Therapists for college students near Duke University

BASE Cognitive Behavioral is a specialist practice that focuses on evidence based treatment for a range of mental health needs. In my own approach, I have seen time and time again that each person is doing the very best they can to survive difficult life experiences. We each develop ways of coping with our world, but often get caught up in our own internal struggle to push away feelings of depression, anxiety, or self-doubt. My passion is helping people drop this “struggle” with themselves through a groundwork of validation, empathy, and mindful awareness. It is my hope that my clients and I can work through painful emotions, towards understanding what brings each person meaning and move towards valued living. I find that a framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and various coping skills can support my client in developing a flexible range of ways to approach difficult emotions and life situations. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

You have the power to replant the seeds in your life! You may not can control what's happening, but you can control how you heal from it. Everything that was meant to destroy you has actually, built you. A strong foundation is key. How we choose to allow life experiences to build us is up to ourselves. It's time to grow. We can no longer allow life to keep you stuck. Allow yourself to weed out the garden and plant a beautiful, healthy lifestyle that allows you to blossom. I believe that we are called to have life full of abundance, life, peace, and joy! I have experience working with grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger management, behavioral challenges, and domestic violence victims. I believe in taking an integrative approach. What works for one, may not work for the other. Let's work together to find out what best works for you and your healing. My goal is to help build you up. Reaching out for help can be scary. With the help from a therapist, you will begin to identify your toolkit that is equipped is help build you through life alongside your personal cheerleader. Reach out today to start identifying your toolkit.

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.

Ryan Leslie is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner who enjoys helping others. He takes the time to truly listen to his patients. He aims to get to the bottom of things and then work with his patient to develop a plan. He welcomes LGTBQ patients and practices gender-affirming care.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am passionate for mental health and well-being, dedicated to fostering growth, healing, and resilience in individuals and families. Building a positive rapport with clients is something I take pride in as a Social Worker, as without a connection it is difficult to begin the helping process. I like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Play Therapy. I believe in the importance of self-care, balance, and strive to integrate these principles into both my personal and professional life. If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration and growth, I'm here to support you. I love working with children, teens, families, adults and parents. I have experience working with clients with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, neurodivergent and related challenges, Trauma and Grief. I have taken extensive coursework in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Disorders.

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.

Hi there! My name is Justice, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in the State of North Carolina. I was drawn to this profession because of the experiences I have faced in my own life. My passion is working alongside of adolescents, young adults, and new moms as they transition through the seasons of life.. My goal when working with clients is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship by offering an accepting, safe space to be your authentic self to share, learn, and heal. I enjoy processing with young adults through anxiety, stress-management, generational/childhood trauma, depression, relationships issues, and life transitions. My therapy style is holistic, and I use a combination of therapeutic approaches and interventions to help meet your needs. I strongly believe that everyone can acquire skills needed to fulfill life goals and overcome challenges; but sometimes a guide is needed to address patterns of behaviors and problematic thinking. If you like to learn more, take the first step towards hope and healing, you are worth it!

Hi there! I’m Koketta Shelton, and I’m a therapist dedicated to supporting college students like you as you navigate the unique challenges of this exciting—but often overwhelming—time in your life. College is a period of transition, growth, and self-discovery. Along the way, you might face stress, anxiety, relationship issues, academic pressures, or just feel lost at times. Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment, managing the demands of your studies, or struggling with personal challenges, therapy can offer a safe space for you to talk through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. How I Can Help: • Stress and Anxiety Management: We’ll work on practical strategies to manage academic pressure, social anxiety, and life stressors. • Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Together, we can explore ways to boost your self-confidence and develop a stronger sense of self. • Managing Relationships: Whether it’s friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics, we can discuss how to navigate and improve your connections with others. • Self-Discovery: College is often a time of figuring out who you are and what you want. Therapy can help you explore your identity, values, and goals. Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves better and live a more balanced, fulfilling life. No matter what you’re dealing with, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to listen and support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out and set up a session. I look forward to getting to know you and working together!

It’s not always one defining event—often, it’s the cumulative impact of stress, anxiety, low self-worth, and unprocessed experiences that gradually erode your sense of well-being. You might be noticing a persistent undercurrent of worry, emotional exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, or a critical inner voice that’s hard to silence. Perhaps depressive symptoms have taken hold, or past experiences are continuing to show up in ways you can’t control. I work with teens and adults who are ready to explore what's beneath the surface and begin the work of healing. My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether we're unpacking the impact of trauma, exploring ways to better manage mental health symptoms or rebuilding your sense of self, we'll approach the process collaboratively and at a pace your nervous system can manage. You don't have to have anything figured out to start the therapy process. You just have to show up - and I'll meet you there. I encourage you to reach out if you think we will be a good fit!

I’ve experienced my own struggles with self-esteem, mental health, & relationship issues. These experiences have shaped me into a therapist who is empathetic, practical, & down-to-earth. I know the path to self-improvement & rebuilding your relationships can be challenging. Let me help you understand yourself and/or your partner more by identifying your "WHY", meaning why you think, behave, and react the way you do based off of attachment, communication styles, past relationships, etc. Don't be afraid to take a chance on you and/or your partner. Let's create those meaningful changes and new memories together.

Moonbow Mental Health opened in 2021 to help queer folks heal from systemic trauma by targeting harmful thought patterns that interfere with building self-compassion, developing assertive communication skills, and providing support that focuses on gentleness, care, and respect for each unique perspective.

As an experienced psychiatric and family nurse practitioner it is my duty to positively impact you as your embark on your mental health journey. The associated stigma and biases relative to medication management oftentimes results in delayed care and perceived misconception. I am here to provide a safe place to voice your concerns and questions. We will explore and determine as a collective if medication is the best option for you and proceed accordingly.

Welcome. And when I say “welcome,” I welcome all of you— Mind, Body, Heart, Spirit, Soul. You get to shed the chameleon’s skin you’ve been wearing, let go of the weight of keeping it all together, and you certainly have permission to not walk on eggshells any more. Trying to please others for so long can make us want to scream. Especially if you have been working so hard to heal from trauma, you may feel especially exhausted. Together, in a safe and authentic relationship, we will uncover important pieces of the puzzle for your healing & thriving. Let's meet and embrace your authentic self, the life that is uniquely yours to live. Therapy with me is body-centered and nervous system-oriented. The body and nervous system (NS) hold our memories, experiences, and pathways to healing and our personal truths. Inviting in the body and NS can come in many forms; we may explore CranioSacral Therapy, somatic techniques, therapeutic yoga, Yoga Nidra, breathwork, etc. It is your choice! The feedback I most often receive is, “Your presence is so calming," and, "I immediately feel safe with you." I vow to be a safe person, to maintain a safe space, and to connect with you authentically. I would love to walk with you in your journey of healing, transformation, and self-empowerment. I hope you'll reach out.

My therapy animals and I have worked with students for decades to guide and empower them in navigating life stressors/transitions, anxiety and relationship issues. Students who have sessions with me build tools for resiliency and coping that work for them. I am client centered, meet you where you are and provide a safe compassionate space to share!

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex mental health conditions in patients aged 6 and up, with a focus on adjustment disorders, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, OCD, post-partum depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, other disruptive behavioral disorders. Our approach to psychiatry is deeply rooted in a personalized, patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes the importance of understanding each patient’s unique circumstances and collaborating closely with them to develop effective, individualized treatment plans. We believe in tailoring treatment plans to each individual's unique needs, incorporating evidence-based practices and the latest research advancements to help patients achieve long-term wellness and improve their quality of life.

I offer a safe and compassionate space for students to find healing, guidance, and peace through therapy grounded in Christian principles. Whether you're navigating life’s challenges, managing anxiety or depression, or seeking spiritual growth, it is my honor to come along side to support you every step of the way. I combine trusted therapeutic techniques with faith-based insights to help you find strength in your journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being. I am passionate about helping those I work with to experience healing, hope, and renewal, drawing on the power of power of God’s love and truth to restore your mind, body, and spirit.

Hi, my name is Rachel Merritt. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. I have experience working with adolescents who have been diagnosed with mental illness or substance use and are a part of the juvenile justice system. My area of focus has been working with youth in individual therapy, working with families in family therapy, working with couples through relationships difficulties and intimacy issues and working with groups in the treatment of trauma. My area of training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat disorders like depression and anxiety. My areas of interest and specialty are Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I love working with all populations because everyone's experience is as different and unique as they are. I offer in-person and virtual sessions. My goal is to help people gain a new perspective and understanding about their life. I teach people to advocate for themselves while giving them the skills needed to heal through therapeutic work. Let's work together to reach your personal goals and by utilizing your own strengths to become a better version of yourself.

Hannah Smith Counseling is actively sex positive and affirming of all ways of consensually expressing oneself. I specialize in sex therapy, identity concerns, trauma, treatment for anxiety. I am also available for a wide variety of issues and predominantly work with individual adults, couples, and polycules! I am deeply passionate about working with LGBT+ communities and Alternative Sexual Expression communities such as BDSM/Kink practitioners, Swingers, and Polyamorous families. I have 13 years direct experience and education regarding LGBT+ communities and culture; as well as 9 years direct experience with Polyamorous and BDSM/ Kink communities and culture. My work comes from a strongly feminist/multicultural theoretical orientation with psychodynamic integration. This basically means I engage in compassionate talk therapy regarding the client’s experiences and thought processes related to how their external world and societal pressures relate to their current distress. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist in keeping therapy as efficient as possible and to impart concrete tools for long term success. For your convenience, I offer fully online video/voice service counseling for anyone in the state of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I sincerely look forward to working with you!

Perhaps you’ve been keeping your head above water in your day-to-day life, but find yourself worrying a lot or feeling stuck in a “funk." Maybe you’ve been carrying something heavy for long enough, and are finally ready to talk through it in a supportive space. Or maybe you simply want to feel heard and understood as you navigate a tough transition in your life; you just need someone to be there with you while you do it. While anxiety and trauma may leave us feeling depleted, I believe that counseling can help us find our most authentic and resilient selves through these experiences. My aims are to listen with non-judgment, to help you identify the goals and steps toward them that feel right for you, and to offer support, tools, and even a gentle nudge when you need it. We will co-create a space that feels safe enough to talk about the hard stuff in life, while also shining plenty of light on what helps you feel hopeful and positive. The decision to start counseling is not an easy one, and I know feeling a good connection with your counselor matters. I am passionate about building genuine and effective relationships with my clients and find that empathy, authenticity, and even humor are helpful tools in doing so. Please feel free to reach out about setting up a free phone consultation. I offer a combination of in-person and telehealth sessions based on the needs, preferences, and health status of both myself and my clients. Rates listed below are cash pay rates as of May 2022; out-of-pocket expenses to clients using insurance will vary based on their specific insurance plans, so please confirm the coverage of your specific plan prior to initiating services.