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.

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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.

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As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) at Mindset Psychology, I am committed to helping individuals navigate through difficult emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Many of the individuals I work with feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, or are struggling with the various challenges of navigating college life. I strongly believe in a collaborative therapeutic process between therapist and client, where I work alongside my clients to build resiliency, explore challenges, and identify strengths and strategies to overcome obstacles.

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I am a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy (particularly with high achieving students), clinical supervision, training, administration, and consultation. Prior to opening my private practice, I worked in higher education as a director of counseling services and in other administrator roles at Emory University, Duke University, and American University. I am licensed in Georgia and North Carolina. I believe that we all come into this world with unique gifts and traits that provide a framework for who we are. That framework is further shaped - in both healthy and painful ways - by life experiences with family, peers, loved ones, work, identity development, and society. Psychotherapy offers us the opportunity to understand how we've come to be the person we are today, make peace with the past, recognize our unique gifts, and move into the future with a clearer vision of the life we want to create and how to get there. As a therapist, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to participate in this amazing journey with clients who are on a path of self-discovery and healing. Therapy can be uncomfortable and painful at times, but it is also a path to hope, greater intimacy, a sense of agency, self-love, and deep joy! My approach to therapy is to be an active, trusted partner with you in your developmental journey of self-discovery and healing. My intention is to be an attentive listener, emotionally present, caring, non-judgmental, transparent, and direct in providing feedback. I am invested in helping you meet your therapy goals. My theoretical perspective incorporates psychodynamic, existential, multicultural, and trauma informed frameworks. I believe the process of change in therapy happens as you: (1) gain insight into the themes and relational patterns in your life, many of which you may not be consciously aware of yet; (2) better understand your internal world including your emotions, fantasies, dreams, and bodily reactions to stress; (3) appreciate the external, societal, and systemic factors influencing your life circumstances; and (4) are able to take responsibility for your life choices and your unique process of individuation as you strive to become the best version of yourself. While my theoretical approach leans toward depth, relational, and insight-oriented perspectives, I am flexible in my approach and work to match your unique needs and therapy goals. If you would like to talk with me about possibly working together, please visit my website or email me (dr.wanda.collins@gmail.com) to schedule a free, 20-minute consultation appointment. I would like to congratulate you for taking this important step on your path to healing and self-discovery. It takes a lot of courage to begin the therapy process and, whether it's with me or another therapist, I wish you well on your journey.

We might be a good fit for each other if: ○ You're wanting to explore your sexual or gender identity ○ You want to build a deeper relationship with Self ○ You want to sit with someone who shares a queer identity & understands the unique stressors our lived experiences come with ○ You want to explore somatic coping resources to add to your toolbox ○ You're exploring consensual non-monogamy or are in a relationship structure minority ○ You want to work on self-advocacy or people-pleasing You are the expert of your lived experiences and intuition. Ethical counseling is non-pathological and radically accepting. Together we can create what therapy looks like for you; time to pour into yourself and explore what could be. I am open, fluid, flexible, and radically transparent in my work, as I understand your trust is something to be earned.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, general sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction? Are you and your partner not getting along as well as you would like? Are you having problems with alcohol or other substances? If so, let's set up some counseling for you to help decrease the negative and increase the positive in your life. My approach is empathetic and caring and of a cognitive behavioral orientation. I will help you identify and develop the skills and insights you need to experience success over your problems and to have more satisfaction in your life and relationships.

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.

Who would you be if you believed you actually could? If you knew you already are? My approach to therapy centers on the belief that “healing is making whole.” Whether dealing with issues of addiction, depression and anxiety, self-knowledge and self-worth, sexual orientation and gender identity, trauma or relationship concerns, life transitions attention is, therefore, given to the whole of the individual – heart, mind, body and soul. So many of us feel stuck, repeating patterns of behavior we consciously experience a desire to let go of. What keeps us doing what we believe we don’t want to do is that we are disconnected from the places within us where our actions come from. In my work with clients I care most about helping others uncover their truth – without judgment. I see psychotherapy as an invitation and permission to reveal, explore and practice embodying the wholeness of who we are, in order to develop a greater sense of fullness, choice and empowerment in our lives. And I very much see psychotherapy as a partnership and a journey, one which I am repeatedly humbled and grateful to be allowed to accompany others on. In addition, as a certified yoga instructor, the teachings of classical yoga inform my psychotherapy work with both individuals and couples. Yoga ‘on the mat’ may be a possible element of our work for interested clients, but more often this takes the form of our exploring how to live and practice the principles of yoga ‘off the mat.’

I view the soul as your mind, will, and emotions—the essence of who you are. Trauma can leave wounds that shape your view of yourself and the world, leaving fractures in your soul. Healing to me is not about ‘fixing,’ but about meeting yourself with compassion, understanding the protective patterns that once kept you safe, and reconnecting with the authentic self beneath them. I believe that every person carries an innate capacity for healing, even when pain and shame feel overwhelming. I trust that our wounds, when met with love and grace, can become openings to deeper wisdom, resilience, and growth. I also believe that healing is not a linear path—it unfolds gently, at your own pace, when safety and compassion are present. My work is rooted in the belief that wholeness is possible. "Grace softens the pain, love holds the wound, and compassion leads the healing.” The approaches I use are grounded in years of experience walking alongside survivors of trauma. Together, we’ll work with tools that go beyond surface-level coping and actually reach the root of what’s happening in your body and brain. Through Brainspotting, we can access and release the deep, unprocessed experiences that often drive anxiety and overwhelm. With trauma-informed DBT skills, you’ll learn practical ways to manage emotions, reduce shame, and build resilience. Using somatic approaches, we’ll gently reconnect with your body’s wisdom so that you feel more grounded and safe in your own skin. All of this work is held within a compassion-centered framework—because healing isn’t about fixing what’s ‘broken,’ it’s about meeting yourself with kindness and learning to trust your own inner strength. My goal is for you to leave therapy with tools you can carry with you anywhere—simple, effective practices that help calm your body, quiet your mind, and create space for peace.

I tend to work best with students who feel a lot on the inside, even if they don’t always show it on the outside. Many of the students I support describe themselves as deep feelers, caregivers, or high-achievers. They might look like they “have it together” but often carry stress, worry, or self-doubt that no one else sees. Some of my clients are navigating big life transitions such as, living away from home for the first time, managing demanding academic expectations, or figuring out who they are and what they want in relationships, career, or spirituality. Others come in because they feel weighed down by past experiences of trauma, anxiety, or addiction and want a safe space to work through it. What my clients share is a desire for relief, clarity, and a more grounded sense of self. They want a space where they don’t have to perform, fix, or achieve—just a place to be real and supported. In sessions with me, you’ll find a calm, supportive space to slow down and be yourself, no pressure to have it all figured out. We’ll explore what’s weighing on you, whether it’s stress, anxiety, past experiences, or big life transitions. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, hopeful, and connected to yourself so you can move through school and life with more ease.

If you are looking for a trustworthy Social Worker, Therapist and/or consultant, you’re in the right place. I have been providing psychotherapy for a variety of clients since 2011. I have experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and groups. This includes working with individuals who have faced problems with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, trauma, and other severe mental health disorders. My clinical experience includes providing services in a variety of settings, such as, human services through child protective services and juvenile delinquency, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services that were made available through Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. This experience has allowed me to develop diverse skills, build rapport and respond in an empathic and supportive manner when working with individuals and groups. Please feel free to contact me for your service needs.