Therapists for college students near Duke University

Dani provides a collaborative, safe space, for adults and teens who no longer feel in control of their own life. If you are in a place where your anxiety and/or depression is debilitating, you want to heal from past traumas, or learn how to better cope with life stressors, Dani is happy to support you in your journey to self-discovery. Using a client centered approach, she uses various techniques to guide her clients in understanding underlying thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the aim of personal growth. She is always looking to support clients in finding their true meaning and purpose of being. Dani's passion is helping others find their true selves by conceptualizing their past, present, and future to overcome life's various challenges. She has training in psycho-dynamic work, mindful-based practices, Brainspotting, and various other healing modalities. She hopes to empower all of her clients to take charge of their lives. She understands that life is challenging, but it doesn't have to be paralyzing. Through a combination of evidence-based therapeutic practices, mind-body psychotherapies, Brainspotting, and parts work, let Dani guide you to find your true inner-self and create the life you've always expected!

Our approach encompasses comprehensive care that goes beyond what you will find at your average mental health practice. We offer comprehensive psychotherapy services that go beyond the typical weekly appointment to include ongoing coordination with medical providers and stakeholders in your health/wellbeing, advocacy and consultation, connections with local and national resources, assistance navigating the complex system of mental health services, and incorporation of primary supports.  We also offer evaluations incorporating scientifically valid, reliable psychological testing, in-depth clinical interviews, review of medical/legal records, and completion of collateral interviews. Both of our doctorate level psychologists have extensive experience service as expert witnesses in the justice system and are specifically trained to complete clinical, civil, forensic, and psychoeducational evaluations to meet the specific client's needs.

Most of us need help, at one time or another in our lives, and asking for help is not always easy. However, it is important to realize our own limitations and allow yourself to feel better. Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, and its impact on our life should not be underestimated. I create a safe and secure therapeutic environment and work hard to treat everyone with respect.

Hi. I’m glad you are reaching out for help. Everyone has a unique story. Are you feeling hopeless or stuck in unresolved hurt or an unhealthy relationship? Have your dreams been delayed or dashed? Is anxiety or depression keeping you from being the person you want to be? Hope, healing and health are attainable. I find great joy in joining people in their story and helping them to not just “survive”, but to thrived. I also offer spiritual direction upon request. I hope to connect with you soon. Warmly, Sandy Mahar

"The world breaks everyone, but some are strong at the broken places." -Ernest Hemingway. We all encounter challenges from time to time that seem to break us but with support we can strengthen the broken places to become whole again. If you are facing challenges in life with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges or parenting needs I will help come alongside you to find the strength to heal and become whole again. I work with individuals of all ages (0-adult) as well as families. I take a holistic client centered approach to therapy. I have a passion for working with clients who are struggling with trauma, depression and relationship/family stress. I have learned over the years that having many tools to offer clients is very important as each individual has unique needs. I devote myself to ensuring that we find the right tool to aid you in your specific path to healing. Therapy is a gift you give to yourself. I believe that you as the client possess the wisdom needed to heal. It is my mission to help you find this wisdom within yourself and walk the journey of discovery with you. I look forward to connecting with you and joining you on your path to healing and wholeness.

I work with adolescents and adults that feel overwhelmed, nervous, stuck, worried, or stressed with situations, big and small. We will work through those situations and feeling to identify themes to help you feel more comfortable addressing future situations. Therapy is about progress and growth where you will feel heard and understood. I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is crucial to the therapeutic process. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist with a commitment to social justice and diversity. I value and seek to uplift all intersecting identities you may hold. No ofrezco terapia en español, pero puedo comunicarme con los miembros de la familia del cliente.

With over 20 years of experience, I am a seasoned mental health provider specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. Using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I also empower clients to gain control over their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors while fostering resilience and personal growth. Additionally I am skilled in helping clients navigate the challenges of trauma and mood instability, offering a supportive and safe environment for healing. Through a blend of structured techniques and compassionate guidance, I can provides clients with tools to manage distress, build emotional resilience, and enhance interpersonal effectiveness. With a warm and empathetic approach, I am able to build strong therapeutic relationships and create a non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives.

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

Therapy is a collaborative process. One that involves the client, the therapist, and the relationships and experiences that have shaped us throughout our lives. The reasons that bring you to this page are unique and specific to you. Finding the best therapeutic fit is no different. Often the path that led you here has been one full of reflection, questions and challenging decisions. At times that path can also feel uncertain, overwhelming, or confusing. My hope for you is that this is a step in the direction towards peace and insight while providing comfort knowing that you no longer need to take additional steps on your own. My work with adolescents, couples, and families began long before my therapeutic training and became more specialized over time. I utilize a strength-based, empowering and trauma informed approach while integrating humor and warmth. My work with youth in residential settings and parent coaching has shaped my style to be direct while compassionate. If you have decided that we may work well together, have additional questions, or would like to reach out for a consultation; I look forward to connecting soon. Only you can determine what feels best as a next step. My hope is to assist you through your process while working together to identify a direction that supports you and your therapeutic goals.

Do you feel like you’re trying to hold it all together while navigating a major life transition, managing anxiety, or facing relational challenges? Through a strong therapeutic relationship, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore what’s happening beneath the surface, build self-awareness, and create meaningful, lasting change. I am passionate about supporting teens and adults as you navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and control of your life.

Something feels off, and you can't quite name it. You're doing everything you were supposed to do, but the life you're living doesn't feel fully like yours. You look around and it seems like everyone else found their footing, their person, their purpose. And quietly, you've started to wonder: Why not me? What am I missing? The gap between where you are and where you thought you'd be by now can feel like failure, even when, logically, you know it isn't. You're measuring yourself against a timeline you didn't write, comparing your insides to everyone else's outsides, and coming up short every time. The loneliness isn't just about being single or not having the career you wanted. It's the disconnection from yourself, from knowing who you are and what you actually want, separate from what you were always told to want. You don't need to have it all figured out. But you do deserve to feel at home in your own life, curious about where you're going rather than ashamed of where you are. You deserve to trust yourself again. I work with women who are navigating that in-between, exploring who they are, longing for real connection, and untangling the anxiety that comes with feeling behind. Together, we'll loosen the grip of comparison, get clear on what you actually value, and help you build a life that feels genuinely yours, not a performance of what it was supposed to look like. I offer online therapy in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. If this sounds like you, please reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consultation!

I have always had a calling for helping others, and I am so grateful to have found the career path of clinical social work. I was inspired to become a therapist after I met with a therapist after my father passed away when I was a young girl. I know first-hand how scary it can be to share your story, but trust me having an un-biased, non-judgmental, listening ear can go a long way. I have gained valuable skills working in various settings, including non-profit work, public health, research, and inpatient hospitalization. My experiences have allowed me to work with people of all ages, across diverse backgrounds, and on the individual, family, and group level. I work with individuals aged 12 and up, couples, and families. Prior to joining Wake Counseling & Mediation, I worked with adults who have chronic health conditions using my training in Lifestyle Medicine, a holistic approach to preventing disease through nutrition, exercise, and self-care habits. I additionally have worked closely with the gender diverse population by addressing anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria, creating a support group, and engaging in research to better gender affirming care. I also have clinical experience in counseling pregnant & postpartum women, their children and families. Depending on your needs, I utilize a variety of modalities including Solutions-Focused, Psychodynamic, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. I prefer to use a multicultural, person-centered, and strengths-based lens in all situations. No matter the setting or population, I provide a passionate and caring approach for patients to work through all of life’s challenges, whether that be chronic illness, major life transitions, mental health concerns including anxiety, depression trauma, and sexual or gender identity journey. As a counselor, I am here to listen, partner with you, and offer support for you to overcome obstacles, meet your goals, and ultimately live your best life possible.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients and the LGBTQ+ community. I also see individuals facing grief, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions.

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.

At times, life can feel like trying to steer a parked car - you’re hoping to move, but the wheels won’t turn. Therapy, for many, becomes a place to begin moving again. Starting on unmarked and unfamiliar terrain can be daunting. With this in mind, I am passionate about providing an open and secure environment that allows you to express yourself authentically and regain momentum. As you steer your car, I partner alongside you with creativity and compassion. At times, life can feel like trying to steer a parked car - you’re hoping to move, but the wheels won’t turn. Therapy, for many, becomes a place to begin moving again. Starting on unmarked and unfamiliar terrain can be daunting. With this in mind, I am passionate about providing an open and secure environment that allows you to express yourself authentically and regain momentum. As you steer your car, I partner alongside you with creativity and compassion. I take an individualized approach to care. I consider it an honor to work with adults and couples, supporting you in building the confidence, skills, and clarity to journey forward. I work with people across a variety of concerns, with special interests in grief, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Life's journey can be filled with unexpected challenges, and it’s okay to seek a helping hand. In fact, it is brave. If you are seeking a safe and empathetic space to navigate life's challenges, you are invited to reach out.

I provide individual therapy to individuals who are looking for help to cope with life's various twists and turns. I utilize an organic approach to gain an understanding of your specific life situations and stressors that are contributing to your current feelings. I use positive affirmations, strength identification and skill building to encourage you to reach your personal goals. We will work quickly to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms while we learn to identify triggers that may cause these feelings in order to focus on making long term changes that will help you to move forward through life. I would love the opportunity to work with you to find a way to bring out the strength that is inside of you. You are capable of so much more than you can even imagine!

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.

My work is grounded in the belief that no two people, and no two relationships, are alike in their stories and needs. As a result, therapy with me is highly personalized, and my priority will always be to understand you and/or your relationship within the context of your unique life experiences, beliefs, and goals. I approach therapy as a collaborative, human process and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to be present with yourself, rather than perform. In my experience, this freedom to be you paves the way for the curiosity, insight, and healing needed for real transformation. Though I see clients of all ages and stages, I specialize in working with young adults and couples to build or strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. Anxiety, depression, challenging life transitions, low self-esteem, conflict with friends or family, and issues related to sexuality and intimacy are just a few of the concerns that we can explore and work through together. Using a whole-person, integrative approach, I hope to help you process what’s happening now, while laying the foundation for a more aligned and connected future. If you are looking for a therapist with big-sister energy, you found me! My style is both deeply compassionate and direct, often with a side of dark humor and always underlined by a commitment to ongoing learning. I know I’ve done my job well when you feel both truly understood and gently challenged toward lasting change. If you are considering therapy, I welcome the opportunity to learn more about your story and how I can help you move toward the life and relationships you want.

Are you noticing changes in your mood but don't know where to start to get back on track? Do you feel burnt out due to struggles balancing multiple roles and responsibilities? Do you struggle with making your needs a priority? Are you noticing issues in your relationships with communication? Are you worried about making a change but know that you can't stay stuck where you currently are? Welcome to Harris Counseling Services, where we will walk with you on your journey to better. Welcome to a safe, nonjudgemental place where you can breathe, rest, be, learn more about yourself, and work to reach healing, balance, and wholeness. We meet clients between where they used to be and where there want to be. I work with clients to set goals that help them develop understanding, create a skill set to manage unhelpful thinking patterns, and create space for joy and connectedness. I also work to infuse spirituality and faith into the therapeutic practice for clients who are interested. Whether you are feeling scared, tired, depressed, or confused in your current situation, you don't have to walk this journey of change alone. We welcome all but have a special passion for serving Black women who desire to be seen, valued, and welcomed into the therapy space. Reach out today and get closer to the life you've been wanting to live. Note: I can accept insurance for clients in NC, but not GA.