Therapists for college students near Duke University

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Many of the people we work with are thoughtful, caring, and capable individuals who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, self-doubt, identity questions, or feeling overwhelmed by the expectations they place on themselves. Some students come to therapy because they’re facing a specific challenge. Others simply want a better understanding of themselves and why they think, feel, or react the way they do. Whether you’re navigating college life, relationships, family dynamics, career decisions, or personal growth, we aim to provide a space that feels supportive, thoughtful, and genuine. Our approach combines practical tools with deeper self-reflection, helping you build insight, develop healthier patterns, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to create.

My passion is helping youth and adults find a way to live their best life! Sometimes that looks like coaching for success and other times it involves addressing concerns that interfere with living well such as anxiety, autism, neurodiversity, social interactions, stress, and sports performance anxiety. I am paneled with many insurances other than those listed below. I am licensed in North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, and Nebraska. I am a trained provider of cognitive rehabilitation for (TBI) brain injury. Check on my website link to see if I have your insurance paneled with me. I look forward to meeting you!

With over 25 years of experience, I find collage students amongst my favorite population to work with. College life offers so many opportunities and yet so many challenges be it stress and anxiety, social/relationship challenges and even time management. My approach is gently but if you some firm guidance and life coaching I can be that person too! Sometimes taking the first steps can feel intimidating but I encourage you to be brave and know you will be met with a therapist who truly cares and will not ever judge you, blame you or shame you. This is about you getting the most out of your life!

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Hey Hey! I'm Kayla (she/they)! Before I bore you with the therapy jargon, how about you get to know a little bit about who I am as a person first? If you catch me out around town, I am either bopping to the music in my headphones, reading, at a festival, or talking to a random stranger about their entire life story! I am a proud native of Charlotte, NC! I grew up helping out at my family’s restaurant, Sub One Hoagie House [shameless plug hehe] located in Uptown Charlotte. I can remember feeling so cool and infatuated by the idea that I had the opportunity to be so close to the Bank of America Stadium nearly every day of the week; which, until recently, I had still been calling the Panther’s Football Stadium… still sounds cooler to me! I have a passion for all things music; whether it be attending concerts, making music, or creating playlists that I am too scared to share with anyone else! In fact, I used to be one of the lead singers in a band where I'd travel on the weekends performing at weddings and other various corporate sponsored events. I've also been playing drums for over a decade and picked up guitar a few years ago; YouTube really comes in handy! I come from a very musical family if you hadn’t picked up on that :) Incorporating music, art, poetry/lyrics in sessions with clients is something I've seen to be very valuable, allowing my clients to tap into reflection and feeling that may otherwise be hard to express with just "regular ole'" talk-therapy! Those who know me would describe me as quirky, bubbly, and someone who has the ability to carry on a conversation with anyone, including a brick wall ☺ I love meeting new people while also continuing to build and foster the close relationships I already have. *Potentially* Fun Facts: - I like sunsets over sunrises. - I like music. -I like dancing. -I like talking. -I like the ocean. -I like mountainous terrain. -I like coffee. -I like smiling. -I like my dog (sometimes). - I like random facts. Okay.. Now, for the REAL reason you're here! I seek to provide a brave and encouraging space where clients are encouraged to speak from their own diverse and multicultural backgrounds, aiding in the ability to become more self-aware, self-accepting, and self-motivated. I co-create with clients to build a strong therapeutic relationship, discuss barriers to change, building self-encouragement, discussing techniques for change, and goal setting. I hope to help clients recognize limiting belief patterns and replace them with more functional and positive patterns of belief, behavior, and emotional expression. My approach to counseling combines elements of both Interpersonal and Developmental Psychotherapy, which focuses on the intersectionalities of a client’s development and their present behaviors, to help clients work toward productive change. Together, we will explore mutually agreed upon goals and treatment plans. Though it is impossible to guarantee any specific results regarding your goals or treatment plan, I assure you that I'll remain determined and attuned to your individual needs so you are able to achieve the best possible outcome. I welcome the opportunity to have a virtual meet and greet with you to determine whether we would be a great fit for one another in establishing a therapeutic relationship!

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Welcome! I'm Shannon. I'm glad you're here, and acknowledge that connecting with a therapist is no easy step. Thank you for having the courage to contemplate connecting. For me, who you are - right now, in this moment - matters, is important, and is enough. Your voice matters; your story is important and set-apart; I wholeheartedly believe you are doing the best you can with what you have; and, I know you want to be the best possible version of You. I also know that change is hard. Taking steps towards one's best self often means looking into the corners of our lives; saying things aloud we've spent years only saying to ourselves; and, being willing to adjust our story from one filled with "if onlys" and "should'ves", to one of acceptance for our enough-ness then, and now. Change - it's not easy and can be uncomfortable, so it's my job to deeply listen; to affirm your experience; and, to create a space filled with reverence, safety, humility, loving-kindness, gentle challenge, and gratitude for your willingness to explore together. I will listen, if you are ready to share.

Feeling stuck? Burned out? Overwhelmed by life, classes, or relationships? College is supposed to be a time of growth—but sometimes it just feels like too much. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship stress, substance use, or just trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m a licensed therapist in North Carolina and South Carolina, and I help college students cut through the noise and start making real progress. My approach is straightforward, down-to-earth, and action-oriented. We won’t just talk about your problems—we’ll work on them. Together. I’ve spent years working in mental health, helping people push through tough situations and come out stronger. If you're tired of overthinking everything and ready to get unstuck, you're in the right place. Here’s what to expect: --A mix of support and honest feedback --No judgment, no BS—just real conversation and real progress --Tools to help you manage stress, improve your mood, and get clarity on your next steps --A focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s your mental health, your relationships, or your future I work with college students of all backgrounds, including men and women, LGBTQ+ individuals, student-athletes, first-gen college students, and anyone navigating big life questions. I also have a special interest in men’s mental health. Credentials: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) - North Carolina Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) - North Carolina National Certified Counselor (NCC) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - South Carolina Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling What therapy looks like with me: We’ll talk about what’s going on now—not just dig into the past. We’ll focus on practical tools and real change using approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and 12-Step principles when helpful. If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just plain exhausted, I’m here to help you figure things out and move forward. Before we start, I offer a free 15–20 minute video consult to make sure we’re a good fit. Therapy is a commitment—you deserve to work with someone who gets you.

Life was supposed to get easier after high school, after college, after landing your dream job... but something still feels missing. Despite feeling like you have things 'figured out', you struggle to settle in and find balance. I specialize in working with anxiety, perfectionism and trauma. Some of the techniques I use when working with clients include EMDR, ERP, and sandray. Curiosity and compassion are the basis to my counseling approach. I know that reaching out for counseling for yourself can be a vulnerable process. If you’ve worked hard to figure it out on your own or are feeling like you’ve tried it all, it’s time to take a creative approach together. In our sessions, we will work together at your pace to understand the layers of your experience. I hope to help you find self-compassion, new perspectives, and healing

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You are here on purpose! Through an integrative approach infused with mindfulness practices, you can learn to manage anxiety, trauma, depression, health & wellness, and more. Together we can tackle the challenges and uncertainties in a safe and judgement free space. Visit my website for more support! TELEHEALTH/VIRTUAL services only. "It's your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you." -Rumi

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

*Serving clients in California, Pennsylvania & North Carolina via teletherapy* I imagine you're looking for help, maybe a kind and guiding mental health professional wherever you are on your healing journey. Perhaps you've felt confused, misunderstood, unseen, overwhelmed with the constant pressures and stresses of this current moment. You may be struggling with shame, self-hatred, a lack of belonging, imposter syndrome. You might feel nervous about asking for help. I welcome the chance to work together in personalized, culturally sensitive, and confidential virtual therapy. As a multicultural and multiethnic cisfemale therapist of color, I seek to understand who you are, your worldview, and your environment. Once you reach out to me, I'll invite you to set up a consultation to discuss your needs, what's going on and how we may work together. We'll get to know each other a little. I'll also invite your questions and perspectives on what you're looking for in a therapist. Together we can help you heal, create a space to honor and respect who you are, and support a life of meaningful connection and empowerment. Contact me or schedule an initial consultation via the secure client portal https://ashleyaclemft.clientsecure.me/!

Are you a woman struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-expression, or body-image concerns? You're not alone. Trying to fix everything you dislike about yourself can be draining. In my practice, I offer a supportive space where you can explore these challenges without judgment. You don't have to be perfect to take up space in this world. You deserve to feel safe and confident in your own skin. When we face ourselves with kindness and become the compassionate witness to our own stories, we lay the groundwork for profound transformation. As a trauma-informed somatic based therapist, I recognize that true healing involves reconnecting with our embodied selves, where experiences are felt, honored, and integrated. I create a safe space for you to slow down, tune in to the narratives held within your body, and connect with your inner wisdom. I believe that you are the expert on your own life. You harbor the knowledge of what is necessary for your healing and what resonates authentically with you. My role is to help you reconnect with this inner wisdom, empowering you to navigate life with clarity and self-compassion. If this resonates, reach out and let's connect!

I have maintained an independent private practice since 1992. I am confident that you will find my "keep it simple" and goal directed approach fitting to your needs. You will know by the end of our first visit if we "connected". Establishing rapport is instrumental in moving forward and achieving your goals. In addition to providing outpatient counseling to young adults and adults I provide substance abuse and anger management assessments.

As social beings, people need the contact and acceptance of other people. It is not uncommon for people to experience things that disrupt or unravel their lives, and they feel they have no one to turn to who understands or accepts them. Whether this experience is anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, or trauma, my passion is to help individuals find healthy ways of coping and processing the events in their lives. As well as helping people connect with others in more meaningful ways. As everyone is different, I feel there is no single therapeutic approach that works for everyone. Because of this, I have sought training in multiple therapeutic modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My educational background includes an M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. My Clinical internship was spent in a substance abuse/mental health facility in South Florida, where I worked with military and veteran clients. Before my degree, I enlisted in the United States Airforce and was trained as a Medical Technician/EMT.

College can bring pressure from every direction—academics, relationships, family expectations, finances, identity, and uncertainty about what comes next. You may be doing everything expected of you while privately feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. I work well with students who want to understand the patterns shaping their lives, strengthen their boundaries, improve their relationships, and make decisions with greater confidence. I also support students navigating cultural identity, major life transitions, family conflict, burnout, grief, and the challenges of living or studying away from home. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and practical. We will look at your experiences within the context of your relationships, history, culture, responsibilities, and current environment. Sessions provide space to explore what is happening beneath the surface while developing tools you can use in your everyday life. My goal is to help you build greater clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of direction.

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.

Patrick Balsley is a North Carolina Addiction Specialists Professional Practice Board Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Structured Family Recovery® Counselor who has dedicated his life to serving individuals and families struggling with addiction.