Therapists for college students near Duke University

I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, depression/anxiety, and trauma. My approach combines empathy with evidence-based techniques like Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and CBT. Together, we can explore your unique challenges, develop coping strategies, and work towards self-healing.

Hi, I’m Jamelia Shahid-EL a LCMHC and school counselor with 10+ years of experience. I offer affirming, down-to-earth therapy for children navigating anxiety, identity, burnout, and life transitions. My space is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in care. My motto is presence over perfection.

In addition to my private practice, I also work at a university counseling center, which keeps me in tune and up to date on what today's college students are experiencing. I've worked with both traditional and non-traditional students throughout my career and enjoy helping students get back on their path to success. Many of the students I help are struggling with anxiety, depression, academic concerns, or family/relationship issues. My clients enjoy having a non-biased person to support them as they become more independent and explore who they are as a person. College is an exciting time, but can also be stressful and overwhelming. As human beings, we don't like change, and going to college means a lot of changes happening at once...again, exciting, but also scary! I help my clients learn the skills needed to feel capable, resilient, an ultimately successful in both their academic and personal life.

During any stage of life we are faced with challenges of many kinds. And these trials can keep anyone in the dark, not realizing that hope can be found. If you're someone who is trying to figure out who you are in the world, trying to find their way, or who just needs a solid connection with a partner; if you recognize a problem and a longing for change or struggling with overwhelming thoughts and emotions that keep you pushed away, leaving you in the dark, then you’re not alone and I’m here to help. ​ I believe creating a strong connection is a major step towards healing. My approach to creating a therapeutic bond is person-centered and strength-based. As a family systems therapist, I long to understand how our present growth challenges are shaped by our history of connections. With that new awareness, we can pave the way for positive changes in healing. ​ The key to any therapeutic process is a successful connection within the therapist/client relationship. It is important for the journey to have a therapist who can provide a safe space for your story to be heard and the skills to harness inner strength. If you feel like you’re struggling recently, loosing power or control over your life in ways you could not possibly imagine or realize, then we encourage you to reach out here at Alta Terra, where we can provide an honest safe space for you to be accepted, to find empowerment, encouragement, and healing as you journey to your higher ground (your greatest potential), for a higher ground is within your reach, no matter what season of life you’re in. It would be a joy to speak with you and to explore this journey together if I may be the right fit. ​

Are you feeling overwhelmed, insecure, anxious, or confused as to what you feel? I can help. I am Kristi Cole, a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping others struggling with anxiety, overwhelming emotions, low self-esteem, and school/work-life balance. I can help you learn how to identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; set healthy boundaries; improve communication skills; and gain confidence. I have spent over 14 years working with people of diverse backgrounds with a wide range of treatment needs. I use a nonjudgmental approach while providing a safe place to process thoughts and emotions. I apply concepts from a variety of research-based theories, such as solutions-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal therapy (IPT). I also like to incorporate humor into sessions when appropriate.

At Transforming Through Therapy, we believe healing happens through both science and connection. Our clinicians use evidence-based treatments grounded in trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral strategies, relational therapy, and addiction-informed interventions. But therapy here is never rigid or one-size-fits-all. We tailor sessions to your nervous system, your goals, and your lived experience. You can expect: A psychologically safe, non-judgmental environment Collaborative goal-setting Practical tools alongside deeper insight Honest, compassionate dialogue Care that respects your autonomy and pace ​This is therapy that supports transformation — not just symptom management.

ALL IN PERSON SESSIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOLLOWING INITIAL VIRTUAL INTAKE SESSION. Life brings challenges that can shift our focus and cause us to lose sight of ourselves and what matters most. It is my privilege to offer a compassionate, listening ear—providing support, encouragement, and practical tools to help you navigate these difficult moments. My ultimate goal is to create a safe, unbiased, and nonjudgmental space where you feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. Working with individuals, and families from all , backgrounds, and walks of life is more than a job—it's a dream come true. I am here to serve. I am here for you. Whether you're facing life’s unexpected challenges or seeking personal growth, I’m committed to walking alongside you with guidance, support, and the tools you need to achieve your goals. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

I'm Mary Grace, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I love working with college students of all ages. I specialize in grief, life transitions, self-discovery, and identity development. Are you looking to understand yourself, your values, your goals, and your relationships more? Maybe all these changes have shaken you up a lot and you want to feel grounded again? Or have you experienced any losses in any areas of your life and processing has felt lonely or isolating? I am here to offer support so that you can reconnect to yourself and who you want to be. I have an existential approach to counseling and will tailor it to meet your needs. I also offer neurofeedback to help you reach your goals as well and I'm happy to discuss if it might be a good fit for you! Counseling is a collaborative process and I am here to support any goals you may have. I look forward to learning and growing with you.

I strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can freely express themselves, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration. I offer a safe and nurturing space for children, teens and adults to explore their unique identities and build skills to help with emotional regulation, behavioral issues, self-esteem, communication, problem solving, and resilience. My approach is client-centered, unique to each client's needs. Some of the modalities that I incorporate include play therapy, EMDR, ERP, strengths-based, and psychoeducation. Whether you or your child is seeking guidance through a challenging life transition, relief from emotional distress, or a safe space to process trauma, I committed to walking alongside you on your journey towards healing and empowerment.

Are the characters/themes in the Euphoria or Pixar films relatable? Do you find yourself connecting your feelings to movies, music, tv, or books? Maybe you're experiencing a recent life change of being in a new environment, newly found independence, a new job, relationship status, recent move, or exploring sobriety, and it sucks doing it alone. Can you relate to the “buzz” of anxiety Ted Lasso felt when his “panic” crept in. Are you the Nick Miller of the group, struggling with holding boundaries, overthink the little things, or feel you are your own worst enemy? How about Chidi Anagonye, uncertain of all your decisions? You feel motivated, yet unsure of how to get started? You’re trying to navigate this fucked up world, while just trying to have the "normal" college experience. Imagine feeling more confident and passionate in your pursuits like Leslie Knope. You want to be more present in your day to day and embrace a feeling of calm. Boundaries? You become a master of that shit! Implementing and enforcing them in your life.

My name is Shurna Rabsatt and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Triple P Positive Parenting Practitioner and Financial Social Worker in NC. I have over 25 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in settings such as outpatient therapy, medical and school settings, and community mental health. I realize how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual's life that impact their well-being including their physical health, support systems (family, friends, etc), work/school environment, and faith/spirituality in this process. Therapy is more than just a job for me it's a calling. I am passionate about empowering people to find their inner strength and build healthier more fulfilling lives. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and recognize every client as a unique individual capable of healing and growth. We will use practical tools to help you manage stress, quiet your inner critic and feel more in control of your emotions. Therapy with me is supportive but also action oriented. I encourage clients to actively engage in the therapeutic relationship, expecting efforts in homework, accountability and full participation. My goal is to create a safe environment for exploring a client's primary interests, establishing goals and identifying strengths and assets as they work towards their aspirations.

We believe that all people deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. We also think the world would be a better place if everyone else believed this too (but that’s just us- we aren’t trying to impose our values on you). To that end, we ask that clinicians, admin staff, and fellow clients be treated with the same kindness, dignity, and respect you would offer to the person or animal (because let’s be honest, sometimes animals are easier to treat well) you love the most. And, we expect ourselves to provide that to you. If ever something rubs you the wrong way or doesn’t feel like it matches this value, please let us know, and we will work to hear you, develop an understanding of where you are coming from, and try to resolve the situation until you feel your needs have been met. If that’s not possible, we will talk to you about options for the next steps.

College is a lot—and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Counseling Connections, we offer therapy that’s real, relatable, and designed to support you through whatever this chapter brings. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to students and young adults across North Carolina. Whether you're overwhelmed by classes, struggling in your relationships, facing anxiety or burnout, or just trying to figure out who you are, we’re here to help. No stuffy office vibes—just compassionate therapists who get it and real tools that actually work. Let’s make space for your growth. Visit counselingconnections.online to find your perfect-fit therapist and start feeling more like yourself again.

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Getting started can be overwhelming. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible so we can go at your pace. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and addiction. Many of my clients have tried to cope with difficult life changes by pushing their feelings away or finding short-term coping mechanisms that serve as a distraction. My role is to help people listen to and manage their emotions without feeling overwhelmed or ruled by them. Being personally in recovery from alcohol helps me understand and empathize with what you’re going through because I’ve probably been there too. I like to break down clinical approaches to collaboratively determine the best fit for each person’s unique goals. I incorporate elements of neurobiology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and schema work to help people better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their lives. If you're not sure what you're looking for yet, that's okay! Feel free to reach out to set up an introductory phone call to see if we're a good fit.

Join me in learning the tools and skills to intentionally create the life that you desire. I work with clients who are looking to strengthen trust in themselves. My overarching goal for every client who comes to see me is for them to have a more loving, compassionate relationship to themselves, others, and their past. I use a holistic collaborative approach to counseling that recognizes our unique multidimensional nature, and honors the connection between mind, emotions, energy, and body. Birdie, my office puppy, is a gentle presence who offers passive emotional support to clients who enjoy animal companionship. I work with adults, college students, teens, adolescents, couples, and families, to: 1. Identify harmful thought and behavior patterns, 2. Understand what's at the root of these patterns, 3. Cultivate tools and behaviors that encourage, rather than inhibit, growth. I offer compassionate, honest feedback, providing an outside lens that will allow you to see yourself more clearly. I believe everyone has the tools within them to heal and grow. You can reconnect with your authentic and confident self. Let's rekindle the spark within you and heal the past that is holding you back from the life you desire. I would be honored to assist you in opening up paths to trusting yourself and healing your past in your journey to wholeness.

Hello, and congratulations! Whether you realized or not, you just took your first step on the road toward becoming a better you. Let’s face it – being a human can be tough. Life transitions happen and can be scary, sometimes shaking us to our core. Helping you work through your past, present, and planning for a brighter future is where I come in. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, you are in the driver’s seat of your own life. With that realization comes responsibility but also power. It is my life’s joy to empower others to design the life that they have always envisioned for themselves. When you are ready, we will uncover barriers, bust through obstacles, and build you up to where you are ready to take on the world. Some of those barriers could be past experiences that are causing you to experience trauma symptoms or memories that can weigh you down like a backpack full of books. You may be able to carry on for a while, but in time that backpack is going to slow down your progress and ability to maintain present activities. One of my favorite quotes is, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards,” by Soren Kierkegaard. Countless people before you have joined with a therapist or counselor and benefited from an objective view of their life and experiences. That is my goal, to look down from above and help you see things in a different light. Now for some information on my background: I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Music Performance from the University of TN at Chattanooga in 2013. I then went on to earn my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the same university in 2016. Since then, I have worked intensely with youth and families at a nonprofit agency. I have experience with many various mental health issues and diagnoses and I particularly enjoy working with family issues. I have training in several models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Community Advocacy Project (CAP), and Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). My therapeutic approach is collaborative, action- and goal-oriented. When we meet, I want to make sure you leave feeling validated but also with some tools to put into practice in your life outside of session. We will set goals together and regularly check in on progress toward these goals, determining where revisions may be needed. Also, no matter what life outside of session is like, I want to create a calm and safe space for you to be able to think and process clearly. If you have any questions about me or what to expect, feel free to reach out. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Contact us via phone call, text, or email if you or a loved one suffers from trauma, anxiety, and depression. For a faster response, please email. Negative thoughts, feelings, and self-defeating behaviors can get us to realize our full potential. We facilitate the healing process needed to recover. We know that with adequate support, compassion, and insight, one can have a new lease on life. We believe in the power to transform and overcome minor mistakes to the most significant obstacles to live the life that we want to live, enabling peace to surface and calmness to be present.We utilize therapeutic tools to help with overcoming provoked fears, worries, and depressed moods. Our experience includes working with youth, adults and families focused on mood disorders (depression, anxiety, Bipolar II), behavior modification, interpersonal development (relationships), trauma, and substance abuse. It takes courage to ask for help. We want to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to living your best life as you want it to be. Therapists at SHINE work to strengthen, help, inspire, nurture and empower desired life changes. “Success is not final, and failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

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The college experience can be both amazing and stressful. Sometimes you might need someone to talk to, someone who won’t judge you or take away your independence. If you are looking for a new perspective on old challenges or a helping hand with new struggles, please don’t hesitate to reach out.