Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Life happens. Everything is running smoothly in our lives and then something occurs that throws us off balance: a relationship breakup, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce, or a trauma. Instead of a single event, it can also be the buildup of stress or the accumulation of various life experiences. Sometimes we just want to learn more about ourselves. It can even be a wound from our past from which we have difficulty healing. All of us experience obstacles in our lives that can become overwhelming. With whatever difficulties you may be facing, we can work together to achieve your therapeutic goals, whether they be to lessen the experience of unpleasant feelings or to better understand what you are going through. It is my goal that you feel more empowered so that you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

APPROACH As a psychotherapist, I am committed to helping you realize what you most want from life: fulfilling relationships, relief from self-defeating cycles, and self confidence. Working with me brings the clarity, guidance, and support you need to overcome barriers to contentment. My style is candid and astute, coupled with warmth and humor. I listen deeply and creatively so I can offer a new lens and insight to patterns that have been keeping you stuck. I help you maintain motivation and hope, even in the face of challenge. EXPERIENCE I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20+ years experience working individuals, couples, and families. I use well-founded as well as innovative psychotherapeutic strategies including cognitive-behavioral techniques and psychodynamic approaches. In addition, I provide consultation and supervision to mental health providers.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm a clinical psychologist with extensive expertise working with individuals facing a variety of life's challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. I also incorporate EMDR to support my clinical work for clients who have experienced various types of trauma. You can expect to work collaboratively and at your pace to address your concerns. I prioritize the development of a safe and trusting therapeutic foundation that allows for deeper understanding and supports your growth. Additionally, I am able to practice via telehealth in over 30 states through PsyPact. If things are hard right now, as life can often be, please reach out. You don't have to do this alone. When you are ready to take the next step I am happy to provide a free consultation call to help determine if we are a good fit. I look forward to talking with you!

Seeking help says a lot about you! It means you are open to becoming the best version of you; strong, authentic, balanced. My objective is to provide you with realistic tools for problem solving stressors, while reconnecting you to what truly matters in your life. My background in trauma work allows me to incorporate evidence based interventions and techniques to help adjust your thoughts about yourself and to minimize unhelpful habits that are keeping you from feeling whole. I incorporate grounding work as a way to connect mind, body, heart and spirit, and foster a sense of hope. I have been told I am "Minnesota nice", (a midwesterner at heart...I admit). I am a strong listener and lead with empathy, as I believe a trusting relationship aids in your healing. (p.s...sometimes you might catch a glimpse of my dog Guinness nearby he is a great listener too!) I know when to challenge, and when to allow for space. I have worked with dual diagnosis, addiction, learning disability/neurodivergent, first responders, veterans, couples/families, youth, students and artists.

I strongly believe that therapy should be a safe place where anyone can come and talk about their life without judgment or shame. It is a place where everyone can benefit from unconditional empathy, understanding, and grace. I am an outgoing person who is easy to talk to, and I do my best to make the therapeutic process as smooth and understandable as possible. We will go at your pace and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. I strive to help you become self sustaining where you can gain a sense of understanding of what skills you need, why you are utilizing them, and when to utilize the skills learned. I specialize in working with adults and teens with anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, PTSD, complex/developmental trauma, grief, chronic pain, health and relationship problems.

We all have the capacity for healing through self-discovery, self-awareness, and community. My role is to ease clients into a journey of healing, becoming more authentic in their creative works and relationships, and challenging inner dialogue that does not serve them by finding compassion and empathy for themselves. I engage my clients by creating a safe space where we can collaboratively work on developing a more intimate relationship with the "inner self." I'm a warm, intuitive, empathetic, and connected therapist who can be a witness to your journey. I primarily work from anti-racist, trauma-informed, attachment and somatic modes of therapy paying close attention to clients’ varying identities, intersection of these identities, and understanding their experience from a socio-cultural perspective. Mind-body connections, ancestral wisdom, social justice and multiculturalism are central to my approach. My passion and experience lies in working with young adults, artists and creatives, individuals from the BIPOC and LGBTQIA community, women, and partners engaging in family planning. I have significant experience in guiding individuals seeking gender confirming treatment, navigating medical systems, and exploring gender and sexual orientation identity.

Feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and grief are part of life, but when they begin to interfere with work or relationships, it may be time to connect and seek support. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, I spent four years working in PR within the entertainment and nonprofit industries. This experience gave me an understanding of the many stresses intense careers cause and the importance of developing coping skills, strong interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence to maintain a healthy well-being and thrive in a fast-paced workplace. I am passionate about helping individuals struggling with eating disorders find recovery using a Health At Every Size/Intuitive Eating perspective. We will examine the underlying issues and maladaptive beliefs that perpetuate your eating disorder and work on healing your relationship with yourself. I work with young women, adolescents, and individuals to help them lessen their burdens and embrace their newfound freedom using a blend of theoretical orientations. I enjoy collaborating with my clients on what works best for them to help them meet their goals and am committed to creating an inclusive environment in my practice.

If you are reading this you are likely ready for a shift or change in your life. How to proceed in creating a more satisfying life is often confusing, but it is possible. If we listen deeply and compassionately enough to the wisdom of our body and mind the obstacles to our wholeness can become the catalysts of deeper awareness, meaning, agency and fulfillment. I aim to help you explore both the known and unknown parts of yourself so that you can more easily navigate your inner world, your relationships with others and the complex demands of being human.

Do you feel controlled by anxiety or OCD? Feeling like you have to constantly seek reassurance or perform rituals to feel better? These disorders operate on what is called a Vicious Cycle: 1) encounter trigger/obsessive thought 2) experience distress 3) engage in compulsions or safety behavior/s, which leads to 4) relief. The frustrating part about this cycle is that the relief is short-lived. Before you know it, the obsessive fear and compulsions are back, taking up more time and mental resources to cope. The good news is that together, we can end the cycle and find long-term relief. Treating OCD and Anxiety disorders require specialized training and experience. I have trained under internationally recognized psychologists, Dr. Jenny Yip and Dr. Eda Gorbis. I have worked with clients at all levels of care, including IOP, PHP, and outpatient. Currently, I provide individual and family outpatient treatment for those aged 10+, in person and via telehealth. I know therapy can be a challenging endeavor, that's why I aim to cultivate a warm and collaborative therapeutic environment, where we can defeat your OCD and Anxiety together! Feel free to reach out for a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

I have always found it easy to be in tune with emotions and I feel like I can provide a non-anxious presence that can help guide. I believe two of my biggest strengths are being an empathetic and understanding person, and as cheesy as it sounds, I truly take pleasure in knowing that I can utilize these strengths to offer support to my future clients during some of their most challenging times. I also have experience working with many different people in different settings and that has allowed me to widen my understanding and it has positively impacted how I practice. I make sure to be visibly engaged through validating thoughts and feelings as well as utilizing reflective listening skills. I recognize I am human and if I do not understand something I am courageous enough to ask questions and gain insight on my client’s perspective, background, culture, faith, etc. It is not lost on me that it is a privilege to work with people at such a vulnerable level. I always aim to provide a safe, empowering, yet warm environment for all of my clients. And I am also not afraid of big emotions, on the contrary I welcome them. I believe the hour we have together is your time to be able to freely express your most inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! Welcome to my small online practice, and congratulations on taking the step in looking into therapy - I know it can be challenging! My primary goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and comfortable space where you can be yourself and open up about things that you may be struggling with, or things that are causing you stress. Our sessions will not be a one-sided conversation, nor will they be mundane (trust me!), but rather there will be a lot of conversation and interaction, and together we can work on the things you want to change. I want you to find the peace and healing that you desire. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, personality disorders, etc. I specialize in crisis intervention, grief, and play therapy. More importantly, I show up with authenticity and walk your journey with you. I will maintain a compassionate atmosphere where you will be heard and supported, while also challenging you when necessary so we can work together in creating a space for your personal growth and healing.

My professional and confidential counseling service offers an opportunity for you to reach your goals and the best version of yourself without leaving the comfort of your home with telemental health counseling. Individuals and Couples can participate in a counseling service that is tailored to meet your individualized needs. I am here to listen, support, encourage, guide and coach. I partner with you to create an effective plan that best fits your needs at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

As a dedicated mental health professional, I am committed to guiding adolescents and young adults. My practice is deeply rooted in systemic thinking, seamlessly blending psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and attachment-based approaches to deliver a nuanced and tailored intervention. In cultivating a warm and collaborative environment, I facilitate a process where clients explore personal and relational intricacies, fostering insights for a more fulfilling life. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, I acknowledge the uniqueness of each client in treatment planning. Navigating trauma, codependency, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and OCD, my practice emphasizes the impact of traumatic events and recognizes the influential role of relationships on an individual level. Embark on the journey of transformative growth by reaching out for support. Remember, you don't have to face things alone; you are the expert of your own life, and you hold the power to make transformative change. In this journey, I'm here to empathetically walk alongside you, offering understanding and guidance every step of the way.

I would like to first congratulate you on being here and taking that first step towards improving your health and wellbeing. If you are trying to navigate the physical and mental struggles of day-to-day life, want to learn effective ways to cope and manage symptoms, to practice healthy communication with others, improve your outlook on life and lived experiences or even just want someone to listen to your story in a nonjudgmental space, you have come to the right place. Together, we will work towards identifying what goals you have in order to promote balance and help you live your life!

Dr. Ponting is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in treating anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression in adults and children. She focuses on improving mental health during the transition to parenthood, including pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Ponting also works with families with young children ages 2-6 who have experienced a recent traumatic event. Dr. Ponting provides individualized, culturally responsive care aimed at reducing distress and enhancing the capacity to feel positive emotions. Dr. Ponting draws from several evidence-based individual and family therapies and provides services in English and Spanish.

Welcome, I am offering you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings and learn new ways to cope with life challenges. I am a bilingual therapist providing therapy in both English and Hebrew. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, couples, and children. My approach to therapy is humanistic based on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family system and relationship issues. My approach is eclectic, and I use different treatment approaches tailored to my clients’ needs. I use evidence-based therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT). I believe that we all have our strengths that can help us in the process of self-growth and change. I invite you to take a step forward into a joint journey to overcome barriers and work towards self-growth and a sense of personal fulfillment.

Hi, I'm Dr. Monica. I know that life can sometimes feel overwhelming – whether it's the weight of anxiety, navigating grief, or dealing with the unexpected. With over 25 years of clinical experience, I offer compassionate, direct, and unstuffy support to help you feel more grounded and less stuck. I specialize in anxiety, pet loss and grief, and trauma, but also work with clients on relationship challenges, stress, and major life transitions. Therapy with me feels like having a real conversation – no judgment, just understanding. Together, we’ll untangle the thoughts that keep you up at night and work toward finding more calm, clarity, and even a little humor along the way. If you’re unsure about starting therapy, I offer a brief 15-minute consultation to help you decide if I’m the right fit for you. You're not alone in this, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you. I am authorized to provide virtual therapy in CA, TX and all PSYPACT participating states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).