Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with diverse students who are struggling with the impact of an overwhelming life event or transition. I specialize in sexual trauma and PTSD, but have experience working with students around relationship issues, emotion regulation, anxiety and/or depressed mood, body image concerns, self-esteem, and sexual orientation and gender identity.

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.

If you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles, I’m here to support your journey toward healing and self-understanding. Therapy is a process, and I’m committed to helping you build resilience and stronger connections every step of the way.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you're looking for a therapist who you can count on to be authentic and direct—let's connect! Whatever concerns you’re bringing to therapy, you can depend on me to take your priorities seriously. As a therapist, my style is conversational—with a little bit of humor—but I’m also ready to get to work. We’ll work together to clarify your goals and a plan to achieve them. I'll help you challenge your thinking when your mindset is getting in the way, and can keep us on track to finding solutions when you need it. I can also step back from the practical stuff to offer support and insight, because sometimes therapy means slowing down. My clients are typically Black women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking to improve their relationships with themselves and others. I support clients through life transitions, and also work well with clients addressing identity issues, anxiety, and ADHD. I know that starting therapy can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and transformation. If you've got the courage to take the first step, I invite you to reach out today!

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I strongly believe in meeting a person where they are at and fostering a client-centered approach to recovery. I have worked with a wide variety of disorders. I have extensive experience with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, work stress, crisis, relationship problems, behavior problems, and school stress. I have assisted with Life Coaching, Solution-Focusing therapy, ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and goal setting. I work with my client on identifying goals and breaking them down into achievable steps.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California. My approach to therapy is client-centered; that is, I want to work on what you want to work on! You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer insight to help you meet your goals. My career has been focused on working with children, adolescents, and adults who have been mandated to therapy. At this time, I would like to work with and adults who are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. My typical therapeutic modalities are the Psychodynamic approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Problem Solving Therapy. In addition, I incorporate concepts of Trauma-Informed practices and Systems Theory to help meet the needs of the client. I have a professional, authentic style. I also have a dark sense of humor that helps some clients feel like our sessions are a judgment-free zone. I tend to follow the cues and needs of the clients to ensure I am not crossing any boundaries with which the client would not feel comfortable. Please contact me if you feel like this would we would be a good fit.

I became a therapist because I know what it is like to need extra support through life’s many curveballs. I became a therapist to give back, and am driven by the honor of getting to be a part of someone’s healing journey. I enjoy celebrating successes with my clients! I believe you are the most reliable narrator in your own story, and work with clients to promote empowerment in their own therapeutic experience. I work to create an authentic therapeutic space by utilizing humor, warmth, and collaboration. I empower clients to find answers within themselves and identify solutions that work to relieve their personal stressors. I guide clients to explore underlying thoughts and challenge themselves by emphasizing compassion and safety. I allow time for clients to ask any of their own questions they may have about myself or therapy in general and welcome feedback to ensure clients are receiving the best support possible. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a hobby ballerina! I also play Dungeons&Dragons. I am a firm believer in the importance of honoring our inner child through interests and play.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgment. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood by working collaboratively with them to stay on track with their goals. I invite regular feedback during sessions to ensure we are meeting their needs and addressing any concerns they may have. This ongoing communication helps me tailor the therapeutic process to their individual needs, fostering a sense of partnership and understanding. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in virtual therapy, free of judgment and shame. I use humor, creativity, and metaphors to help clients connect with deeper parts of themselves, making the process more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, I follow their lead and respect their pace when addressing difficult issues, which helps create a sense of safety, respect, and partnership in our work together. I’m a big believer in small, everyday rituals, whether that’s my morning coffee routine or my daily walk in nature. It often opens the door to conversations about balance, structure, and the importance of simple habits that support well-being.”

I was inspired to become a therapist through my genuine interest in understanding people and supporting them during difficult moments in their lives. I’ve always believed that with the right support, insight, and compassion, people are capable of growth and meaningful change. Being a therapist allows me to walk alongside others as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely listened to. I do this through active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting back what I hear to ensure I understand your experiences accurately. I also check in regularly to make sure our work feels helpful and aligned with your goals. Therapy is collaborative, and your voice guides the process. My role is to support you with curiosity, compassion, and consistency so you feel heard and understood throughout our work together. Working together looks collaborative, supportive, and paced to your comfort level. We start by building trust through consistency, transparency, and respect, making sure you understand the process and feel safe asking questions or sharing feedback. I work to create a nonjudgmental space where your experiences are honored, and we move at a pace that feels right for you. Over time, trust grows as you feel heard, supported, and see our work align with your goals and needs.

As a therapist, I’m here to be supportive of your goals and help you feel confident in taking your next step towards rediscovering you. I believe in being authentic and invite you to come as you are by being your true self. I’ll help challenge your perspective and reframe any unhelpful thinking that may be getting in the way of your life. Life is already difficult with enough uncertainty in the world, but having a safe place to talk freely about yourself and the things that impact you is greatly needed. My clients are typically women, BIPOC, LGBTQ and others that are looking for a place to take the mask off, improve their self-identity and esteem, improve their relationships, and take steps toward building the best versions of themselves.

My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face today. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, perfectionism, or just feeling stuck, this is a space where you don’t have to go through it alone. I believe therapy works best when we work as a team. Together, we’ll explore what support looks like for you emotionally, academically, socially, and beyond. My goal is to help you understand yourself better, build on your strengths, and create a path that feels true to who you are and where you want to go. This process is about you, and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I am passionate about helping clients obtained their Highest Potential. I believe in, and have benefited from, therapy to overcome life challenges including childhood trauma. I am an advocate for a client centered therapeutic relationship and enjoy working with individuals from different socioeconomic levels as well as cultural and religious backgrounds. I have a strong belief in the benefits of cultural humility creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for my clients to process their feelings, guide their discovery, learn new skills; which in turn enables them to work towards healing and achieving goals. I am grounded in Spiritual Depth Psychology and cultivate a non-judgmental compassionate space in which the client feels safe. I practice mindfulness in the session and show warms and non-judgment, no matter is shared. I acknowledge if misunderstanding occur and repair ruptures with transparency and humility.

Being able to help others learn how to thrive, not just survive, in their lives and find fulfilment are just a few of the reasons I love my job! Change can feel like hard work and I‘m honored to be able to help make change more accessible to those wanting to grow into their potential. I strive to provide a safe place to empower and encourage members in finding and growing into your best you. My techniques are highly strength-based and I use collaboration with members to reach their goals. You are the expert of you and I am here to help you build awareness and skills that fit for you and your needs. I specialize in an eclectic mode of therapy which means I like to create a session that is unique to you, your needs, and your goals. I use evidence-based skills and practices from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Humanistic or Person-Centered Therapy. I am a believer in the holistic treatment of the mind-body-spirit connection and a strong advocate for self-care and awareness. I work with individual adults with many experiences and life circumstances such as medical or chronic health and pain issues, burnout (work or personal), ethical non-monogamous relationships, and much more.

What inspired me to become a therapist is a deep curiosity about people, healing, and how change happens through connection and experience. My work has been shaped by an integrative background that includes Depth Psychology, trauma-informed care, Polyvagal Theory, CBT, ACT, Positive Psychology, Family Systems work, and experience with somatic and experiential approaches, including equine-assisted work and the arts. I’ve also been influenced by academic and lived experiences exploring culture, creativity, and recovery, including work on trauma, addiction recovery, and meaning-making after distress. I aim to make sure you feel heard by really slowing down and staying present with both your words and your emotional experience. I tend to check in often to make sure I’m understanding you correctly and that we’re capturing what feels most important to you. My approach is grounded in attunement, curiosity, and creating a space where your experience is taken seriously without judgment or rushing toward solutions. Working together is a collaborative and relational process that unfolds over time. I draw from somatic, experiential, and trauma-informed frameworks, and we focus on building safety, consistency, and trust first. I often integrate mind-body awareness, reflective dialogue, and practical strategies depending on your needs. My background also includes teaching dance, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to veterans, as well as exploring nonverbal communication and relational dynamics through equine work and movement-based practices. All of this informs how I help clients feel grounded, understood, and supported as they move toward meaningful change at their own pace. I earned my first degree at UW Madison. Sometimes to break the ice with couples, I will let them know that I taught ballroom dancing though mini courses and the University extension to help pay college living expenses. In those days, I often wore combat boots to teach.

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.

With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.

I find inspiration in helping others that are struggling with mental health problems. My clients have my attention, support, and feel heard and validated. I also collaborate with them to address their problems or distress. As a registered therapist, I strive to meet the client where they are at in life and help them move forward in their individual goals. I work with people from all age groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, states of life (pregnancy), and the LGBTQ population. I have experience working with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, grief and loss, trauma symptomatology, medical conditions, and dual diagnoses. I have a passion for reaching out, connecting and relieving mental suffering. I have specialized training working in the following areas: CBT, DBT, Clinical Sexology training in Florida, and TRAUMA training in SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), EMDR. I have worked with couples using the Gottman method, attachment issues and communication skills. My PhD is in international psychology and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds.

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.