Therapists for college students near Denver, CO

I'm Dr. Sarah Thilzey Franklin, a licensed psychologist working with teens, college students, and adults. I work with people navigating suicidal thoughts, self-injury, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, and trauma, and I have specialized training in treating borderline personality disorder. My background is in CBT and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which means we'll focus on practical, evidence-based skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships, alongside a genuinely warm, collaborative therapeutic relationship. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, or struggling with thoughts of hurting yourself, I'd be glad to work with you.

I work especially well with students who may seem like they’re doing fine on the outside but are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or stuck underneath it all. You may be struggling with family or relationship dynamics, questioning yourself, having difficulty setting boundaries, or trying to manage the pressure of school, work, and becoming more independent. I also enjoy working with students navigating ADHD, neurodivergence, depression, major life changes, substance use concerns, or difficult family experiences. My style is warm, calm, and straightforward. We’ll work together to understand what’s keeping you stuck, build healthier coping skills and boundaries, and help you feel more confident in yourself and the choices you’re making.

Flourish works best with students and young adults who may look like they’re doing well on the outside but feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck underneath it all. Many clients are navigating relationships, family expectations, identity, self-worth, academic or career pressure, major life transitions, or simply trying to figure out what they want their life to look like. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Our goal is to provide a genuine and authentic space where we can make sense of what’s going on, identify patterns that may be getting in your way, and develop practical ways to move toward the relationships and life you want.

I specialize in working with college students and emerging adults navigating relationships, anxiety, self-worth, family stress, and major life transitions. My clinical work is informed by my research and teaching on emerging adulthood, health, and relationships. In addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am a clinical supervisor and university professor in Child Development and Family Science, with particular expertise in romantic and family relationships.

Neurodivergent therapist who works with neurodivergent clients! I help adults of all ages work through trauma and grief, explore their neurodivergence, manage their anxiety and depression, build on their self-esteem, and maintain necessary boundaries in the maze of life. I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients engage with the workability of their problems by developing psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility develops when you use therapeutic techniques (acceptance, contacting the present moment, values, committed action, self-as-context, and cognitive defusion) to take back control over your actions from any emotions, thoughts, or situations that are pushing you around. If you want a virtual ACT therapist who gets it, offers weekend and evening hours, then schedule a free 15-minute consultation call and see if we're a good fit! Sick of what hasn't been working in a world that isn't built for you? Try something new, try someone new.

IPW Health is a psychiatric and therapy group practice serving college students and young adults in person in Mission Viejo (Orange County) and by telehealth across California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado. Our team of psychiatric nurse practitioners and licensed therapists offers medication management, adult ADHD evaluation and treatment, and evidence-based therapy including CBT, ERP for OCD, and EMDR/trauma-focused care. We work especially well with students navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, burnout and the pressure of high-achieving academic life. Our integrative approach looks at sleep, nutrition, hormones and labs alongside medication and therapy, and we coordinate closely with campus counseling centers. Telehealth and Saturday appointments make it easier to fit care around classes. Persian (Farsi) spoken. We accept Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, Optum and UnitedHealthcare, plus self-pay.

My approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic therapy, always grounded in empathy, validation, and trauma-informed care. I believe your struggles are rarely just one stand-alone issue — they reflect a combination of your history, your lived experience, and how the world has affected you. Together, we create a collaborative and compassionate environment where you remain in charge, and I'm here to support your journey of healing. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own experience of loss and trauma during a major life transition, when I struggled to access the mental health support I needed. I bring this perspective into my care with you, focusing on your needs and experiences to achieve your healing goals. My hobbies include reading, gardening and spending time outside with my family.

Beginning therapy—or starting with a new therapist—can feel vulnerable and daunting. As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), I create a space that feels welcoming, non-judgmental, and safe to support adults who are ready to improve their well-being and navigate life’s transitions with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. My specialties include perinatal mental health and women’s mental health across the lifespan, along with mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, attachment disorders, and more. When working together, you are assured a warm and non-pathologizing approach to care that is grounded in humility and respect for the courage it takes to share your story. I welcome the opportunity to connect for a brief consultation, bringing skill and compassion to your journey no matter where you’re at along the path. I believe each person is the expert in their own life. Therapy is, therefore, a collaborative process, where I listen deeply and work with you to clarify your goals and move toward healing and greater well-being at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we attend not only to areas of pain, but also to your strengths, values, and passions. My approach is warm, person-centered, and strengths-based, drawing flexibly from a range of evidence-based modalities. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. In addition, I am trained in the Gottman Method (Level 1) and use Gottman techniques in my work with couples. As a clinician with lived experience as a mother and more than ten years of experience as an educator, I bring a deep understanding of family systems, child development, and the realities of parenting. This background allows me to support mothers and families with both compassion and practical insight. When I’m not in the office, I love reading, spending time in nature, taking in all kinds of art, and having adventures with my family.

I believe in the inherent worth of each person – a value that can be easier to understand than to apply to us in practice, but progress is best achieved when starting from a foundation of self-acceptance. That’s where I come in. I am a therapist specializing in emotional and somatic processing, parts work, and Mindfulness-based interventions for those with complex trauma, identity issues, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. These struggles may seem impossible to overcome, especially when compounded by the adversity of marginalization, identity struggles, or abuse. My mission is to help you feel whole by building skills, developing self-esteem and healthy attachment, and processing your burdens so they can be put down. This includes attuning to the body, calming the nervous system, finding meaning in life, and healing with the compassion and clarity of the true Self. I am here to be a witness, a companion in your journey, and a fellow human being who truly cares. My approach blends Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention skills with Internal Family Systems-based parts work and guided meditation to release trauma and foster self-compassion. In doing so, you learn to make sense of your experiences within the systems around you and foster healing through connection to self, others, and community. Sessions with me sound like: "What was that look there?" "That made me feel a wave of grief. Did you?" "Let’s pause, if that's okay ... Just breathe into the feeling." "All of your emotions are valid, but not all your thoughts are true." "I have some skills for this..." "Let’s talk to this part of you... What does it need? What protects you from?” Above all, treatment should be intentional and built on trust. If this resonates, let’s discuss what you’re looking for together. During my own therapy journey, I learned what it truly meant to “feel your feelings.” At first, the advice seemed absurd; I thought I felt too much. Over time, though, I learned that most of us are never taught how to process emotions or how to let them go. As a Latina and member of the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, I have often felt misunderstood within therapeutic spaces, and this journey taught me the power of accessing and overcoming emotions holding us back. My work is shaped by these experiences, and I strive to offer inclusive care that centers around each person’s unique strengths and needs. When I am not providing therapy, I love to read fantasy books, write poetry, and make art. Dancing and playing sports in the park are also some of my favorite activities, especially with festive drinks and snacks, and some friends.

I am a Clinical Social Worker and therapist specializing in trauma, attachment, identity, and LGBTQIA+ issues for adults. With nearly four years of experience in both higher levels of care and outpatient settings, I work with adults of all backgrounds to help you build a more compassionate and full view of yourself so you can face life's challenges more effectively. I believe collaboration is the foundation of healing. This is your treatment and your therapy, and it should be approached in a way that truly works for you. I look forward to finding that healing and a new sense of self together with you. You have the right to self-determination, and my approach centers on collaboration and empowerment to help you achieve just that. As the expert in your own life, what often helps most is seeing things from a different perspective. I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems, and narrative therapy, adjusting my approach based on your current needs rather than following one rigid method. My style balances honesty and directness with compassion and gentleness, and I'm always willing to adjust and regularly check in on how I can be most effective for you. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own journey of seeking to answer questions about who I am and whether I could actually heal. Approaching myself with both honesty and love, I've found, is the path to both of those things. I hope to help you find yourself in new and exciting ways, too. I love sketching and playing guitar, and singing is a big part of my life. I also enjoy hiking, thrift shopping, and dancing.

My work as a therapist is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and liberation psychology. I help people navigate trauma while recognizing the ways our relationships, environments, and larger systems can shape our mental health. I have a particular passion for working with adolescents, young adults, and adults from underserved communities, while welcoming clients from all backgrounds. Genuine connection is at the heart of my work. I value open, transparent communication and strive to create a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Together, we’ll explore where you’ve been, what you’re experiencing now, and where you want to go. Therapy should help you better understand yourself while building a greater sense of agency in your life. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to your experiences, needs, and goals. I integrate psychoeducation with somatic and cognitive approaches, with a particular focus on how trauma and stress show up in the body. Whether we’re processing difficult experiences, understanding patterns, or developing new ways of responding, my style is compassionate, gently direct, and focused on helping you move forward in a way that feels meaningful to you. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped in part by my own experiences with mental health and the process of finding my way through them. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to care that helps people reclaim a sense of choice, control, and connection. I don’t believe therapists need to leave their humanity at the door. I bring authenticity, curiosity, and genuine connection into the therapy room because I believe those qualities can make the work feel more honest, comfortable, and meaningful. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me skiing, rock climbing, spending time with friends, playing video games, or drinking probably too much coffee. I also grew up near the coast, and the ocean remains one of my favorite places to reset and recharge.

With more than a decade of experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I work with adults navigating a broad range of challenges, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, OCD, life transitions, and Bipolar Disorder. I’m especially passionate about perinatal health and the transition to parenthood. No matter your struggles, I provide compassionate, high-quality mental health care that is individualized and patient-centered. My goal is to hear and understand your story so you leave our visits feeling heard and hold a clear understanding of what your path to feeling better will look like. Our lives are busy, but that doesn't mean your mental health should suffer. My priority as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is to get to know you as an individual, use shared decision making, and develop an evidence-based treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This approach ensures high-quality mental health care that is accessible, personalized, and easy to fit into your life, so you can focus on feeling your best. My approach to mental health care has been shaped by more than 15 years in healthcare, beginning with inpatient work as a medical/surgical nurse. Working with individuals during vulnerable times, I recognized the links between physical health and mental health, while through my graduate work I gained experience in integrated care and was able to provide care to diverse individuals in a community mental health setting. Education has been a thread through my clinical work, including being an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Washington. As an educator, I actively keep up to date on the latest research, which I apply to my clinical work. I expanded my practice to the private practice setting in Washington State, and a move to Colorado brought me to SOL Mental Health. Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my husband and son. I also love cooking, being outside, and sneaking in a hike or Pilates session.

Whether you're navigating the aftermath of trauma; finding your footing in a new city, state, or country; or sitting with grief, anxiety, or questions about who you are, you don't have to figure it out alone. As an LPC candidate with three years of experience, my work centers on helping people process trauma, move through major life transitions, and build lives that feel meaningful and aligned with their values. Survivors of trauma, sexual violence, domestic abuse, and natural disasters are at the heart of my practice, and so are immigrants and refugees working to build a new life in a new culture. Beyond trauma recovery, support is available for grief and loss; questions related to sex, sexuality, and relationships; and the very real anxiety that can come from living through climate change and other global stressors. Many of the people who come to me are trying therapy for the very first time, and finding practical, tangible ways to improve daily life is something we work toward together from the start. Therapy is also available in Spanish for those who prefer it. This is your process, and collaboration is at the center of everything we do together. The therapeutic space we build will be safe, transparent, and gently challenging – a place where growth feels possible without pressure. Drawing primarily from EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy, my work is tailored to help you process trauma, reconnect with your body and values, and shift beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving you. When a particular approach or intervention seems useful, the reasoning behind it will always be shared with you, and your feedback shapes what comes next. You are the expert on your own life. My role is to help that self-expertise shine through, and to make sure the practical strategies we build together are ones you can actually use beyond our sessions to make lasting, meaningful improvements in your daily life. I know what it's like to not have all the answers right away. My path to becoming a therapist didn't begin until my mid-thirties, after years of different careers, different countries, and many different versions of the question “who am I?” Those years of exploration ultimately made it clearer than ever that this work is what was meant for me. All of these varied experiences and perspectives come into the room with us. More importantly, they inform how deeply committed I am to helping you sit with your own uncertainty, to recognize its value, and to use it as a starting point for moving toward your own internal wisdom. Creative expression is a big part of life outside the therapy room. Writing, watercolors, and pottery are longtime passions, and languages are another, always learning, always looking for opportunities to connect across cultures. Traveling and trying new foods (and then attempting to recreate them at home) bring a lot of joy, as does time spent with my cat, Ernie.

As a PMHNP with years of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, I have a passion for helping underserved populations of all kinds, including the LGBTQIA+, peripartum, perimenopause, BIPOC, adult, and geriatric communities, navigate mental health challenges. Common challenges I help with include identity issues, self-esteem, barriers to care, relationship concerns, and hormonal influences on mental health, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, trauma, and treatment-resistant depression. No matter what you’re facing, I believe in providing compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized care, which helps me be a trusted and collaborative partner in your mental health journey. I look forward to helping you achieve lasting wellness, build resilience, and reach your treatment goals in our work. Together, we'll create a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable exploring your mental health. I use evidence-based medication management and therapeutic techniques to help you better understand what you're experiencing, improve your symptoms, and work toward your personal goals. Collaboration and compassion guide my style, and I tailor my approach to your unique needs, experiences, and treatment goals. While medication management is a core part of my practice, I'm passionate about including you in decision-making and exploring non-pharmacological and alternative therapies alongside standard treatment, whenever they make sense for you. My path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner began with helping a family member navigate mental health challenges in a society that stigmatizes mental health and in a world with few quality mental health support options. I also dealt with my own mental health challenges, which fostered my deep interest in this field. These experiences allow me to bring a unique perspective grounded in nursing, diverse clinical experience, and genuine connection with each patient to every encounter. When I’m not with patients, I love to read, walk my dog, paint, ski, travel, and spend time on interior decorating and gardening.

Being human can be hard and overwhelming, and I'm here to help. As a trauma-informed, emotions-based clinical social worker, I help adults navigate key life changes, identity, trauma and PTSD, depression, and the various emotions that come with being a person in 2026. Whether you're navigating life transitions, needing support with a mood or anxiety disorder, reckoning with trauma, or wanting to gain greater insight into who you are, I'll walk that path with you. I believe in showing up as our fullest selves, which helps you do the same. I look forward to supporting your healing journey through our work together. The most effective therapy, I believe, is grounded in real human connection and evidence-based practices. That’s why my approach is person-centered, empathetic, and collaborative. Rather than trying to "fix" you, my goal is to walk alongside you in your personal journey as you grow, heal, and gain greater resiliency. I'm passionate about psychoeducation, teaching practical skills to help you live day to day and gain better insight into yourself, as well as cognitive and dialectical-based therapies to help you find a greater sense of peace in your life. Each person is the expert of their own story, and I'm here to support your journey of self-exploration and growth in a warm, respectful space tailored to your unique goals. My path to becoming a therapist began when I first went to therapy myself at age 18. Growing up, we are supposed to intrinsically somehow "know" how to navigate relationships, communicate boundaries, and develop our personal identity, among other challenges. The reality is that many folks struggle with these things, and my goal is to help you develop a greater understanding of your needs and yourself. As a member of the queer and trans community myself, I know what it's like to not necessarily feel accepted or have support, and I want to be in your corner as one of those people. In my free time, I love hiking, backpacking, and generally frolicking outside in nature. I'm also an avid cross-stitcher and a lover of cats and dogs.

My work as a clinical social work student intern centers on helping adults and youth develop tools for managing stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, build self-esteem, and navigate life's challenges, such as supporting patients through grief and loss, including pet loss. As a queer woman, I am deeply passionate about providing affirming and supportive care for LGBTQ+ individuals, and I strive to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and supported in every conversation. I believe meaningful connection is at the heart of our well-being, and look forward to partnering with you to better understand your experiences, recognize your strengths, and navigate life's challenges together. Through our work together, my hope is that you feel empowered to better understand yourself, embrace your authentic self, and create a greater sense of connection in your life. My approach to care is rooted in a person-in-environment, trauma-informed lens, recognizing that every person is affected by the broader systems around them, including our relationships, communities, and the systems we're part of. I believe we must address these external impacts while also navigating our internal processes. Together, we’ll identify the unique stressors affecting your well-being and develop practical coping skills that support your personal growth. In our sessions, you can expect a safe, encouraging, and nonjudgmental environment. I incorporate concepts from various modalities, including Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), animal-related engagement, motivational interviewing, and expressive art techniques, tailoring each session to fit your needs and meet you where you are on your journey. The human-animal bond is something I deeply value and, when meaningful to you, I enjoy incorporating concepts related to animals and nature into our work together. My path to becoming a therapist began with a deep love and passion for animals and their human companions. As a registered veterinary technician for more than 10 years, I supported individuals and families through many of life's emotional challenges, including navigating difficult decisions, grief, and loss. These experiences helped me recognize a desire to support not only the animals in my care, but also the people who love them, which ultimately led me to pursue clinical social work and deepen my ability to support the mental and emotional well-being of my community. My personal experiences with therapy also shaped the therapist I hope to become, giving me a deep sense of curiosity, compassion, and empathy for those navigating difficult times. This compassion for all living beings carries into my therapeutic space, where I value human connection as the foundation of a meaningful therapeutic relationship. During my free time, I enjoy indoor and outdoor rock climbing with my husband, going for long walks while listening to audiobooks, hiking, spending time with friends, reading, and creating art.

If you’re struggling to navigate current relationships, find ways to heal from past trauma, develop meaning and purpose in life, or cope with what life throws at you, I’m here to be a companion in your journey. I am an emotion-focused and trauma-informed therapist for individuals ages 10 and up, with clinical experience in a wide depth of reasons one might seek out therapy, including relational trauma, depression, anxiety, identity issues, self-esteem, emerging adulthood, psychosis, attachment, self-harm, life transitions, parenting support, and more. I know there can often be mixed feelings when starting therapy, and I see your courage. I look forward to meeting you where you’re at, getting to know you, and witnessing your growth in our work together. Please reach out today to take the next step on your healing path. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and growth is always possible, which is why I’m passionate about being an active partner who helps you step into your most authentic self. I attune my intervention approaches to your specific needs while most often utilizing existential, attachment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strength-based approaches to achieve your goals for growth and work toward your most fulfilling life. If seeking couples therapy, I utilize Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches most often. If seeking therapy for your child, I have a background in play therapy, including attachment play therapy approaches. Working together, you can expect a warm, wholistic, curious, and collaborative environment as we collaborate to manage the challenging parts of life. I bring my compassion and authenticity each day to help guide you through your own healing journey. When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m often out in nature, whether that’s on a photography hike, camping, or learning snowboarding. I also enjoy recharging through quality time with loved ones, board game nights, or maybe planning my next national park getaway!

I work best with students who are navigating the challenges of college while also exploring their identity, relationships, values, and future. Many of my clients are balancing personal goals with expectations from family, culture, or their communities and may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of their next steps. I provide a supportive space to help students better understand themselves, build coping skills, and move forward with confidence.

College is a time of incredible growth and change, but it can also feel overwhelming. Juggling classes, exams, social life, and maybe even a job can feel like too much. Located conveniently in Lakewood, Colorado, Calm Clarity Therapy offers a team of experienced therapists with diverse schedules to fit the demands of student life. We offer support for common college stressors like anxiety, depression, ADHD, homesickness, roommate issues, and navigating those crucial decisions about your future. Whether you're dealing with academic stress, executive dysfunction, social anxieties, adjusting to independence, or exploring your identity, we provide a collaborative and understanding environment. With multiple therapists and varied schedules, we make it easier for you to prioritize your mental well-being and develop the tools for a balanced and successful college experience.

Ellie Mental Health in Aurora, Colorado isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone just west of Denver 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 provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve. Providing mental health therapy for individuals, couples and families. In person or online available!