Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

Sometimes life throws us a fork in the road and sends us off course leading to unfamiliar territory. This change can contribute to feeling lost and alone in this world even when you are surrounded by loved ones. You feel like you are treading water and barely staying afloat. This change causes imbalances in your personal and professional life. You are feeling frustrated and have no one to turn to that can understand what you are going through. Perhaps you are pregnant or a new mom trying to find some level of normalcy with this huge change in your life. You feel alone, sleep deprived, and feeling like no one understands what you are going through. You want to make a change in your life, finding more effective ways to cope and prevent yourself from repeating patterns in your life. Does this sound familiar? If so, you have come to the right place. Let me help you… I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #88489) in San Diego. I am a collaborative, compassionate, empathetic and relatable therapist. I believe that the key to personal growth and success is to find balance and inner happiness within ourselves. As a therapist, my role is to provide a nurturing environment allowing the opportunity for self-exploration and growth. In this process, I provide support, understanding, and feedback. Every person and every situation is different. There is not one formula that works for everyone. I believe that in order to effectively meet your goals; sessions should be personalized based on your individual needs.

I specialize in chronic stress and trauma that disabled, neurodivergent, queer, and trans folks and their loved ones experience. I am an anti-oppressive therapist: no AI, no diagnosis without consent, and no calling the police. I have a 3 hour cancellation policy to increase access for chronically ill, sick, and disabled folks. Together we can explore topics of ableism, grief, and identity. Family, friendship, or individual sessions. My specialties include gender exploration, chronic illness, medical trauma, and caregiver support.

I became a therapist because I believe healing happens in spaces where you feel truly seen, heard, and safe. My approach to therapy is warm, relational, and deeply human. I show up as my authentic self so you can feel free to do the same – without judgment, pressure, or pretense. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of your next step, we will move at a pace that feels steady and supportive for you. Together, we create a space where vulnerability feels safe, growth feels possible, and lasting change feels attainable. Above all, I want you to feel that you don’t have to carry everything alone anymore. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood from the very beginning. I approach therapy with warmth, authenticity, and steady presence, helping you feel supported while also empowered to grow. Therapy with me is collaborative and personalized. I draw from evidence-based approaches while tailoring our work to your unique needs and goals. I want you to feel that you are not alone — and that meaningful, sustainable change is possible. I deeply believe in nervous system resets… and I’m usually the first one to step outside for a few deep breaths.

Perhaps you struggle with feelings of worry and restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You have a lot of ambitious ideas and thoughts, but struggle with implementation of them due to stress, pain, and fears of failure. Sometimes these feelings and physical sensations can seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. You sometimes may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I work with my clients using techniques that will best suit their specific individualized needs. I use a collaborative approach, since I believe you are the expert of your own life. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be a significant force in facilitating positive changes, therefore, making sure that we are on the same page is always important. There is hope for feeling better. Please don't hesitate to reach out! I offer free 15-minute consultations to ensure a good fit.

Positive experiences with mental health care, both personally and through seeing its impact on those around me, inspired me to become a therapist. I value how it can meaningfully improve functioning and overall well-being, especially during times when people feel stuck or in need of additional support. This impact led me to pursue becoming a mental health therapist with the goal of providing that same support and guidance to others. My goal in helping clients is to support and empower them through the journey of healing and growth. I believe in providing a warm, trusting, and non-judgmental space that offers unconditional support and positive regard, helping clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. Given my bi-racial and multi-cultural background, I believe it is essential to understand and incorporate the multi-faceted nature of each client’s context and background in order to effectively support them in working toward their therapeutic goals. In session, I offer a warm, collaborative, and safe environment grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion for every client I work with. When appropriate, I incorporate humor and positivity, while also validating the challenge and difficult areas of life for clients. I focus on empowering my clients using approaches that integrate person-centered therapy, strengths-based therapy, humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I take an eclectic and flexible approach to best suit the needs of each client. My aim is to provide a space to explore and understand clients’ unique personalities and experiences so I can equip them with the tools needed for long-term growth, resilience, and improved well-being. A fun personal fact is that I grew up in a military family, which gave me the opportunity to spend much of my childhood living abroad, including in Japan and Germany. Later, my education and early adult life took me to New York and Boston, but I love California the most and call it home now. I also am an animal lover, I love seeing client pets!

At Full Vida Therapy, we work with college students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of who they are or where they’re headed. Whether you're struggling with academic pressure, relationship stress, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, we’re here to support you. Many of our clients are navigating big changes—new independence, identity shifts, burnout, or the feeling that they’re “supposed to have it all figured out.” Therapy with us is a place to slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and build real tools for coping, communication, and confidence. We offer online therapy across California, making it easy to get support from wherever you are—no commute, no judgment, just a supportive space to be yourself and grow.

I specialize in working with 1st and 2nd generation immigrants on issues such as anxiety, school stress, intergenerational trauma, and cultural identity issues. I tend to be very active and engaged in session with my clients and enjoy discussing practical tools that may be helpful. I want to learn how your unique environment and experiences have shaped who you are today and the challenges that may occur as a result. One of my passions is working with clients from bicultural backgrounds. Having navigated this landscape myself, I can really empathize with the journey. If you want to hear more about me and my work, please visit my website below to self-schedule a free consult.

Currently accepting new clients! Do you sometimes feel unheard or want to better navigate your relationships? Are you struggling with stress, self-doubt, or the constant pressure to meet expectations? Maybe you’re adjusting to college life and trying to find balance. If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space, therapy can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re hesitant or ready to dive in, you’ve already taken an important step by seeking support. My goals are to validate your experiences, offer a safe and judgment-free space, and help you work through whatever you bring into therapy. I support college students from all walks of life with a compassionate and person-centered approach. Many of my clients are navigating relationships, anxiety, depression, OCD, self-doubt, and major life transitions. Together, we’ll identify your goals, explore your feelings, and develop some helpful coping skills.

You may appear to have everything together while quietly carrying stress, anxiety, burnout, academic pressure, or the weight of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. College can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting at times, especially when you are balancing school, relationships, work, and your own well-being. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where college students and young adults can feel heard, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and balance. As an LCSW, I take a client-centered and collaborative approach focused on empowerment, self-understanding, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

I’ve always been drawn to understanding people’s stories and helping them navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to create a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I’m passionate about helping individuals recognize their own strengths, build resilience, and feel empowered in their journey. Ensuring that individuals feel heard and understood is a core principle of effective therapy. This involves creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, using reflective listening, and applying evidence based approaches to accurately understand and respond to each person’s experiences. Ongoing feedback and open communication are essential in maintaining a therapeutic environment that supports growth and clarity. Everyone has their own pace and process, and part of building a strong working relationship is honoring that. Trust develops over time through consistency, openness, and respect. The focus is on creating a space where someone can show up as they are, without pressure or judgment, and feel supported in a way that fits their needs and goals. It’s about meeting people where they are and moving forward together from there.

Deep within, I believe everyone holds the keys to a life of profound meaning and joy. By discerning their dreams and charting their personal journeys, my clients unlock doors to lives they cherish all the more. In the wise words of Carl Jung, 'Man's task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.

Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.

I work best with students who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of themselves and are looking for a safe place to talk. Many are dealing with anxiety, low mood, past experiences, low self-esteem or challenges with friendships, school, or family, and want support in figuring things out. They’re often ready to better understand themselves, learn ways to cope, and feel more confident in their daily lives. In our work together, I offer a warm, supportive, and culturally affirming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. We’ll take things at your pace while building practical tools and helping you feel more in control, connected, and supported.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply looking for growth, therapy can help. My hope is to accompany you as you move toward healing, wholeness, and flourishing. In therapy, I seek to embody a nonjudgmental, honest, and compassionate presence. You will find an environment where you can share freely and work on what’s most important to you. You will be equipped with tools and skills that will enable you to reach your goals. I have training in multiple modes of research-backed therapy, and I consistently pursue ongoing training. I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I use methods from CBT, DBT, ACT, family systems, and mindfulness. I believe in your capacity to heal, change, and grow. It can be hard, but we can do hard things–we've done it before. Call or email me today for a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Latino psychologist who is originally from Los Angeles and have relocated to northern California to Roseville California. I speak English and Spanish and have provided extensive psychological services in Spanish. I am a US Army Veteran. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology in 2008 and have been licensed in the state of California since 2010. I have worked in school, hospitals, universities, jails and various organizations in the public and private sector as a staff member, supervisor and manager. I use my 17 years of experience to help people through various therapeutic interventions. I give people tangible skills to implement in their lives to make their circumstance healthier. I work from a Humanistic orientation understanding and believing that with the appropriate structure and support there is little we cannot achieve. I also recognize the importance of providing clients with space and perspective so they can find solutions and relief on their own. I seek to work with individuals: Men of color in leadership positions Veterans People who have experienced loss Young adults in college Parents of special needs children People looking to change a specific behavior <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=46689"></script>

At West Hollywood Psychology associates, we are committed to client-centered and identity-affirming therapy, which means we listen deeply, honor each individual's unique journey, and collaborate with you to develop tailored strategies to positively impact your mental health and well-being. Our therapists represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and therapeutic approaches, ensuring that we can match you with a professional who truly understands and supports your specific needs.

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Please call or email me for an individual therapy consultation today. I work with clients through telemedicine using video visits and phone calls.