Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hey we get it. Life’s a lot right now. Between classes, work, family pressure, figuring out who you are, and trying to keep it together… it’s overwhelming. You might be anxious, stuck, burnt out, or just tired of pretending you're okay. At Freedom Within, we’re here to help you sort through all of it. Relationships, trauma, stress, identity, future plans, anxiety, we cover it all. No judgment. Just support that makes sense for where you’re at. We will help you cut through the BS and come out the other side with a better sense of self, identity and purpose. We have several different therapists and match you with the one who gets you. Someone you can feel safe talking to about even your most challenging struggles. We also offer nutrition counseling for those wanting to explore changes to diet and their impact on your mood and overall health! You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s figure it out together.

We are a team of highly specialized clinicians who offer in-depth, psychological services in a safe & comfortable setting. We accept many insurances, offer sliding fee scale, evening/weekend availability, & have both in-person sessions, as well as Telehealth appointments. Please visit our website for more information: DrSawires.com.

Welcome to Thrive! We are a group practice serving San Diego and the greater CA area as we are now offering online only sessions due to Covid19. We love working with college students and young adults and everyone in our office specializes in this age group. We tend to work with diverse clients in terms of their experiences and needs but always approach our work from a fun, collaborative, and client centered perspective. We focus on building relationships with our clients as our most important goal and then working towards the goals that client chooses. Plus, since there are 6 of us at Thrive, I believe that most students can find a therapist at Thrive who will be a good fit for them!

Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or overwhelmed by the everyday stresses of life? Perhaps anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges are weighing you down. Seeking meaningful change but finding it hard to move forward? Are you a member of a BIPOC community or other resilient community who is feeling isolated, overwhelmed and desiring a safe space to heal? My practice is warm, compassionate, and strength focused, emphasizing true collaboration. I prioritize creating a secure, welcoming setting where every client feels heard, seen and respected—a vital foundation for addressing deeply personal issues. I believe this is the foundation of a good working relationship to address such sensitive personal matters. Drawing from evidence based modalities—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic work, multicultural frameworks, and mindfulness—I tailor my approach to each person’s unique story, identities, and challenges. By honoring your individual experience, we can work together toward lasting well being and the changes you envision.

Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with young adults looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. I help individuals by first identifying the negative patterns that are holding you back and then establishing a plan to move things forward. I emphasize a strengths-based approach in my practice. I have specialized training and experience treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance/alcohol abuse, and trauma. My office is conveniently located in La Jolla and is walking distance to UCSD. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have and to explore if I am the right fit for you or your family. Telehealth services provided through Doxy.me; super bills provided for insurance reimbursement. I look forward to speaking with you.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s hills and valleys – moments where you’re climbing, coasting, or just trying to catch your breath. We get it. We’ve been there too. And we believe no one should have to walk that terrain alone. Everybody deserves quality mental health and access to wellness. With warmth, humor, and zero judgment, we help you navigate your unique path with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

I have made it my life's mission to learn what it means to live well, passionately and intentionally, so I may live the best life I am capable of living. Part of that mission is to support others through a similar journey, showing them that they are worth loving by attending to their holistic needs--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I deeply believe I can only lead people in their growth process as far as I’ve been willing to go myself. The “success” I feel as a psychologist is directly connected to my capacity to live my life with the love, intention, and courage I’m trying to model. Though I have the clinical background to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues, I have a special interest in working with personal growth and existential issues, relational issues, self-acceptance, mens issues, and college-age/young adult issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I have always been passionate about understanding others. I believe that most peoples’ actions and beliefs make sense once you understand the full context of their stories. However, we often judge others instead of taking the time to do this. Having a non-judgmental space to explore one’s emotions and experiences is a gift I believe everyone should have access to. Therapy is special because in addition to providing that non-judgmental space, I also can offer practical tools and support for mental health based on my education and experience as a therapist. During our first session, I will ask you to share about why you are seeking therapy and what goals feel important to you. Then, we’ll talk about the ways I can support you in reaching those goals. It’s important to know that I always assume the best in my clients, and my only goal for you is that you are able to live in a way that aligns with your own values and aspirations. Sometimes, I will point out when my clients actions don’t align with their values, as this enables us to truly reflect and grow. Every client has a different comfort level when it comes to how much and how soon they share things with me. I build trust with my clients by showing up consistently and honestly, and I trust that my clients will share things with me when they’re ready. In my past work, I have especially connected with young adults who are processing childhood trauma. I also have had many Asian American clients who are interested in further exploring their cultural identities in therapy. Whatever your background, it would be an honor to work with you and be part of your story.

Thank you for finding your way here. I hope you find the emotional and relational support need for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and online teletherapy . Schedule a 15-minute initial consultation today. Serving all of California via teletherapy. Our personal journey is both joyous and challenging. Life brings us things where sometimes we become lost and struggle. During these times, we may need to reach out to someone who is caring and nurturing - someone who will listen and is knowledgeable. As a depth-oriented and body centered psychotherapist, I believe that creating a deeper connection between our physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual self, we can move forward in life with greater ease and experience the world anew. We have the opportunity to become more authentic with our self, others, and life. My goal during our sessions is to create a container that is safe, caring, and trusting. By working together, you will become better able to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges in your life. You will become more receptive to the possibilities that await you and better able to move toward goals that bring greater satisfaction and commitment in your life. I look forward to meeting with you. You are welcome to make an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute session so we can get to know one another.

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships.  Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work.  I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations. My holistic approach incorporates body, mind and spirit to help you create your full personal and relational potential.  In my practice, I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic awareness, meditation and mindfulness practices, movement, and other modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.  I would be honored to support you on your journey.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you. My practice specializes in treating individuals, couples and families, and through years of experience, I’m confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future.

Many of the students I work with feel overwhelmed trying to figure out who they are and what they want, especially in a time that feels uncertain and constantly changing. You might be thinking about your future while also holding awareness of things like climate change, global crises, or instability in the world, which can make everything feel heavier or harder to make sense of. Some students I work with are dealing with habits like skin picking or hair pulling, while others feel burnt out, anxious, or like they’re trying to keep up but struggling internally. I take a relational and systemic approach, looking at both what’s happening internally and the larger context you’re living in, while also offering practical tools to support change. Many of my clients are thoughtful and aware, trying to make sense of themselves and the world around them. Therapy can be a space to slow things down and find ways to move forward that feel more grounded and realistic.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the academic rigors of college? Are you struggling to make new friends? Do you notice you're not sleeping enough and feeling more irritable and stressed out? These are very common struggles as a college student. I am a Latina psychologist who loves working collaboratively with college students in learning how to better navigate their emotions and make self-care a priority. I look forward to speaking with you and determining if I'm the right therapist for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I help college and graduate students navigate relationships, family expectations, identity, academic and career stress, and major life transitions. My approach is relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in helping you better understand yourself and your patterns so you can feel more connected, confident, and clear about what comes next. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist with a background in both mental health and law, I understand that the challenges students face often involve more than one part of their lives. I provide a supportive space to work through relationships, belonging, cultural or family pressures, uncertainty, and change.

As an effective professional, I assist clients in reaching their goals. My therapeutic style emanates warmth, compassion and professionalism. My approach is collaborative, authentic and client-centered. I empower clients by building upon their strengths. I provide a safe, caring and nonjudgmental environment. Each session promotes personal growth and success!

Dr. Ray and her team of therapists are committed to providing their clientele with support AND direction to help cultivate real changes in their lives, and they work together as a community to create an atmosphere of positive growth and change. The overall value of this company is to assist each client in a way that it has a lasting impact on bettering the overall community in which we live. ​Let Advanced Health Care join with you to create a healthier, happier, and more productive life. Whatever YOUR goals may be, let US help you to achieve them. Whether you dream to be a happier person, to have better relationships, to feel less anxious, to be a better parent, to stop an unhealthy habit, or to simply understand yourself better, we are here for you. Whatever YOUR goals may be, our team can help you to achieve them.

Life is often full of surprises, ups and downs, and unexpected challenges. In times of struggles and uncertainties, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength to reach out for help and experience positive transformation. As a first generation Chinese American, I experienced first-hand the challenges of relational brokenness and intergenerational trauma. Through my own healing journey, I had to unpack the roots of my inner critic and learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship with myself and others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, which has deepened my commitment to creating a compassionate space where healing can happen. It is my hope that we can collaborate and work through the pains of life and create a life that you have envisioned. In my clinical work, I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unresolved emotional injuries, AAPI/BIPOC mental health, intergenerational and relational trauma. I approach my clinical work through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) in my clinical work and tailor my treatment to each person’s unique journey.