Therapists for college students near New York University

Times of transition are exciting and challenging. Starting something new, moving through inflection points in your education and career, preparing for completion and uncertainty while you figure out what's next, are all important processes everyone hopes will go smoothly - but sometimes they can feel rocky. Even good changes or subtle shifts can feel unsettling, especially for highly sensitive people. If social, academic or emotional / mental health issues are stressing you and making it hard to feel confident and supported in working towards your goals, therapy can be a great tool to help increase understanding about "how it all works" and get support in developing patience and progress towards deepening clarity and commitment to your goals. Anxieties, insecurity, depression, difficult patterns in relationships or work, and problems focusing can be understood and changed, so you have more energy and confidence to devote to living. Become more connected to yourself and others through a specialized process of exploration with a trained professional, and see a difference in your life. A therapist’s expertise and experience are very important, but the *key* ingredient of effective therapy is a “good fit” between you and your therapist. If you’d like to meet and see how it would be to work together, I would be pleased to hear from you. Beginning work as a psychotherapist in clinic settings in 1995, I opened my private practice in 2002. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University, am a New York City based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (licensed in New York and New Jersey), and earned a certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the NYFS Institute.

Hi, I'm Kelsey (she/her)! Whatever brings you here, whether it's anxiety, relationship patterns, self-exploration, disordered eating, obsessive thoughts, family dynamics, or a life transition you didn't expect, you deserve a place where all of it can be explored honestly. Patients of all identities are warmly welcomed in my place of care. With a particular passion for supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, I recognize how gender, race, sexuality, and privilege shape your mental health and lived experience. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to building a strong therapeutic alliance, because understanding the relationships we hold in our lives begins with the relationship we build together. This space is one of open communication and reflection, where your unique experiences are met with authenticity and curiosity. I take a holistic and person-centered approach to your care, drawing from psychodynamic theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic work. These evidence-based frameworks come together in a way that is tailored to you, your story, and what you need most right now. Getting to know you as a whole person is something I genuinely look forward to. We'll move at a pace that feels right, and our work will reflect your goals every step of the way. The path that brought me to this work is a personal one. My own experience in therapy showed me firsthand how impactful attunement and the therapeutic relationship can be, and that experience planted the seed for everything that followed. As a queer clinician, supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community carries deep meaning for me. Eating disorders and the intersection of that experience with co-occurring conditions are also areas of personal interest and clinical focus. Understanding how these experiences layer and inform one another shapes the depth of care I bring to each patient I work with. Outside of the therapy room, photography is one of my favorite creative outlets, helping to ground me and keep me present.

Sometimes people reach out to therapy after a big life change, or sometimes with a sense that things feel off. Perhaps patterns keep repeating, emotions feel overwhelming or hard to reach, or a person feels disconnected from themself or others. If this resonates with you, please contact me today. As a psychodynamic therapist with more than four years of experience, I help adults better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so they can feel more present and fulfilled in their day-to-day life. My approach is psychodynamic and trauma informed to help you better navigate anxiety, depression, or major life changes while working toward deeper self-understanding and changes that feel meaningful in your everyday life. In each session, we explore how past experiences might be influencing the way you think, feel, and relate to others today. At the same time, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness to keep our work focused in the present, helping you notice patterns as they come up, shift unhelpful thoughts, and feel more grounded in everyday life. Prior to my role at SOL Mental Health, I worked for more than four years in community mental health in New York City. This experience deepened my commitment to providing warm, compassionate, and individualized care in a collaborative space where patients feel supported, understood, and empowered to move forward with more clarity and intention. Outside of sessions, I enjoy reading, cooking, and intentional movement through exercising and taking long walks.

Are you a student who is struggling with many of the adjustments that come with attending college? Maybe you are homesick, lonely, attempting to make new friends, or have symptoms of anxiety. Many students coming into college feel the need to get all A's or procrastinate and have time management issues. You might have relationship difficulties, or family expectations that are too high to meet or unreasonable. Feeling sad, depressed, and overwhelmed can be isolating. I hope to be able to create a therapeutic relationship with you to help manage all of these normal feelings that come with entering a new experience in your life and becoming an adult.

My mission is to help each client I see to achieve lasting change through greater self-awareness, and enhanced knowledge of and ability to use skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, communicate more effectively, and manage life’s challenges and stressors in more helpful ways. I am a warm, emotionally engaged therapist who will make you feel comfortable and understood. I am open and direct, and you will be able to tell instantly that you are in the room with someone who really wants to help you be your best self. Clients tell me that I am approachable and easy to talk to. I have 20 years of experience helping people who are struggling in one or multiple areas of their lives, and I believe that each client needs and deserves a personalized approach targeted to their own personality style, problems, and goals.

Heart Mind Soul Practice is a boutique psychotherapy practice. Founded on the idea of one person helping another to heal: heart, mind, and soul. Based on the belief that a therapeutic relationship built on a foundation of trust and non-judgmental understanding can foster empowerment and change. Our practice has therapists that specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, ADHD and life transitions.

As a licensed mental health counselor with more than seven years of experience, my work centers on supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship challenges, adjustment disorders, trauma, and personality disorders. Warmth, integrity, and cultural competence guide everything I do. In our work together, I create space to explore vulnerability, deepen personal understanding, and move toward meaningful change. Discovering your thoughts and feelings in therapy deepens your insight into how you move through the world and who you truly are. Beginning therapy is a significant commitment, and I don't take that lightly. The strength of the patient-therapist relationship is, in my view, the most important factor in your ability to heal and grow. That's why I strive to build authentic rapport that fosters genuine curiosity, safety to make mistakes, shared humanity and humor, and direct but empathic honesty. Creating this environment that feels supportive and non-judgmental is always my first priority. There is never a challenge too small or too large to address in therapy, and I believe it can be a profound healing experience when you have a trusted therapist you can rely on. There is real value in reflecting on your past experiences to understand how your foundation has shaped you. Our early relational experiences significantly impact attachment styles, and in the present, we often seek out situations that feel familiar even when they no longer serve us. Through this process of exploration, we work together to transform unconscious habits into conscious choices. Central to that work is how you view yourself. Building an empathetic inner world, where self-compassion rewires how your brain responds to stress, is an essential part of the therapeutic process. That clearer view of yourself improves the quality of your choices, ensures your decisions align with your core values, and helps you recognize and overcome fears, dismantle implicit cycles, manage insecurity, and strengthen your communication. This kind of self-awareness becomes especially important during life's transitional moments, when developing healthy cognitions and habits provides a framework for emotional stability and long-term resilience. Together, we can identify maladaptive thought patterns, explore cognitive reframing, and practice reduced reactivity to manage stress and build emotional regulation over time. Throughout all of it, you remain the true expert on yourself. The goal is always a collaborative partnership, one where the safety of a strong therapeutic alliance gives you the freedom to grow toward your most personal goals. My role as a helper and listener began as the oldest sister in my family and grew through many meaningful professional experiences. Before becoming a therapist, I offered career counseling to adults with disabilities, helping them develop self-advocacy skills, build independence, and practice radical acceptance. I also supported college students as they navigated the unique pressures of campus life and the challenges of emerging adulthood, exploring together questions of identity, relationships, and purpose. These experiences deepened my commitment to becoming a therapist. Over the years, I've developed a clinical identity grounded in continuous learning. Every session offers fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the human experience. My approach is tailored to each person's unique needs, and I am committed to evolving alongside my patients by incorporating creative modalities and evidence-based treatments. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, watching movies, being creative, and exploring new museums and restaurants around the city.

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.

Imagine therapy you actually look forward to all week. At TALK! NYC Psychotherapy, we provide a transformative space where healing begins. With a powerhouse team of over 100 elite therapists, we offer specialized support for adults, teens, children, and couples. Whether you are navigating a life transition or deep-seated trauma, we have a specialist who truly understands your journey. The Full Spectrum of Care: Therapy + Med Management We provide a "one-stop" approach to mental wellness. To ensure you have every tool available, we offer easy referral scheduling for medication management through Mensana. With over a decade of experience in the New York mental health landscape—ranging from clinical case management to private practice leadership—I believe in the power of a collaborative, evidence-based approach. My background includes: Diverse Modalities:Trained in DBT, IFS, Exposure Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to tackle complex psychosocial history A Commitment to Growth: My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you can clarify your thoughts and move forward with confidence. Why New Yorkers Choose Us • Immediate Availability: You need help now; we have openings today. • Multilingual & Inclusive: Support in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and more. • LGBTQ-Aligned & Culturally Competent

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.

Thriving Wellness Center is a leading provider of Autism and ADHD evaluations, therapy, and support services for teens and adults. We take a neurodiversity-affirming approach, helping clients better understand themselves while providing evidence-based tools to thrive in daily life. Our experienced team of clinicians specializes in uncovering the unique strengths and challenges of each through comprehensive diagnostic assessments and tailored treatment. What sets us apart is our focus on personalized, compassionate care—offering not just a diagnosis, but ongoing support through individual therapy and group programs.

We are a diverse team of licensed psychologists and licensed social workers who are proud to serve the mental health needs of those who live in and around New York City. We provide high quality, personalized therapy for individuals, couples, and groups. Our work is grounded in the ongoing study of the latest research and theoretical literature examining psychology and human relationships. If you choose to work with one of our therapists, you will not only benefit from a private, confidential relationship with a dedicated professional, you will receive the added advantage of a therapist who works with a supportive team. We meet together regularly, to learn, consult, and expand our expertise.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field. Through a cognitive behavioral treatment approach I provide my patients with a safe, trusting and comfortable environment that allows them the space to reflect, process and strategize ways to enhance their lives to live to their fullest potential. I currently serve on the faculty of the NYU Graduate School of Social Work as a Clinical Professor and Advisor, and also provide clinical supervision to those clinicians seeking NYS/NJ licensure. I also work very closely with NJ/ NYC court system to assist those clients who are justice involved. Please visit my website for additional details.

As a pre-licensed mental health counselor with three years of experience, I help neurodiverse adolescents and young adults navigate struggles with executive functioning, emotional regulation, life transitions, grief, interpersonal communication, and identity exploration. I love working with patients who are curious about their behaviors and want to learn more about themselves as they navigate their personal mental health journey. My hope is to be an extension of your support system as you move through life’s natural transitions, finding healthier ways to express yourself while offering unconditional positive regard, empathy, and a listening ear. If you feel like this resonates with you, please reach out so we can chat further! When working with younger populations, I integrate play and expressive arts therapies into my sessions. For older populations, I use aspects of Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing patients to have a say in personalizing their space and treatment goals. I take a fluid and ever-changing approach to therapy as I learn new skills and modalities to share, and to better customize care to each person’s unique story and needs. In the first few sessions, we collaboratively set treatment goals and work together to find the most impactful modalities to use. Whether this includes solution-focused activities or meaningful conversations to better process life events, the goal is to give you a space to be authentically yourself with the ability to comfortably share feedback and tailor sessions to better curate your healing journey. I was drawn to the mental health field at a young age through my own struggles to find my voice and better advocate for myself. As a neurodivergent clinician, I empathize with the difficulty in finding a space where individuals feel truly heard and understood. This unique perspective has led me to curating personalized spaces for my patients to make strides toward their treatment goals in a way that feels authentic to them. A huge music enthusiast, I love to attend concerts and musicals on my days off, as well as draw, write, and walk my dog around the neighborhood. I'm also an avid thrifter and am constantly pushing my personal style to new heights!

With more than six years of experience as a psychotherapist, I specialize in psychodynamic therapy, helping you explore how your past and present experiences shape your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, or a significant life transition, my goal is to work alongside you in a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where real growth is possible. My practice welcomes adolescents, young adults, and adults alike. Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do. Meaningful therapy begins with a genuine human connection, and I strive to create an environment where you feel safe being fully yourself, without judgment or pretense. By showing up with honesty, curiosity, and openness, I aim to build a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, collaboration, and real understanding. Therapy with me is a conversation, not a cold process. At the core of my approach is a strong, genuine therapeutic alliance because I believe that kind of connection is what makes meaningful change possible. When we work together, I listen carefully to both your words and what lies beneath them, helping you uncover clarity and strength you may not have known was there. For exploring how your past and present connect, I draw on psychodynamic therapy. To give you practical tools for managing anxiety, ADHD, and mood-related challenges, I weave in techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). When OCD is part of the picture, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you build distress tolerance and find relief from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. This blend of insight-oriented exploration and evidence-based tools is designed to support change that lasts. A desire to help others has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. As I moved into young adulthood, that impulse deepened into genuine fascination with the science and philosophy of the mind. Social psychology captivated me, particularly the landmark experiments of Stanley Milgram, and I found myself drawn to the rich landscape of therapeutic orientations, from psychoanalytic frameworks and humanistic psychology to attachment theory and beyond. That curiosity translated into action through internships and professional experiences that shaped me as a clinician. I gained hands-on skills working with adolescents and adults within the child welfare system and in crisis intervention settings. Providing care to patients across a broad range of cultural backgrounds has profoundly enriched my perspective and deepened my commitment to meeting each person with the attentiveness and respect they deserve. Outside of the therapy room, you'll find me at the gym, training in Muay Thai, or exploring a new restaurant. I also have a longtime love of voice acting and rarely miss a chance to catch a new film. These passions keep me energized and present in my own life, which I believe makes me a better, more grounded presence for you in ours.

Finding the right therapist matters — and here's what sets my approach apart. I combine psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion into a practical, personalized framework refined over more than 10 years of clinical experience working with high-achievers. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; you are the expert on your own life. I understand firsthand the pressure to perform, the fear of falling short, and the burnout that comes from relentlessly pushing yourself. I'm not just familiar with those experiences clinically; I've lived them. My clients tell me they appreciate that I'm direct, warm, and genuinely collaborative — that sessions feel both supportive and productive. All sessions are available online, so getting consistent support fits into even the most demanding schedule. If you're ready to stop white-knuckling your way through and start building something that actually feels sustainable, I'd love to connect. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation at susanpodbielski.com — no pressure, just a conversation.

Many of the clients I work best with are international students navigating life far from home—often balancing academic pressure, cultural adjustment, and questions of identity and belonging, all while holding emotions they may not feel safe expressing elsewhere. They may appear high-functioning on the outside, yet feel disconnected, lonely, or uncertain inside. Our work together offers a space to slow down, make sense of what they’re carrying, and reconnect with parts of themselves that have been silenced or split across languages, cultures, or expectations.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with college students who struggle with anxiety, depression, transition and acclimation to school, body image concerns, eating problems/disorders, trauma, social issues and general stress. College can be hard and I'm here to help you manage.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.