Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

Hi, I’m Nikoleta! I’m an international doctoral student from Greece, and for the past seven years I’ve called the U.S. home—living in both the Northeast and the South. Before pursuing psychology, I was a Division I athlete, an experience that gave me first-hand insight into body image struggles and the stigma surrounding mental health across different systems and communities. I’m passionate about uplifting and centering voices that have historically been excluded, both within my own communities and beyond. My path into psychology began with recognizing how stigma shaped the lives of those I care about, and how systemic barriers have marginalized people for far too long. When we work together, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we’ll explore your authentic self, replace fear and shame with self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we’ll honor your intersecting identities, heal wounds of oppression, and strengthen your confidence so you can live with clarity, purpose, and self-worth. At my core, I’m guided by curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and warm. I believe in the importance of balance—embracing the many roles and identities we carry—and in celebrating the richness of our multifaceted selves. My hope is that everyone I work with feels safe, seen, valued, and deeply connected.

My experiences as a queer, transgender man from the South inform how I move through the world and how I work with clients. I understand the challenges and inherent stress of navigating institutional, educational, and family systems that fail to make space for all identities and backgrounds. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive and culturally affirming principles and I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space where clients can experience and examine themselves and experiment with new skills and perspectives. I collaborate with clients to co-create realistic goals and sustainable solutions that honor and encompass their unique identities, challenges, and strengths. I have experience working with a variety of backgrounds and concerns and I have particular expertise working with gender identity and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), trauma, individuals living in larger bodies, individuals in helping professions, life transitions, and young adults. My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends to my work as a researcher and counselor educator-in-training. My primary areas of research are improving counselor training concerning LGBTQIA+ and larger-bodied individuals, demystifying research for students from marginalized backgrounds, and combating cisnormativity in counseling research.

Many of the people I work with live in the “in-between” — between cultures, identities, roles, and expectations. Maybe you’re constantly navigating competing demands from family, community, and self. Maybe you feel caught between pride in your roots and the ache of not quite fitting in. That kind of in-betweenness can carry invisible grief, deep resilience, and stories that are layered and complex. Therapy with me is a place where all of that gets to exist. Where silence—once a survival strategy—no longer has to be your default. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re tired or tone yourself down to be understood. You get to show up as you are—messy, in progress, tender, whole. I offer a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences with curiosity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, multicultural frame-work, because I know that our relationships—with family, partners, culture, and self—shape so much of how we move through the world. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone navigating the complexities of intersectional identities. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, working through relationship dynamics, or exploring identity, I’m here to help you reconnect—with yourself, your story, and your values. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that have helped you survive, even if they’re no longer serving you. We’ll unpack the unspoken “rules” you’ve been carrying, and gently build new ways of living that feel more aligned, grounded, and free. With individuals, our work might focus on: • Honoring your cultural and personal history while creating space for your own voice • Tending to the inner critic or survival modes that no longer reflect who you want to be • Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-compassion With couples and polycules, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners move beyond the surface-level conflicts and into the deeper emotions underneath. Often, what looks like disconnection is really a longing—to be seen, to be safe, to feel understood. We’ll slow things down, make space for those vulnerable moments, and help you learn how to reach for one another in ways that build trust, not distance. This work can be especially powerful for couples navigating cultural differences, unspoken family dynamics, or intergenerational expectations. Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple or polycule, our work will move at your pace and be centered around your needs. You don’t have to hold it all together here. We’ll make room for your full self—your questions, your emotions, your healing. One step at time.

Have you ever felt that forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in consistent self-care, or navigating everyday "adulting" feels more challenging for you than those around you? Do you struggle to “be yourself” or even understand what that truly looks like? Are you caught in the feeling of being either “too much” or “not enough?” Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal diagnosis, I’m here to support you. I’m passionate about working with clients on this journey, helping them navigate the complex emotions that often arise—excitement, curiosity, and validation in discovering more about who you are, alongside grief and anger for the time spent feeling othered or broken. This is a deeply personal journey, and together, we can create a path that honors your unique experiences and needs. In our work together, we will focus on helping you: • Find confidence in navigating healthy relationships • Learn how to self-advocate • Identify neurodivergent-affirming people and spaces • Break free from the cycle of high achievement and burnout • Become attuned to the needs of your nervous system and develop skills to better regulate its responses I work with individuals who are often left on the margins of traditional therapy models—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals who may have been made to feel that their identities or experiences don’t fit the mold. In our sessions, you’ll never be asked to minimize or hide any part of yourself. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome—your personality, culture, and lived experiences are integral to the work we do. My approach is both challenging and supportive, direct yet affirming. I’m committed to creating a therapy space that values your autonomy and centers your lived experiences, particularly if you hold marginalized identities. As a therapist, I weave lessons of self-advocacy and resilience into our work, always mindful of the broader oppressive systems we navigate. I encourage clients to provide feedback on our therapy relationship so that together, we can create a dynamic that serves you best without reinforcing harmful systems of power or control. I also believe that self-disclosure and authentic expression are crucial in our work together. Therapy is not just about following outdated rules of professionalism but about showing up fully as ourselves, both therapist and client. This authenticity allows us to build a stronger, more human connection, which is at the heart of meaningful healing and growth.

Navigating today’s world can be challenging enough—finding culturally competent therapeutic support shouldn’t add to that burden. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space where we can collaboratively explore and address your concerns. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, I strive to truly understand your unique journey and support your path toward health, wellness, and growth. As a therapist, I bring a social justice lens to my work, recognizing the impact that systems of oppression and marginalization can have on mental health. I am dedicated to offering culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences. Together, we will explore how these dynamics influence your personal challenges, while also empowering you to navigate and resist these barriers with resilience and strength. I recognize that trust is at the core of an effective therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to earning your trust through genuine care, understanding, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where you can reflect on how these experiences have shaped your life. By building a foundation of psychoeducation, emotional tools, acceptance, and self-compassion, we can empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking the step to seek therapy is an act of courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating and vulnerable—it takes immense courage to seek support, especially from someone you don’t yet know. My goal is to demystify and destigmatize the therapy process so we can walk together toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. In our work, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and identify what might be keeping you stuck. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we co-create a space that honors your full, intersectional self and empowers you to live more authentically. ​ I work with individuals across the lifespan, and I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and families. For young children, I use play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach that allows them to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills through play. With teens and families, I offer a space to navigate identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics with empathy and cultural responsiveness. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships and promote emotional connection. In addition to individual and family therapy, I work with couples navigating communication difficulties, disconnection, and relationship challenges. I provide a supportive and affirming environment for partners of all backgrounds and relationship configurations to explore their needs, repair trust, and strengthen their bond. My practice is rooted in a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive framework that affirms the lived experiences of BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others with marginalized identities. I’m particularly passionate about supporting clients who are navigating intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and systemic oppression. I also deeply value working with men and masculine-identified individuals, especially those who have internalized messages that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Creating space for these clients to heal and grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. ​Together, we’ll create a space where your experiences are seen and your story is honored—where you feel empowered to grow into the fullest, most liberated version of yourself.

I work primarily with young men in college and graduate school who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. You may be struggling with substances, pornography or sexual behaviors, gambling, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, or problems with motivation and direction. As a former university professor, I understand the pressures of academic life a. I offer compassionate, direct, evidence-based therapy to help you understand what's happening, build practical skills, and move forward.

I tend to work best with students who feel a lot on the inside, even if they don’t always show it on the outside. Many of the students I support describe themselves as deep feelers, caregivers, or high-achievers. They might look like they “have it together” but often carry stress, worry, or self-doubt that no one else sees. Some of my clients are navigating big life transitions such as, living away from home for the first time, managing demanding academic expectations, or figuring out who they are and what they want in relationships, career, or spirituality. Others come in because they feel weighed down by past experiences of trauma, anxiety, or addiction and want a safe space to work through it. What my clients share is a desire for relief, clarity, and a more grounded sense of self. They want a space where they don’t have to perform, fix, or achieve—just a place to be real and supported. In sessions with me, you’ll find a calm, supportive space to slow down and be yourself, no pressure to have it all figured out. We’ll explore what’s weighing on you, whether it’s stress, anxiety, past experiences, or big life transitions. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, hopeful, and connected to yourself so you can move through school and life with more ease.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or non-stop overthinking? You might feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social or relationship stress, internship/job searching, or family issues. Therapy can give you a space to make sense of it all and actually start feeling relief. My style is warm, thoughtful, and direct. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences shape your thought patterns while building practical strategies to manage difficult thoughts and emotions so you can navigate life with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Visit my website or contact me via email to for a free 15 minute phone consultation or to schedule an appointment.

If you’re a woman who’s been through trauma or violence, I know that reaching out for support can feel like a huge step. At Steady Hope Counseling, I’m here to help you navigate those difficult emotions and experiences in a space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported. Together, we’ll build a trusting relationship that allows you to heal at your own pace. My goal is to help you feel empowered and understood, so you can take back control of your life and move forward with confidence. You don’t have to go through this alone—I’m here to walk with you every step of the way. Reach out if you would like to schedule a free consultation call!

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I am a dedicated therapist with a deep belief in the transformative power of relationships. My practice is centered around helping individuals and couples navigate their unique journeys towards healing and growth. With a warm and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their inner worlds and cultivate meaningful connections with themselves and others. My therapeutic toolkit is enriched by specialized training in IFS, EMDR, and EFT. Together, these modalities enable me to offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to each client's unique needs. IFS allows me to guide clients in understanding and harmonizing their internal parts, while EMDR is instrumental in addressing and resolving trauma. EFT provides a framework for enhancing emotional bonding and resolving conflicts within relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to empower clients to build resilience, foster healthy relationships, and achieve lasting change. Whether working with individuals seeking personal growth or couples aiming to strengthen their bond, I am committed to supporting you on your path to healing and fulfillment.

Happiness is nice, but it isn't everything. I'm not here to help you be happy. I'm here to help you inhabit the raw fullness of your life amidst all of its twists, turns, challenges, and obstacles. Whether you're facing a point of challenge, a period of crisis, or a chronic issue, I welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and training alongside your experience, values, and goals. Together, we can make something rich of this strange, messy, and perhaps even beautiful world. I use an affirming approach to work with people navigating anxiety and overwhelm, compulsions and addictions, and finding My foundational approach is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). It emphasizes each person's ability to build a mindful, meaningful, resilient life that can withstand life's storms and revel in its beauties. As a social worker, I strive to embody anti-oppression, affirm all identities, and prioritize systemic analysis and sustainable, holistic change.

At times, life is overwhelming. Relationships are challenging. Situations are hard. We are not always responsible for or in control of everything that happens to us. We all have signature strengths to help us get through challenges but many times we are not aware of these strengths or we are unable to access them. My approach draws upon interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths assessment, and mindfulness. Together we will take realistic and supportive action to approach change and growth including: *increase awareness of your feelings and actions; *buffer against, manage, and overcome problems; *improve relationships and communication; and *understand and utilize your personal strengths. I provide a safe space with humor, compassion, and understanding. There’s no room for judgment or unrealistic expectations. I am easy to talk to and dedicated to your well-being. My office is close to Emory Campus at the corners of Clairmont and N. Decatur Roads. At this time I am doing telehealth and in-person services.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy (particularly with high achieving students), clinical supervision, training, administration, and consultation. Prior to opening my private practice, I worked in higher education as a director of counseling services and in other administrator roles at Emory University, Duke University, and American University. I am licensed in Georgia and North Carolina. I believe that we all come into this world with unique gifts and traits that provide a framework for who we are. That framework is further shaped - in both healthy and painful ways - by life experiences with family, peers, loved ones, work, identity development, and society. Psychotherapy offers us the opportunity to understand how we've come to be the person we are today, make peace with the past, recognize our unique gifts, and move into the future with a clearer vision of the life we want to create and how to get there. As a therapist, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to participate in this amazing journey with clients who are on a path of self-discovery and healing. Therapy can be uncomfortable and painful at times, but it is also a path to hope, greater intimacy, a sense of agency, self-love, and deep joy! My approach to therapy is to be an active, trusted partner with you in your developmental journey of self-discovery and healing. My intention is to be an attentive listener, emotionally present, caring, non-judgmental, transparent, and direct in providing feedback. I am invested in helping you meet your therapy goals. My theoretical perspective incorporates psychodynamic, existential, multicultural, and trauma informed frameworks. I believe the process of change in therapy happens as you: (1) gain insight into the themes and relational patterns in your life, many of which you may not be consciously aware of yet; (2) better understand your internal world including your emotions, fantasies, dreams, and bodily reactions to stress; (3) appreciate the external, societal, and systemic factors influencing your life circumstances; and (4) are able to take responsibility for your life choices and your unique process of individuation as you strive to become the best version of yourself. While my theoretical approach leans toward depth, relational, and insight-oriented perspectives, I am flexible in my approach and work to match your unique needs and therapy goals. If you would like to talk with me about possibly working together, please visit my website or email me (dr.wanda.collins@gmail.com) to schedule a free, 20-minute consultation appointment. I would like to congratulate you for taking this important step on your path to healing and self-discovery. It takes a lot of courage to begin the therapy process and, whether it's with me or another therapist, I wish you well on your journey.

As a therapist, I work with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions. Having particular insight into dysfunctional family systems, I offer compassionate support for those navigating complex family-of-origin experiences. At the heart of my practice is the belief that everyone possesses the capacity to heal and grow. I create a therapeutic environment characterized by compassion and curiosity, providing a safe space for clients to explore experiences, discover strengths, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with clients who want to heal from the experience of growing up in addicted or dysfunctional family systems. By examining childhood trauma and generational patterns, we will work to foster the emotional growth, improved relationships, and freedom from codependency that emerge when we rediscover our authentic selves and live in alignment with our personal integrity. I also worked in student affairs/higher education administration for 13 years and have extensive experience supporting young adults through the various challenges of adjusting to, navigating, and transitioning to life after college and graduate school.

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Mentally Flourishing is a trauma-centered, culturally affirming private practice designed for Black, Brown, queer, and neurodivergent professionals navigating the complexities of anxiety, trauma recovery, OCD, executive dysfunction, and identity development. Our practice integrates evidence-based interventions with holistic and relational healing, offering services such as walk-and-talk therapy, Brainspotting, somatic practices, and specialized OCD treatment rooted in cultural humility. We believe in decolonizing traditional mental health spaces by centering care that acknowledges the historical, systemic, and cultural realities impacting our communities. Through kindness, collaboration, and culturally responsive care, Mentally Flourishing supports clients in reclaiming their narratives, fostering emotional flexibility, and embracing their authentic selves.

Life can sometimes be difficult, and stressful when you are going to college and preparing for your future. I am passionate about listening to you share your concerns, and helping clients find solutions to a wide range of life stressors. As a client, you can expect to be supported every step of the way on your recovery journey. You can expect to receive compassionate, confidential support, and develop practical tools for lasting recovery and life transformation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.