Welcome to Aspen Grove Counseling
Therapy for College & Grad Students
School is demanding. You don’t have to carry it alone.
You may be doing everything you’re “supposed” to do: showing up to class, meeting deadlines, keeping up with research or clinical hours. Meanwhile you might be exhausted, anxious, behind on sleep, or wondering whether everyone else has it more together than you do.
Student life asks a lot at once: academic pressure, money worries, relationships, being far from home, and big questions about who you are and what comes next. Needing support in the middle of that is common, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
We work with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, including students at Duke, NC Central, UNC, and Durham Tech to find practical relief and a clearer sense of direction.
What brings students to therapy
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Anxiety and constant pressure, including racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, or panic before exams and presentations
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Burnout and exhaustion, especially in grad programs, med/law/nursing school, and PhD work
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Perfectionism and imposter feelings, the sense that you don’t belong or will be “found out”
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Depression or low motivation, including feeling numb, stuck, or hopeless about the future
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Procrastination and focus difficulties, often tied to stress or overwhelm rather than laziness
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Relationship and family stress, including breakups, roommate conflict, family expectations, or feeling disconnected
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Trauma and difficult past experiences that surface under stress or in new environments
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Adjustment and identity, such as being a first-generation student, an international student, moving to a new city, or questioning your major or career path
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Grief and loss, including losses that happen while you’re away at school
Frequently asked questions from students
Will my school or professors find out?
No. Therapy with me is separate from your school, and we don’t share information with your university, program, or professors. Exceptions are limited to situations required by law, such as imminent safety concerns, which would be explained during intake.
Will this affect my academic record, licensing, or clearance?
Seeking therapy does not appear on your transcript. Some professional programs and licensing boards ask about mental health history, and I’m happy to talk through any specific concerns you have about applications or credentialing.
I’m not sure my problems are “bad enough” for therapy.
You don’t need a crisis to benefit. Many students begin because they’re tired of white-knuckling it.
Can you provide documentation for accommodations or leave?
Depending on your situation, I may be able to provide a letter or documentation for a disability office or leave of absence, and we can discuss what’s appropriate.
What if I need more support than weekly therapy?
We will tell you honestly if you might be better supported by a different level of care, such as a psychiatrist, intensive program, or campus resources. We can coordinate with them with your permission.
Do you take insurance? What if I’m on a student health plan or my parents’ plan?
We are in-network with Blue Cross PPO plan, Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan and Cigna. If you’re on a parent’s plan, note that insurance statements or explanations of benefits may be sent to the policyholder, which could include details about your visits. If privacy from family matters to you, we can talk about private pay options. Our private pay rate is $165 per session, with sliding scale available. I can also provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. See our Fees & Insurance page.
Why see a therapist outside your school
Campus counseling centers can be valuable, but many students find they have limited sessions, waitlists at busy times, or a preference for someone separate from their school community.
Working with a private therapist can offer:
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Flexibility in scheduling around classes, labs, and clinical rotations
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Continuity, so you don’t have to start over when the semester ends or your campus provider changes
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Privacy, since your sessions are separate from your school. What you share is kept confidential within the legal and ethical limits of counseling, We do not report to your program or university.