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 work best with people who are carrying a lot at once, whether that’s anxiety, relationships that keep hurting them, substance use that feels out of control, or old experiences they’re finally ready to look at. They usually appear fine on the outside but feel worn down on the inside. What they share is knowing something needs to change and being ready to do the hard work to shift old patterns. If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to reach out!

Hello! I love working with individuals who are dealing with anxiety, life transitions, caretakers (of all kinds), burnout, and chronic illness. I specialize in helping to increase self-esteem, set boundaries, and be in presence with feelings and emotions safely and calmly. I strive to create trust in self by sharing tools and using strengths you already have to develop a healthier relationship with self which will translate to better relationships in all aspects of life. I look forward to hearing from you!

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by your emotions? Are you ready to finally experience peace from your past? Are you looking to share your story and be met with compassion? If you are ready to create a more loving relationship with yourself and make concrete changes in your life, we would love to work with you. Through therapy at East Atlanta Counseling Services, you can expect to have healthier relationships with yourself and others and find relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation and trauma. We believe that every person has the ability to heal. We would be honored to work alongside you in your healing process.

The Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy is a group practice focused on providing culturally-responsive psychotherapy to the BIPOC, Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. ACIP is grounded in the understanding that all identities (cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual) and all bodies deserve access to culturally affirming mental healthcare. Our practice is sex-positive, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, anti-racist and affirming of folks from LGBTQ+, Kink, and Polyamory/Consensual Non-Monogamy communities."

We might be a good fit for each other if: ○ You're wanting to explore your sexual or gender identity ○ You want to build a deeper relationship with Self ○ You want to sit with someone who shares a queer identity & understands the unique stressors our lived experiences come with ○ You want to explore somatic coping resources to add to your toolbox ○ You're exploring consensual non-monogamy or are in a relationship structure minority ○ You want to work on self-advocacy or people-pleasing You are the expert of your lived experiences and intuition. Ethical counseling is non-pathological and radically accepting. Together we can create what therapy looks like for you; time to pour into yourself and explore what could be. I am open, fluid, flexible, and radically transparent in my work, as I understand your trust is something to be earned.

I specialize in working with students who have emotion regulation challenges, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, and Life-threatening behaviors. The treatment modalities I use are: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lifespan Integration (LI)

Our practice completes psychoeducational evaluations for students who may have learning, attention, and/or executive functioning difficulties. We work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in determining strengths and weaknesses and providing information regarding accommodations. We complete the assessments needed to apply for accommodations in college, or for standardized testing through the college board (such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.)

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.

I have been in practice for over 35 years and feel I have a great ability to connect with people. I have worked with college-aged young adults for most of my career and enjoy helping individuals cope with the stress and challenges of this time in their lives. I have specialized in treating eating disorders for over 20 years. I also work on issues pertaining to relationships, depression and anxiety.

You've worked so hard to get where you are. Hours and hours in the library, in the gym, in the practice studio. You care about excellence. But all that pressure you put on yourself, wanting to be perfect and for everyone to love you? It's wearing you out. Stress, anxiety, constant thoughts zooming through your head. I'm glad you're here, and I hope I can help. I've been helping people just like you for almost two decades. People who have been super successful but also super stressed, anxious and sad. I am committed to treating the whole you, which means that an important step to feeling better is to look at all the parts of your life (physical health, relationships, work, self-care) and how those parts of your life are affecting how you feel and how you act. When you feel well emotionally, physically, and socially; your quality of life can genuinely improve. I hope to work with any of you who feel "stuck" in your lives; who are struggling with anxiety, stress, perfectionism, or body image. I have a particular specialization in working with athletes of all levels; professional, collegiate, and recreational. As a former collegiate volleyball and softball player, I understand that athletic performance incorporates so much more than physical training. I work with athletes who are struggling with anxiety, confidence, focus, or team dynamics. Additionally, I see athletes after they have experienced some major event in their athletic lives; such as acute and chronic injuries, pain, illness, or physical changes with aging. Athletes also struggle frequently with eating concerns and body image. Therapy is teamwork--we will develop a plan and goals that work for you to live your healthiest life!

You feel the pressure to be in control all the time…with food, relationships, your job, your appearance. You may be fed up with melting down over a picture of yourself, feeling like you can’t stop thinking about food no matter what you do, or feeling hopeless that things will ever get better. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to go clothes shopping without fear. You’re ready to start spending time with friends again. Most of all, you’re ready to feel fulfilled and have the life you want. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who “gets” it, because therapy should be a place where you feel safe and supported to explore the roots of your relationship with food and body. Sessions with me are interactive and collaborative, and we always go at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be. As an experienced eating disorder therapist, I believe that all women deserve to have permission (from themselves) to live full and empowered lives. You don’t have to keep feeling like a failure because your body has changed, and you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Do you struggle with heightened anxiety and feel overwhelmed by life? When life feels overwhelming and high pressure exists to manage personal issues, I work with clients in therapy to minimize the distress and overcome obstacles in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Since it can be scary and painful to reveal vulnerability, I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship in which my clients feel comfortable to explore personal experiences. The therapy sessions are tailored to each client. Treatment can be on a short or long term basis depending on the client’s needs. I specialize in helping teenagers and adults who experience persistent self-criticism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic stress, OCD, and complex interpersonal relationship issues.

Are you curious about how therapy could benefit you but you're not sure where to start? I am here to help! I strive to provide therapy grounded in safety, respect, and collaboration. I specialize in working with those experiencing struggles with academic stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, PTSD, and perfectionism. I’m passionate about supporting those affected by life-altering medical diagnoses, like Parkinson’s Disease, survivors of traumatic experiences, and those experiencing major life transitions. I specialize in Trauma-Narrative Therapy, CBT, and Person-Centered therapeutic modalities. I have experience working with severe and persistent mental disorders, doing trauma work with survivors of genocide, and I really enjoy helping clients determine their values and how to build a life lead by those values. Starting a therapy journey takes a lot of vulnerability and courage, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or for a consultation call! I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. I completed my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University and completed my bachelor’s in psychology at Kennesaw State University with a minor in sociology. I am currently working towards my LPC and am under the supervision of Jessie Alexander, LPC, CPCS and direction of Meg McLeroy, LMFT. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, as I would be more than happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation!