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Therapy for College Students & Young Adults

Support for navigating anxiety, overwhelm, big decisions, and the pressure to figure everything out — even when you're still finding your way.

You don't have to know your destination.
You just deserve a space to pause, reflect, and take your next step with clarity and support.

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Missy Kleinz, PhD providing online counseling in PA, NJ, DE, FL, and SC
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What It Feels Like When Everything Is "Too Much"

Some days, it feels like you're doing everything you can just to stay afloat — even if no one else notices.

Maybe your mind won't slow down.
Maybe you're overwhelmed and you can't pinpoint why.
Maybe you're exhausted from trying so hard to make decisions, plan your future, or keep up with everything you're "supposed" to be doing.

Maybe you're holding it all together on the outside while everything feels chaotic on the inside.

You might be:

     overthinking and second-guessing yourself
     trying to meet everyone's expectations — professors, parents, peers
     feeling anxious about school, friendships, work, or the future
     comparing yourself to others and feeling like you're behind
     shutting down because everything feels like too much

 

Or maybe it's just been heavy.
And you're tired of pretending you're fine.

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Missy Kleinz, PhD providing online counseling in PA, NJ, DE, FL, and SC

You deserve a space where you don't have to have it all together.
A space where you can show up unsure, overwhelmed, confused, hopeful — or anywhere in between.

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A Place to Slow Down, Breathe, and Feel Supported

College student talking with online therapist about depression

If you've been carrying a lot on your own, therapy can give you something you might not have had in a while — a steady space where you don't have to hold it all together or figure everything out at once.

In our work together, you get a place where:

     you don't have to pretend you're okay

     you can talk without worrying you'll disappoint anyone

     your feelings make sense — even the confusing, overwhelming ones

     you don't need the "right words" to explain what's going on

     you can explore who you are, what you want, and who you're becoming

     you can go at your own pace, not anyone else's

You don't have to have everything sorted out.
You don't need a plan.
You don't even need to know what you're feeling yet.

You just have to show up — exactly as you are.

My job is to help things feel steadier, clearer, and a little more manageable… one step at a time.

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And you don't have to do that alone.

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Growing Up Today Isn't the Same as It Used to Be

Young adults today are navigating pressures that older generations never had to face —
constant digital connection, social media comparison, student debt, identity exploration, academic pressure, and an overwhelming amount of choice.

For many older adults, these things can seem small.
But for young adults, they can mean everything:

     Seeing classmates land internships while you're still searching
     Watching friends post carefully curated versions of their lives
     Feeling the pressure to "make the right decisions" for your future
     Managing overwhelming workloads, expectations, and uncertainty

     Comparing your pace to everyone else's online

These moments feel personal.
They hit hard.

And they can shape how you see yourself and your path forward.

You're not "too sensitive."
You're not dramatic.
You're human — doing your best in a world that asks too much, too fast.

In therapy, every part of your experience is taken seriously.
Your feelings are real and valid — and you deserve support from someone who understands the weight you're carrying.

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College student talking with online therapist about depression
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What Can Change When You Don't Have to Carry Everything Alone

Young adult learning stress-management tools in teletherapy session

Therapy isn't about becoming a different person —
it's about becoming more yourself in a way that feels grounded, steady, and true.

As we work together, you might notice:

     Feeling less overwhelmed

The constant swirl of thoughts begins to quiet.

     Understanding your emotions instead of being ruled by them

Big feelings become more manageable and less confusing.

 

     Worry taking up less space

You learn how to calm your mind, steady your body, and interrupt anxiety before it takes over.

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     Making choices that feel right for you

Not for your parents, not for your professors, not for social pressure —
but for who you're becoming.

​     Relationships feeling more balanced

Setting boundaries feels less intimidating.
You stop over-explaining, over-pleasing, or over-functioning.

     

     Building confidence in your inner voice

You start trusting yourself and the direction you're moving in.

     Feeling like a whole person, not a problem to solve

You understand your needs, your strengths, and your stress with more clarity and compassion.

     

     Having a space where you don't have to pretend

A place where your story is welcomed, valued, and understood.

None of this happens all at once.
But it does happen — gently, consistently, and with support.

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And I'm here to walk with you every step of the way.

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How I Support You

My role isn't to tell you who to be.
It's to help you understand yourself more deeply — and support the choices that feel aligned with who you're becoming.

In our work together, you get a space where you can: 

     express yourself without fear of judgment
     understand stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
     slow down your thoughts and ground your body
     explore relationships, boundaries, and communication

     build a stronger relationship with your own intuition

     feel supported even when you're not sure how to put things into words

I show up with honesty, compassion, and steadiness.
I won't push, pressure, or offer overly simple answers.

Instead, we'll sort through what you're carrying together —
so you can move toward what feels steadier, clearer, and more true to you.

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Young adult learning stress-management tools in teletherapy session

Therapy isn't about being perfect — it's about being supported.

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A Note About Privacy, Autonomy, and Parent Involvement

Young adulthood comes with new independence — so here's how I protect your privacy while still welcoming supportive parent involvement when it's helpful.
Parent and daughter receiving online therapy support

For Young Adults

Therapy is your space — a place where you can talk openly, honestly, and without pressure.


Your privacy is protected, and nothing we discuss is shared with anyone else unless you choose it.

If you ever want a parent or caregiver to be involved — whether you'd like them to join a session, better understand something you're working on, or support you in a new way — I'm absolutely open to that.
We'll talk about what feels comfortable, and I'll only share information with your permission.

For Parents and Caregivers

Many young adults begin therapy with a parent's support, whether emotional, practical, or financial. I value that role, and I'm always willing to collaborate in ways that are genuinely helpful.

Once your child is 18, they will need to sign a release of information for me to communicate anything outside of scheduling or billing.
With that signed release, I can keep you updated, answer questions, or include you in a session when it feels meaningful and supportive.

Without that release, the therapeutic content remains private — not because you're excluded, but because your young adult's autonomy is an important part of their growth.

I'm here to support your young adult, and I'm also here to help you feel grounded, informed, and included in the process when it's helpful and appropriate.

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If Something in You Is Saying "Maybe This Could Help..."

If you're feeling even the slightest pull toward getting support — that matters.

You don't need to have it all figured out.
You don't need to be certain.
You don't have to feel "ready."

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You don't have to carry everything on your own.

Take a breath.

There's a part of you that wants things to feel steadier, clearer, and more manageable —
and that part deserves care and support.

Whenever you're ready —

I'm here, and I'll meet you exactly where you are.

Reaching out is just a first step — no pressure, no commitment.

*Now offering Therapy Intensives*  Click HERE to find out more

Feeling stuck?

Let's take the next step together.
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You don't have to sort everything out on your own.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, heavy, or unsure of where to begin —
I'm here to help you find your footing again.

Start with a free consultation

A gentle, no-pressure conversation to see whether this feels like a good fit.

©2023-2025 Dr. Melissa Kleinz, PhD, LPC, LPCMH, NCC
All Rights Reserved. 
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Serving clients online in Chadds Ford, Radnor, and throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Also working with clients in Greenville, Rehoboth Beach, and throughout Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, and South Carolina. 

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