Therapists for college students near Duke University
Nikki Pagano
I am a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in eating disorders. I have worked with individuals with various eating and body image issues and previously served as the Director of Adolescent Services for Eating Disorders at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. I also specialize in the treatment of anxiety and OCD. I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is an individual therapy focused on understanding patterns, increasing flexibility in thinking, and changing behaviors. Our work together will focus on identifying and capitalizing on your inherent strengths to overcome whatever may be getting in the way.
Katie Bowler
I specialize in working with adults & teens struggling with mood disorders, depression, self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and personality disorders to replace problem behaviors with positive coping skills through Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is helpful for those struggling with managing emotions & stress. I also run DBT Groups for adults & teens. I also have a subspecialty in perinatal mental health including during PPD/PPA, pregnancy, postpartum, loss and PPD in spouses. I have a Masters in Social Work at Rutgers University. I believe that therapy should be client-centered, non-judgmental and at your pace. I hope to inspire you to make change in their life, work towards your goals, process life events and build useful coping skills. I can help you be in control of your emotions, manage stress without problem behaviors and be present in your life. Please feel free to reach out via phone, email or message so that we can chat about how I can be helpful!
Eva Schildhause, LCSW
I help clients get to know themselves closely. Early adulthood, coming off the chaos of adolescence, is a tough time, exacerbated by this extraordinarily tough time in the world. Working with me means sitting together and listening very carefully to you. As we listen together on a journey to discern your true self, we will hear many voices. Memories will surface. Feelings will come up. By exploring yourself in our treatment relationship, you can come to relate to yourself in a new way and gain clarity, confidence, and peace that you can handle what life brings. I specialize in psychodynamic treatment.
Marialeen Martorella
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Gina Zotz
Welcome, I am so glad you are here. Experiencing a loss or trauma can feel alienating and leave you lacking connection. Maybe you have experienced a loss/trauma while also navigating pregnancy, postpartum or infertility. Maybe you are/were military but don't feel supported by the systems in place to "help". You might want to feel different but struggle to navigate the how. Or the opposite you understand the how, you have done lots of therapy and continue to feel like you are not making the progress you wish. Whether you've never been to therapy before or you have tried it before but feel stuck; you are in the right place. Therapy is not "one size fits all". This idea is incredibly important to me in helping you create change in your life because not a single client’s stories are ever the same even if they are similar, your unique experience needs a unique treatment approach. One of the approaches I use which is different from most is Brainspotting. Whether it's traditional therapy, brainspotting or clinical supervision you are in need of; I would love to connect with you to discuss your needs and if I am the right fit for you!
Sienna Frossard
Hi there! My name is Sienna, and I am an LCMHCA in NC. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2025 with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in addiction. I also graduated from Appalachian State in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in Human Services. I believe therapy is a space where you can come exactly as you are. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all mentality, meaning each session is tailored specifically to you. Most of my experience comes from working with the neurodivergent community as well as students and young adults. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal conflict, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. I also use an eclectic approach that is person-centered and incorporates ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. Currently I am seeing clients via telehealth in NC.
May & Associates Therapy Center
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Anchored Hope Counseling
Are you are living in a constant state of worry? Are you a couple who is sinking into a cycle of conflict that you can’t escape, or a Christian who feels lost and seeking spiritual guidance? Then Anchored Hope Counseling is the place for you. My counseling philosophy can be summarized in the name "Anchored Hope," which was inspired by Hebrews 6:19; a verse that teaches that hope for healing can be steadfast and anchors us. With secure hope, we may not always see how the healing will come but we know that it will come through faith. To me, counseling is a way to direct people to hope so that they can experience joy and wholeness. Clients describe me as empathetic, encouraging, and challenging. Through tailored sessions, my goal is to help clients achieve a steadfast hope in their lives: an anchored confidence in themselves and their relationships, and an understanding that they can be “ok” in the face of storms. Counseling does not make life itself better because hard times are inevitable. Instead, I want counseling to equip you with the skills and strength to know you can handle challenges as they come; skills that provide an anchor of hope. If you are struggling in the storm of life and are in need of hope, please reach out to Anchored Hope Counseling today.
Aundrea Collebrusco
Everyone Needs A Support System Perhaps you'd like to explore relationship dynamics, unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression or simply navigating the after affects of a global pandemic? I firmly believe that the connection you feel with your therapist is critical. You are the expert of your own story. I want to offer a guiding hand and empathetic ear, never defining your path but walking beside you.
Melina Bridges
Hello, I am Melina! I worked for many years as a school counselor and have supported people on their journey from kindergarten on through their high school and college years, and beyond. In an inviting and supportive space, I offer creative pathways for verbal and non verbal expression. Such a container provides the safety and acceptance you need to uncover and express deep feelings, heal any difficulties standing in the way, and more confidently open yourself to each life transition as it comes. I offer you my experience and wisdom from decades of working with people from all walks of life.
Honest Therapy
Hi I'm Brandi! I'm a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and North Carolina. I work really well with students that struggle with coping with stress, family dynamics, eating issues, relational challenges and financial challenges. My job as your therapist is to listen to you and give you clear steps to make your college experience worth while. You don't have to do college alone, let me be a part of that journey.
Sarah Baird
Hi there I'm Sarah! Have you been feeling lost in this crazy thing called life? Has difficulty with external stressors that impact your day-to-day just feel too overwhelming at times? Feeling down, anxious, pulled in all different directions with nowhere else to turn? You’ve come to the right place! My goal in therapy is to walk alongside you during this journey and provide you with a supportive, safe, and affirming space where you can release those emotions you’ve been bottling in for so long without judgment and with empathy. I work with individuals 16 years old and older who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, trauma/PTSD, addiction, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. My approach is eclectic and holistic to fit your needs! Together, let's create a healthy, balanced lifestyle for you to be proud to lead with professionally tailored coping skills, better communication skills, the ability to set boundaries, and take back your life! If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, I invite you to reach out and see how we can work together to achieve your goals!
Shariyfa Polite
Feel hopeless, frustrated, and helpless in constant negotiation of your wants and needs? Struggling to say 'no' or prioritize self-care? Discover the transformative power of prioritizing yourself, unlocking joy, peace, and contentment. You are worthy, despite feeling unworthy. Embrace daily self-love and care, find fulfillment, and smile on the inside with my guidance. I help women with self esteem issues due to trauma increase self love for their greatest transformation. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to let their internal light shine bright. Let's start the journey of healing.
Allie Barker
Have you found yourself struggling with feeling overwhelmed way more than you would like to admit? Has your anxiety washed over you with no rhyme or reason, only to leave you feeling exhausted and confused? Transitioning back to "normal life" and having adult responsibilities is hard enough, but when you add anxiety to the mix--things tend to get interesting (and probably not in the way you would like). My perspective in therapy is that everyone has their own “coping skills toolbox” and it is my job to help you polish the rusty tools that you haven’t used in a while and make room for new and improved tools that are just for you. I will be your accountability partner by supporting and challenging you when needed. While sometimes our lives can feel out of control, many times all we need is a little boost from an outside person to help us move through overwhelming situations. I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, so please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit!
Alexis Godley
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s totally okay if you're not sure what to expect. I work with students who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like themselves lately. Maybe you're adjusting to college life, navigating relationships, dealing with academic pressure, or trying to figure out who you are and what you want. Many of the students I work with share a desire to understand themselves better and to feel more in control of their emotions and choices. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—we can work through it together. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you. In our sessions, you can expect a safe, non-judgmental space to explore whatever’s on your mind. Therapy is a place to be heard, understood, and to grow. If you’re ready to get started—or even just curious—I’d be honored to support you.
Melissa Sisco
Melissa Sisco, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with 18 years of clinical experience. She is best known for her expertise in trauma recovery, aggression management, healthy sexuality, and systems of identity. She has a special interest in providing services for first responders and people with exposure to systems of aggression (sexual oppression, domestic violence, war, civil unrest) as well as communities of control (gangs, cults, unhealthy families). Clinically, Dr. Sisco operates primarily from a cognitive behavioral framework; however, she may shift strategies if an alternate modality is identified by clinical trials as the more effective treatment corresponding to a given diagnosis. Primary skillsets include: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness-based Interventions, Guided Self-Hypnosis Training, Systematic Desensitization Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Brief Strategic Family Systems Therapy (BSFT), Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Reality Therapy. She has also engaged in mentorship/coaching, positive psychology, play therapy, and animal assisted therapeutic services. When working with Dr. Sisco, you will always be greeted with a sincere warmth and concern for your well-being. She “shoots from the hip” in a nonjudgmental way to help embrace personal truths and build the glory after the challenge. You will also notice that she can switch gears to hear you in the moment when a quiet presence is needed and help guide you towards answers when the time is right to address the problems. She will honor and respect your time schedule and your definition of clinical goals. She will accept you as you are and help you see the wonder in yourself while learning to navigate the struggles that we all face. Dr. Sisco’s experience and training has led her to four fundamental beliefs about all individuals: (1) We all have basic human drives, private desires, insecurities, ascribed identity, and an ongoing personal narrative that drive our interaction with the world. (2) Seemingly unimportant decisions lead to habits which cascade into life-changing results. (3) We all experience jilting traumas that alter us in some fashion. (4) We can all be well, whole people who love, are loved, and add value to the world. Specialties Dr. Sisco provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as clinical supervision. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of clinical populations, such as: first responders, healthcare workers, those in forensic settings, trauma survivors, sexual and violent offenders, those in substance abuse recovery, individuals experiencing severe mental illness, adults and children on the Autism Spectrum, adults and children diagnosed with Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD), parents of troubled children and teens, refugees, military Veterans, individuals with gang involvement, survivors of war crimes, and marginalized communities. Dr. Sisco’s skillset includes: assessment, report writing, case management, therapeutic sessions, administration, supervision, program development and evaluation, empirical standardization and manual development and implementation, crisis response, and community repair. She specializes in treating Mood Disorders (Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder), Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder and Specific Phobias, anger and aggression, relationship problems, issues related to sexuality, gender transition and identity, addictions, stress and adjustment, personality disorders, weight loss, and smoking cessation, evaluation for bariatric surgery, and transplant preparation. Education and Training Dr. Sisco graduated in 2011 with a joint PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychology, Policy, and Law with a minor specialty in Program Evaluation and Research Methodology from the University of Arizona. During this time, she participated in teaching, grant writing, providing research and statistical support, engaging in case review of civil and criminal cases regarding undue influence, working in clinical settings and supervising others in clinical settings. In addition, she aided in designing and implementing the first restorative justice program in the US, addressing date rapes on campus with Dr. Mary P. Koss of the R.E.S.T.O.R.E. project. She designed modified treatment curriculums for special populations of sex offenders (brain injured and developmentally delayed as well as female sex offenders) that were implemented in the Arizona Department of Corrections in 2013. She was also an integral part of building one of the first therapeutic mentorship programs designed to service foster-care youth with behavioral challenges with Dr. Julie Feldman. She worked most closely with her major advisor, Dr. Judith Becker, best known for her work on the Jeffrey Dahmer and Green River Killer cases. In her spare time, Dr. Sisco delighted in rehabilitating aggressive animals, predominantly horses and dogs, to provide hope for their rehoming. Dr. Sisco was selected for predoctoral internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Trauma-Specific Track. During her internship, she specialized in trauma-response care in emergency medical settings, outreach to high-risk, marginalized urban youth and their families during and after violence exposure, and identifying susceptibility to recruitment in terroristic and gang-related organizations due to community trauma. During her off time, she began training as a boxer and fell back into her roots of youth mentorship due to the engagement she experienced while training. She built a mentorship program for youth in crisis, BoutIt Mentorship program, specifically designed and implemented for youth housed in a crisis shelter. Participants in the program learned how to cope effectively with intensive trauma, aggression, and mental health diagnoses. In her work as a clinical consultant, Dr. Sisco provided education to the International Court of Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the psychology of serial sexual assault during wartime. Dr. Sisco served as a professor at Roosevelt University for many years, as well as a forensic adjunct at the Chicago Professional School of Psychology. It was at this point that she incorporated Animal Assisted Therapy into her services; she delighted in seeing her clients and students find peace and release from being in the presence of her therapy dog. In 2017, Dr. Sisco returned to North Carolina, where she worked as a senior psychologist at Broughton State Hospital in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. While there, she worked with people who suffered with severe, debilitating mental illness and aided in a state shift to positive psychology and universal acknowledgements of strengths as opposed to illness. Dr. Sisco has published predominantly regarding systems of intimacy and violence. She has worked with many different populations including: persons struggling with addictions, veterans, inmates, international tribunals of war, psychiatric inpatients, families with marital and/or parenting concerns, sexual and domestic violence aggressors and victims, at risk youth, gangs, homeless, refugees, exonerees from capital cases, youth on the autism spectrum, people with severely and profound developmental delay, people with serious mental illness, people classified as serious violent predators, First Responders, police de-escalation teams, survivors of homicide/suicide of a loved one, and, of course, students and community members struggling with daily stressors. Additional Trainings Dr. Sisco has extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Multicultural Sensitivity, and Crisis Intervention Training. She is also well-versed in a variety of neuropsychological assessment batteries and engages in report writing for forensic and clinical purposes. Professional Membership American Psychological Association North Carolina Psychological Association National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Selin Tastan
Do you want to start your journey to healing, happiness, confidence, and relaxation? Between the pandemic, natural disasters, and other personal challenges, we need support more than ever before. Perhaps you are feeling down, worrying all the time, lost a loved one, or dealing with trauma. I focused my career and expertise on anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma so I can help you! Imagine a life where you are not controlled by these setbacks. Imagine having the coping skills and tools to live a happy life again. There is no need to imagine this life, we can begin building it together.
Amanda Kirby Counseling, PC
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Thriving Woman Counseling
If you are the person, everyone turns to, who do YOU turn to? You give everything to everyone else but never have time for you. It gets tiring always being the ''strong'' one. I see you. You might be struggling to get through the day or question yourself and your worth. This can look like anxiety, depression, problems recovering from a traumatic experience as an adult or as a child. I want to help you know what you DESERVE. Find the life you want and be more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and choices. Let's look inward and do this difficult but deeply important and rewarding work together. Currently, I can see clients who reside in Pennsylvania, California and North Carolina.
Perkins Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Welcome! As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I believe that making mental health a priority is key to creating happiness and overall wellbeing. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for over 30 years, and I am now focused on clients aged 12-70 who are struggling with anxiety and depression. Everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. Once we decide to work together, we’ll act as partners in your therapeutic journey. It’s important to me that we communicate openly and you feel respected and empowered in our relationship. I’ll be there to listen to you, challenge you, and support you along the way.