Therapists for college students near New York University

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 33 years of experience in healthcare, I believe people deserve more than just getting through the day. I’m passionate about helping individuals discover that there is a better way than carrying the weight of the world while trying to convince everyone — including themselves — that everything is fine. I specialize in trauma-informed care, depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, working with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected from the life they want to be living. Many people spend years pushing through stress, emotional pain, and life's demands, only to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or burdened by guilt and self-doubt when things become difficult to manage. Mental health challenges rarely stem from a single issue. Often, they are shaped by life experiences, relationships, stressors, and circumstances that influence one another over time, sometimes leaving people caught in patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that feel frustrating or confusing, without a clear sense of where those patterns began. All of these stories matter. Through my professional experience and personal journey, I’ve learned that from the moment we enter the world, our experiences, relationships, and circumstances shape how we see ourselves and navigate life. Sometimes the hand we are dealt is difficult, and the ways we learn to cope, survive, and protect ourselves can unintentionally create additional struggles along the way. Mental health is not separate from the rest of our lives — it influences how we think, feel, respond to stress, connect with others, and move through the world. My goal is to help you gain insight into your story, recognize patterns that may be holding you back, and discover your own capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change. My approach is curious, compassionate, and collaborative. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I take the time to understand the bigger picture, recognizing that mental health challenges are often shaped by a combination of life experiences, relationships, stressors, and personal circumstances. Understanding the whole story allows us to develop practical, individualized strategies that help make life's challenges feel more manageable and create lasting, meaningful change. Central to that work is uncovering the "why" behind the struggle. Long-standing patterns of guilt, shame, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion can make it genuinely difficult to move forward, especially when those patterns don't seem to connect to anything obvious on the surface. Together, we explore them with curiosity rather than judgment, tracing the factors that may be contributing to what you're experiencing now. While doing this work you can always expect a warm, solution-focused environment where you feel heard and understood. Meaningful progress starts with a trusting relationship and a thorough understanding of your unique experiences, challenges, and goals. My style is trauma-informed at its core: I recognize that past experiences often shape how we think, feel, relate to others, and respond to stress in the present. From there, I tailor my approach to you, combining insight with practical strategies that support self-understanding, build resilience, and create the kind of change that lasts. My path into mental health care was shaped by both professional and personal experiences. As the director of a COVID ICU during the pandemic, I witnessed the emotional impact that illness, uncertainty, loss, and burnout had on patients, families, and healthcare professionals. It reinforced my belief that mental and emotional well-being go hand in hand. My passion for mental health deepened when my grandson experienced a mental health crisis at a young age. Despite working in healthcare, I witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the system, find resources, and connect with providers who truly understand what individuals and families are going through. These experiences strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, whole-person care that helps people feel heard, understood, and supported as they uncover the deeper roots of their struggles, access their own capacity for healing, and create powerful, lasting change.

We are a group private practice located in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. We offer individual, couples, and group therapy, as well as trauma treatment using EMDR. We are proudly LGBTQ+ affirmative and specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, issues related to race and identity, and more.

Healing looks different for everyone, and finding the right support is the first step. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, my work centers on helping individuals and families navigate stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and life transitions, including those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you're facing emotional distress, struggling to manage overwhelming feelings, or simply searching for steadier ground, we'll work to build the adaptive coping strategies and emotional regulation skills that make a lasting difference in your well-being. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are, as a supportive, collaborative partner throughout your care. Together, we'll strengthen your insight, develop meaningful coping tools, and navigate life's challenges in a way that feels sustainable and true to you. Person-centered, strengths-based, and empathetic care isn't just a framework for me; it's the foundation of how I show up for every person I work with. Creating a space where you feel genuinely heard and empowered to grow is something I'm deeply passionate about. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental by design. Your unique needs, experiences, and goals shape the direction of our work together, and I tailor my approach accordingly, whether that means focusing on building coping skills, working through emotional regulation, or finding footing during a difficult life transition. The goal is always to support you in ways that feel relevant, respectful, and grounded in your strengths. My path to this work is one shaped by purpose and intention. Before becoming a therapist, I spent seven years working in the marketing industry in New York City. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, something shifted — a strong pull toward work that was more meaningful, more human, and more centered on helping others care for themselves. That calling led me to pursue my Master of Social Work from Fordham University, and into a field where I could show up for people in ways that truly matter. The transition deepened my commitment to compassionate, person-centered care, and I bring that commitment, along with authenticity and genuine investment in your growth, to every session we share. Outside of the therapy room, staying grounded and connected matters deeply to me. I find joy in watching and playing tennis, tending to my plants, and spending time with my cat, Biscuit, who brings a quiet sense of comfort to everyday life. Continuous learning and personal growth are values I carry both in and out of my work, always looking for ways to feel more connected to the world and the people in it. That same spirit of curiosity and intention is something I bring to the care I offer you.

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I am a seasoned psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience helping older teens & adults navigate life’s most difficult challenges. My practice offers a compassionate and evidence-based approach to healing, with expertise in trauma, grief, resilience & relationship dynamics. I provide both individual and family therapy drawing from cognitive-behavioral, attachment and trauma-focused approaches to support recovery and growth. My patients describe me as collaborative, warm, & practical in helping them build resilience, reduce distress, and reconnect with what matters most. If you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, loss, or challenges in your relationships, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to work toward lasting change. Sessions offered in person in Manhattan and Long Island and virtual for CT and FL. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42263"></script>

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with high-functioning accomplished adults and college students who suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma-related discomfort. Although my clients have generally achieved success and stability through their careers and academic accomplishments, they have become alienated from their need for connectedness and authentic relationships. This alienation commonly expresses itself as free-floating anxiety, and/or troubling interpersonal relationships (such as unsatisfying romantic relationships, toxic friendships, or workplace conflict). The roots of these experiences are often found in maladaptive coping mechanisms that worked for my clients earlier in life but limit them in the present. I help my clients reflect on their interpersonal relationships, focusing on how clients unconsciously cultivate relationships into re-enactments of painful earlier experiences. I also guide clients through the exploration of their relationships with themselves, identifying negative self-talk and self-sabotaging behaviors that hold them back from achieving their goals and experiencing profound satisfaction. Further, I use my human resources experience to coach patients through workplace conflicts/conflict resolution, communication roadblocks, and time management challenges. Bringing these various elements together, I guide my patients to live a life that is more satisfying and meaningful. I also help clients who have suffered through trauma (including intergenerational trauma) process painful material using EMDR.

Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy is a group practice that specializes in working with college students and young adults who are dealing with emotional struggles, behavioral challenges, life transitions, and mental health issues. We are based in Teaneck, NJ and have in-person appointments available in NYC and Florida as well. We also see clients virtually who are located in NY, NJ, CT, FL, MA, & MN.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience in various settings, including university counseling centers (Baruch, NYU, Fordham), a psychiatric in-patient unit, a community outpatient clinic, and a rehabilitation hospital. I have an extensive experience working with young adults and adults coping with a wide range of mental disorders and life stressors (e.g., depression; anxiety; trauma; adjustment issues; acculturation issues; interpersonal difficulties; racial trauma). I utilize an integrative approach that synthesizes elements from various therapy models (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, DBT). Through this approach, I will support you in gaining new in sights and meanings, building new skills, recognizing your incredible resilience, and breaking free from unhelpful patterns that may be holding you back. In our therapeutic journey together, my primary aim is to establish a profound sense of connection with you. Using this therapeutic alliance, I will gently yet firmly encourage you to confront your challenges, facilitating new experiences and understanding.

Welcome to ParityWell! My name is Dr. Lauren Jessell and I’m a neurodevelopmental evaluator, therapist and the founder of ParityWell, a group practice that specializes in therapy as well as Autism and ADHD assessments for adults who may be gifted, high masking, or navigating complex diagnostic questions. My training is unique in that I was trained as a translational research scientist and in clinical practice as a therapist. I hold a PhD in Social Work from New York University, a Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University and I have advanced postgraduate training in neurodevelopmental and diagnostic assessment. At ParityWell, we focus on neurocomplexity, trauma recovery, and co-occurring conditions, offering care through adapted evidence-based approaches including psychodynamic therapy, IFS, and EMDR. We also offer Autism and ADHD assessments along with comprehensive psychological evaluations to help clients gain clarity, understand their needs, and access effective support. I invite you to reach out! Our mission is to help more people navigate healthcare systems and access the care they deserve. I’m always happy to share information and resources with anyone if it can support their path to high-quality, affirming care.

-Are you struggling with the transition to a more independent phase of life? -Are you overwhelmed by the transition to college and balancing everything on your own for the first time? -Do you feel like everyone else but you has somehow figured out “adulting”? -Are you getting into conflicts with your parents, feeling like they still view you as a child? Many young adults feel alone in these experiences, with the idea that everyone else seems to “have it all together.” Transitions such as graduating high school, starting college, starting your first job, experiencing your first relationship, and working towards being financially independent are all exciting moments in time, but they can also bring stress and uncertainty. College students might be thrown by how much harder academic life is than in high school, no longer having the structure and accountability provided by teachers or parents. Making friends in a new setting may also be harder than you expected, leading to feelings of failure. Especially since having a social life with peers can feel even more important when you’re far from home. Coming home from college for the summer or winter break, many people are thrown by the fact that their friends have grown and evolved in ways that may be different than them, making friendships feel different. If things aren’t working out as you expected, you may start to feel down or depressed, or a sense of isolation and loneliness. That’s where we enter in. We’d love to help you feel a little less alone in this phase of life and to start working through the challenges you’ve been dealing with. At Elevate CBT, we specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on addressing thinking and behavioral patterns that may be keeping you stuck and preventing you from having the life you want. It’s a very goal-driven kind of therapy, so your therapist will work with you to identify what is currently a struggle in your life, and what you want to work towards to have a more satisfying life. We have helped many young adults in therapy work towards finding their “people” and figuring out aspects of their identities, improving academic organization and decreasing procrastination, creating a more balanced relationship with alcohol or weed, and asserting independence from parents while still being respectful of the ways in which parental support may still be needed. We also specialize in working with young adults with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, OCD, BFRBs (hair pulling and skin picking), trauma, and eating/body image concerns. Our goal is to create a comfortable environment for you to learn more about yourself, your emotions, and how to change behavior in the direction of your desired goals. Balancing self-compassion with pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, we will work together to help you achieve the life you want.

Healing and growth can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling the weight of past experiences or facing challenges in your relationship, we offer a warm, welcoming space where you can be honest about what you’re carrying and feel fully supported. We focus on what matters most—the moments that spark insight, the conversations that feel necessary but tough, and the steps that help you move forward. Together, we will process what has been difficult, nurture your connection with yourself, and deepen your bond with the people who matter most.

I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including trauma, eating disorders, OCD, relationship struggles, and academic stress. I am attuned to the role oppression plays in my patients' lives and am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I enjoy working with students, artists and people with creative practices, those undergoing life transitions, and people seeking to understand intergenerational sources of suffering. My style is warm and nonjudgmental. I am guided by the belief that each person contains inherent strengths and knowledge, and that a primary goal of treatment is to allow for the expression of this unique experience. In our work together, we will move between past and present to understand what it’s like to be you. We will look carefully at your struggles, as well as how you love and dream. This diligent attention to your experience can result in satisfying and often surprising changes in personal, creative, and professional endeavors. In time, this knowledge of the self may also reduce symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and physical pain. I am a New York State licensed master social worker and graduated with honors from Silberman School of Social Work. I am a candidate in adult psychoanalysis at the Contemporary Freudian Society. I have also been trained in the treatment of eating disorders. I have worked with people of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexuality, and class backgrounds. I invite you to reach out to me.

I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and times when you just feel stuck or unsure about what’s next. I aim to provide a steady, supportive space where you can talk openly and feel heard without judgment. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting—therapy can be a place to sort things out as you go. I see therapy as a collaborative and practical process. My role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and help you better understand what’s getting in your way. Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you and work toward meaningful, realistic change. I often use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build tools you can actually use day to day—whether that’s managing stress, getting out of your own head, or feeling more confident in your decisions. We can take things at your pace, and there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. I began my career doing street outreach with individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. That experience shaped how I approach this work today—it taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, showing up consistently, and creating a space built on respect and trust. Outside of therapy, I enjoy going to the movies with friends, staying active, and spending time in the park. I also like trying new restaurants around the city.

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As a therapist, I believe that you have the capacity to find your way back to yourself. With a long background in the field of dance and training in somatic therapies, I see the body as a powerful window to our feelings and the place where healing really happens. I also know the body can be the site of a lot of wounds, judgements, and shame, making it hard to access. I’m here to help you hold the painful parts so that your natural ability to heal can emerge. Using a combination of somatic, psychodynamic and behavioral approaches I will help you build the self-awareness and compassion needed to feel more at home in yourself.

My work in counseling psychology emerged from being an artist. While earning my BFA at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I was invited into my colleagues’ lives and learned to share their experiences through their lenses and perceptions. Graduate training at NYU sharpened this insight to bring a unique perspective to the therapeutic process. I provide feedback and reflection—infused with a dose of humor—in a warm, safe, and trusting atmosphere. My approach is both interactive and direct. I ask my clients to challenge themselves to be completely open and honest and share in a way that might feel like they’re ‘telling on themselves.’ Significant change and healing can only really begin with the whole truth. Believing strongly that the integration between mind and body leads to greater mental health, I encourage clients to incorporate physical activity and other treatment modalities: yoga, art, working out, running, massage, pets, acupuncture, meditation, medication, vacation, etc.

Hi! If you’re seeking out therapy, then it’s likely you’re a little nervous. If so, take a deep breath! I’m here to create a space where you feel safe and supported as you share your personal story. In therapy we will focus on practical skills for addressing your symptoms and explore how your story of self has been shaped by both current and past relationships. I enjoy working with emerging adults, adolescents, and anyone eager to build a “life worth living.” I believe that in healing there is room for humor. And that my authenticity allows us to do great work together. When I’m not working I love going to the dog park and watching reality tv. If you’re interested, please reach out and we can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit!

Natasha is a clinical trainee who strives to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood. She approaches her work with warmth and curiosity, believing that healing begins when people feel comfortable showing up as their full selves. Through a collaborative and trauma-informed lens, she works alongside clients to explore their experiences and build a deeper sense of self-understanding. She has experience working with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Her approach is primarily person-centered, with evidence-based practice influences of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based approaches. Natasha also incorporates somatic techniques to support clients in deepening self-awareness and strengthening the mind-body connection. She tailors her approach to each individual, helping clients understand their thoughts and emotions while nurturing growth and resilience. All are welcome in her space. Natasha is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness from New York University. Her training is rooted in cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. With a naturally empathetic and nonjudgmental presence, Natasha strives to create an environment where clients feel safe exploring their inner world and navigating life’s uncertainties with greater clarity and confidence.