, and expressive arts. I am well suited to work with clients who are interested in mindfulness meditation and other body-based exercises to be the center of their therapeutic experience. My scope of practice includes anxiety, grief, burn-out, persistent depression, relational stressors, survivors of sexual trauma, and those navigating life as an artist. I align with clients whose identities and values defy society's conventional norms. My practice is trauma-informed, and I am dedicated to an anti-oppression, anti-racist, body positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming and equitable lens.

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.

Hey there! Are you a high achiever, but feel like you're constantly trying to please others? Struggling with family drama or always dating the same type of person? I've got you covered! I work with college students like you who want to build a better relationship with themselves and create deeper connections with others. Whether it's recognizing patterns from the past or figuring out what’s really going on inside, I’ll help you break free and start creating new habits that reflect your true self. I specialize in relational and sexual concerns—think intimacy, consent, communication—and I'm experienced working with folks in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships, as well as those into kink. Talking about relationships, identity, sex, and intimacy can be tricky, but you're not alone in this! Therapy is all about collaboration and finding your own pace. My goal is to support you in feeling more connected, empowered, and clear in your choices. We'll work together to improve your relationships—whether it’s with yourself or others—and ensure they align with what truly matters to you. I know starting therapy can feel intimidating, but I’m proud of you for taking this step! Let’s navigate your challenges together, at a pace that feels right for you.

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.

The Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center of Philadelphia (AOTCP) specializes in providing compassionate and effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and various anxiety disorders. We work with many anxious students in the area, providing tailored therapy to address a spectrum of OCD and anxiety related disorders commonly experienced by students. In addition to OCD and generalized anxiety, we help with related challenges such as test/performance anxiety, social anxiety and social skill impairments, maladaptive perfectionism, executive functioning difficulties, and other forms of neurodiversity. We use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help students manage their symptoms and relate to their emotions differently, ultimately helping them more deeply engage in college life.

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.

I love being a therapist and helping individuals develop a deeper understanding of, and connection to, themselves and others. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship based on acceptance, trust, and empathic understanding, where individuals feel safe, heard, valued and empowered to heal and make the positive changes for which they desire. I use a variety of methods in my work, including relational, cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused interventions in an integrative fashion to address each person's unique concerns. With children, I incorporate developmentally-sensitive interventions and mediums for self-expression. I offer treatment for a variety of concerns, inc. stress, anxiety, depression, identity and adjustment concerns, and relationship issues. I specialize in treating survivors of interpersonal trauma and have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and various forms of childhood maltreatment. I have experience conducting therapy and assessment in a variety of settings (college counseling, RTF, community mental health, crisis mobile response, schools) across the continuum of age and functioning. I have training and experience in therapy modalities to treat PTSD, including TF-CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.

Welcome! Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and truly understood. Every person who walks into therapy is different, and I honor that. I work with teens, adults, and older adults navigating life’s challenges—whether it’s managing anxiety, coping with change, building confidence, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again. Some of my clients are high performers or athletes; others are just trying to manage daily stress, relationships, or emotional overwhelm. No matter your story, I tailor therapy to fit your unique needs—drawing from approaches like CBT and strengths-based strategies. I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen how mental health impacts every part of life—from performance and relationships to life transitions and confidence. As a former West Chester University Division II athlete, I understand firsthand the mental load that comes with high performance, pressure, and pushing through—even when you’re not okay. That lived experience helps me support clients who are navigating high expectations, both in sport and in life. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where I get to know you and your goals. I believe therapy works best when it’s a team effort. Together, we’ll explore what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and what needs to shift. My style is a blend of warmth, honesty, and gentle challenge. I’ll always meet you where you are, but I’m not afraid to help you look at patterns that may be holding you back. Whether you need space to process, a sounding board for decision-making, or someone to help connect the dots—I’m here to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and offer honest feedback to help you make meaningful progress. If you’re ready to prioritize your well-being—whether as an individual or an athlete—I’d be honored to support you on that journey!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

People come to treatment for a variety of reasons. I view each person as unique and strive to assist individuals to overcome challenges and meet the goals that are important in their lives. As we work to let go of stress, pain, behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are not useful in the present, new healthier patterns can emerge and be adopted.

As a queer woman who practices polyamory, I can understand how we are often unprepared for the difficulties that arise when living in a mononormative society. It makes sense that emotions like fear or depression are brought up when we go outside of those norms, even for the seasoned consensually nonmonogamous folks. Together we can navigate your polyamorous relationship structure if you or you and your partner(s) find yourselves with insecure attachment styles impacting your relationship(s), are having difficulty managing boundaries, or need help dismantling couple's privilege. You deserve to feel accepted, valued, and back in charge of your own life. With our work individually or as a relationship with your partner(s), you will find that you'll be able to express your emotions clearly to the people in your life, advocate for your needs and wants more effectively, and as a result find yourself feeling less stress. Please reach out to me if any of this resonated with you. You can have a healthy, fulfilling life while practicing polyamory and I am here to help you achieve that. Please email me so we can set up a free phone consultation to talk in more detail about what your wants and needs are.

We’re glad that you’re here! We understand that for many, reaching out is a difficult thing. Know that in doing so, you are one step closer to experiencing the benefits that therapy can offer. We focus on individualized care designed to help you manage stress, anxiety and mood, improve your relationships, and navigate life changes. Our mission is to empower you to face challenges with greater confidence and ease. We would love the opportunity to connect and see if our practice would be a good fit. Please call or email to schedule an initial consultation call.