Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania
Desiree Hall
Desiree (she/her/hers) is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science from the University of Richmond. She continued her education at Wake Forest University where she earned her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition to her career as a counselor, Desiree is a mother (and bonus mom!) to five wonderful boys who have inspired her to be a mental health advocate for our next generation of leaders. Desiree has experience providing school-based and outpatient therapy services to children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, childhood trauma, life transitions, and also providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals. Desiree also has experience working with student athletes of various ages and skill levels in youth sports who are struggling with performance anxieties, positive self-talk, and self-actualization. She believes that each person has the potential to change, and counseling is a safe space where an individual can learn how to tap into that potential. Desiree believes in meeting her clients where they are and utilizing a person-centered, strength-based approach while incorporating cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients effectively achieve their long-term goals.
Amber Ransom
Hello! I've explored many roles in the last 10+ years working in school, community, inpatient, and outpatient settings. I have found that I enjoy working with people of all ages, but I have a soft spot in my heart for working with the young or young at heart, who are willing to explore the therapy process in creative ways. I love when I can use my training as a dance/movement therapist, and I am also practical and enjoy helping clients accomplish their goals more directly through skills teaching. I have training and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am a licensed Professional Counselor, and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist with over 10 years working in the mental health field as a recovery specialist, therapist, and practicum supervisor. I bring an eclectic approach to treatment incorporating creative arts, play, movement exploration, skills teaching, and talk-based interventions to my practice. I know it can be challenging to take that first step of asking for help. Whether your are looking for more traditional talk-based therapies or are interested in creative means of self-exploration and communication, I'm excited to offer my support. If old patterns have not been serving you, lets start the journey of discovering new ways to "move though life."
Zachary Kilgore, LCSW
I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.
Olivia Ruffin
Hello, I'm Olivia; I'm passionate about helping high-achieving students overcome feelings of failure, reduce anxiety, and navigate the challenges of work-life-balance. My approach to therapy is compassionate and supportive, providing a safe space where you can express yourself freely. Together, we will explore effective strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and enhance your overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with academic pressures, personal expectations, or the complexities of balancing various aspects of your life, I'm here to help you find clarity and peace. Let's work together to transform anxiety into empowerment so you can excel and thrive in all areas of your life. Your journey to mental wellness is essential, and I'm honored to be a part of it.
Laurie Friedlander
I have been in practice for over 25 years, helping young adults navigate the challenging and exciting college years. I help young adults with anxiety, body image, stress management, peer conflicts, depression and academic success. I identify unhelpful thinking patterns, teach effective ways to regulate difficult emotions, and encourage healthy behaviors.
3Rivers Therapists
3Rivers Therapists is dedicated to offering high-quality mental health counseling services for adults, teens, couples, and children. We believe the answers you seek are already within you. Our therapists create a safe and supportive space where you can heal and rediscover deeper connections with yourself and those around you. We have offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Somerset, and Philadelphia.
Abby Albright
You may be functioning well on the outside while quietly feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted inside. Therapy can be a place to slow down, exhale, and begin to understand what’s really driving those patterns. I offer in-person and virtual sessions in a calm, inviting office where you can speak openly and feel genuinely heard. My style is relaxed and relational, and our work is intentional. We’ll start with what feels most present for you, and then gently move toward the deeper roots. Clients often share that they appreciate both the warmth of our conversations and the clarity that comes from having specific tools to navigate their challenges. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, the impacts of trauma, relationship concerns, or an eating disorder, our work together will be thoughtful, focused, and tailored to you. If you're looking for therapy that balances emotional depth with practical tools, I'm happy to connect and see if we're a good fit.
Nest Counseling
We are a small private practice dedicated to supporting college students through life’s challenges. While we work with a wide range of concerns, we specialize in trauma, sexual assault, anxiety, and relationship issues. Our therapists provide a warm, flexible, and nonjudgmental space where you can process your experiences, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. Whether you're struggling with past trauma, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or navigating complex relationships, we’re here to help.
Kathleen (Kate) Walsh
I am a therapist who approaches each person from a holistic perspective. You are unique, and therefore my approach to working with you is, as well. I use a combination of behavior based therapies to work with people struggling with Trichotillomania and Excoriation disorders. Mindfulness techniques are a useful part of the therapy process, and are included in all the tools you can use to reach your goals. Cognitive behavior therapy, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention are some of the techniques that lead to the most positive outcomes, in the ares I practice. I am trained in EMDR, which is a therapy I use in treating people trying to recover from PTSD, and other Traumas.
Valerie Klingerman
Valerie believes that everyone should be given an opportunity and have someone listen to them regardless of age, race, status, circumstances, etc. This sets her apart from others because just simply listening and caring, can make someone feel validated and respected. This approach completely changes one’s day or perspective and that means the world to Valerie. We all struggle from time to time, whether it be feeling anxious or depressed, struggling with core issues, and traumas. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these issues and learn more about ourselves in the process. As a therapist Valerie focus on individuals, families, and child/adolescent therapy. Together we can explore core issues of trauma, mood disorders, suicidality, depression, anxiety, negative behaviors, addictive behaviors, grief and loss, stage of life change, emotional regulation, co-parenting, attachment, family structure, and other life transitions.
Kim Baron PhD LLC
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Allison Middleton Counseling
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of who you are or where you belong? You’re not alone. I specialize in working with queer and trans students, those exploring identity and relationships, survivors of trauma, and recovering perfectionists. Therapy with me is about creating a safe, affirming space where you can process your experiences, build self-trust, and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Truth Center for Health and Healing
At Truth Center for Health and Healing we've learned the importance of the connection with ourselves and the relationships around us. Often times, feelings of depression, anxiety, and difficulties within relationships are triggered from previous experiences/ traumas that cause us to be “stuck” in unhealthy patterns of living. We believe in connecting with each client through exploring their current living patterns that have them in unhealthy relationships, making poor decisions and/or struggling to maintain daily living. We work collaboratively with clients to empower them to create new patterns in their relationships and in life to get “unstuck”. We believe once you have been able to explore your past relationships/traumas, you will be able to begin healing from past hurts, connect more with your authentic self and feel empowered to work towards improving your current and future relationships.
Better Being Main Line
Better Being Main Line is private a boutique psychotherapy practice that provides personalized and compassionate care. We believe in a strong relationship between a client and their therapist; therefore our clinicians work in in a nonjudgmental, empowering, and supportive manner. We use evidence based techniques while tailoring treatment strategies specifically to meet your goals. We value collaboration with you and other health care professionals involved in your treatment to develop most effective interventions. We have clinicians who can offer sliding scale fees for students starting at $60/session.
Espenshade Counseling
Hi there — I'm Jason, Director of Clinical Services at Espenshade Counseling, a concierge outpatient practice in Bryn Mawr, PA, on Philadelphia's Main Line. We offer personalized individual and group therapy, and I've been building out programming specifically for students navigating major life transitions — including a group centered on the jump from high school to college. Our approach is collaborative and practical: we meet people where they are and give them tools they can actually use, not just a place to talk. The students I connect with best are usually navigating a big shift — a new campus, a new level of independence, a new set of expectations — and feeling the weight of it more than they expected to. A lot of them are used to holding things together and doing well, so when anxiety, homesickness, or that nagging feeling of not measuring up shows up, it can catch them off guard. They tend to be thoughtful, high-achieving, and harder on themselves than they need to be — and they're looking for someone who can help them make sense of what they're feeling without judgment. If you're feeling stretched thin trying to adjust to a new routine, second-guessing decisions, comparing yourself to everyone who looks like they've got it figured out, or noticing that the pressure you put on yourself is starting to wear you down — you're not alone, and this is exactly what I work with. Therapy with me isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you; it's about giving you practical ways to handle stress, set boundaries, and feel more like yourself again while you figure out this next chapter. I'd be glad to help you find your footing — reach out whenever you're ready.
Ellie Mental Health - Havertown
Ellie Mental Health is not your average provider. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We have an incredible group of therapists who are encouraged to be unique and creative while offering customized care.
Kim Sung
Kim is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has several years of experience working with diverse clientele ages 9-60, offering support for complex PTSD, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, couples and family counseling, cultural identity, religious harm, and substance use recovery among others. She utilizes an evidence-based, eclectic (pulls from different modalities) approach to therapy, grounded in trauma sensitive care, that is also client-centered and strengths-based. She has received training in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and has obtained a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Counseling certification. Kim’s favorite pastime is a rainy day with a good book. She also enjoys outdoor walks, good food, and trips to the beach. Her favorite animal is the panda.
Bianca Schemankewitz
I work closely with individuals experiencing trauma concerns, relationship difficulties, and identity & self-esteem challenges. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Clients come to me seeking deeper self-understanding, more secure relationships, and a stronger sense of safety—both within themselves and in connection to others. You may find that past relationships and life experiences continue to shape how you see yourself, navigate relationships, set boundaries, or respond to stress. I use a psychodynamic, attachment-focused, and somatic-based approach. Utilizing trauma-informed care, I often focus on nervous system support and incorporate mind-body approaches. As a dance/movement therapist, I may also integrate movement when it aligns with someone's goals and comfort. Most importantly, I try to create a safe and collaborative environment where clients feel respected, heard, and empowered. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself and others—so you can move toward the life you want with clarity and strength. Through my own personal experiences, I can relate to the unique pressures that can arise in immigrant and high-achieving families, including perfectionism, over-responsibility, and people-pleasing. I bring personal understanding of navigating multiple cultural influences while recognizing each person's unique experience. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, playing with my cat, and trying new restaurants.
Joshua Green
College can intensify difficulties with attention, mood, anxiety, relationships, sleep, motivation, and daily routines. I help students sort through multiple concerns, understand what may be contributing to them, and decide what to address first. My approach is warm, practical, and individualized, ranging from concrete problem-solving to deeper emotional work. Humor is also an important part of treatment. As a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive psychotherapy experience, I consider how biology, medical conditions, developmental history, personality, relationships, and daily life interact. This broader perspective guides thoughtful decisions about medication, psychotherapy, mind-body practices, or some combination of these. I provide careful ADHD evaluations that consider developmental history as well as other factors that can affect attention and executive functioning, including anxiety, mood, trauma, sleep, substance use, and life structure. I also work with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, relationship difficulties, and developmental trauma. When a student already has a therapist, I welcome close collaboration with that therapist. I graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed my psychiatric residency at Thomas Jefferson University. My postgraduate psychotherapy training has included experiential approaches and Attachment-Focused EMDR.
Kristen Quay
Kristen is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor working her way toward independent licensure. She enjoys working with individuals ages 6 to 60 across an array of mental health diagnoses and areas of concern, whether in individual or family contexts. She adopts an integrated approach to her therapeutic style, pulling from several evidenced-based models of counseling, largely utilizing elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and its derivatives as well as Psychodynamic and Humanistic theoretical models. Through this, she recognizes the need for and ensures that each client and/or family has a tailored plan to address their concerns and achieve their goals. Kristen is also motivated to specialize further in trauma-focused care, especially for individuals struggling to cope with grief, ADHD, and Autism. In her free time, she loves engaging creatively by painting, drawing, and making jewelry; and spending time with friends and loved ones including her cat Monroe.