Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania

Hello, I’m Desiree, a licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist dedicated to helping individuals harness the transformative power of art to foster personal growth and healing. Through my practice, Whole heART THERAPY, I offer a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and achieve meaningful change. My approach to utilizing the art in session to talk and explore challenging experiences and emotions. It can be hard to make sense of complicated emotions and find the words to express them, this is where Art can help this process! Art can offer a way to explore a wide range of emotional and mental challenges. By integrating various art modalities, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage, I encourage clients to express themselves in a non-verbal and symbolic way, unlocking their inner voice and facilitating self-discovery.

Therapy is a process. When looking for a therapist, you want someone who can see your goals and provide insight into how they can become reality. Therapy isn’t something that you can just come into one session and be magically healed. When I say therapy is a process, I mean, that therapy comes with challenges, but also rewards. If you can be completely open and honest in this process, I can promise that I will not only work to be a guiding light in this fog you are walking through, but also someone who is going to challenge you and help you bring your inner dialogue out. When I am working with a client, I will bring strategies that you can implement, challenging questions, and overwhelming support. There are going to be days where you may feel like giving up on your ideas, dreams, or passions but I want to remind you that resilience isn’t just about being able to take pain, but resilience is fighting for a future you want. I work with a multitude of specialities including beauty standards, colorism, stress from the political climate, trauma responses, parenting and how your childhood impacts this, social anxiety. Some of the specialties that I focus on are Beauty standard/colorism. We live in a society where European standards seem to be the beauty standard but beauty comes in different shades as well as different shapes. It’s not society‘s job to tell you what makes you beautiful, it’s your own job to remind you that you are beautiful the way you are And how you interpret that in your day-to-day life. Identity also plays a part in my specialties. Being a biracial woman myself, I hold space for Multiple aspects of identity. Every person you know has intersectional pieces of their identity and what I work on is understanding those pieces and how they work to frame your decisions, choices and life. Working through trauma experiences can be difficult. Things that you may not even think to be triggers such as certain sounds you hear, a song that plays at a restaurant, or even the smell of a cologne can completely change your mood. I specialize in working through trauma experiences due to incest. Especially if these experiences are continuing to impact you through the role of a parent. As a parent, you’re already going through mental gymnastics, whether or not you should let your kid out to be at a sleepover party or finding that they have a group of friends that were similar to yours as a kid. Rather than internalizing these fears, I want to create an open discussion where we can process your feelings and thoughts, give you validity to your emotions, but also give you the better understanding that all these emotions still impact your child. Lastly, in the climate that we’re in, politics should not be an issue we avoid. Whether you are on the right or left side, there are things that are happening in current news today that may be impacting you emotionally, financially, and maybe even physically. As your therapist, I’m here to not only just listen to you but also give you the chance to have your voice heard even if you have family with opposing views, friends with opposing views or even neighbors. The therapeutic process does not need to be one that is shortened by fear. Coming into a therapy session, I want you to feel like you have room to talk and that someone is actually listening. This isn’t just an hour of your time that you hope your therapist is making it a safe space but it’s an hour of your time that you were working towards a goal, something that you want in life. I don’t want to just create a safe space for you, I want to help you create a space where your inner thoughts can be heard, validated and respected.

I am currently seeing patients both in office and via telehealth . I specialize in substance abuse counseling and dual diagnosis ( both mental health and substance abuse). I have 30 plus years experience in counseling for both mental health and substance abuse. I have taught at the University Of Pittsburgh School of Social Work for four years and have won numerous awards of excellence during my counseling career.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Children, teenagers, and young adults are more overwhelmed today than ever. The daily challenges they face can be highly stressful and can lead to significant impairments in self-esteem, family relationships, school functioning, friendships, and other important areas of life. My ultimate goals as a therapist are to help young people find good life balance and develop a sense of peace within themselves. I enjoy providing a space where individuals and families can safely work through difficult situations, while learning to feel good about themselves, acquire problem-solving skills, maximize their natural strengths, and utilize the supports they have in their lives.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if you’re used to pushing things down, holding it together for everyone else, or telling yourself, “I should be fine by now.” Maybe part of you wants support & another part is unsure, tired, or scared to open things back up. If that’s you, it makes a lot of sense. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns like people-pleasing, constant self-doubt, overthinking, or feeling burned out. You might feel on edge all the time, replay conversations in your head, or struggle to trust yourself & your choices. Others come in carrying the weight of trauma.

My goal as a therapist is to engage authentically, share honestly, and think openly. I have been fortunate to work with people in end of life care, chronic illness, grief and loss, incarceration, addiction, immigration, autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, and have spent most of my career supporting youth and families through a variety of life stages and challenges. I provide opportunities for people to engage in experiences that will expand their understanding, explore their circumstances, and develop resources for their unique journey. In sessions we talk and try new and creative things to help you heal, grow, learn, and move forward. We develop resources and practice skills to apply in your life. These can include emotional and physical pain management, healthy coping skills, improved communication, stress management, strengthening relationships, and processing loss and trauma. I am always willing to have a conversation through email, phone, or in person. I will gladly answer any question and address concerns you may be having. I am passionate about connecting people to resources. So, even if we are not an ideal fit, I will connect you to trusted therapists or service providers who will best meet your unique needs.

Life can be hard! But this is where hope happens. Please contact me if you are interested in my services, or if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you, and rebuilding hope together!

Bloom mental health services was created with the patient in mind. Our licensed mental health programs, with convenient locations in Monroeville and Wexford, PA are complemented by flexible and reliable telehealth services designed to fit into your lifestyle. We treat an array of mental health conditions, supporting you by connecting with specialists based on your assessment and preferred treatment options. The team at bloom providers client-centered care that is responsive to your individual needs, preferences, and availability!

​​I provide effective help for individuals, couples and families, who are seen by scheduled appointment via secure and confidential telehealth sessions. Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others. I participate with most health insurance plans and many employee assistance programs.

Are you ready to regain control of your life? Lucky for you, you’re in the right place. It is my goal to push you to your fullest potential, empowering you to be the best version of yourself. Change can be difficult, but also rewarding. During our time together, it is my promise to work just as hard as you - while meeting you where you’re at. I offer a “down to earth” clinical style that provides a safe, supportive and genuine space for you to be your truest self, without the fear of judgment. Whatever the concern, know that I am on your side. As an LPC in the state of PA I have had the opportunity to work with children and adults among a variety of settings over the last 7-8 years, strengthening my skill set to meet your needs. Our first session will be structured toward getting to know one another, while identifying goals and objectives you believe are important for you to target while in therapy. This will later translate into a more specific and individualized treatment plan that will set the tone for future sessions. Though I practice primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral modality, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to support the experience of intense emotions among many mood disorders and intrapersonal conflicts. I challenge you to explore strength-based strategies to support independent growth and improved self-esteem. Additional areas incorporated into treatment include: communication skills, mindfulness intervention and strengthened self-awareness. I believe therapy is a space one needs to feel comfortable in, therefore it is my mission to provide that to you. I am here to have real, stress-free conversations, acting as a soundboard and listening to you and your needs. I am here to provide education, support and guidance in an empathic, confidential manner.

For close to 20 years, I have worked in the field of mental health and addiction. I have extensive experience working with all disorders from mild to severe and specialize in working with the dual diagnosed (mental health and addictions) population; especially those suffering from mood disorders, anxiety disorders and trauma related issues. I am able to offer guidance and support to not only the client who is suffering but their family and support system as well. I believe that all people are capable of improving their life with hard work, openness and a desire for change. I am passionate about working with individuals that have experienced trauma in their lives and assisting them with rebuilding their lives and finding peace, wholeness and health. I am trained in several modalities; CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction. I have extensive experience facilitating both group and individual counseling and genuinely believe that all people are capable of change if they are willing to work hard and commit to the process.

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Welcome to a space where your mental health and well-being are the top priority. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for understanding and addressing your unique psychological needs. My journey in tele-psychiatry has equipped me to expertly conduct psychiatric evaluations, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your situation. I believe in the power of communication and collaboration, which is why I always strive to create a care plan that aligns with your health goals. My approach is grounded in professionalism, empathy, and respect for your confidentiality. With a strong foundation in technology, I utilize the latest electronic health record systems to maintain accurate and timely documentation of your progress. My proficiency in an array of software tools means that no matter where you are, you can count on efficient and secure care. My commitment to excellence in nursing and leadership is reflected in my affiliations with prestigious societies such as the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. As a lifelong learner, I continue to expand my knowledge and skills to serve you better. Let's work together towards a healthier mind and a happier life.

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Many clients come to see me when they feel bothered or upset by something but they don't know exactly what the problem is and find it difficult to identify. I am trained to help you figure out what is bothering you and the possible solutions for it.

College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty, and a lot of change. You may be feeling overwhelmed by academics, relationships, family expectations, or decisions about your future. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, low self-esteem, loneliness, or simply feeling like you’re trying to figure everything out while everyone else seems to have it together. Therapy can give you a place to slow down, feel understood, and sort through what you’re experiencing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in social work and counseling. I enjoy working with young adults as they navigate the transition to college and adulthood, develop their identity and independence, manage stress and anxiety, build healthy relationships, and learn to trust themselves. I have a particular passion for helping people who are hard on themselves or struggle with shame, self-doubt, or feeling that they are not enough. Together, we can identify your strengths, develop practical coping skills, and cultivate greater self-compassion and confidence. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I won’t tell you who you should be or what choices you should make. Instead, I’ll help you better understand yourself, explore your options, and identify the path that feels right for you. You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes having someone who will listen without judgment and help you make sense of things can make all the difference. I would be honored to work with you as you navigate this next chapter.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with athletes, performers, and professionals to improve focus, confidence, and emotional agency under pressure. I will support you in attaining mindful engagement and psychological flow in your daily life. If you’re looking to navigate an important career transition, improve relationship patterns, or heal after a breakup, I’m also here to help. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve to experience life to its fullest potential. My style is practical, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are preparing for a critical moment, navigating a high-pressure or professional transition, working through relationship challenges, or trying to break through a plateau, I will help you gain the insight and skills needed to overcome barriers that may be holding you back. Over time, my goal is to help you stay present under stress, recover more quickly from setbacks, and respond to situations with clarity and control rather than force or self-criticism. I bring over a decade of experience as a psychologist, academic instructor, training director, and clinical supervisor. I look forward to serving you. Education and Career I am a licensed psychologist and a founding co-owner of Avellar Warden Psychological Associates, PLLC. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed my doctoral and post-doctoral residencies respectively at the University of Delaware and University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am a licensed psychologist in PA, NY, and a certified member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows me to work with clients in almost every state within the U.S.