Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

You and your life isn’t one note. You are multifaceted and the demands you face happen to be as well – particularly when you are a student. Currently, the sound-track of your life has moved away from the sounds of a harmonious symphony -or maybe from an upbeat pop song- to something more unnerving and stressful (like the alarm you use to wake up to in the morning or the background music in a horror film—building tension, bracing yourself from some known or unknown threat). It makes sense that life has been overwhelming -increased responsibilities and life demands alone would contribute to this feeling. Add fears about the future, a recent breakup, challenging relationship dynamics with family, and/or other stressors and you might find yourself tipping the scales of your emotional bandwidth. I help students focus on the unique aspects of their lives that are no longer serving them – with empathy, tools, problem-solving, and emotional healing and growth. I believe you can have a richer and higher-quality of life– free from the overwhelming influence of your current life demands, harmful past experiences, poor modeling, and environmental toxicities (psychological). Call me to schedule an initial consultation (415) 356-9897 or fill out contact form https://www.alexandrialeedy.com/take-action.

Hi! I am a licensed therapist practicing in person in Santa Cruz, Ca as well as virtually throughout the state of California. I primarily work with neurodivergent individuals (ages 13+), individuals looking to process trauma, and individuals/families looking to learn new coping skills. Take a peek at my website and reach out with any questions!

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience working with individuals that are dealing with mental health issues across their lifespan. I believe my experience as a first-generation college student has helped me make connections between the mental health issues we face with the addition of the insecurities and overwhelming experiences encounter simply by becoming a college student. I have experience providing services to help those facing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger, parenting support, men’s mental health issues, and various other presenting problems. I use my trauma-informed background and lessons learned in my own experience to gently help guide you toward a new shift in mindset that you want to establish, guided through your strengths, and with empathy every step of the way.

Navigating your college years is a massive transition. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, shifting relationship dynamics, or anxiety about the future, you do not have to figure it out alone. I have been a therapist since 2011, and as a trauma specialist, I help young adults find their footing. As a UC Berkeley grad, I know firsthand the weight of high expectations. My approach is collaborative and conversational. I bring warmth and genuine care to our sessions. We will work as a team, using strategies focused on finding solutions to get to the root of what is holding you back while building practical tools for resilience. Our first session is simply a safe, supportive space to start unpacking what is on your mind. We move at your pace. Reach out today, and let's start exploring what true healing looks like for you.

The thing that inspires me most to work in mental healthcare is my desire to help people live the best lives they possibly can. I have always believed that the relationship you have with your clients is the most important foundational part of successful therapy. I foster that by providing a warm, inviting, non-judgmental space for my clients to be open and to feel heard, validated and supported. With my clients, I try to make sure they feel understood and like they know what to expect as we work through the healing process.

Hello, I’m Jessica Martinez, a licensed mental health therapist providing evidence-based care since 2011. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, problem gambling, relationship and marriage issues, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. My approach integrates leading therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method couples therapy, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you feel understood and empowered. By tailoring treatment to your specific needs, I help individuals, couples, and families gain clarity, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting change.

Hello. I am Courtney. I’ve lived in Ventura County my whole life. Giving back to my community and helping those who need direction is very important to me. I received my undergraduate degree from Cal State Channel Islands University in Psychology. I graduated from Alliant International University with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently working with clients that are young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients that are: a part of the LGBTQ+ community, mood disorders, anxiety, separation anxiety, ADHD, grief, postpartum depression, and navigating transitional life stages. How I ensure my clients feel heard and understood in sessions is, I tend to ask at the end of my sessions how the session went. It’s important to me my clients’ feel like they are in a safe talking space and they are feeling heard. When working with clients I like to meet the client where they are in their journey to healing. I am passionate about giving my clients the tools to support healthy coping skills and helping clients gain agency in their lives. The types of modalities that I like to use during my sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aspects of Dialectic Behavioral Health (DBT),and strength based therapy.

Many struggle with anxiety and depression, and this is not uncommon. Whether it be nervousness, sadness, relational difficulties, or feeling like we aren't where we are "supposed to be" in life, there are many obstacles that cause us to feel "stuck." My job as a therapist is to help you get "unstuck" by aiding you in better understanding the underlying factors contributing to these difficulties, many of which are often rooted in thinking habits and relational patterns. My primary focus is on anxiety and depression, and how the combination of unhealthy thinking and unhealthy relational patterns cause us to feel anxious and depressed. I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) both of which are approaches proven to assist with anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between how we think and our mood, and Interpersonal Therapy focuses on the connection between how we relate to others and our mood. I understand that you are busy, and therefore offer early morning and evening hours, and I am also available through telehealth. Many find telehealth convenient, as you can be anywhere in the state, and we can still meet.

I was trained at Yale and Columbia University, and I was a Clinical Associate Professor (affiliate) at Stanford University for 15 years. Recently, the American Psychology Association bestowed me the Fellow status, an honor for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in Clinical Psychology (Division 12). I am also a full Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am very experienced in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition, I have trained and supervised hundreds of psychologists and therapists, including Ph.D. students and post-doctoral trainees in many universities and clinical settings.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

I specialize in helping adults and couples overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and people pleasing in their relationships. I will help you understand what your needs are so you can advocate, build boundaries, and thrive in your relationships. I know it can feel isolating to have anxiety, especially when it interferes with communication in your relationships, ability to be productive, present in the moment, and calm. Sometimes the courage in asking for help can help you build more trust in others and in yourself. Once you know your needs, you will feel empowered to make these changes and feel less anxious. With me, you will learn ways to regulate your emotions and communicate more clearly to build confidence and trust. I will work with you at your own pace. We do not have to dive right into what may feel uncomfortable to share. Let's first build trust and ease into the process. If you are interested in working together, I encourage you to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!

I work best with those who are committed to their healing and wellbeing journey. My practice is holistic focused with a body-mind-spirit connection. I work from an Energy Psychology framework and include Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping) to support healing in the energy body system. I have a passion for the integration of indigenous practices into modern psychology. I offer a free 20 min phone initial consultation. Please refer to my website for more information.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.

Client's that work well with my collaborative style are often people who are struggling with life transitions. I often connect with people who are working to find different methods to manage anxiety and perfectionism. I also hold space in my practice for queer couples.

As an immigrant who identifies as Chinese/Chinese American, I understand the challenges and nuances of growing up bicultural and have helped individuals/families navigate these issues. I am committed to understanding each client’s unique experiences with various identities (e.g., culture, race, ethnicity, gender), as well as the intersectionality of these identities, family values, and belief systems. As a result, I view my clients as whole people, rather than just focusing on diagnoses and symptoms. I approach each client with curiosity and am committed to helping you connect with yourself and others, nourish your growth, and flourish in all areas of your life. My approach is warm, collaborative, direct, open, and honest. I have worked with the following: ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, academic stress, emotion regulation issues, life transitions, identity development, gender/racial/sexual identity, family conflict, and LGBTQ+ issues. I utilize an integrative approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based treatments when warranted.

I have over a decade of experience serving young adults/adults struggling with issues related to identity, culture, addiction, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. These issues can greatly impact a person's capacity to manage school and work performance and create interpersonal/relationship difficulties. I have a specialty serving individuals from Asian American/immigrant/people of color communities.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common — and most misunderstood — experiences people face. You might feel like you should be able to "just push through it," but the truth is these are real conditions that deserve real support. Working together, we'll identify the thought patterns and behaviors that are keeping you stuck, and build practical tools to help you feel more like yourself again. Whether it's persistent worry, low mood, panic, or a sense of numbness — you don't have to keep carrying this alone. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and strengths-based techniques, I'll tailor our sessions to what actually works for you.