Therapists for college students near New York University
July Therapy
Are you struggling to feel understood in therapy? Are you having trouble within your relationships and feeling like you have no idea what to do? Are you interested in exploring who you are and what is happening inside you? Do you want to engage with more coping skills? Then I might be the therapist for you. I work best with clients or couples who are under the queer, trans, and BIPOC umbrellas. I also specialize in working with sex workers, avoidance/ dissociation patterns, identity/gender/sexuality exploration, sex/intimacy, communication, confidence/ self-esteem, boundaries, non-monogamy, and shame/guilt. Your input and experiences are paramount in our work together. In therapy, I will draw upon a variety of modalities such as narrative therapy, CBT, somatic work, creative arts therapies, and parts work to help us get closer to your ideals and goals. As a trans-femme, queer, bigger-bodied, white-latine, southerner I know how difficult and sometimes dangerous vulnerability can be. I know this as a human being, as a counselor, and as a person in a position of power. Your vulnerability will be honored and cared for with me as well as all of the intersections of power, privilege, and identity that you share.
Nikki Lief
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Tayler Froome
If you feel overwhelmed by life's pressures or stuck in a period of change, I’m here to offer practical, evidence-based tools to help you regain balance, process difficult emotions, and build resilience. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with nearly a decade of experience helping adults of all backgrounds, ages 18 and older, navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, and systemic stress. Faith-based counseling is also available for those who prefer it to help align your mental health journey with your Christian values. Taking the leap into therapy takes real courage, but you don't have to carry life's weight by yourself. In our time together, I build an authentic, non-judgmental alliance that lets me be a grounded, compassionate partner every step of the way. I look forward to helping you step into greater clarity, emotional ease, and self-confidence as we work together. My approach to care is trauma-informed, collaborative, and culturally responsive, as I'm passionate about empowering you with practical, evidence-based tools while honoring your unique values, identity, and personal background. Together, we'll build a warm, grounded environment where that work can happen. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches to help you address immediate challenges while exploring deeper root barriers when it's helpful. This integrative, person-centered style means I tailor my approach to your unique needs, goals, and definition of progress. I believe you are the true expert of your own life, and my role is to guide and equip you with tools that meet you where you are. If you thrive with actionable homework, you can count on it; if not, we'll skip it. Above all, our sessions are a safe, supportive space where you can feel fully heard, seen, and empowered to grow on your own terms. My path to becoming a therapist began earlier than I even realized—I was actually a peer mediator in elementary school with a natural draw toward supporting others. That memory had completely slipped my mind until I stumbled upon my elementary school yearbook as an adult. It was hilarious reflecting on what "big issues" kids were having at that age, but it was also a moving confirmation that this work is my true calling. On a deeper level, having navigated my own profound personal challenges gave me a first-hand window into how exhausting life can be when no one knows what is happening behind your eyes. That experience deepened my commitment to providing care where you never have to pretend. I bring authentic warmth, deep empathy, and a safe space to each session so you can finally drop the mask, set down the forced smile, and be fully seen. I am a big believer in holistic wellness and finding joy in the everyday. Outside of work, I love going to the gym, exploring nature (anything from a peaceful park walk to a hike), and tapping into my creative side through art, including painting, sketching, and coloring.
Siena Vaccara, LPC, LMHC-D
I'm Siena, a queer, trauma-informed Psychotherapist, Doula, Yin-Yoga Instructor and lifelong Musician from Brooklyn, NY. As a Psychotherapist, I believe in encouraging personal growth through education, cultural awareness, and building trusting relationships. I know that patients are experts in their own experiences and understand the importance of the collaborative therapeutic space being unbiased, open-minded, and strength-driven. I treat individuals and couples of all ages with concerns ranging from interpersonal conflict to transitions, family planning, identity, mood fluctuations, trauma and stressful life events. I received my masters in Mental Health & Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, with specialized training in Reproductive & Maternal Well-Being. I am also a DONA International Doula, which means I am passionate about providing holistic focused care to people as they navigate premenstrual (PMS), STD, fertility, family planning, prenatal, loss or postpartum mental health & adjustment concerns. As a queer therapist, I hold additional degrees in Gender Studies, and have expertise in LGBTQIA+ affirming care. My goal is to always build a safe, inclusive healing environment, where individuals can nurture their identities, build community and receive resources with advocacy that is whole-person focused. In session with me, you should expect to feel heard, feel at ease, feel understood and reassured. I will guide you through examining self-care measures and communication strategies - using compassion to ground yourself in your values and your goals. Your surroundings, history, cultural background, support systems, health and passions are important to me. My clinical experiences include daycare child developmental monitoring; group private practice; hospital settings: volunteering at Mount Sinai & New York Memory Center; and school settings: providing mental health care & neurodiversity services to CUNY & SUNY student populations. I am also a psycho-education content writer & consultant.
Rye Webber
Are you naturally empathic, maybe having been labeled as “too sensitive?" at some point in your life? Using Brainspotting (a trauma intervention like EMDR) and IFS (a body-based parts work modality), I support deep-feeling queer, neurodivergent, and creative clients navigating anxiety, depression, struggles with self-love, parental/family dysfunction, and more - through the lens of social justice and the power of radical self compassion. Working together, we will sift through what you truly desire & the old messages that might be standing in your way.
Julianna Walchuk
As a licensed mental health counselor dedicated to transforming patients’ lives, I work primarily with emerging adults (20- and 30-somethings) who are navigating life transitions, relational challenges, and low self-esteem, as well as symptoms of anxiety, and depression. This life stage comes with many unique challenges and transitions, so my mission is to assist you in identifying your patterns and strengths, while introducing strategies to help you move closer to your goals. In taking this relational approach, I also aid in setting boundaries and building secure attachment to allow for more meaningful relationships. In every session, I balance open-ended exploration of concerns with the introduction of tangible tools and skills to manage symptoms and reduce distress. Therapy is a collaboration, and I strive to meaningfully support you in ways that are tailored to your individual needs. I understand that starting therapy can be intimidating, which is why I offer a warm and compassionate space so you can bring your full self into sessions. My holistic, person-centered approach to care draws from various therapeutic modalities while remaining compassionate and recognizing the structural barriers to mental health. These modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), couples and group therapy, and attachment-oriented methods. A deep curiosity and care for people started me along the path to therapy. Working in a university career counseling center and volunteering with various social justice organizations fueled my desire to walk alongside people as they work toward their goals, while incorporating my passion for equity and justice. Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so I bring the awareness that numerous internal and external factors contribute. Outside the office, I love visiting museums and galleries, reading, cross-stitching, and listening to comedy podcasts. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and foraging – there are a shocking amount of edible plants, even in NYC!
Katie Moore
You may be dealing with a major life transition, struggling with expectations at school or work, feeling disconnected from yourself, or finding that anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing is getting in the way of the life and relationships you want. You may also be working to better understand your identity, communicate your needs, set boundaries, or manage difficult emotions. That's where I can help. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions, working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next as they navigate life's challenges in pursuit of greater confidence, connection, and well-being. My goal is to provide a supportive, LGBTQ+-affirming space where you can slow down and develop tools to move forward. I believe in the dignity, worth, and inherent strengths of every person. That meaningful change happens through trust, collaboration, and connection, so I strive to be a supportive partner who respects your autonomy and meets you where you are. In our work together, I hope to help you better understand yourself, build confidence in your own voice, and feel empowered to advocate for your needs. I value the opportunity to witness patients grow, heal, and recognize their own capacity for change, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and that you are the expert on your own life. That belief shapes an approach that is curious and compassionate, with space for us to explore your experiences, patterns, and goals together. Because I value self-determination, therapy is shaped around what feels most meaningful and helpful to you, which means creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected. I also recognize that taking the first step toward therapy can be difficult, and believe simply showing up is meaningful. From there, my role is to guide you as you navigate challenges, and work toward the changes you want to make. In doing so, you'll find a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you can show up as you are. I draw from integrated, evidence-based practices adapted to your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences, while valuing open conversation and curiosity, following your lead, and making space for whatever feels most important to you. Therapy doesn't have to feel overly formal, and I bring my authentic self, and even a little humor into our work together when it feels appropriate. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll help you find an approach that feels helpful and genuine. My path to becoming a therapist began with a love of learning about human development and a desire to support others. I initially planned to become a teacher, gaining experience working in special education and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Those experiences sparked a deeper interest in understanding the many factors that shape a person's well-being, not just what happens within us, but also our relationships, environments, communities, and access to support. This ultimately led me to social work, where I found a field that allowed me to look at the whole person. I bring that perspective, along with curiosity and genuine compassion, into each session, because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood, supported, and empowered in their own journey. I enjoy creative hobbies like scrapbooking and crafting, listening to music, and reading. Exploring New York City is another favorite, whether I'm finding new cafés, traveling, or taking walks in the park. I am happiest spending time with friends, enjoying a sweet treat, watching a good movie or show, or relaxing at home with my cat.
Claire Tetro
As a social worker with a clinical focus, my expertise includes facilitating group and individual sessions, case management and welfare systems with low-income populations, LGBTQ+ identities, depression and anxiety, suicidality and self-harm, and eating disorders/disordered eating populations. I work with people of all backgrounds, with a particular focus on queer and young patients. Together, we navigate interpersonal relationships (including the relationship you have with yourself), body image distress and gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia, trauma resolution, harm reduction, and finding alternatives to harm that lead to a life worth living. Grounded in a commitment to social justice, I aim to be compassionate and realistic in how I approach your care. I look forward to creating meaning and understanding in our work together, and promise to be your biggest cheerleader along the way. Helping you find strength and meaning in life is something I care deeply about, especially when it comes to creating space for the things you're scared to talk about. Authentic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive are all words that describe how I show up in our work together, in a warm environment that offers a gentle push when it's needed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing help me connect you with your true values and intentions in life, leaving behind the thoughts that keep you stuck. There's also room for humor and joy when it's what's needed. Compassionate and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals, my style centers on meeting you where you're at, no matter where that may be. I also leave space for humor and joy when it’s what’s needed. My path to becoming a therapist began with my journey to becoming a yoga teacher. As I strengthened my yoga practice, my love for community, connection, and holding space flourished. This experience built my passion for providing a space for people to show up as they are and ask for what they need. Today, I bring a systems approach to each session, examining what you're going through from the macro level down to the micro level, to offer you a holistic understanding of your experience. You'll usually find me on my yoga mat, curled up with a good book, or spending time with my cat and my friends. I'm always on the hunt for the next great fidget toy and a new coffee shop with genuinely good coffee, and there's nothing like laying in the park or on the beach to recharge. I also love creating art and getting lost in a good crime documentary.
Gabriella Mocheniat
As a mental health counselor with 4 years of experience, I help college-aged and older adults navigate feelings of overwhelm, disconnectedness, and confusion in their lives, supporting them through life transitions, family stress, trauma, academic and career pressures, identity exploration, daily stressors, and interpersonal relationship issues. My style is eclectic and guiding, as I believe in authenticity that allows me to be direct, honest, and inviting. I look forward to helping empower you to achieve your goals in our work together. *Appointments are available for patients who can communicate in both English and Russian and/or who culturally would feel more comfortable with someone who is Russian speaking. I'm passionate about how therapy can be a transformative process that empowers you to better understand yourself and live with greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment. My approach is humanistic and holistic, a style that ensures a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment tailored to your unique experiences and goals. Treatment includes integrative psychodynamic therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and relational evidence-based interventions to help you process and explore beliefs about the world and yourself. My path to becoming a therapist started at St. Francis's College Counseling Center, where I worked as a student counselor. This experience taught me the value of providing empathetic and strength-based care for emerging and older adults alike. Now, I remain committed to bringing a grounding and calming presence to each session, along with a deep respect for every person’s unique lived experience. In my free time I often enjoy calming activities that keep me grounded. These include going for long walks, reading, thrifting, visiting museums, and junk journaling.
SOL Mental Health
Shakira is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York state. Shakira completed her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Baruch College in New York City. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Shakira has experience with delivering counseling sessions to clients of all ages while addressing related issues such as interpersonal relationships, work-life stressors, depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and providing counseling to clients with open criminal court cases. Shakira enjoys working with clients who are seeking to improve their quality of life. Shakira’s main goal is to help her clients feel supported and encouraged to address issues at their own pace. Shakira is known for her transparency, professionalism, humor, and compassion.
Christy Walshe, LMSW
College and graduate school can be a time when familiar ways of understanding yourself stop working. You may appear capable on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain about who you are, or caught in relationship patterns you do not know how to change. I work with thoughtful, curious students and young adults navigating relationships, life transitions, attachment patterns, identity, purpose, and periods of spiritual expansion. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and grounded in the belief that our struggles often make more sense when we understand the experiences and relationships that shaped them. Rather than focusing only on what feels “wrong,” we approach your patterns with curiosity and explore how they may have once protected you but now keep you feeling stuck or disconnected. In sessions, I am compassionate, emotionally attuned, and direct. I listen closely, ask thoughtful and sometimes difficult questions, and help you notice what may be happening beneath the words. Therapy with me is collaborative and engaged. Together, we create a space where you can move beyond analyzing your experiences and begin connecting with what you actually feel, need, and want. My background in psychedelic preparation and integration, along with more than a decade of meditation, yoga, breathwork, and contemplative practice, informs my understanding of psychological growth. I am comfortable exploring spirituality, altered or expanded states, and experiences that may be difficult to put into words, while keeping our work practical and grounded. These interests do not need to be the focus of therapy. I also have a particular interest in couples therapy. Using emotionally focused and relational approaches, I help partners understand the cycles that keep them stuck and move toward greater honesty, vulnerability, and connection. Growth is rarely linear. We often encounter the same lessons until we develop the awareness and capacity to meet them differently. Therapy can help you strengthen that awareness, trust yourself more fully, and build a life and relationships that feel more authentically your own.
Molly Fleming
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.
Beatty Cohan
Hi, I am a nationally recognized psychotherapist, sex therapist, author of for Better for worse forever: discover the path to lasting Love, national speaker, national radio and television expert guest, Advice Columnist for Dan's papers in the Hamptons and host of THE ASK BEATTY SHOW on the Progressive Radio Network. I have a private practice in NYC and East Hampton. And more importunately, I LOVE WOEKING WITH COLLEGE AGE STUDENTS. For more information about me, visit my BeattyCohan.com website.
James Brent Isaacs
The Grief & Bereavement Club is the worst club ever, and we all join it eventually – but it doesn't have to be the loss of a loved one that brings us there. My interest is in working with anyone going through a major life change or loss. Whether it's the loss of a person, a pet, a home, or a job, I want to work with you to learn how to live in this new reality of your life. I'm a therapist specializing in grief counseling for those experiencing loss of any kind, be it a loved one, a relationship, a profession, a home, a sense of self, or a terminal illness. Whatever brought you to therapy, I don't care. I'm just glad you're here. I'm honored to be part of your journey, whatever you wish to work on. My goal as a therapist is to help you navigate whatever has brought us together. For those experiencing grief or facing the end of life, we may draw on approaches like Meaning Making, Dignity Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and even Play Therapy. No matter the modality, we’ll look at therapy as a collaborative exercise, and work together to find what you respond to. We'll approach your journey from session to session. Some weeks you may need structure, other times you may just need to be in the moment with someone who listens. We're going to roll with it together, and you can expect some levity along the way. There are so many serious things that bring people to this room; sometimes a little laughter makes all the difference. Before becoming a therapist, I volunteered at domestic abuse emergency shelters and worked as a padded instructor for women's self-defense companies. After a series of personal losses, I found I had gained fluency in the language of grief, and felt called to be of service to those experiencing their own. I've been a martial artist since I was five years old, with belts in Krav Maga, Tang Soo Do, and Eskrima. You'll often find me on the subway reading my book of the month, usually on the way to a theater, a convention, or a renaissance fair.
MDRN Talk: MDRN Talk Therapy
College, graduate school, and early adulthood can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. You may be struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, relationship challenges, questions about your identity, or the pressure to keep up academically while managing everything else in your life. For some students, adjusting to life away from home, navigating independence, or recovering from difficult experiences such as trauma, sexual assault, or substance use concerns can make this time especially challenging. At Modern Talk, we specialize in working with college students, graduate students, and emerging adults. Our clinicians understand the unique demands of this stage of life and have extensive experience helping students navigate both everyday stressors and more complex emotional challenges. Several members of our team have worked within university counseling settings, including New York University's Wellness Exchange, supporting students through academic, social, and personal transitions. Whether you're looking for support during a difficult period, trying to better understand yourself, or hoping to build healthier coping skills and relationships, we're here to help. We provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you can talk openly, gain insight, and develop tools to navigate challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Alexis Lipkowitz
Two years into my work as a licensed master social worker, I've learned that healing rarely happens in isolation; it happens in relationship. That's the lens I bring to helping adults work through anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, attachment, and trauma. Relationships and trauma are where I focus most closely, alongside support for OCD and sex therapy for patients of all types and backgrounds. What guides me isn't a technique so much as a set of commitments: honesty, open communication, trust building, and empathy. Those commitments are what make our work together collaborative, safe, and supportive – not just words I use to describe therapy, but the actual conditions I try to create in the room. I look forward to empathizing with you, uplifting you, and standing alongside you as we do this work together. At the heart of my work is the simple belief that real change happens through real connection. My approach is honest, warm, and built on that connection first. I tailor the way I work to each person in front of me, because no two paths to healing look the same. Expect a space that's nonjudgmental, empathetic, and truly collaborative, where you're never just a set of symptoms to manage. I lean on psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches to help you build both confidence and insight, but how we get there depends on what you need. You'll also find that I don't take myself too seriously, even when the work is hard – a little humor tends to open doors that pure seriousness can't. Directness, empathy, and compassion are non-negotiables for me, and so is making sure you walk away from our sessions feeling seen, safe, and genuinely supported. My path to becoming a therapist began through my own experience in therapy while navigating personal challenges. Witnessing the impact of a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship inspired me to help others find that same sense of understanding and hope. As the descendant of Holocaust survivors, I also recognize the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma and the resilience that can emerge through healing. My Jewish values, particularly the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), continue to guide my work and commitment to serving others. These experiences deepened my dedication to providing warm, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. They are why I strive to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where patients feel genuinely seen, supported, and empowered to navigate life's challenges and create meaningful, lasting change. I love performing comedy, working on pottery, traveling, biking, reading, swimming, and playing pickleball.
Connor McCann
Are you or a loved one feeling stuck – uncertain about navigating changes in your life, how you see yourself, or how to reconnect with those close to you? When we feel stuck, taking steps forward can feel like a monumental task. We can work together to break down your thoughts and uncertainties, determine the best way forward, and put practical strategies into action, to empower you to create the life you want for yourself. In me, you’ll have a collaborator who will follow your lead and ensure you feel you heard but will be willing to challenge you and continue to motivate you towards achieving your goals. Therapy with me involves weaving together practical skill-building and evidence-based strategies to help you achieve your individualized goals. I work with individuals experiencing difficult life transitions at work, at home, or at school. Through individual, parent, or family sessions, we will untangle your thoughts, improve your self-esteem, and take tangible steps towards sustainable change. Neurodiversity (Autism & ADHD) affirming and LGBTQ+ friendly, I always take a person-centric approach. When you have a better understanding of who you are and what you want, your goals will feel attainable. Everyone has the ability to move past the struggles they’re experiencing, and together we can create solutions and develop skills to build long-term happiness. If you’re ready to learn how we can work together, email or call me for a 15-minute consultation.
Emily S. Rosen, LCSW-R
I am a Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist and Neurofeedback Practitioner. To learn more about me, please take a look at my website or contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you!
Margaret Carmen
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works with children, adolescents, young adults, women, and families. I’m dedicated to helping patients navigate the lasting effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and other experiences that leave people feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. At the center of my practice is the belief that every individual is the expert on their own life, one that continues to help me be a compassionate partner in your journey toward healing, growth, and self-acceptance. I look forward to creating a space together where you feel safe to explore challenges, celebrate growth, and discover the strengths that already exist within you. My approach is trauma-informed and attachment-based, incorporating mindfulness practices to support healing and personal growth. It's also warm, person-centered, and collaborative, grounded in the belief that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Building a genuine, personalized connection with each person I work with is something I'm passionate about, because feeling safe, supported, and empowered makes all the difference. In practice, that means drawing on a range of approaches tailored to your unique goals and strengths. These include person-centered therapy, trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together, these tools help you build insight, strengthen self-compassion, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change. Sessions are flexible by design; our work takes the shape you need it to. From a young age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to supporting and connecting with others, and was often described as empathetic and compassionate – qualities that, in time, pointed me clearly toward a career in mental health. In college, I discovered a passion for psychology and the opportunity to better understand the complexities of human behavior. That curiosity led me to pursue my Master of Social Work, deepening my understanding of the ways mental health, life experiences, relationships, and larger systems shape our well-being. These experiences strengthened my commitment to and passion for personalized care, and confirmed what I'd believed for a long time: that healing happens best in a space that feels warm, collaborative, and genuinely yours. Now, I bring this same curiosity, compassion, and respect for your unique story to every session. When I'm not in session, you'll often find me listening to a mystery or psychological thriller audiobook, crocheting, or spending an afternoon in a nearby park with my favorite salty snack — chips and dip or cheese and crackers, to be specific. At home, I'm endlessly entertained by my two cats: Penny, a tortie, and Ozzy, an orange tabby. Discovering new movies and TV shows is another favorite pastime, and I'm always happy to talk about my love of food!
Kayla McDonald
Adolescence and adulthood can be exciting and overwhelming. Navigating academic pressures, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or major life transitions can be daunting to tackle on your own. I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, and their families as they face anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, and the stress of achievement and belonging. My experience working as an assistant dean of admission at Princeton University, coupled with my counseling experience at Princeton’s counseling and psychological center, and working in an independent K-12 school, has informed my deep understanding of the pressures students and families face in academic, social, and developmental spaces. In therapy, we’ll explore moments of vulnerability and discomfort that can contribute to self-doubt and isolation. I work collaboratively with individuals and families to uncover ways to strengthen communication and bring clarity to relational dynamics. My goal is to create an affirming space rooted in empathy and cultural humility, where you develop tools towards empowerment and rediscover your authentic self. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach, grounded in person-centered, culturally responsive, and strength-based care. I draw from CBT with a multicultural and feminist lens, working with individuals from diverse backgrounds who may be navigating their gender and sexuality, cultural, and intersectional identities. Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, I am committed to making mental health care approachable and welcoming for everyone.