Therapists for college students near Duke University

✨ Meet April-Autumn Sparks Therapist. Sexologist. Real Talk Enthusiast. Hey! I’m April-Autumn—founder of "establisHER+empowerHIM=embraceUS Counseling & Consulting"—and I help students like YOU figure life out while holding space for your growth, your healing, and your identity. Whether you’re managing relationship drama, figuring out who you are, recovering from life’s hard hits, or just trying to breathe between classes—I’ve got you. This isn’t your traditional therapy vibe. It’s a *you-can-bring-your-whole-self* kind of space. Whether you’re navigating emotional overload, gender expectations, culture clashes, heartbreak, or pressure to have your future figured out—I’m here for all of it. 💁🏽‍♀️ For Women & Femmes: We’ll work on **identity, purpose, self-worth, and pleasure**—yes, that too. Together we’ll explore how to get unstuck, break generational habits, reclaim your voice, and build a solid foundation of self-love that doesn't rely on outside approval. Whether you’re tired of shrinking or trying to figure out what healing actually looks like—I’m here to help you feel *more you*. 🧠 For Men & Masculine Folks: We get real about the pressures of manhood—how you were raised, what society expects, and how you show up in the world. This is a space to unpack what’s heavy, ask hard questions, and build strategies for emotional clarity, confidence, and peace. We’ll work on relationships, stress, purpose, and how to be fully human—not just strong and silent. 🔁 For Everyone: My work is all about **Establishing, Empowering, and Embracing**: 🧠 *Establish* your identity 💥 *Empower* your growth ❤️ *Embrace* your relationships—with yourself and others This is therapy, but it’s also a space to evolve, exhale, and **be your whole self without judgment**. No need to have it all figured out. Just bring your curiosity, your truth, and a willingness to grow. 🧭 Let’s Get You: * Unpacked and unstuck * Grounded in who you really are * Focused on healthy relationships * And maybe even laughing a little along the way Ready to begin? Let’s talk. Let’s heal. Let’s evolve. Because this version of you deserves support, clarity, and care. 📍Serving college students virtually in **NC, TX & FL** 📧 aprilautumnsparks@gmail.com 🔗 www.aprilautumnsparks.com 📣 IG: @AprilAutumnSparks

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with 20 years of experience across inpatient, oncology, eating disorder, college counseling, drug and alcohol counseling, and outpatient settings. My work focuses on integrating creative + talk therapy integration—especially for adolescents & families—helping clients access emotion, develop insight, and build practical coping skills. I offer individual, family, couples, group therapy with a focus on DBT-informed skills and trauma-informed expressive approaches.

If you're feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, you're not alone. Therapy can help you regain clarity and control—and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. I offer therapy for children (10+), teens, and young adults who are looking for support, growth, and relief from life’s challenges. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, overwhelming emotions, trauma, and stress by providing a safe, supportive space where you can be heard, understood, and empowered. I incorporate evidence-based practices to help clients build real-life tools to manage overwhelming emotions, improve coping skills, and heal from life's challenges. For younger clients, I use techniques to help them express themselves and process feelings in developmentally appropriate ways. Whether you're navigating school pressures, identity exploration, young adult transitions, or just feeling stuck—I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you toward where you want to be. Let’s work together and walk this journey toward healing!

Do you feel you have the weight of the world on your shoulders and worry about how to handle the responsibilities in your life? Have you been feeling blue or had thoughts you are not good enough? Do you want to feel understood? Are you having trouble communicating your point of view/handling conflict? Anything you are experiencing; you do not have to discover the solutions on your own. With a fresh perspective, you will find your inner power, gain self-confidence, and know you are somebody who is enough. I have a passion to help those who desire a different perspective or want to see their lives through a different set of lenses.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious, sad, confused, angry lately? When people ask, “How are you doing right now?” can you really say you are doing “well”? We are living through an extremely difficult time, and nothing in our lives could have prepared us for 2020. And yet, we have all been asked to somehow adapt to this new normal and carry on. Deciding to start therapy is often hard to do, but I am here to help! My role is to provide support, understanding, encouragement, and empathy. Together, we will work to identify strengths needed to achieve your goals by developing coping skills and self-awareness. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults struggling with issues related to past trauma, anxiety/stress, depression, family or peer relationships, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach draws on several counseling theories and evidence-based treatments. My style is collaborative and compassionate, and I tailor my approach to meet the moment and place where you stand in the moment. It is my belief that the therapy session belongs to you, the client, and my job is to be there to help you in your journey of healing, self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-realized purpose in your life path.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of combined experience in mental health and career development services. I have served as a member of the North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work since 2017. My direct practice experience began as an employment counselor providing support and counseling to individuals experiencing transitions in employment. Over the last four years, I’ve practiced as a licensed mental health therapist providing office based and in-home outpatient therapy to individuals and families in rural counties of North Carolina. Building rapport and understanding the needs of my clients are attributes tied closely to my professional values. I will partner with you to assist you in meeting your personal and professional goals. I will be your advocate. My ideal clients are adults ages 18 to 45. I provide both individual and couples counseling. My primary treatment modalities are Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused Therapy. If you’d like to meet to determine if we are a good fit, request a virtual appointment to receive a 15-minute complimentary consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Whether you're running on empty, navigating identity and belonging, or simply ready to stop circling the same patterns, you are welcome here. I work with adults ready for authentic connection and meaningful change: LGBTQ+ people, people of color, women, and all intersections of these identities. I love working with folks exploring spirituality and spiritual practice, especially those who don't connect with or have been harmed by faith institutions. Presence, liberation, and deep connection are at the heart of my approach. This includes how we relate to ourselves, our identities, and the world around us. I pay deep attention to your story, and that story lives within a dynamic context. I move at your pace, and I'm here to help you see what's in the way, and what's already fabulous about you. If something here resonates, reach out. You don't need to have it figured out! Curiosity is enough. So is exhaustion. We can chat and explore whether working together is a next right move for you. Taking that first step is its own act of courage, and I don't take it lightly. I offer telehealth throughout North Carolina and look forward to connecting.

I specialize in meeting with people experiencing anxiety, attention difficulty, impulsive/risk-taking behaviors, depression, and interpersonal conflict. My first priority is in collaborating with my clients to create spaces where change feels possible. I am especially attentive to the ideas of reducing stigma surrounding mental health care, trust associated with strict confidentiality, and increasing motivation using strengths- and evidence-based techniques. I bring an integrative approach to therapy, combining aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and DBT (including Mindfulness) to find the best way forward for each client. I have experiences working with clients of all ages, across different clinical settings. I spent much of the past decade living and working overseas, managing an Eco-Lodge in northern Malawi, teaching English at a hagwon in South Korea, and working remotely as a therapist from Brazil. I enjoy playing basketball, reading (mostly sci-fi!), rock climbing, and managing far too many podcast subscriptions.

I often work with students navigating big changes—adjusting to college life, managing stress, or figuring out who they are and where they fit in. Maybe you’re balancing school with work or family expectations, or feeling pressure to succeed while silently struggling. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can slow down, talk things through, and learn to care for yourself while meeting life’s demands. Together, we can work on easing anxiety, building confidence, and finding balance that feels sustainable.

College can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. I work with students navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity concerns, relationship stress, and big life transitions. My approach is attachment-based and trauma-informed, which means I focus on building a safe and supportive space where you can feel understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and develop strategies that help you feel more confident, balanced, and connected.

My clinical practice mainly consists of fellow queer and neurodivergent folx who struggle with complex trauma. Common concerns include self-abandonment through people pleasing, exploring gender/sexual identity, executive dysfunction, immense shame/guilt, perfectionism, identifying community supports, and processing underlying traumatic experiences. My clients often come into session looking to better understand who they are and what really works for them. Many times they feel so detached from themselves and their own bodies that it has been hard to even know what they want from life or who they are. I am EMDR trained and primarily work with clients to map out and process traumatic and other stressful experiences to improve self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. My goal is to help people feel more connected with themselves, their needs, and find approaches that help reduce overall distress and improve relationships. I understand that therapy may be new experience for you or you may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past. Nevertheless, I strive to be mindful of and responsive to the individual needs of my clients. I am open to feedback and happy to adjust approaches as needed. Please feel free to reach out. I would love to work with you!

Warm greetings! I specialize in working with young adults navigating life transitions as well as those who have been impacted by trauma. While I utilize several evidence based modalities including EMDR, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the core of my practice is a person centered approach and believe in the power of having a positive therapist/client relationship. I strive to create a safe and affirming environment for all of my clients. Humble Mountain Counseling and Wellness PLLC is an anti-hate, anti-racist, LGBTQ+ inclusive, HAES oriented, and religiously unbiased. All are welcome.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can show up honestly. Together, we’ll work toward better self-understanding, more effective coping tools, and a stronger sense of confidence and direction. I work with kids, teens, college students, and adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, ADHD, relationship challenges, identity exploration, low self-esteem, and major life transitions. Finding a therapist you actually feel comfortable with matters. If you are interested in an introduction call, I’d love to connect.

I have been working with individuals in counseling for over 15 years, and began my career working with students in the University setting. I have specialized in working with eating disorders, but have experience supporting students with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, life adjustments and changes, and general mental wellness. I partner with my clients to help them make the changes that THEY are looking for, and do so in a way that is both direct and compassionate.

I offer individual, partners/couples (including polyamorous partners), and family counseling, in addition to letter of support services for gender transition, for anyone age 13+. My primary focus areas are exploring & supporting identity development (racial identities, LGBTQ+ identities, etc), developing healthy relationships, improving communication, processing trauma, understanding family dynamics, & resolving conflicts. I am open to working with anyone who thinks they would be a good fit, but in general, I tend to be process-oriented, often focusing on how different dynamics impact clients’ experiences. I most value building trusting relationships with my clients and strive to offer a nonjudgemental listening space. I believe that clients have the right, and the ability, to make the best decisions for themselves.

Hi, I’m Elaina, a bilingual (Spanish/English), trauma-informed therapist who works virtually with college students navigating anxiety, family stress, cultural identity, and past trauma. I’m here for students who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck trying to manage school, relationships, and expectations, especially first-gen students, students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and those who carry the weight of childhood or generational trauma. You don’t have to sort through it all alone. My approach is gentle, supportive, and empowering. We’ll go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you, whether that’s setting boundaries, healing from the past, or finding your voice. Therapy with me is a space where all parts of you are welcome.

I specialize in the treatment of OCD and Anxiety Disorders. Please see my website for additional information about my experience and treatment approach.

Let me ask you a few questions. Let me know if any of this applies to you. Do you often find yourself feeling tired, stressed out, overwhelmed at work, unable to focus, or constantly feeling you need a break? How about this, when you finally take a break or vacation you notice that you don't enjoy the time away because there is a laundry list of things  you feel you should be doing or need to get done before you can relax? Have you found that you have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep because you are thinking or worrying about any and everything when you just need to get some rest? IF any of this is you, when would you like to get started working with me?

Life is full of twist and turns; ups and downs. Learning to manage your emotions and remain mentally stable gives you the ability to endure the unexpected and unknown. Focusing on your strengths and recognizing your weaknesses provides you the opportunity and ability to move forward. Understanding the neurological impact of trauma, fear, disappointment and hurt, gives you the opportunity to adjust and manage life’s complexities. Let’s talk about moving forward.