Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hi there, I'm Cindia! I get it. It is becoming more difficult to find balance in a rapidly changing world. Increasing school, work and personal demands, constant connectivity, and the pace of modern life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. I’m passionate about guiding clients to slow down, regulate their nervous system, and create more balance in their lives. My focus I support adults (18 and older) with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety, and depression. My practice focuses on introverts who need space to recharge and highly sensitive people (HSPs) who may feel overstimulated and overwhelmed, including college students, working professionals, and people navigating career transitions. My approach I utilize a holistic and integrative perspective to support your wellness. Holistic means that I consider the whole person by taking into consideration different areas of your life that may impact your well-being. Integrative means that I draw from multiple therapeutic approaches and tailor interventions to best meet your individual needs. My communication style My communication style is gentle, authentic, and compassionate. I often hear my clients say, “I feel very comfortable with you,” due to my presence. I’m gentle in helping you slow down and stay present, authentic in communicating transparently, and compassionate in creating a supportive space where you can be yourself without judgment. My journey to mental healthcare Counseling is my second career. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in marketing for over 10 years, primarily in the security software technology industry in the Bay Area. I decided to make this transition to better align my career with my values of holistic wellness, self-care, personal growth, minimalism, and helping others. My goals for you I take a collaborative approach to your wellness goals. To set goals, I take the time to listen to what you have in mind and offer personalized recommendations informed by my holistic and integrative perspective. To help you reach your goals, I monitor your progress through your feedback, evidence-based questionnaires, and my clinical observations. Our first session During our first session, I’ll welcome you, briefly introduce myself, review confidentiality, and address your questions. We’ll spend most of the session completing an initial holistic assessment to understand what areas of your life may be contributing to imbalance and collaborate to identify preliminary wellness goals.

Catherine O'Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, speaker, educator and college professor. She has dedicated her life's work to helping new and expecting parents navigate the challenges of parenthood. As a mother of two children, Catherine understands the overwhelming nature of parenting and wants to help couples thrive during this transition instead of just surviving. She founded HappyWithBaby.com to provide counseling and coaching services for new parents and offers courses to help parents manage expectations of parenthood and understand the developmental milestones of infants and children. As a college professor, Catherine's perspective on parents' challenges while juggling multiple responsibilities is unique and valuable. Her life's work is about enabling parents to look at their own lives with the same compassion and unconditional love they generously give to their families. Take advantage of the counseling, coaching, and courses that Catherine offers. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while also pursuing your academic goals.

My practice integrates relational psychodynamic and politicized somatic lineages and I love working with survivors of trauma, queer community, neurodivergent community, young adults, social justice organizers, artists, deep feelers, and outsiders.

I am inspired to work in mental health to build rapport with members and to help members identify, process, and heal from mental health symptoms and trauma. I am inspired to help members harness their inner voice and help them to improve self-worth as well as to help them change their narratives to a positive outlook in life. I ensure members are heard by bringing in empathy, demonstrating unconditional positive regard, triaging and creating collaborate treatment goals that members are amenable to work on, employ active listening, and show reflective listening. I build trust with storytelling, to start where the member is at, to not judge member, and to ask clarifying questions to get their lived experiences. I implement miracle questions, Socratic questioning, and provide homework assignments for accountability.

College is a remarkably strange time in our lives, because so many things can be true at once. On one hand, it’s what we’ve been waiting for, and when that day arrives, we are indeed motivated, happy, and independent, and yet, the inevitable finds a way to creep back into our lives. We also feel startlingly overwhelmed, stuck in our head, and deeply unsure of what the future holds. We want to be surprised by just how much the new daily routine, relationships, family, purpose, and other people’s perceptions of us still seem to govern us, but there is also a voice inside of us that always knew the old patterns would resurface. I help young adults navigate that liminal space for when you want something more out of life, are eager about therapy as an avenue for finding it, and already exhausted the list of coping skills you found on TikTok. Therapy is a space where we get to go much deeper. We understand where the pattern came from, what it has been doing for you, what’s been happening underneath, whether it still fits the person you are & who you’re becoming, and what you can do that can actually help it shift. My work supports those struggling with cognitive overload & overwhelm, high-functioning anxiety, relationship stress, attachment patterns, trauma, perfectionism, identity emergence, and late-diagnosed neurodivergence. I like making connections and noticing the patterns with you, especially the ones that can be harder to recognize from the inside looking in, or difficult to make comprehend when trying to persist in holding all of it alone. Sometimes you know exactly what you want support in. Sometimes you don’t. You’re not sure of how you got here, why this awful feeling won’t go away, and if it ever truly will. The beauty is this: You don’t need to have it figured out in this space. A lot of the work is being curious together, making sense of the whole picture, learning to tolerate what remains ambiguous, and evermore creating more room for clarity, agency, and a life that feels like yours (that IS yours). Maybe you CAN have the life you’ve always imagined having.

My inspiration to work in the mental health field is to meet the individuals I serve where they are at in their mental health journey. My drive is to provide understanding, empathy, and knowledge to the individuals I work with and to empower them to improve their quality of life. I hope to impact those I serve in a positive way, help them find their strengths, talents and learn to love themselves. Before I was a therapist, I was a certified nurse assistant. As a certified nurse assistant, I saw many of my clients in their most vulnerable state, and alone. I came to find out through my experience that even though I helped my clients with their daily activities, the most important aspect of my job was listening to my clients with an empathetic ear and being by their side during their hardest times. Once I realized I made more of a difference by just listening to my client’s feelings and being there for them, I realized my purpose was to become a therapist. I enjoy building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients by meeting the client where they are at in their recovery, by utilizing humor and providing a safe and empathic environment for clients to share. The methods, approaches and philosophies I use in treatment to build trust with clients are motivational interviewing, crisis interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused-based therapy, narrative therapy, role-play therapy, strength-based approach, behavioral theory, system theory, empowerment theory, and social theory. I have had the honor to build trust and work with all ages, 0-99 years old. I enjoy working with all people from all backgrounds. I have a background working with children and teens in the foster care system, aging adults in skilled nursing home facilities, individuals in mental health stabilization care, and in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I am someone who truly values life and believes in making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. I enjoy learning new things and continuously expanding my knowledge, both personally and professionally. Staying active in my community is very important to me, especially when it comes to advocating for and supporting the people I serve. I take pride in being involved, listening to others’ needs, and working to help create positive change. My passion for helping others, combined with my love for learning and community involvement, motivates me to continue growing and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

Our clinicians are trained in numerous evidence based and best practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I enjoy working with young adults as they balance new adulthood, get to really know who they are, and anticipate the challenges of the life looming ahead of them. It often feels like everyone around seems to think you should already have all of this figured out... but it really is ok to feel unsure right now. Seeking out a therapist to address these unknowns shows that you are capable of inviting new ways of thinking, new ways understanding yourself and those around you, and willing to put in the time and effort to grow into this life you are making. I would be happy to be one of your support team members as you work through this time in your life.

If you're looking for a therapist who brings authenticity, warmth, and a feminist sensibility to their work, I might be the person to help! I typically work with clients who find themselves at complex intersections of identity, especially around sexuality, gender and culture. I love working with students—previously at SJSU CAPS and currently at a private group practice. Many of my clients are AAPI children of immigrants, and/or queer and trans people of color, navigating questions about family and relationships. I can offer an affirming space work through intergenerational trauma and feelings of cultural guilt or shame. I am also able to support clients with common concerns like anxiety, depression, stress management & more. As a therapist I am interested understanding your life story as you tell it, and I'm here to help you figure out the next chapter. My goal is to help you feel greater clarity, freedom & control as the author of your story. I incorporate practical tools into my work, so that you develop new skills to deal with painful feelings and thoughts. If what I offer resonates with you, I invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation. You'll have a chance to get all your questions about therapy answered, and schedule an intake with me (no pressure!)

We are a group of Psychotherapists who provide treatment for an extensive range of mental and emotional disorders using psychological techniques aimed to improve a person’s overall psyche. We work with adults of all ages, adolescents and children as young as four. All of our Psychotherapists are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists with extensive training in counseling psychology.

Starting therapy can be an exciting and daunting process. Working with a therapist allows you to have an unbiased third party listen to your story, validate your feelings and emotions and help foster and provide insight and support. Therapy can help you learn new strategies and techniques to help you better tolerate distress and view thoughts, feelings and situations differently. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where we can work together to identify and process issues you have been facing. Together we can reflect on previous thinking patterns and behaviors that have led to distress and discuss new options and possibilities.

You want to feel like a team again. But lately, it’s been harder to talk without tension or connect without effort. Under the surface, something’s missing: trust that your relationship is solid, the comfort of being understood and appreciated, or the closeness that makes you feel like you’re truly in it together. Couples counseling helps you shift out of reactive cycles and into meaningful connection. You’ll learn to communicate with care, listen with empathy, and build a foundation that is steady and supportive so your relationship feels like home again. I see couples in person in San Luis Obispo and online across California, Washington, Florida, and South Carolina.

The Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program is for individuals with moderate to severe levels of anxiety whose needs have not been effectively met through weekly individual or group therapy sessions. It is also for individuals whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities such as work, school and relationships, which can result in isolation and depression. Clients work individually with a behavioral specialist so that each person’s unique needs are addressed. This level of service we offer is highly rare and unique as you will find that most facilities offer limited one-on-one treatment and focus more on a group based approach.

Ally Counseling and Therapy is a women-owned practice in Chelsea and Long Island City. Our practice focuses on developing relationships with our clients, community, and our natural environment. Our practice is safe, culturally sensitive, and inclusive for all people to participate in psychotherapy. We are affirming all LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse individuals. We are dedicated to teaching and empowering people to understand, improve, and take responsibility for their own emotions, relationships, and intimacy. ​ Services at Ally Counseling and Therapy focus on cultural adjustment issues, racial identity concerns, trauma-focused treatment, women's issues, parenting struggles, parental mental health, anxiety and depression, the identification and treatment of psychosexual and relationship problems, infidelity, LGBTQIA+ issues, and more. ​ We focus on innovative interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Family Therapy (IFS), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Sex Therapy, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Life Coaching, and animal-assisted therapy. We are strength-based and solution-focused. Our practice is located in Chelsea and Long Island City NYC. We warmly welcome people all over the world to be a part of our community through Telehealth services.

Throughout my career I have worked directly with people in a variety of settings including; child welfare, home health and hospice, crisis intervention, aging and working with adults with disabilities. Working with crisis clients in a community mental health setting inspired me on my path to supporting individuals in their healing journey. In session I strive to be present, attentive, curious and non-judgmental to learn about each person’s unique life experiences. Being a trauma survivor myself, I believe in the strength and resiliency that exists in each and every one of us. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify strategies and solutions to address any of your challenges. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, client-centered and relationship-based; focusing on empowering client’s to make positive changes in their lives, developing their own tools and coping skills. I tailor my approach to the individual needs of each client, combining evidence-based practices with creative solutions to address each person’s individual unique life challenges.

Hi, I'm Katerina from Fire Poppy Therapy! I understand that we can't just "find 5 blue objects around me" to be able to deal with life's stressors, so let's work together to find some practical ways to process, cope, and thrive in the spaces you're in. I aim to make the therapy experience authentic and validating for those I work with. Believe it or not, you do know and have intuition of what's best for you, so we'll spend our time working to get the echoes of naysayers out of your head and amplifying the encouragement from yourself and others. The approach I take with our sessions is a more relaxed style and I use a variety of techniques to inform how I support you. I value practical self care and coping strategies, honoring your roots, and empowering my clients with knowledge about how their body and brain work. I also like to balance humor with reflection, encouragement with accountability. Check out my website for more info and/or send me an email if you'd like to set up a complimentary 15 minute Zoom meet-n-greet. Whether we work together or not, I hope you find what you need. [**side note for any clarification purposes] I'm firmly supportive of the following Communities in alpha order: Armenian, Congolese, Haitian, NHAAPI, Neurodiverse, Palestinian, PGM (People of the Global Majority), Pro-Liberation, Queer, Sudanese, SWANA.

Hi, I'm Chris! Im a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly a decade of experience working with diverse populations, including children and adolescents, homeless veterans, individuals struggling with substance use, and almost everything in between. My professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of relational dynamics and effective therapeutic techniques designed to alleviate distress in it's many forms and flavors such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life-cycle transitions. I am passionate about helping clients navigate life's challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help individuals heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Witnessing people transform—whether overcoming trauma, managing stress, feeling better about oneself, or improving relationships—gives me a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles and gain the tools to thrive. The resilience in each of us and the power of healing inspire me daily, and drive me to continually refine my approach and use effective methods like EMDR and mindfulness to support lasting change and well-being. Since 1992 I have worked in private practice, agencies, and hospital settings with a wide range of people who seek help in handling stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, transition, stage of life issues, relationship concerns, body image concerns, compulsive eating, and crises. A main specialty is recovery from trauma and abuse and I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)–a very effective tool–as well as techniques from other trauma therapies. I have an integrative approach and use tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress management and skill-building; cognitive-behavioral elements; parts work; focusing on strengths; and psycho-education. I am warm and approachable and my clients say that I make them feel safe and accepted. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. To ensure clients feel heard and understood, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where active listening is central. I validate their feelings, reflect back their words and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration. I regularly check in with clients for feedback on our work together, ensuring our approach is collaborative and aligned with their needs and goals. By integrating various therapeutic tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I offer a personalized approach that fosters trust and empathy, which helps clients feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and heard. I demonstrate empathy, consistency, and respect, which helps people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I am warm and compassionate and clients sense this. I honor each person’s experience and story. I am very comfortable with emotions and the truth of one’s experience, which helps clients be comfortable with their truth and sharing that with me. I actively listen and validate the emotions, while also being transparent about the therapeutic process. By tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and using techniques like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I foster collaboration and a sense of empowerment. Regular check-ins and feedback ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the client’s goals, reinforcing the trust and partnership essential to effective healing.

Hi, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been practicing since 2006 and have experience in both intense community mental health and private practice. I help individuals who experience issues with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-worth. I use evidence-based practices, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, then tailor these approaches to suit your unique needs to help you face the future with new coping strategies and with a stronger sense of self.