Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, and I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to reach out. Whether you’re feeling stuck, navigating a difficult transition, or simply needing someone to talk to, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works with adolescents, adults, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict, and major life transitions. I have extensive experience helping individuals strengthen communication, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthier, more adaptive patterns

Many people say that the college years are supposed to be some of the best in your life, yet it doesn't feel this way to you. Somehow you are missing out. Perhaps anxiety has you second guessing everything or your perfectionism or "OCD" has gotten out of hand. Perhaps you doubt yourself, put yourself down, or get the sense that everyone else has it all figured out except for you. Life doesn't have to be this way. I get it. I used to be a college professor and worked a lot with students transitioning to college and "adult life." I also know how hard things are when you are juggling college demands with the rest of "life," which may include a medical, family/friend, or work issue or just figuring out what you want to do with your life. Reaching out to ask for help is sign that you are aware something's not quite right in your life and you hope things can be better. Our time together is focused on helping you achieve your specific goals using treatments that are evidence-based. This means I only use the treatments that we know from research are helpful. I won't waste your time or money with treatments we know don't work. With any patient I work with, my goal is to eventually put myself out of a job. Sounds like a crazy business model, right? That is because my focus is on YOU and what you need. I want you to learn the skills that you need so you can graduate from therapy and live your best life.

Our lives are full of trauma, loss, and challenge. It is easy to get overwhelmed by these experiences and fall into habits that don't serve our greater goals. I will help you find the path to the life you want. I work from a trauma informed, strengths based perspective. I have a special interest in attachment, neurology, trauma processing, and mindfulness. I have personal ties to the LGBTQ+ community and I am proud to serve individuals and families navigating identity challenges. Every person comes to therapy when the time is right for them. On this journey you will find new strengths, develop new behaviors, and reorganize you thoughts. When you are ready, I look forward to walking that path with you.

PHILOSOPHY I believe meaningful connections are at the center of the human experience. We are social beings that thrive when we feel accepted, connected, and loved. These feelings can give us the confidence to show up in the world as our authentic selves and embrace our uniqueness. When we have a deeper understanding of ourselves and engage in unconditional self-acceptance, we gain a greater capacity to have fulfilling relationships. APPROACH My clients find my style humorous and compassionate as well as engaging and down-to-earth. My approach is holistic, engaging in all aspects of your wellness, with consideration for your mind, body, spirit, and heart. Thinking of my client’s needs, I use an eclectic and integrative method, pulling from traditional, innovative, and evidence-based techniques. Some of the modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My objective is to help my clients feel better as soon as possible, so I maintain a Solutions-Focused framework, offering direct feedback, actionable steps, and strategies to cope with current stressors. I am committed to having a therapeutic lens that is culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, health at every size acceptance, and social justice oriented. My ultimate goal is to assist you in identifying your unique gifts and using them to actualize your best self in the world.

I am a Stanford trained Physician with a specialization in Psychiatry. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy or "CBT." CBT is a very well researched form of counseling that is highly effective for depression, anxiety, insomnia and many other conditions. I love what I do and previously served as the Director of Evidence Based Practice and Ongoing Education in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Behavioral Medicine. I conducted research, taught, and saw patients at Stanford for more than a decade and I received numerous awards for excellence in these areas. I was trained for more than ten years with a person named Stewart Agras, and another named David Burns - they are pioneers in Behavioral Medicine and CBT. I was very blessed to have excellent mentors and training. I have extensive experience sharing this experience with those students I have consulted with in higher education at Stanford and in the University of California. I have worked all of my career with undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical students and believe that these formative years are critical times in the formation of a person, and they are often challenging times. I am warm, friendly and approachable. I laugh frequently (and often cry) with my patients. My family is from Italy where sincerity and the authentic sharing of emotions is valued and respected. Parlo un 'po l'italiano ma non molto bene! (I speak a little Italian but not very well!) I am very conservative with respect to use of medications and prefer to help students develop skills in managing life stressors by getting trained in CBT. This art is disappearing sadly in my field as brief medication checks are much more lucrative to clinics but there is a cost to the patient in this reductionist approach! I am very comfortable and prefer to help persons manage stress with CBT alone without medications as it can provide a lot of sophisticated and lasting protections that are well supported in the scientific research literature. As professionals, we should do what is right and not what is most profitable as we take the Hippocratic oath to defend our patients. I can add medications if they are indicated and supported by good research when CBT is not helping on its own as I am a physician trained in all scientifically supported modalities of providing support. I respect my patients' values in this. If we can work through though times without medicines, I really try to encourage that, and, for many persons willing to grow through stress, it is definitely achievable, and strongly supported by randomized controlled trials (fancy studies used to test treatments for effectiveness). There is substantial evidence that suggests that this approach is very important in reducing risk for relapse in the long term. I love helping students build confidence in themselves when the circumstances are really challenging and have many, many patients who have reached out to me over many years thanking me for the times we spent together getting through the roughest of times. I don't have a lot of material wealth. The pictures and post cards of so many smiling, happy, and good persons graduating, getting married, getting started in their careers, and getting started with their families and overall being in a good, secure place are the real treasures that I have collected in my career. I am a practicing Catholic and am very comfortable incorporating faith in treating my patients. Many persons are referred to me when seeking a caring Catholic Psychiatrist who is highly trained in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to promote resilience and virtue when life becomes really challenging. I am sadly quite familiar with the pain of having lost very precious persons in my life including my own dear wife to devastating metastatic cancer at an extremely young age. That was tough and occurred shortly after we lost our infant daughter. I have two beautiful college aged children who are doing very well despite all of the things our family was beset with. We came together and got through. Faith, family and fellowship can be crucial sources of support when things feel really overwhelming. I was highly trained in CBT and combining this with the above made all of the difference. I will encourage you also to protect yourself with these types of resources when all seems lost. Note that I do not manage ADD or ADHD or prescribe habit forming medications or perform evaluations for these conditions or autism spectrum disorder. I do see students who need to use their insurance through Headway and MyCatholicDoctor at the links below: Headway: https://care.headway.co/providers/anthony-mascola-m-d?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=201271 MyCatholicDoctor.com https://mycatholicdoctor.com/resources/doctors/anthony-mascola-md/ Accepting insurance in private practice in Psychiatry is unfortunately not very common. The majority of the most highly qualified Psychiatrists and Psychologists forego seeing patients with insurance as it is really tough to manage coordinating insurance in a small practice and does not reimburse well. This does not feel right to me as when life is hardest, finances are tight. My Italian family were poor and commercial fishermen and I am sworn as a Catholic to help persons when they don't have a lot of resources. The portals above are trying to help persons who are seeking help who don't have a lot of money to get connected to really good care. If you are going through a tough time and looking for someone who is both qualified and kind to support and encourage you, then don't wait any longer. Don't go through this alone! Please reach out and call me. I have spent all of my life training to help you! I promise I will support you and push you to find strength that you don't even realize you have. You can't realize it when you are stressed and often working with a professional person can help. Be prepared to work though, as sometimes this means facing a fear you'd rather avoid, or examining uncomfortable patterns of thoughts and behavior. I need a willing collaborator and promise you that I want ask you to do more than you can. I know from a lot of my own life experience how devastating stress can be but I also want to be honest and real and genuine and effective. I don't see passive treatment reduce suffering effectively in the long run. I don't want my students to suffer their whole life. I want my students to grow and recover, just like a good coach or teacher. You are smart, you have a good head on your shoulders and if we can learn from the circumstances that evoke stress we will be able to overcome stress in the future. Those who do not train in CBT are often on medications for years and suffer a great deal with a very high rate of relapse. Taking time to train in CBT is a more challenging treatment but it can develop powerful skills that will help you for your whole life! If while reading this you get a good feeling inside, then please schedule a free fifteen-minute visit to see if it is a good fit for you. If you are looking for a really caring Psychiatrist who is warm and kind, highly qualified, who really enjoys helping persons find their strength with a healthy, proactive, evidence based and highly effective approach to dealing with stress, you will not be disappointed!

***Currently serving individuals in California and Oregon*** Hello! My name is Carlota, and I am a social justice advocate; a believer in science; a fierce and overly-obsessed dog mom to two wacky pups; an immigrant; and steadfast in my conviction that we have a fundamental obligation to help one another if we have the means and capacity to do so. I am a licensed clinical social worker, and have been in practice since 2013. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley in 2008, and received my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2013 from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. I embrace evidence-based and research-supported therapies, while also honoring the power of the therapeutic relationship and process. I specialize in trauma and PTSD, depression, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and panic, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, and life transitions. I am a trained teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT-D). I also have extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for Bipolar Disorder, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for the treatment of PTSD in children and teens. Why might I be a good fit for you? Because I get it, and I am whole-heartedly with you on this journey. I know that coming to therapy is a profound undertaking, and that what I will ask of you in this process is not easy. Introspection, change, and confronting avoidance are hard, and so I strive to provide a safe, authentic, and collaborative environment that honors your story, experience, and identity with compassion and without judgment; I strive to be worthy of bearing witness to your story. ***Sirviendo a personas ubicadas en California y Oregón*** ¡Hola! Mi nombre es Carlota, y soy amante de la justicia social; una creyente en la ciencia; una mamá de dos perritos excéntricos; una inmigrante; y firme en mi convicción de que tenemos la obligación de ayudarnos unos a otros si tenemos los medios y la capacidad para hacerlo. Soy una trabajadora social, y he estado en práctica desde 2013. Me gradué de UC Berkeley en el 2008, y recibí mi Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) en el 2013 de la Universidad de Washington en San Louis. Acepto las terapias basadas en la evidencia y respaldadas por la investigación, al mismo tiempo que honro el poder de la relación y el proceso terapéutico. Me especializo en trauma, depresión, el trastorno bipolar, ansiedad y pánico, duelo y pérdida, dificultades interpersonales, y transiciones de vida. Soy una maestra capacitada en Reducción del Estrés Basado en Mindfulness (MBSR), y estoy certificada en Terapia de Procesamiento Cognitivo (CPT) para el trastorno de estrés postraumático y Psicoterapia Interpersonal para la Depresión (IPT-D). También tengo una amplia entrenamiento en Terapia Dialéctica Conductual (DBT), Terapia Interpersonal y de Ritmo Social (IPSRT) para el trastorno bipolar, y Terapia Cognitiva Conductual Centrada en el Trauma (TF-CBT) para el tratamiento del trastorno de estrés postraumático en niños y adolescentes. ¿Por qué podría ser una buena opción para ti? Porque pongo todo mi corazón para estar contigo en este viaje. Sé que venir a terapia es una empresa profunda y que lo que te voy a pedir en este proceso no es fácil. La introspección, el cambio, y la confrontación de la evitación son difíciles, y espero proveer un entorno seguro, auténtico, y colaborativo que honre su historia, experiencia, e identidad con compasión y sin juzgar; me esfuerzo por ser digno de ser testigo de tu historia.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My approach to therapy is rooted in a belief that change is possible. Most of my clients come to me because something in their lives isn't working. Whether the problem is familial, romantic, professional, emotional, or even existential, I find it usually comes down to a matter of relationship. How are we relating to the things that cause us to suffer? When we understand these relationships and the parts we play in them, we are free to make different choices, and to experience our lives, ourselves, and our loves in richer, more fulfilling ways. While I see clients with a wide range of presenting issues, I have a high level of expertise in family conflict, childhood trauma, addiction, codependency and eating disorders. I also have a passion for helping artists of all kinds to overcome the self-limiting beliefs that lead to creative blocks. I have additional training in EMDR (an evidence based model for trauma therapy), mindfulness practice, and family systems, and I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

"Since 2019, Peace and Purpose Therapy has offered compassionate psychotherapy to adults and teens throughout San Luis Obispo County. Located in Arroyo Grande, this dedicated practice specializes in trauma-informed care, including EMDR, alongside expert support for relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Their experienced team provides a safe, nurturing environment for individual, couple, and family counseling, tailoring every approach to foster healing, growth, and lasting well-being. Peace and Purpose Therapy is excited to announce that we are now accepting Cencal Insurance."

I'm an educational psychologist who specializes in assessment and coaching. I assess for learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, and other mental health issues that get in the way of learning or being successful at school. I can help you understand your learning profile and help you both get and be able to effectively utilize accommodations to support you at your school. I also am an ADHD specialist and I do "executive function coaching" which is basically coaching to help you manage your life from your homework, to your life at home, to your job. Additionally I can help you explore and prepare for your transition to post secondary education or to work. Many students do not know what they want to do once they leave high school or college. I can help you explore your options and choose a route. Think of me as your wellness coach for education and young adulthood success!

Opening up to a new person can be daunting. My hope is that through authentic and spontaneous conversation we can get to know each other and pave the way for looking more deeply at what is going on for you. As humans we are our best selves when we feel acknowledged, validated and connected. This guides my approach to our work together. Being a therapist improves my own mental health because each time I witness a person change, I am reminded we are all still growing…

We’re a team of licensed therapists who actually get what student life is like. Whether it’s anxiety, family stuff, roommate issues, breakups, burnout, feeling lost, or just needing someone to talk to, we’ve got you. We keep it real, non-judgmental, and actually helpful. No stiff, boring therapy vibes. Just practical support that fits your crazy schedule. In-person or online (telehealth) sessions available. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Ready to feel better? Come chat with us on Thrive or reach out for a free consultation.

Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how daily external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong, supportive relationship I will help you uncover core issues. I primarily use a psychodynamic, creative approach to guide my clients towards greater self-compassion and clarity that will allow you to feel more confident in your ability to change and heal.

College can feel overwhelming—whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress about the future, relationship struggles, or just trying to figure out who you are. I work best with students who are ready to be real, even if they’re not sure where to start. You don’t have to have all the answers to begin therapy. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build tools that help you feel more grounded and confident. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you figure things out one step at a time.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. For me, being a physician is more than a profession—it is a vocation to help indviduals flourish. My practice is devoted to students and young adults seeking thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care that extends beyond symptom relief. I provide comprehensive evaluations that consider medical, nutritional, lifestyle, and psychological factors—including laboratory testing when clinically appropriate—to identify the contributors to emotional and cognitive health. I also specialize in evidence-based de-prescribing for patients who wish to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications for anxiety, attention difficulties, or substance use disorders. My approach is guided by precision, humility, and restraint: using the least intensive intervention necessary while drawing upon the full breadth of evidence-based medicine. Depending on each patient's needs and goals, I integrate psychotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, exercise, targeted supplementation, and, when appropriate, carefully selected medications into a personalized treatment plan. In addition to my clinical work, I have presented internationally on psychiatric deprescribing and medical ethics. My work has been recognized with awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, the American Psychoanalytic Association, and other leading professional organizations. I am the Founder & Medical Director of Verigrate Health. I am licensed to serve patients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Lousiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am Dr. Taide Mier-Vera. A bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on research, practice, and education for the promotion of mental health. I have been helping children, youth and adults in community mental health and school settings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, California for over 12 years. My approach is to attend to the whole person (mind, body, soul). My education, continuous training, professional experience and missionary work has helped me develop cultural competence. I am passionate about learning about other cultures to better understand others and their stories. Furthermore, I am committed to ongoing training and education so that I can provide evidenced-based and top quality services.

We offer ADHD assessments designed for college students. Our evaluations are clear, efficient, and built to give you what you need: documentation for school or work, clarity for a provider, or just a solid understanding of your brain. No overkill. No filler. Just a real answer to a real question. You may have taken the quizzes, skimmed the clickbait articles, maybe even had a therapist say, "Hmm, have you ever wondered if it's ADHD?" You want answers—but not just any answers. You want clarity you can use: for work, school, medication, or just understanding why life feels harder than it should. Maybe you've always called it ADD-and yes, that's still real. The name changed to ADHD (inattentive type), but the experience is the same. You don't need a $5,000, 45-page-long unreadable report. But a simple screening test isn’t going to be helpful, either, as that is not diagnostic. You need an evaluation and report that are actually helpful. That's exactly what we do—comprehensive evals that give you exactly what you need.

I help clients deal with depression, anxiety and the struggles with navigating relationships and life changes. We work together to discover, and help you move towards a path in life that works well for you. I offer a warm and accepting space where you can contemplate your current life path and explore your hopes and dreams.