Therapy for College Students & Young Adults

College is often described as the best four years of your life, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Academic pressure, loneliness, relationship problems, uncertainty about the future, and the challenge of becoming more independent can leave even capable students feeling overwhelmed.

I’m Dayna Stein, MST, MSW, LCSW, a licensed therapist and former middle & high school teacher. I work with college students and early graduates who are struggling with anxiety, depression, friendships, academic pressure, family, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, practical, and focused on helping you feel better while developing coping skills you can use outside of therapy.

Book a Free 15-minute Consultation

Get Help With:

  • Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly under pressure

  • Looking successful on the outside but struggling internally

  • Depression, low motivation, or getting out of a rut

  • Loneliness, homesickness, or trouble finding close friends

  • Academic stress, procrastination, and perfectionism

  • Relationship difficulties, breakups, and family conflict

  • Questions about identity, sexuality, or belonging

  • Difficult experiences, trauma, or sexual assault

  • Concerns about alcohol or marijuana use

  • Uncertainty about majors, careers, graduation, or life after college

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Some students come because something specific has happened; others simply know they aren’t feeling like themselves. We can begin by talking about what’s been challenging and what you’d like to change.

How & Where We Can Meet

I offer in-person therapy at my office in Red Bank, NJ, as well as secure online therapy for clients located in New Jersey, Vermont, Florida, and Massachusetts.

Sessions are typically 45 minutes and cost $165. I don’t participate directly with insurance plans, but I can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible out-of-network behavioral health benefits. Coverage varies, so it’s helpful to ask your insurance company about your out-of-network benefits.

If you aren’t sure if I seem like the right therapist for you, we can begin with a free 15-minute consultation.

Blog
Senior Year of College: Why This "Exciting" Year Can Feel So Overwhelming
Senior Year of College: Why This "Exciting" Year Can Feel So Overwhelming

Senior year is supposed to be exciting, but for many college students it can feel overwhelming. Between the pressure of finding a job, graduating, saying goodbye to friends, and figuring out what's next, it's common to feel anxious and uncertain. Learn why senior year can be one of the most emotionally challenging years of college—and discover practical strategies, including self-compassion and therapy, to help navigate this major life transition with confidence.

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Why Junior Year of College Feels So Stressful (And What to Do About It)
Why Junior Year of College Feels So Stressful (And What to Do About It)

Junior year is when the future suddenly starts feeling real. Internships, career decisions, graduate school, and changing friendships can make this year one of the most stressful in college. If you're feeling overwhelmed or like everyone else has it figured out, you're not alone—and there are ways to navigate the uncertainty with confidence.

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Sophomore Year of College: Common Challenges, Stress, and How to Thrive
Sophomore Year of College: Common Challenges, Stress, and How to Thrive

Freshman year isn't the only challenging year of college. Sophomore year often brings uncertainty about majors, friendships, identity, and the future. Learn why so many second-year students struggle—and why these challenges are a normal part of growth.

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Freshman Year of College: 10 Common Stressors (and How to Cope With Them)
Freshman Year of College: 10 Common Stressors (and How to Cope With Them)

Freshman year of college is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From homesickness and roommate conflicts to social anxiety, academic pressure, and learning to live independently, the transition is rarely as seamless as social media makes it seem. In this post, therapist Dayna Stein, LCSW, shares ten common challenges first-year college students face, along with practical strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and adjust with confidence. Whether you're a student preparing for college or a parent supporting your child, you'll find reassurance that feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of growth—and that you don't have to navigate it alone.

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Interested in working with Dayna?

Complete the form below to request a free, 15-minute consultation. You’re welcome to briefly share what brings you to therapy, where you’ll be located during sessions, and whether you prefer to meet online or in-person.