Therapists for college students near Duke University

If you find yourself wondering if what you're facing is beyond the norm for a college student, you're absolutely not alone. I'm here to help. Whether you are currently dealing with anxiety or low/fluctuating moods; general stress; relationship questions; concerns for your future; or issues managing your medical and mental health, I'm happy to provide a safe and welcoming space for you to share and process all you are carrying. I have over 20 years of experience helping clients of varying ages explore their concerns, while offering support in a virtual capacity. We're able to meet while you're in the comfort and convenience of your own space, and still do the work. Feel free to contact me today to set up a consultation call (at no cost to you!) so we can see if we're a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hello! My name is Payton Austin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with a special focus on supporting college students. The college years can be an exhilarating time of discovery, growth, and forging lifelong friendships. Simultaneously, it's also a period of significant transition, adjustments, and challenges that can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to stress. Understanding that the mental and emotional well-being of students is just as vital as academic achievements, my primary mission is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express, explore, and work through any feelings or challenges you're facing. Whether it's stress from coursework, relationship dynamics, navigating personal identity, or facing anxieties about the future, I'm here to support and guide you. Collaboratively, we'll work towards understanding the root causes of any distress or concern, and develop strategies and coping mechanisms that resonate with you. My therapeutic approach is integrative, pulling from cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies, tailored to suit your unique needs and strengths. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm honored to be a part of yours. Let's take this journey together, ensuring that your college experience is not just about surviving, but truly thriving. Looking forward to our time together! Warmly, Payton Austin, MA, NCC, LCMHCA

I enjoy working with young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives back from trauma, and I believe trauma therapy is more important now than ever. I believe the mind/body connection is very strong, and is important in mental health. I also work with clients who are experiencing stress, life transitions, and grief. I am an EMDRIA certified Therapist and IFS informed. I also use a lot of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness interventions. I am also very strengths- based. In my sessions, I aspire to offer a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to my clients, so they can be themselves, and work through whatever is keeping them from being their best selves. I operate through a strengths-based approach, and will try to bring laughter and humor into the sessions (when appropriate) as laughter is the best medicine.

Counseling is like creating a work of art. It can be messy, beautiful, and transformative, but overall, it is a collaboration between client and therapist. I believe that you are the expert on your life and as such use a person-centered approach leaning into a balance of body, mind, and emotion. Doing so allows me to work with you to identify and reach specific goals, which assist in achieving well-being for emotional, physical and mental health. I enjoy working with a wide array of cultures and lifestyles. I currently offer telehealth sessions and see persons of all ages and backgrounds. I am trained in child and adolescent trauma, adult trauma, EMDR, human sexuality, grief, and somatic therapy, amongst other areas. I have a special focus in women’s trauma, adverse childhood experiences and military trauma, utilizing somatic modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

Hi! I am here to help you sort through all the things that are challenging right now. I provide a safe, virtual therapy space, where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. Share and learn about yourself at your own pace. I work with those struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, shame, low mood, trouble with relationships, women's issues, addiction or other major life stress. I use a holistic approach that explores all parts of what makes you, you. Therapy is tailor-fitted to your needs. I currently have openings for evening, weekday appointments. Contact me in the way that feels most comfortable- call, text, or email. You can also check out my website to learn more about me.

Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or your sense of identity? Are you at a point where something has to change but you just don’t know where to start? My goal is to help you find that starting point. I understand that many of us struggle with getting by on a day to day basis. High levels of stress can impact our mood, interactions with those close to us, even our performance at work or school. Allow me to aid you in managing the stress that you experience. I work from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach, providing you a safe space to enter the therapy setting as you are and work toward your goals. I will help you in increasing your self-understanding, communicating your needs, identifying your strengths, and working through the roadblocks of life. Ready to take the first step? I know change may not be easy, but I believe we all have it in us to become the best version of ourselves. Versions that are better able to handle the everyday stressors of life. I will meet you where you are, to help you become who you want to be. I’m happy to support you along your journey.

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

I'm glad you are looking to make things in your life feel less... whatever the feeling is- stressful, overwhelming, anxious, depressed. You are taking the first step towards creating wonderful things in your life and I want to help you on that journey! I've worked with college students for 5+ years and enjoy every minute of it. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, ADHD and more. Just ask me if I work with what you need! Feel free to call, text or email me! LGBTQIA+ affirming practice

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice. I work mainly through insight-oriented psychotherapy, but I also offer diagnostic evaluations and prescribing services. Patients see me for a variety of concerns around self-esteem, trauma, attachment, dependency, boundaries, self-criticism, and childhood abuse/neglect. These issues may lead to shame, guilt, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, perfectionism, self-loathing, or repeated conflicts with family, colleagues, or romantic partners. Therapy is a chance to think carefully together about your past and present experiences to deepen your insight into your situation. As we come to understand your inner world, I hope you will gradually notice a greater sense of flexibility, freedom, and openness to life's many joys and challenges. As a psychiatrist, I am happy to help with diagnostic clarification and medical treatment of most general psychiatric conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and others. While medications alone often fail to address the deeper conflicts and traumas that cause our symptoms, a thoughtful approach to prescribing can help build a foundation for the personal work that leads to lasting change. I have special experience working with university students and early career professionals in medicine, academia, law, tech, and the arts. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I welcome and affirm those who may identify as LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent.

Anxiety, depression, relationship stress. We all face challenges, and we do the best we can with what we know, and what we have, in the moment.

You know what you want to change. Yet, you know they aren't improving or even worsening, leaving you feeling more alone. While a part of you wants to feel connected and supported by loved ones and friends, they may not get it and would confirm your fear of rejection or for being too much. You've always been highly sensitive to other people's emotions, and you learned young to hide them and deal with it by yourself. Deep down you want support, but don't know what or how to get it, leaving you feeling alone and misunderstood. You are tired of not understanding why you are feeling and reacting so strongly. Enough's enough. You deserve more. What if you can explore how you learned to show up and manage stress in relationships? What if you don't have to abandon your needs to feel loved and safe? What if you can look at the same "problem" in different ways to better see new possible solutions? What if you learn honor your needs and fears, and communicate them clearly so you feel seen and heard? In the past 14 years, I have focused on helping people like you better understand themselves and experience a safe space to explore and process their lives. To be seen and heard, and connect with the person you've always been. To view your struggles from new perspectives and find ways to create changes. You've got this. We've got this.

In my practice, I see college students and young adults for a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, transitions/major life decisions, and career concerns. I provide individual counseling using solution-focused and cognitive therapies. I also employ a whole-person process approach to career counseling so that all factors are considered when making vocational decisions. I strive to provide my clients with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to understand themselves better and move toward a fulfilling life. I often learn as much from my clients as they do from me and I consider therapy a highly collaborative process.

Overcoming – Healing – Thriving These three words encompass my goal for each person who walks through my door. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the problem. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside each of my clients, helping them overcome their struggles, heal from their pain, and thrive in their lives. I predominantly work with college aged and adult females experiencing: ● Depression and other mood disorders ● Anxiety ● ADHD ● Low self-esteem ● Conflict and communication ● Family and relationship challenges ● Trauma and grief

I work a lot with neurodivergent individuals. I have worked with individuals with ASD and ADHD for 10+ years and love helping them work towards their personal and professional goals. My goal is to help you achieve these goals and see your potential in all areas of life. I do accept many Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for services including Compsych, Lyra, Matrix, Mutual of Omaha, Curalinc, Spring Health, & Ulliance.

About me: I am a licensed psychologist focusing on work with trauma/complex trauma, eating disorder and body image recovery, relationship concerns, LGBTQ+ and polyamory, depression, anxiety, and college-related concerns. I am Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained and offer this service virtually for clients as well as a registered yoga teacher and love incorporating yoga foundations into clinical and body work. As a queer, agnostic person looking to challenge diet culture/anti-fatness, racial discrimination, anti-queer and other justice issues, you'll see this perspective play out in our work together. I find working with those both with similar and different identities to be fulfilling and approach each person with curiosity and empowerment. I have a strong interest in and passion for helping individuals explore their intersecting identities and roles and the ways in which they move through and exist in the systems in place in the community and in the world. Education & Training: I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of complex/trauma, eating disorders and body image concerns, LGBTQ+/CNM concerns, religious abuse and deconstruction, and anxiety, depression, and stress. I am dual licensed in Colorado and North Carolina. I completed my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University and completed my doctoral internship at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. I have worked in college counseling centers, working with college students like you, for over 8 years before entering private practice! Unique offerings for therapeutic support include Walk and Talk therapy (for in person clients) and EMDR therapy. -EMDR Training, The Road Less Traveled Counseling Center; EMDRIA-Approved Training Provider (2022) -Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Program Accredited by the American Psychological Association (2021) -Doctoral Psychology Internship, Appalachian State University Counseling and Psychological Services, APA Accredited Doctoral Internship (2021) -M.S. in Counseling and Counselor Education, Indiana University Bloomington, APA Accredited Program (2017) -B.S. in Pre-Art Therapy and Psychology, University of Indianapolis (2015) Approach to Clinical Work My integrated and collaborative clinical approach focuses on building a safe and comfortable space in order to show up authentically, honestly, and relationally with ourselves and one another. I orient my work with focusing on individual, cultural, and trauma-informed perspectives, with a focus on social justice and a system-oriented perspective. I combine various empirically validated approaches based on need, concerns, and preference, from foundational humanistic and multicultural-feminist frameworks to interpersonal, internal family systems, and/or third-wave approaches (ACT, DBT, or CBT). I specialize in working with the young adult and/or college student population, but enjoy all ages! I enjoy utilizing humor, creative approaches to therapy, and aim to balance support and challenge for personal growth. Personal I am a Hoosier native that fell in love with the Appalachian Mountains during my time in North Carolina and now love my time in the Rockies as well! In my free time, I like teaching yoga, hiking with my partner and dogs, snow skiing, brewing kombucha, trying new breweries, and pickleball!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life asks a lot from us. How can we thrive in our lives, work and relationships in fulfilling, whole-hearted ways? We all occasionally feel blocked or frustrated and benefit from support that can connect us with our potential. You are deserving of purpose, meaning and joy in your life and we will work together to discover what your unique needs are so that you can live in closer alignment with your goals and values. I specialize in serving adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, challenging life transitions, domestic and/or sexual violence as well as substance use and addiction. It is my sincere hope that you will leave our sessions feeling more inspired through greater personal insight and tangible skills that can be applied in your daily life. Therapy is not a mysterious process where the counselor holds The Answers. Therapy is a collaboration between a therapist and client who both show up and do the work. I believe firmly in the axiom “no judgements during adjustments” and offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore new ways of thinking, living and doing the deep, meaningful work to get you where you’d like to be. Please call or email me for a free 30-minute consultation so that I can answer any questions you have about this practice.

Of all the relationships we have in our lives, I believe that the one you have with yourself is the most important and impactful. Therapy allows a person to create an authentic relationship with oneself. Through the therapeutic process, a person is able to find and access their own innate ability to heal and grow within a supportive, compassionate, and empowering environment. My passion for this work comes from seeing my clients evolve to feel happier and healthier in their daily lives. What I do: Individual Psychotherapy- I provide both in-person and telehealth treatment for teenagers, young adults, and adults, focusing a wide array of concerns including: life transitions, traumatic life experiences, daily functioning impairment, anxiety, and depression ​Gender and Sexuality Affirming Mental Health Care- I provide a safe space for those of you within the LGBTQIA+ community to process concerns unique to your own lived experiences ​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDR is a research-backed treatment developed to help you heal following traumatic events by processing memories and gaining control over the way the trauma history impacts the mind and body. ​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- CBT is used to help you understand and learn skills to challenge unhelpful or maladaptive thinking and behavioral patterns ​Mindfulness- Mindfulness techniques are used to teach you how to relate to your thoughts differently and to live in the moment

At Arise Wellness, we’re here to help you reach your highest potential. Our comprehensive and compassionate virtual therapy sessions address your needs in a careful, confidential manner. We take the guesswork out of the therapy process and remove the stigma often attached to mental health by offering a relaxed, solutions-focused approach. Arise and begin your journey to reach the best version of yourself!