Therapists for college students near Duke University

I am so glad you reached my profile! I have experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. I use a number of evidence-based practices when working with clients. I am down-to-earth, nonjudgemental, and focused on you feeling safe in the session. Email if you have any questions!

Being human can be tough! While experiencing the challenges that life may hold, I believe you deserve to be heard, understood, and accepted. I aim to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to share, explore, heal, and make sense of your story and experiences. As we work together, you may identify aspects of your life that you would like to change or experience differently. We will work together with curiosity to create intentional and meaningful steps towards creating that change in your life. For me, it is a deep honor to be a part of your journey as we navigate life’s challenges. As someone who has been a client, I commend you for the courage and vulnerability it takes to begin looking for a counselor. You have made it this far with the resilience that resides within you, and I believe you deserve the opportunity to experience the benefits that counseling has to offer. As a counselor, I use an integrative approach that is collaborative and relationship-based, values and strengths-focused, and social justice-oriented. My approach is influenced by components of and includes teaching skills from Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment, Dialectical Behavioral, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies. Additionally, I practice from a lens that is trauma-informed and acknowledges the influence of systemic marginalization, intersectionality, and social injustices. Topics that I support adults in navigating include but are not limited to adjustment and stress management, LGBTQIA+ identities, identity development, issues related to young adulthood and attending college, career path exploration, interpersonal relationships, anxiety and depression, grief, trauma, shame, and self-compassion. Outside of my work, you might find me enjoying some time outside hiking or walking at the park, hanging out or cooking a meal with my chosen family and friends, playing the Nintendo Switch, laughing at memes or TikToks, or just catching up on tv shows/movies with my partner and our two cats.

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.

Hello! My name is Payton Austin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a special focus on supporting college students. The college years can be an exhilarating time of discovery, growth, and forging lifelong friendships. Simultaneously, it's also a period of significant transition, adjustments, and challenges that can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to stress. Understanding that the mental and emotional well-being of students is just as vital as academic achievements, my primary mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express, explore, and work through any feelings or challenges you're facing. Whether it's stress from coursework, relationship dynamics, navigating personal identity, or facing anxieties about the future, I'm here to support and guide you. Collaboratively, we'll work towards understanding the root causes of any distress or concern, and develop strategies and coping mechanisms that resonate with you. My therapeutic approach is integrative, pulling from cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies, tailored to suit your unique needs and strengths. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm honored to be a part of yours. Let's take this journey together, ensuring that your college experience is not just about surviving, but truly thriving. Looking forward to our time together! Warmly, Payton Austin, MA, NCC, LCMHCA

I am adept at treating much of the human condition because my training is existential-humanistic. My approach is holistic, client-centered, and tailored to the specific place you are in the world. I will help you move to your place of purpose and meaning, as well as evoke your innate healing ability. I do not think there is an ideal client, but there is an ideal relationship that we establish together. I ensure that you feel attended to, heard and seen in the way you wish to be. You deserve stellar care. Visit or call for free 15 minute consultation. As a yoga instructor, I will draw (if you wish) from ancient healing techniques and practices; this includes breath work, mindfulness, meditation and philosophical teachings. As a specialist in primary care behavioral health, I am able to focus your treatment comprehensively, integrating your physical and mental well-being. No matter your ailment, I will provide you with focused, dedicated, experienced, and compassionate care. You will feel relief on your first visit, and after some time working together, you can expect tremendous growth and healing. This goes for individuals, couples, and groups.

There may be points in our lives where circumstances, relationships or life events are impacting our well-being. My goal is to be a collaborative partner and a support as we navigate through the process of self-discovery, recovery and healing. It takes courage to take the first step and I want to respect and honor the vulnerability that comes with the process. However, there is hope and each client brings their inherent strengths and experience to the process. I work with various therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, and Prolonged Exposure (PE). I also use other evidenced-based interventions including Motivational Interviewing (MI), somatic and mindfulness-based practices to best address the needs of each client. I am passionate about working with clients experiencing life transitions, depression, communication challenges, relationships issues, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, family issues, peer relationships, social connection, and young adult issues. I value working with students and enjoy helping others navigate what can be a challenging stage in life. Your journey is meaningful, and I am excited to share the process of discovery and growth with you and be a support by offering tools and skills to help you navigate through to reach your goals. I invite you to contact me today.

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.

There is no more challenging time to be a college student. At CAPTIAL Counseling, we specialize in working with college students and young adult women who are stressed, chronically overwhelmed, and struggling to balance it all. They often report symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, and struggles with self-worth. Our clients often have big goals and high expectations for themselves. They are smart, insightful, & self-aware. They want to live meaningful lives and have strong relationships. They're realizing they need support and are looking for expert guidance to help them navigate this phase of life. Our dynamic team of experienced clinicians provides highly personalized approaches in our work with our clients. There are NO one-size-fits-all approaches at CAPITAL Counseling. Our goal is to partner with you to reconnect to YOUR unique set of values, tap into your strengths, and discover YOUR full potential. We work with our clients both in-person at our beautiful office in downtown Raleigh and via telehealth across North Carolina. Heres the thing-- asking for help takes courage and searching for a therapist is hard. Feel proud that you are making the commitment to get the support you want and deserve.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hey! I'm Samantha. I help high achieving teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety while trying to manage life stressors (relationships changes, work/school stress, self esteem issues, etc). Sometimes college doesn't go as planned. You had a vision in your head of what this time of your life would be like, but the reality is totally different. You find yourself worrying often, struggling in social situations, and fearing that any decision you make can set you on the wrong future path. Anxiety can take over your life and feel all consuming. You don't have to figure it all out on your own! I provide online anxiety therapy in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Being a goal oriented person who feels pressured to succeed is something I can relate to. I'm excited to meet you and help you work towards unlocking your best self through therapy!

You know the feeling when you step outside following a rain storm? You breathe in fresh air and watch the sun finally appear through the clouds. That is the journey of therapy. Rather than eliminating the storm, therapy explores new perspectives in the midst of life’s challenges.

Welcome! As a therapist, mom, social worker, and military spouse, my work has been shaped by the unique challenges and rewards that come with being part of this complex community. I understand the intricacies of military life from a deeply personal perspective, and this experience drives my passion for supporting military members and their families. With experience working within the Department of Veterans Affairs, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the struggles many in this community face—post-traumatic stress, relationship challenges, transition issues, and navigating the mental health system. I know how these challenges can impact not only service members but their loved ones as well. Whether you’re a service member working through the emotional toll of your experiences, a spouse seeking support in navigating military life, or a family member looking for an additional outlet, I’m here to provide compassionate, tailored support. My approach is rooted in research-based techniques that are flexible, trauma-informed, and personalized to your unique needs. I’m committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Present. Calm. Centered. Your authentic YOU. These are the things you may be longing for yet sometimes feel out of reach. Life can bring about storms and seasons of hardship that leave their mark on our human spirits. Sometimes we can find our center, yet other times we may feel lost in the seas of emotions - worries and anxieties that sweep us from our connections to ourselves and those we care about. Maybe you experienced painful moments in your youth or adult life that you just can’t find a way to shake. Or maybe you find yourself caught in certain patterns of responses despite knowing you value interacting with yourself or others differently. Maybe you hope to gain more confidence in yourself to follow your dreams. I am deeply honored to explore these thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you, so that you can draw new connections to live the life you want to lead. I work with adult individuals (18 years and up) and have experience with a variety of different presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and addictions. I offer a nurturing person-centered approach where I believe you are truly the expert in your own life. My aim is to use my professional training to collaborate with you on reaching your goals. I use a variety of counseling approaches including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, CBT and brainspotting. With this, I often interweave somatic/body based awareness, emotional attunement and cognitive aspects into the work we engage in together. I also recognize the decision to choose to start counseling can be a vulnerable and difficult one. I believe a strong therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect for supporting therapy outcomes (research supports this too!). I aim to create an environment with elements of empathy, non-judgment, compassion and humor. And if you wind up finding my therapeutic style is not the best fit for your needs, I am glad to support you in getting connected with another therapist.

My clients are exhausted and overwhelmed like you. They are tired of doing their best to keep all these balls (school, work, parenting, relationships, self-care, health and wellbeing, sleep + more) up in the air (even though admittedly they are pretty darn good at it). But when they inevitably drop a few because something else pops up or they get tired, life feels messy and they are quick to place judgements on themselves. My clients are expert problem solvers and doers, who in the face of stress, just keep going. Some are the type of person who the people in their life lean on for support. Some have tried a number of ways to fix or problem solve their way our of their emotions or exhaustion. They find their coping to work for a little bit but aren't moving them towards the life they imagined for themselves. Some realize they aren't sure they can keep up with all of what needs to be done to feel "okay". When some of my clients do take time for themselves or the rest they need, their mind struggles with feeling guilty, worrying about what they "should" be doing for work/school/person (fill in the blank with any responsibility). Like my clients, you deserve to find ease and connection in your body without a to-do list flowing through your head or scanning your body for what’s wrong now. Not being defined or consumed by your productivity is not out of your reach. I'd love to help you get there. Contact me today for a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Forming yourself into the adult you are going to be for the rest of your life can be stressful. Managing academics, extracurricular activities, relationships, and social life while planning for your future after college can be super overwhelming at times. I work collaboratively with you to help you learn to cope better with life's stressors, reduce symptoms of mental health, enjoy healthier relationships, and set and achieve your goals. Knowing your values, what's important to you, and following your passions, separate from what others want from you is important and presents challenges. We will help you figure out how best to live the life you most desire.

I'm a Systemic Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families dealing with a variety of challenges including communication, conflict, school and behavior issues, ADHD, identity, and life-stage transitions. I take a collaborative, psychoeducational approach using humor, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, genograms, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and specific interpersonal and communication skills to help you reach the goals you set.

Welcome to Saltmarsh Counseling! As a native of the area and lover of the everything coastal, I relate therapy to the salt marsh. Many are not aware of the essential role the salt marsh plays and the wealth of benefits it provides. A few important attributes include maintaining healthy water quality and reducing pollution by acting as a filter, protecting us from flooding and erosion by creating a buffer to protect from storm surge, and providing a nursery and safe haven for commercial and recreational fisheries. Like the salt marsh, therapy acts as a filter for individuals working through the challenging aspects of mental illness, relationships, and life transitions. The therapeutic setting provides a safe space to be vulnerable, to learn healthy coping skills, to gain self-awareness, and to evolve as a person.

I enjoy working with young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives back from trauma, and I believe trauma therapy is more important now than ever. I believe the mind/body connection is very strong, and is important in mental health. I also work with clients who are experiencing stress, life transitions, and grief. I am an EMDRIA certified Therapist and IFS informed. I also use a lot of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness interventions. I am also very strengths- based. In my sessions, I aspire to offer a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to my clients, so they can be themselves, and work through whatever is keeping them from being their best selves. I operate through a strengths-based approach, and will try to bring laughter and humor into the sessions (when appropriate) as laughter is the best medicine.