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!

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.

We queer folks navigate the world differently from cis-het individuals, which comes with both unique challenges and profound beauty. While I work with people of all identities, including heterosexual and cisgender clients, my specialty lies in supporting queer, trans, and gender-diverse individuals (LGBTQIA+ folks). I'm dedicated to creating a safe, affirming, and empowering space, where you can gain insight, get in touch with your emotions, and connect with your authentic self, free from fear or judgment. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and insight-oriented. We’ll work together to deepen your connection with yourself and others. You'll gain deeper insight into the patterns shaping your life, exploring how they developed and if you'd like to shift them to better serve you. I'll meet you where you're at, as we explore what it means for you to live more fully and on your own terms. I also understand that life can be challenging, and society often encourages us to suppress painful emotions. When we bury these feelings, they can manifest in ways that cause more harm— whether by straining relationships, fueling irritability, or even leading to physical issues. In our work together, I’ll support you in bringing these emotions to the surface, giving them the space they need to be explored and processed for healing. Through it all, I’ll be by your side, offering warmth, understanding, and steady support as we navigate the path toward healing and growth together. I’m part of the clinical team at the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, where we’re committed to offering anti-oppressive, inclusive, and culturally-affirming care. Shoot me an email or text, and let's jump on a free phone consultation to see if we're a good fit! I'm looking forward to connecting with you. I am currently working under the direction of Dr. Sophia Aguirre and under the supervision of Carrie Gensler LPC, CPCS in pursuit of licensure as Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. I like to see this as you having multiple therapists, collaborating, to help you best meet your goals!

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!

Steady Hope was founded with the mission to create a safe space for people to share their unique stories and backgrounds. It is our desire that counseling clients can learn to be present in their daily lives and persevere with hope toward a future. With each session, we value collaborative approaches to our therapeutic work and encourage professional excellence.

Welcome! With over a decade of experience working with all ages, I support your mental and emotional wellbeing. Remember, it's okay to not be okay sometimes, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Featured in The New York Times, Parents, Forbes and more, I help kids, teens, and adults move from surviving to thriving. Juggling campus life, in addition to the challenges of your personal life can be really difficult and I'm here to help. Whether you hope to address a specific issue or just want to improve the quality of your life, you're in the right place. My approach is gentle, yet firm, compassionate, and laid-back. I tailor treatment to your needs, relying on cognitive behavioral and family systems techniques. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for your convenience. Your next step is to email me, or use the scheduling form on my website to briefly share your concerns. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation. If I am a good fit for you or your family, we will meet online via a secure therapy platform. Feel free to browse my website to learn more about me and my services. I look forward to working with you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime is an integrative and collaborative therapist, incorporating different approaches based upon the needs of individual clients. Jaime’s work is grounded in a strength-based, relational, and playful approach. Her treatment modalities include play therapy, sand tray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT and CBT techniques.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia who is passionate about being a psychotherapist and actually feels called to it. I believe that we all deserve to live a meaningful and fulfilled life, where we feel ACCEPTED, HEARD, SEEN, CARED FOR, and VALUED. I have a genuine interest and curiosity about people… about how we became the people that we are, who and what influenced are decisions, what we believe, and how they contribute to the ways we think, feel and behave. I am very zealous about helping people know and appreciate who they really are, and not just what people and experiences have conditioned them to believe they should be. My main areas of focus are on Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Self-Worth and Trauma where I infuse a mixture of CBT, EMDR, Inner Child, Parts Works and Reality therapy in our sessions to achieve your goals in therapy. However, the greatest help I provide is giving you different perspectives and insight that may have not been considered before, which in turn may change the way you feel and think about the situation. It is my hope that after understanding how your past has shaped how you view your current circumstances, and presses on your future, that you can heal from it and move forward. My Christian faith is also a big part of who I am and how I view the world. For those interested in incorporating Christian counseling in their sessions this can be an amazing way to grow your faith, and help to reestablish your belief in God and how He sees you. I understand that not everyone feels or believes the way I do, and that is perfectly fine. Being a Christian is not a requirement to meet with me, nor does it have to influence our sessions unless desired. I am a staunch believer in not treating people differently for any reason, and respecting one’s choice to believe whatever they want to believe.

Do you find yourself constantly wondering if you measure up? Have passing thoughts that if people knew the real you they wouldn't hire you, be your friend, respect or admire you? Holding yourself to a high standard provides some amazing benefits AND it can really hold you back if it's an all-or-nothing situation. When your worth and value are on the line in every interaction, you live in a constant state of anxiety and have a hard time resting or enjoying your down time. When I was in my twenties, I was anxious and depressed but I never would've used those labels at the time. My life was great on paper – I thought I was happy because I thought should be happy. Then, in the moments when I noticed that I wasn’t feeling great, I beat myself up for not being positive and upbeat or grateful enough for everything I had. I thought that just feeling kinda sad and worried most of the time was normal and inevitable. The truth is, it is pretty normal, but it's not inevitable. In fact, part of what drives me to help people is that the level of unease I felt seems so common. I strongly suspect that there are people suffering needlessly who don't know that there are ways to feel better. One thing to know up front: working with me is weird! My clients who've been to therapy before or seen it on TV are often surprised by a few things about my practice. There's homework, and we'll both be writing things down in sessions. We won't just talk about the things you think and feel, we'll work together to change them for the better.

A licensed psychologist, I received both my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and my M.S. in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. When faced with difficult situations, we often feel discouraged. I believe that a safe, supportive environment is key to growth, and I offer plenty of encouragement. I help clients gain perspective through empathic exploration. We’re all doing the best we can in life, but sometimes we get in our own way. As much as I’m comfortable with deep emotions, I also believe in the importance of bringing laughter and humor into the room!

I am a warm, caring counselor with a direct style. I believe that we are capable of much more than we oftentimes give ourselves credit for; an experienced ear and fresh perspective can help make the difference between simply surviving and thriving. It would be my honor to help you achieve more. I specialize in working with people struggling with mood problems and anxiety symptoms. I also love helping people overcome challenges associated with trauma and troublesome histories. I approach the therapeutic relationship with a deep respect for your preferences, strengths and desires. My office is ITP, conveniently located on Buford Highway between Lenox and North Druid Hills.

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.