Therapists for college students near New York University

Hi, I’m Jess Benston (she/they), a licensed art therapist and clinical supervisor with 17 years of experience supporting teens and adults through anxiety, depression, burnout, and identity exploration. Adapting to college is a big deal—whether you're adjusting to new independence, feeling the weight of expectations, or just feeling a little lost. Therapy with me is a warm, creative space where you can be yourself without pressure. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. We’ll move at your pace, explore what matters to you, and find ways to reconnect with your sense of self and aliveness. You don’t have to do this alone—and it doesn’t have to be all serious either. We’ll make room for curiosity, care, and even a little laughter.

I strive to help people understand their emotional and behavioral patterns and work towards behaviors that can generate meaning and purpose. The evidence-based therapies that I use help treat OCD, trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders, and more. I utilize an empathic and nonjudgmental stance, and aim to compassionately recognize the function of behaviors, and why they might make sense in the past and present. The evidence-based practices I use will include learning skills to help foster more flexible and effective responses to painful and difficult thoughts and feelings. I firmly believe in tailoring treatment to meet your unique needs and goals, and believe our collaboration and therapeutic relationship is essential in this process. My hope is that together we can create a space where you can relate differently to painful thoughts and feelings and create change in their presence.

I specialize in helping teens and adults with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, life transitions, and helping you feel more in control of your emotions. I provide my clients with concrete and valuable tools, as well as a greater understanding into their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that contribute to self-defeating patterns and conflicted relationships. In the safety of this open environment, you’ll be able to explore new ways of living that are free from anxiety, nagging self-doubt and criticism. My approach to therapy is integrative and tailored to you based on your unique needs. Working from an antiracist and LGBTQ+ affirmative lens; I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic techniques, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

MANY OF US GO THROUGH LIFE as are our own harshest critics. We speak to ourselves in ways we wouldn't dare speak to a friend or loved one. Together, you and I can uncover the negative thoughts and beliefs you may hold and work to replace them with kinder, more empowering truths. You deserve to be your own biggest cheerleader, and I'll be right there behind you. OR, PERHAPS YOU'RE STRUGGLING to accept a difficult change or loss. I am here to say that you are not alone, and that hope for a positive, fulfilling future exists. While it may temporarily feel easier to avoid the grief that comes with such change and loss, I am here to sit with you in your toughest emotions. As we practice weathering the storm rather than fighting against it or running from it, we can help you adapt to your new reality, find meaning, and reconnect with your purpose and well-being. MY APPROACH IS COLLABORATIVE, client-centered, and strengths-based. I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship serves as the foundation for all of the work that we will do together. Therefore, the process of building that trust and learning about your unique experiences, needs, and strengths is pivotal. As we personalize your therapy journey, it is my goal for your authentic self to feel affirmed and uplifted.

I am a licensed psychologist in NY and NJ. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationship issues. I have extensive experience conducting a wide range of psychological evaluations and assessments such as ADHD testing, Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations, intelligence and cognitive functioning evaluations. I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop healthy coping skills, and achieve meaningful growth.

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>

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in person-centered therapy, I work with adults (18+) and adolescents who are ready to do meaningful work, wherever they are in their journey. I take a radically empathetic approach to help you navigate anxiety, depression, self-worth challenges, relationship difficulties (both platonic and romantic), and the weight of oppressive systems that can make life feel harder than it should. Whether you're brand new to therapy or well into the process, I'm here to walk alongside you, meeting you exactly where you are and helping you move toward where you want to be. I believe deeply in your capacity to grow, and am passionate about helping you build the skills and self-awareness that allow you to live more authentically. My approach is nonjudgmental, relational, and insight-oriented, creating a space that feels both calm and energizing, where real exploration can happen. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, I help you develop the tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence. Because no two people are alike, I tailor my style to fit your unique needs, background, and lived experience. What works for you will always guide how we work together. My path to this work is a personal one. My own experiences with anxiety, and the process of seeking and receiving help, gave me a firsthand understanding of how transformative the right therapeutic relationship can be. That experience opened my eyes to the profound value of feeling truly seen and supported when navigating life's hardest moments. Outside of the therapy room, you'll find me lost in a good book, out on my bike, or making time for the people I love. These moments of connection and curiosity keep me grounded, and remind me why balance and joy matter so much in a well-lived life.

Whether you're working through the weight of complex family dynamics, struggling to understand how your past is shaping your present, or simply trying to find your footing, you've come to the right place. As a Licensed Master Social Worker with five years of experience, my work centers on helping people navigate anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. While much of my work connects deeply with people in their 20s and 30s, these experiences are universal, and anyone navigating similar challenges is welcome here. My goal is to help you make sense of what you're going through, better understand yourself, and find a path forward that feels clear, realistic, and genuinely meaningful. Therapy with me is grounded, honest, and real. You won't have to meet me halfway; I'll meet you exactly where you are. The way we relate to ourselves and others is often shaped by patterns formed long before we were aware of them. Understanding where those patterns come from, and how they're affecting your life today, is at the heart of how we'll work together. My approach is warm, curious, and completely nonjudgmental. Drawing from an integrative framework that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we'll explore what's keeping you stuck and build the insight and tools needed to move forward in a way that feels sustainable. Sessions are collaborative by design, shaped around your unique needs, goals, and experiences. My style is direct and down to earth, because the most meaningful progress happens when things are broken down in a way that feels clear, practical, and relevant to your life. Having faced my own mental health challenges and experienced firsthand what it feels like to have those concerns dismissed, I came to this work with deep conviction. Normalizing mental health conversations and creating a space where you feel genuinely understood isn't just a professional value; it's a personal one. Every session, I bring a warm, direct, and grounded presence with the intention of making sure you never feel unheard. Outside of sessions, you can find me catching up on the latest shows and films, hunting for new music, or heading to Pilates. Reading, crocheting, and other crafts give me a creative outlet I genuinely love, and I'm always up for a good shopping trip or the chance to explore somewhere new. Travel, in particular, feeds my curiosity in ways that carry right back into the work.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than ten years of experience, I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, identity questions, attachment concerns, relationship challenges, and other personal and relational difficulties. My work is grounded in meeting you exactly where you are, honoring what you've lived through, and helping you move toward a greater sense of wholeness. Whatever brings you to therapy, you can expect a partner who is both competent and genuinely invested in your healing. I believe that when people feel truly accepted, they can begin to understand the challenges they face and find their way toward a greater inner healing. I look forward to walking that journey together with you. Healing the self so that you achieve a fuller and more realized life is what drives my work. That conviction is what draws me to psychodynamic therapy, which uses the relationship between therapist and patient as a meaningful vehicle for change. When the therapeutic relationship itself feels safe and honest, real transformation becomes possible. Within that relational foundation, I draw from a range of approaches to meet your individual needs, including person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and supportive therapy. The modalities that guide our sessions will always be chosen based on your unique story, family history, and cultural background. My style is open, honest, and respectful, and the environment I aim to create is one where you feel seen, not categorized. What you bring into the room shapes where we go together. My path to becoming a therapist began with a population I care about deeply: poor and marginalized immigrants who needed counseling in their own language, often Spanish, and who found it difficult to transition from speaking with a clergyman to speaking with a psychotherapist. As a Franciscan Priest, I recognized that I could bridge that gap, and so I pursued licensure as a clinical social worker specifically to serve that community. This experience deepened my commitment to culturally sensitive, person-centered care and instilled in me a profound respect for the role of spirituality and culture in a person's inner life. Every patient I work with today benefits from that awareness — an understanding that healing doesn't happen in isolation from who someone is, where they come from, or what gives their life meaning. Deepening my spiritual life is something I return to regularly, alongside time shared with friends over a good meal. Staying physically active each week is also important to me, a practice I find as grounding as it is energizing.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist with four years of experience, my work centers on helping individuals and couples in early to mid-life find their footing when it comes to dating, communication, family dynamics, work-life balance, and self-identity. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, working through relationship difficulties, or simply trying to feel more like yourself, you deserve a therapist who shows up as a genuine partner in that process. Authentic connection is at the heart of everything I do. You can expect a collaborative, accepting presence as we do this work together. I look forward to growing alongside you. Relationships are at the center of my practice, including the most important one you have: your relationship with yourself. From there, my approach is direct, collaborative, and individualized to your specific needs. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, I draw on person-centered and acceptance-based techniques, tailoring each session to your unique life experience so that our work together always feels relevant to you. That tailoring extends to the environment we create as well. Sessions are open, accepting, and nonjudgmental by design, a space where you can show up as you are. My style is gentle and forthright, as forming therapeutic relationships that help people become more authentically themselves is something I'm deeply passionate about. Together, we'll work toward helping you more genuinely know yourself and the people in your life. My path to becoming a therapist began as a teenager hungry for a sense of meaning in my life. This hunger brought me to study philosophy and then psychology as an undergraduate. I slowly realized that rather than being individualized, identity and meaning are things that are built up between people: through our relationships to friends, romantic partners, family, colleagues, or anyone else. This experience deepened my commitment to building the sorts of relationships in which identity and meaning are strengthened and nurtured -- like the relationships built in therapy. I bring this emphasis on genuine, human connection to each session. When I'm not in session, you might find me at an archery range, out for a run, or deep in a book on history, philosophy, biology, or psychology. Kurt Vonnegut and a good ghost story are always welcome on the nightstand! Drawing, video games, and Magic: The Gathering round out the mix, along with plenty of walks and playtime with my dog.

Starting with the "here and now," I tailor treatment to you, whether you are looking to change problematic behaviors, get along better with others, make a difficult decision, or develop greater confidence and peace of mind. I offer an integrated approach of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills to facilitate change and growth. In addition to my experience addressing general life issues, I am very experienced in helping people specifically with addressing problem drinking and substance use.

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.

While some clients enter therapy with specific goals and I am more than willing to be of assistance, I pride myself as a culturally competent and community values forward professional with an understanding that each client has a unique system of support and challenges. My experience has been rather eclectic in terms of population I have worked with, I have come to feel connected to adolescents and immigrants who require specific lens of care. As a bilingual therapist able to provide sessions in Mandarin and English, I am eager to be of support for fellow members of the community who struggle to assimilate or navigate in the metropolitan NYC area. I have more than 8 years of experience in outpatient mental health settings, half of which was spent as a case manager specialist and more than four years of experience as a clinician. I have worked closely and successfully with individuals, families, couples and groups across all ages and backgrounds. As an immigrant, queer woman of color, I find myself to be able to compassionately provide a mirroring comfort for clients of all identities but especially those who might share similar identities as me. I have found my clinical approach to blend from Gestalt, person-in-environment approach, and trauma informed lens. Throughout treatment, I also utilize a variety of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions when skills training is in order and my style can be described as motivational but compassionate. My past clients know me well to be able to match their pace, using various analogies and references from books I am reading and humor to get to know them. I graduated from UGA with an undergrad Bachelor of Science from UGA in 2016 with two years of research experience during that time and received my master’s in social work from NYU Silver in 2020 with specialized training in community leadership. During my time as a mental health case manager, I have completed training in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) motivational interviewing. In my previous clinical position as a LMSW, I received my Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training certificate in 2021, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training in 2024, and my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2025.

College is hard enough already - you don't need to let past experiences make it even harder. If you can't stop thinking about certain memories, or people, or pain that you have suffered, you might be burdened by trauma. You might also feel unsafe in particular places, or even in your own body. Feeling this way on a day to day basis is exhausting. Know that you can heal from the discomfort that you are experiencing right now. We can work together to help you feel more at ease on a day-to-day basis. Then, when you're ready, we can dive a little deeper into understanding what happened to you. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey of growth, healing, and self-love. Contact me through the link below for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see what it would be like to work with me or any other equally compassionate therapists at Clarity Therapy! https://claritytherapynyc.clientsecure.me/request/clinician/

The Compassion Practice is a mental health practice that offers a wide range of services to help individuals improve their mental wellbeing and lead more fulfilling lives. Our team of clinicians includes licensed therapists, psychologists, and social workers who are dedicated to meeting our clients' needs through evidence-based practices and genuine human connection. We work with individuals across the age span, including adults, young adults, teenagers, children, couples, and families. Our specialized services include support for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other mental health issues. We are excited to now offer ketamine assisted therapy as well. What sets The Compassion Practice apart is our commitment to providing personalized care that is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care, and we work hard to ensure that our services are affordable and accessible to all. Our clinicians create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

As a therapist and Licensed Master Social Worker, I help young adults, adults, and couples navigate attachment and relationship issues, anxiety, codependency, relationship issues, depression, trauma, OCD, and life transitions. I believe that the perspectives we hold make up our reality, which helps me meet people where they are without judgment and work toward realistic goals. I look forward to reflecting, analyzing, and learning about who you are and how you navigate the world during our time together. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and real to better guide you in developing greater self-awareness, building healthier relationships, and feeling empowered in your life. You are encouraged to achieve these goals in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment tailored to your unique needs, situations, and way of thinking. Your customized treatment may include attachment-based and patient-centered approaches to help you understand yourself and your experiences as well as develop practical tools for change. My path to becoming a therapist began with a strong interest in understanding people and their unique experiences and, in turn, how to support them through difficult moments in their lives. Through my work with children, teens, and families in crisis settings, I developed a deep commitment to providing empathetic, practical, and culturally responsive care. These unique experiences and perspectives allow me to bring genuine curiosity, therapeutic wisdom, and real discussion to each session. Outside of patient care, I enjoy a wide range of hobbies, from running and skiing to cooking and journaling.

You aren’t alone in your mental health struggles. As a mental health counselor for LGBTQIA folks, young adults, adults, and teens, I provide a gentle and collaborative environment for navigating issues relating to trauma, anxiety, depression, body image and shame, self-esteem, ADHD, OCD, identity exploration, family and life conflicts, low motivation, and emotional dysregulation. At all times, I believe in teamwork and accountability, remaining open to feedback and supportive in working toward your goals. I'm especially passionate about the concept of neuroplasticity (the brain's capacity to change, adapt, and form new neural pathways or ways of thinking) and humanism, which suggests we all naturally want to heal and self-actualize. I look forward to empowering your brain’s healing journey, fostering your personal growth, and navigating life's challenges in our work together. I'm dedicated to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for vulnerability and self-expression. That’s why I take a warm, collaborative, and humorous approach to care, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. Your plan may include Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic/relational, and somatic techniques to explore different aspects of yourself, practice coping strategies, regulate your nervous system, and develop a new relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings. My own mental health challenges, alongside supporting family members through their mental illnesses, shaped my path toward therapeutic care. These personal experiences deepened my commitment to destigmatizing mental illness and demystifying therapy by providing accessible care that makes people feel seen and heard. I bring this anti-oppressive and culturally responsive perspective to my practice now, ensuring care that is grounded in the understanding that cultural expectations, intergenerational patterns, shame, and systemic barriers can deeply influence how safe and comfortable someone feels in therapy. In my free time, I love immersing myself in the great outdoors, from swimming to camping beneath the stars. I also enjoy the arts: water coloring, watching a fantastic show or movie, and crafting!

Psychotherapy lays the emotional groundwork that leads to a more happy and satisfying life. Many people think of psychotherapy, especially some kinds of traditional psychotherapy, as one-sided: the person in therapy talks and the therapist listens. But effective psychotherapy – therapy that heals – works because of the unique relationship that develops between the therapist and the person in therapy. I provide an environment that, because it is safe and non-judgmental, allows the person in therapy to open up in new and often unexpected ways and to experience and express his or her deepest thoughts and feelings. I use more than one therapeutic discipline, but my approach is ultimately tailored to the needs of the person I am working with. I help people become more emotionally self-aware so that they can experience greater self-esteem and satisfaction in life, better deal with depression, and cope with the anxiety that so often interferes with their sense of well-being. In addition to psychotherapy, I am a certified hypnotherapist and offer hypnotherapy to the people I work with. I am also available for hypnotherapy referrals as an adjunct from other clinicians. For safety concerns I am currently working online and by phone.

I'm Coley Woodward, LMHC, founder of Psyberspace Center for Psychedelic Therapy. I help high-achieving individuals and couples break free from trauma, anxiety, and burnout using evidence-based approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. As a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training, I specialize in complex PTSD, attachment wounds, addiction, and relationship repair. I integrate EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to create lasting change — not just insight. My style is direct, warm, and relational; I meet you where you are while gently challenging patterns that keep you stuck. Whether you're in New York, New Jersey, California, or Georgia, I offer virtual sessions nationwide and in-person care in Manhattan.

The clients with whom I work tend to seek a better understanding of their coping mechanisms, relationship patterns, and self-limiting beliefs. I often work with college and graduate students that struggle with negative beliefs related to their capabilities and worthiness. I help clients to explore how past experiences have contributed to developing coping mechanisms, such as persistent worry, perfectionistic tendencies, and hypervigilance in social situations, that may have been helpful in the past but are no longer serving them in the present.