Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Whether you need support through a big life change, you’re ready to address recent and/or past trauma, or would like to understand yourself and your relationships better, I bring an engaged, empathic, non-judgmental attitude to our time together. My approach is collaborative, attachment focused, and trauma informed; I will seek and welcome your feedback throughout our time working together to make sure you agree with and understand how we're working on your concerns.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work best with folks are looking to gain new tools to use outside of our session and who are willing to apply these practices to their daily life. I focus on body based (somatic) skill building so you can tune in with yourself and tend to your needs in the moment. I have a wealth of experience in addiction, trauma and eating disorders as well as depression, anxiety or feeling a lack of direction. I have specialized training in supporting women and families in the post partum period as well working with intergenerational trauma. I am value authenticity and warmth in my communication, so at times I may say the thing that is hard to hear, but it is from a place of deep care. I look forward to connecting if this sounds like it may be a fit for you on your healing journey.

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and families. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University and my Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of La Verne. I have extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, with a primary focus on supporting individuals navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, often in conjunction with co-occurring mood disorders. My background is rooted in behavioral work, including providing social skills training and addressing social anxiety among children on the spectrum. Additionally, I have experience working with victims of crime of all ages, supporting them in processing and healing from trauma.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work best with college and graduate students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally stuck, or disconnected from themselves. Many of the students I support are navigating academic pressure, relationship stress, family dynamics, identity questions, or major life transitions. Some feel like they’re constantly “pushing through,” even when they’re exhausted or unsure of what they want. In therapy, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can slow down, understand what’s coming up for you, and learn practical ways to cope, set boundaries, and feel more grounded. My approach is collaborative, honest, and focused on helping you feel more confident and emotionally steady in your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and supportive while also offering real tools you can use outside of sessions, we may be a good fit.

Is it time to empower yourself by prioritizing your wellness? If you're struggling through stress, trauma, anxiety, conflict, grief, or other challenges, you don't have to push through it alone. No one is meant to walk through distress in isolation, cut off from meaningful support. Healing is accelerated in connection with others. Imagine a safe, non-judgmental space where you can break through difficulties in the company of a skilled facilitator. Navigate your healing journey and cultivate greater peace of mind with professional guidance and support. I offer holistic, integrative counseling in San Luis Obispo, or by telehealth.

College students have to cope with a lot of life stressors and have limited support on campus. I have worked in a college counseling center in the past and have helped students address the unique life changes that they experience while in school. Whether it's anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm, or challenges with life transitions, I can help you develop the coping skills to navigate those difficulties and remove things that are holding you back from reaching your potential at school.

Many young adults are emerging from the direct and constant influence of parents or guardians, into a space where they have more control and responsibility for their own lives. In this stage of life, we are discovering who we are independent of those early influences and developing our own personal worldview. We are exploring new relationships and new interests as we prepare to launch into the workforce and set ourselves up for the future. With everything that is going on, you might be feeling intense stress or pressure. Maybe you feel like you’ve taken a wrong turn, are uncertain about next steps, or need a place to explore your possibilities. Many young people realize that they’ve been impacted by something in their past that they feel ready to explore or find freedom from. Perhaps you’ve discovered something about yourself in relationships with others that you’d like to understand better or change. Whatever your goals are, therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to work through your experiences, discover your personal strengths and learn to choose a future that feels exciting for you.

Michele Haynes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Pacific Northwest Counseling. Michele holds a license to practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON. Michele utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other trauma treatments (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). Her primary areas of clinical interest include couples, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, relationships, and stress management. Michele EMDR certified. For individuals wanting to integrate mental health and Christianity, Michele can offer a faith-based perspective. --- Benjamin Johnstun is a counseling intern at Pacific Northwest Counseling, practicing under the supervision of Michele Haynes, LMFT. Benjamin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Benjamin is passionate about helping couples build stronger, more communicative relationships, drawing on his training in the Gottman Method. He has completed Level-2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He is also dedicated to supporting individuals in finding purpose and meaning through a logotherapy-informed approach. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Benjamin offers a faith-based perspective for clients seeking to integrate Christian or LDS values into their counseling, while welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. Benjamin can practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON.