Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

My name is Dr. Aparna Atluru, and I am a Stanford trained psychiatrist, am on faculty at UCSF, and specialize in seeing young adults (18-35). I further subspecialize in treating young up and comers in high stress roles: graduate &professional students, residents/physicians and start-up founders/tech employees. I am many things professionally: academic physician, double boarded psychiatrist, skilled psychotherapist, and Harvard MBA. Given my diverse educational, training, and teaching experiences, I am able to understand high achieving young adults from a unique perspective. I feel I am the best fit for young adults who are multi-dimensional, high achieving, and are motivated to make a change. I have a very limited private practice, and only take on patients who are interested in working on their whole self from a mental health perspective. I provide both psychotherapy and medication management (if needed). As a double boarded physician specializing in psychiatry, I have extensive training in both pediatric and adult psychopharmacology. From a psychotherapy perspective, I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy and existential psychotherapy. On the personal side, I am originally from Texas, am Indian- American, and enjoy being outdoors, writing fiction and sipping on a good boba tea. My patients tell me I have a witty sense of humor, so if you can handle that, please reach out and lets see if we can work together!

Embodied Recovery provides outpatient mental health and addiction treatment services in Los Gatos, California. We offer small group sizes which are ideal for emotional processing work and building the therapeutic relationships necessary for personal transformation. Embodied Recovery facilitates a variety of educational, process-oriented, and evidence-based practices designed to undo unhealthy ways of living and create a life that is rich in meaning and purpose. Embodied Recovery offers 3 levels of care: day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. Our day treatment program is 5 days per week, for approximately 5 hours per day. Our intensive outpatient program is 4 days per week, for 3 hours per day. Our outpatient level of care combines individual services (addiction counseling, individual psychotherapy, bio-feedback, mind-body practice, and breath work) for 1-3 hours per week.

Are you struggling with panic attacks? Intrusive thoughts that get stuck in your head? Are you feeling more stressed in relationships, work or school? Are you someone that has always been a worrier and would like to change? I can help! Anxiety and OCD Unstuck Therapy specializes in research backed treatment for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders for children (8+), teens and adults. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. CBT is a researched backed treatment that is effective for anxiety, OCD and depression. CBT is a goal based therapy that takes a hands-on approach, involves problem solving and learning specific techniques to help you manage and reduce your struggles. I believe that each person is unique. Counseling strategies must be collaborative and focused on the person's individual needs, style and goals. Finding a therapist that is a good fit can be challenging, please visit my website to schedule a free 15 phone consultation to see if I am a good fit for what you are looking for.

Are you ready to take the first step toward living the life you always wanted? Would you like to start making changes in your life so you can become your best-self? Our mission is to help every client live a happy and fulfilling life, full of meaning and purpose. We set specific, measurable, and attainable treatment goals so you will start seeing progress right away. We have several clinicians from various backgrounds and will match you with the clinician who you feel is a good fit for you. We offer virtual sessions so we are able to meet anytime, wherever you are.

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The first step to seeking help can be intimidating and the most difficult. Therapy can bring clarity and an expanded view of what’s possible. The more we understand ourselves and our experiences, the more control we have over living a life that is congruent with who we are. As your therapist, I will support you in navigating difficult emotions, better understanding yourself and accessing your strengths so you can feel like yourself again. I specialize in treating adults who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I create a non-judgmental space that promotes curiosity and healing. As a registered art therapist, I’m trained in providing art-based and traditional therapy sessions. I want to help you thrive and to not feel defined by the challenges you face but the resilience you possess. If you are looking for relief from challenging symptoms or looking for someone to offer consistent care and support, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Joanna has 20 years of professional experience as a school psychologist and most currently as a licensed educational psychologist providing in-depth psychological, educational, socio-emotional, and behavioral support to children, adolescents, young adults, families, educators, professionals, and para-professionals in both the public and private sectors. Since 2001, she has served as a psychologist across Los Angeles and Orange County providing detailed, comprehensive assessments & evaluations, trainings, consultation, and counseling for individuals and groups.

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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina (LMFT 10386 Arizona, LMFT 20460 North Carolina, LMFT 8265 South Carolina, LMFT 155822 California). I specialize in working with individuals, young adults, and couples/families. My approach to therapy is collaborative and focused on helping all clients feel safe and comfortable in sessions so that change is more likely to occur. I am passionate about helping others heal so that they can feel fulfilled and aligned in life. I love helping clients feel unstuck and helping them get back in touch with their authentic selves so that they can know their worth. I believe that we are all capable of healing and that we have the ability to heal ourselves with the right resources and supports. I used intuitive approaches when working with clients and our work is tailored to fit your needs. I have advanced training in Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which allows me to understand how clients’ attachment histories have led to insecurities, feeling stuck, low self-esteem, trauma responses, interpersonal conflict, disconnection in relationships and negative narratives. This model allows individuals and families to heal past hurts and get unstuck from repetitive negative patterns. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which is an empirically validated model for trauma therapy, and Brainspotting (BSP) Therapy. These models focus on resolving ongoing trauma symptoms by helping the brain and body process information that is uncomfortable or disturbing so that the information is less painful.

Note: I offer easy-to-use and secure remote video sessions. We all need help from time to time, and as a licensed psychotherapist I’m here to help you make things better. If you’re having problems that are tough to solve all by yourself, I’m here to share what I know, to help you figure out how you got here, and to work with you to change things. I specialize in an approach called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or “CBT.” Your experience of therapy will be as practical and “user-friendly” as possible, so that you’re always clear about how we see the problem and how and why we’re making changes. We want to help you feel better as soon as possible, and stay that way.

Hi, I'm Paige - it's nice to meet you! I am a licensed therapist in California with multiple years of professional experience, dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, self-esteem, motivation, confidence, and life transitions. We will build your resilience together! My philosophy is to meet each client exactly where they are at, and adapting our therapy relationship to fit their needs. I wholeheartedly believe that as a therapist, I am just a guide during your journey rather than a leader. With a person-centered approach, I adapt to what works best for you, weaving in different modalities to support your journey. We’ll navigate the hard stuff together, honor your resilience, and yes, probably share a few laughs along the way. Healing doesn’t have to be lonely—you don’t have to do it alone. I am a partner with Headway - if we work together, we will use their platform!

At I Heart Therapy, we specialize in helping college students navigate the pressures of young adulthood with compassion and real-world support. Whether you’re struggling with self-esteem, social anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or finding your identity, our therapists create a warm, judgment-free space where you can process what’s happening and build confidence in who you are. College can be an exciting time of freedom and discovery—but it can also feel overwhelming, lonely, or uncertain. Between managing academics, relationships, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel anxious, stuck, or like you’re not measuring up. We understand the college experience—how it can bring both independence and insecurity—and we’re here to help you find balance, heal from self-doubt, and feel more grounded and empowered in your next chapter.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or stuck, I recognize the impact it can have on your relationships, goals, self-esteem and how you feel in your mind and body. If you find yourself affected by difficult events, grief, and trauma from your past, I understand how it can interfere with daily life making it difficult to focus mentally, relax physically, and enjoy the things you once loved. You do not have to go through this alone. I am committed to providing compassionate support and guidance as we work together to find clarity, joy and reclaim ease in your mind, body and spirit. Change is possible. Healing is possible. My specialty is working with those who are suffering emotionally & overwhelmed with their past and present. I work with individuals wanting to break out of co-dependency, self-sabotaging, and trauma which can show up as chronic emotional/physical pain and leave you feeling stuck and confused. You don't have to figure this out on your own. The focus of our work will be to understand the cause of your suffering and how it is affecting your mind and body in the present. This allows us to create new ways of thinking and feeling which lead to less suffering. As an MFT and SEP my approach is somatic and insight oriented to support you in finding relief and creating the life you want.

I work with clients who are asking "Who am I, apart from the things I've done, as a student, or the job I have?" The work that we'll do together will help you to create a renewed sense of purpose and meaning through empathetic, insightful therapy. Whether you're grappling with burnout, the complexities of relationships, work-life balance, life transition, anxiety, grief, or depression, I will design treatment that matches your unique circumstances and helps you thrive in the world.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in transitional aged youth (18-26) and work best with highly sensitive people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and intense and unmanageable relationships.

College can feel like a rollercoaster, exciting one moment and overwhelming the next. Many of the students I work with are juggling the pressures of academics, relationships, and figuring out their future. You might be feeling stressed, stuck, or like you're falling behind, but you're not alone. I provide a safe, supportive space to help you sort through these challenges, build confidence, and find balance. Together, we'll work on making college and life feel a little less heavy and a lot more manageable.

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!