Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

Hi, I’m Nikoleta! I’m an international doctoral student from Greece, and for the past seven years I’ve called the U.S. home—living in both the Northeast and the South. Before pursuing psychology, I was a Division I athlete, an experience that gave me first-hand insight into body image struggles and the stigma surrounding mental health across different systems and communities. I’m passionate about uplifting and centering voices that have historically been excluded, both within my own communities and beyond. My path into psychology began with recognizing how stigma shaped the lives of those I care about, and how systemic barriers have marginalized people for far too long. When we work together, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we’ll explore your authentic self, replace fear and shame with self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we’ll honor your intersecting identities, heal wounds of oppression, and strengthen your confidence so you can live with clarity, purpose, and self-worth. At my core, I’m guided by curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and warm. I believe in the importance of balance—embracing the many roles and identities we carry—and in celebrating the richness of our multifaceted selves. My hope is that everyone I work with feels safe, seen, valued, and deeply connected.

My experiences as a queer, transgender man from the South inform how I move through the world and how I work with clients. I understand the challenges and inherent stress of navigating institutional, educational, and family systems that fail to make space for all identities and backgrounds. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive and culturally affirming principles and I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space where clients can experience and examine themselves and experiment with new skills and perspectives. I collaborate with clients to co-create realistic goals and sustainable solutions that honor and encompass their unique identities, challenges, and strengths. I have experience working with a variety of backgrounds and concerns and I have particular expertise working with gender identity and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), trauma, individuals living in larger bodies, individuals in helping professions, life transitions, and young adults. My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends to my work as a researcher and counselor educator-in-training. My primary areas of research are improving counselor training concerning LGBTQIA+ and larger-bodied individuals, demystifying research for students from marginalized backgrounds, and combating cisnormativity in counseling research.

Many of the people I work with live in the “in-between” — between cultures, identities, roles, and expectations. Maybe you’re constantly navigating competing demands from family, community, and self. Maybe you feel caught between pride in your roots and the ache of not quite fitting in. That kind of in-betweenness can carry invisible grief, deep resilience, and stories that are layered and complex. Therapy with me is a place where all of that gets to exist. Where silence—once a survival strategy—no longer has to be your default. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re tired or tone yourself down to be understood. You get to show up as you are—messy, in progress, tender, whole. I offer a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences with curiosity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, multicultural frame-work, because I know that our relationships—with family, partners, culture, and self—shape so much of how we move through the world. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone navigating the complexities of intersectional identities. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, working through relationship dynamics, or exploring identity, I’m here to help you reconnect—with yourself, your story, and your values. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that have helped you survive, even if they’re no longer serving you. We’ll unpack the unspoken “rules” you’ve been carrying, and gently build new ways of living that feel more aligned, grounded, and free. With individuals, our work might focus on: • Honoring your cultural and personal history while creating space for your own voice • Tending to the inner critic or survival modes that no longer reflect who you want to be • Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-compassion With couples and polycules, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners move beyond the surface-level conflicts and into the deeper emotions underneath. Often, what looks like disconnection is really a longing—to be seen, to be safe, to feel understood. We’ll slow things down, make space for those vulnerable moments, and help you learn how to reach for one another in ways that build trust, not distance. This work can be especially powerful for couples navigating cultural differences, unspoken family dynamics, or intergenerational expectations. Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple or polycule, our work will move at your pace and be centered around your needs. You don’t have to hold it all together here. We’ll make room for your full self—your questions, your emotions, your healing. One step at time.

Have you ever felt that forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in consistent self-care, or navigating everyday "adulting" feels more challenging for you than those around you? Do you struggle to “be yourself” or even understand what that truly looks like? Are you caught in the feeling of being either “too much” or “not enough?” Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal diagnosis, I’m here to support you. I’m passionate about working with clients on this journey, helping them navigate the complex emotions that often arise—excitement, curiosity, and validation in discovering more about who you are, alongside grief and anger for the time spent feeling othered or broken. This is a deeply personal journey, and together, we can create a path that honors your unique experiences and needs. In our work together, we will focus on helping you: • Find confidence in navigating healthy relationships • Learn how to self-advocate • Identify neurodivergent-affirming people and spaces • Break free from the cycle of high achievement and burnout • Become attuned to the needs of your nervous system and develop skills to better regulate its responses I work with individuals who are often left on the margins of traditional therapy models—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals who may have been made to feel that their identities or experiences don’t fit the mold. In our sessions, you’ll never be asked to minimize or hide any part of yourself. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome—your personality, culture, and lived experiences are integral to the work we do. My approach is both challenging and supportive, direct yet affirming. I’m committed to creating a therapy space that values your autonomy and centers your lived experiences, particularly if you hold marginalized identities. As a therapist, I weave lessons of self-advocacy and resilience into our work, always mindful of the broader oppressive systems we navigate. I encourage clients to provide feedback on our therapy relationship so that together, we can create a dynamic that serves you best without reinforcing harmful systems of power or control. I also believe that self-disclosure and authentic expression are crucial in our work together. Therapy is not just about following outdated rules of professionalism but about showing up fully as ourselves, both therapist and client. This authenticity allows us to build a stronger, more human connection, which is at the heart of meaningful healing and growth.

Navigating today’s world can be challenging enough—finding culturally competent therapeutic support shouldn’t add to that burden. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space where we can collaboratively explore and address your concerns. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, I strive to truly understand your unique journey and support your path toward health, wellness, and growth. As a therapist, I bring a social justice lens to my work, recognizing the impact that systems of oppression and marginalization can have on mental health. I am dedicated to offering culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences. Together, we will explore how these dynamics influence your personal challenges, while also empowering you to navigate and resist these barriers with resilience and strength. I recognize that trust is at the core of an effective therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to earning your trust through genuine care, understanding, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where you can reflect on how these experiences have shaped your life. By building a foundation of psychoeducation, emotional tools, acceptance, and self-compassion, we can empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking the step to seek therapy is an act of courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating and vulnerable—it takes immense courage to seek support, especially from someone you don’t yet know. My goal is to demystify and destigmatize the therapy process so we can walk together toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. In our work, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and identify what might be keeping you stuck. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we co-create a space that honors your full, intersectional self and empowers you to live more authentically. ​ I work with individuals across the lifespan, and I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and families. For young children, I use play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach that allows them to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills through play. With teens and families, I offer a space to navigate identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics with empathy and cultural responsiveness. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships and promote emotional connection. In addition to individual and family therapy, I work with couples navigating communication difficulties, disconnection, and relationship challenges. I provide a supportive and affirming environment for partners of all backgrounds and relationship configurations to explore their needs, repair trust, and strengthen their bond. My practice is rooted in a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive framework that affirms the lived experiences of BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others with marginalized identities. I’m particularly passionate about supporting clients who are navigating intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and systemic oppression. I also deeply value working with men and masculine-identified individuals, especially those who have internalized messages that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Creating space for these clients to heal and grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. ​Together, we’ll create a space where your experiences are seen and your story is honored—where you feel empowered to grow into the fullest, most liberated version of yourself.

Before I became a counselor, I was a university professor, so I have a very clear sense of the pressures that students face and the support that they need during this critical period of their lives. Young people want to build lives worth living, but things can get in the way: intense emotions, reliance on substances (or sex or spending or gaming) to cope, confusing relationships, paralyzing uncertainty or self-judgment. Counseling can help. I want to listen, and I want to do what works. I am trained in evidence-based modalities, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am always learning, so that, if what we’re doing isn’t working, I’m ready to pivot. For young men in particular, counseling might seem like it's "not for people like you," but I will meet you where you are. My goal is not to keep you in therapy forever, but to assist you in becoming freer, more independent, and more hopeful about your life. If that sounds good to you, reach out. As I work toward full licensure, I practice under the supervision of Nia Baker, LPC, CPCS, SEP.

A licensed psychologist, I received both my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and my M.S. in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. When faced with difficult situations, we often feel discouraged. I believe that a safe, supportive environment is key to growth, and I offer plenty of encouragement. I help clients gain perspective through empathic exploration. We’re all doing the best we can in life, but sometimes we get in our own way. As much as I’m comfortable with deep emotions, I also believe in the importance of bringing laughter and humor into the room!

In working with my clients, I strive to help them find a healthy balance in every part of their lives; whether it is work, relationships or health. Finding a balance is important. Balance does not allow one area in our lives to become too extreme, pulling all of our focus. In session we will develop personalized strategies that can help you feel more in control, making your concerns feel more manageable. Once we work together to find that balance in your daily life, you are able to live at your happy, healthy baseline. You begin to thrive.

My goal in the therapy process is to help create a safe and effective space for you. Change can be difficult and sometimes scary. It's important to have the right person "in your corner" to help you tap in to your inner wisdom and navigate the challenges that you're facing. I have experience working with many presenting concerns including substance abuse, disordered eating, body image concerns, women's issues and navigating life transitions. I also have personal experience with type 1 diabetes, and I work with clients navigating the disease and co-occurring mental health concerns. My goal as a therapist is to help you identify and utilize your strengths while also challenging you to try new approaches that can lead to different experiences. I believe in giving you a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to explore what's really going on in your life. That starts with helping you develop insight around your struggles and patterns. We then work together to identify and practice ways to move forward and make real and meaningful changes towards the life you want to lead. I am able to be reached via email or phone for questions and appointment scheduling. I also offer free 15 minute phone consultations to help you determine if counseling with me is a good fit. The best way to schedule a phone consultation is via email. My practice offers both in person and virtual tele-health sessions to help accommodate busy schedules.

Life can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. I offer a supportive space to explore your story and take steps toward meaningful change. I work with those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, perfectionist tendencies, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about supporting current and former athletes as they rediscover identity beyond sport(s). Using an empowerment-based, CBT & DBT techniques, Adlerian, and family systems approach, I help clients build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with confidence. I help high achievers of all facets explore how they became who they are today, understand how their mindset & perfectionistic tendencies impact their daily life, & learn healthier ways to navigate pressure, performance expectations, and the world around them. Across all areas, I seek to help clients foster resilience and empowerment in their lives. Reaching out for support takes courage, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about where to begin. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel understood and supported. Together, we can work toward building resilience, discovering strengths, and moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

I find myself often working with high-achieving folks who have been thrown one too many curve balls in life. Whether it's a life transition, a break up, overwhelm with work, stress with family members, or a death, these folks find themselves at the end of their rope and needing to find a pressure-release valve.

Many university students seek support when the usual ways of coping stop working. Even high-achieving, motivated students can find themselves struggling to focus, stay organized, manage emotions, or just feel like themselves. It’s not always obvious what’s going on at first—but there’s often more beneath the surface. I work with students dealing with: ADHD – trouble with focus, time management, procrastination, or follow-through Anxiety – persistent worry, racing thoughts, panic, or physical symptoms like tension or trouble sleeping Depression – low energy, lack of motivation, disconnection, or loss of interest in things that used to matter OCD – intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, mental loops that are hard to break Trauma – past experiences that affect how you respond to stress, relationships, or daily life Bipolar disorder – changes in mood, sleep, or energy that feel destabilizing or confusing Neurodivergence – navigating a world not built for your brain, and looking for care that meets you where you are Some students are already on medication and want to review or adjust their treatment. Others are starting from the beginning, looking to understand what’s going on and what options are available. Either way, the goal is the same: to feel more grounded, more capable, and more like yourself again. I offer convenient virtual appointments that can be requested online, as well as in-person visits at our Scottdale, GA location.

Mentally Flourishing is a trauma-centered, culturally affirming private practice designed for Black, Brown, queer, and neurodivergent professionals navigating the complexities of anxiety, trauma recovery, OCD, executive dysfunction, and identity development. Our practice integrates evidence-based interventions with holistic and relational healing, offering services such as walk-and-talk therapy, Brainspotting, somatic practices, and specialized OCD treatment rooted in cultural humility. We believe in decolonizing traditional mental health spaces by centering care that acknowledges the historical, systemic, and cultural realities impacting our communities. Through kindness, collaboration, and culturally responsive care, Mentally Flourishing supports clients in reclaiming their narratives, fostering emotional flexibility, and embracing their authentic selves.

I am a warm, caring counselor with a direct style. I believe that we are capable of much more than we oftentimes give ourselves credit for; an experienced ear and fresh perspective can help make the difference between simply surviving and thriving. It would be my honor to help you achieve more. I specialize in working with people struggling with mood problems and anxiety symptoms. I also love helping people overcome challenges associated with trauma and troublesome histories. I approach the therapeutic relationship with a deep respect for your preferences, strengths and desires. My office is ITP, conveniently located on Buford Highway between Lenox and North Druid Hills.

Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime is an integrative and collaborative therapist, incorporating different approaches based upon the needs of individual clients. Jaime’s work is grounded in a strength-based, relational, and playful approach. Her treatment modalities include play therapy, sand tray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT and CBT techniques.

My style is collaborative, supportive, and practical. I believe therapy works best when clients feel both heard and challenged, so I balance compassion with encouragement to try new approaches and perspectives. I draw from evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and strengths-based approaches, while also tailoring sessions to each client’s needs. I often work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity challenges. Whether we are addressing immediate stressors or exploring deeper patterns, my focus is on helping clients build resilience, develop meaningful insights, and create lasting change.

I help folks with Eating Disorders and other people who want to find a positive and peaceful relationship with food, who are ready for an alternative to prescriptive diets and fads, and looking for a more sustainable solution to their eating woes: whether that physical symptoms, dysfunctional eating, negative body image, or food preoccupation. I use utilize the principles of Intuitive Eating and operate from a weight-neutral lens, meaning focus on behaviors and measurable health outcomes (both physical and psychological) vs. a weight-centric approach and over-reliance on BMI (a wildly inappropriate tool for individual assessment). Evidence-based nutrition counseling services from a license professional are offered via Telehealth or in person at my Decatur office, to folks living in Georgia who want a whole-person and collaborative approach to wellness.

At times, life is overwhelming. Relationships are challenging. Situations are hard. We are not always responsible for or in control of everything that happens to us. We all have signature strengths to help us get through challenges but many times we are not aware of these strengths or we are unable to access them. My approach draws upon interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths assessment, and mindfulness. Together we will take realistic and supportive action to approach change and growth including: *increase awareness of your feelings and actions; *buffer against, manage, and overcome problems; *improve relationships and communication; and *understand and utilize your personal strengths. I provide a safe space with humor, compassion, and understanding. There’s no room for judgment or unrealistic expectations. I am easy to talk to and dedicated to your well-being. My office is close to Emory Campus at the corners of Clairmont and N. Decatur Roads. At this time I am doing telehealth and in-person services.

We all deserve the space to be seen and heard. I'm a genuine therapist who will meet you where you are and work with you on your unique path to self-discovery. I'm a therapist who is already your advocate because I deeply believe you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect no matter who you are. In the counseling room, you'll find me to be genuine, creative, and laid back. Cup of coffee in hand, I'm here to journey alongside you! Online sessions also available.