Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Hi, I'm Jessica Taylor Vara, LMFT, a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. On paper, your life might look pretty good. You're responsible. Capable. The person everyone turns to when they need help. But underneath it all, you're exhausted. Maybe you're constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you're never quite enough no matter how hard you try. Maybe you're stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, carrying the weight of childhood experiences you thought you should be over by now, or finding yourself overwhelmed by stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. I help college students, graduate students, young professionals, and adults heal from anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving people who have spent years trying to understand themselves but still feel stuck repeating the same emotional patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply compassionate. I integrate EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy to help clients move beyond insight and create real, lasting change. Together, we'll work to heal the root causes of your struggles, build healthier relationships, strengthen your confidence, and help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself. You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own. I provide online therapy for residents of California and Florida.

Life can be overwhelming, and asking for help takes courage. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply need support processing life’s changes, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where we focus on your strengths, explore your goals, and move at a pace that feels right for you. Sessions are available in English or American Sign Language to meet your communication needs. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy, grounded in trust and open communication. We'll set meaningful goals together, and I’ll support you using your strengths while building new skills. You can expect empathy, respect, and a space that truly honors your voice. Let’s connect and explore how I can support you. I offer telehealth sessions to fit your needs and schedule.

I'm a therapist because I've had my own process with therapy. It takes strength to reach out, and I'm so glad you're here. I believe therapy can help, and that weekly sessions are only part of the picture. True growth and healing happens in applying what we talk about to your life outside of sessions. Like recovery, the therapy process is nonlinear, and the road can feel dicey before it starts to even out. I am honored to sit with my clients in the uncertainty and hold space for this, until the light begins to show through. I specialize in helping my clients with connecting to emotions, managing anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, perfectionism, and trauma. I'd love to chat with you to learn more about what brought you here, and how I can help.

Many students have mental health concerns from time to time. We feel stuck or face certain challenges. Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times, we have the nagging sensation that something feels “off.” It can be stress, anxiety, depression, or academic pressures. When we understand the causes of your troubles, we can alleviate your symptoms. And, when we do, you’ll feel renewed and be a better student, friend, romantic partner, son or daughter. When your desire for your own welfare overrules your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, what you aspire to starts flowing into your lives—be it a relationship, academic success. Your manifestations become effortless, without internal strife and resistance.

I honor and respect the opportunity I have to help my clients recognize their worth, build trust in themselves and others, and empower them to be their authentic selves. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, seen and truly understood. I use a client centered approach while working to build rapport with clients. I use a mix of ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution focused and MI to assist clients in identifying their values, exploring how their thought and behavioral patterns are serving them, increase their distress tolerance, build mindfulness and relaxation skills to help them meet their goals.

Who I Work Best With: Most of my clients are people who've gotten really good at functioning — and really tired of it. You've probably figured out how to hold things together, stay busy, keep up. But something isn't working anymore. Maybe you're exhausted in a way you can't explain. Maybe you're finally asking questions you've been pushing down for years — about who you are, what you believe, how you want to love, or why your brain works the way it does. A lot of people I work with are navigating things like anxiety, depression, identity, relationships that don't fit a neat box, or a major life shift — faith deconstruction, a breakup, figuring out you're neurodivergent later in life. Some are just trying to get through the week without falling apart. If that's you, we'd probably work well together. What Working With Me Looks Like: I'm not going to sit quietly and just reflect things back at you. I'm also not the worksheet-and-homework type. My style is pretty collaborative and direct — I'll gently push back when I think it'll actually help, and I'll meet you where you are. I have 15 years of experience working with new parents and kids before becoming a therapist, which means I come in with a lot of real-world, people-first perspective. I also have personal experience with religious deconstruction — so if you're untangling a faith background or questioning things you were raised to believe, I genuinely get it, not just clinically. I work especially well with people who are neurodivergent, queer or questioning, in non-traditional relationships (like polyamory or ENM), or somewhere in the middle of a big life change. You don't have to have it figured out to reach out.

The Healing Collective, PC is a private practice that offers an array of mental health treatment and wellness services within the community of Pasadena and throughout the state of California. THC is comprised of qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Our licensed therapists are trained in a variety of trauma-informed, holistic, strengths-based, and culturally competent mental health treatments. We provide mental health treatment to adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Our mental health services include individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy (both coming soon). I welcome you to view our website and learn more about us. Call or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me! I am happy to see if I can be helpful to you or a loved one.

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

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.

As a licensed psychotherapist I work individuals and couples. As an educator for over 25 years, I have also worked with colleges students, particularly international students, undocumented students, and the underserved population. I firmly believe that from childhood to adult years we face myriad of challenges, i.e relational, emotional, and life transitions. During these times if the right support is not available to us, we compensate by activating parts of our Self that may manifest themselves as anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, compulsive behaviors (e.g. gambling, substance abuse, internet addiction), etc. As a result, relationships with our others, as well as with ourselves, are affected. My goal is to guide you through healing these parts leading to a self who is more emotionally aware and connected. You will develop an awareness of your patterns, learn to live with more harmony in the present, and build stronger relationships.

Reaching out for help can be a BIG deal and I am here to make therapy a space where you can grow, be challenged, and learn how to live a life YOU are happy with. Have you been feeling an increase in Anxiety? Are you a young adult trying to navigate the world and figuring out where you fit? How about someone experiencing substance misuse? These are the areas I get excited to help people manage. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My goal is to help you gain the control you deserve to have over your own life. Have you considered talking to someone but you’re not sure where to start? As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in working with people and specialize in young adults, as well as treating co-occurring disorders. I believe individuals experiencing addiction are often times also managing mental health symptoms. I treat the WHOLE person. My approach is meeting you where you are at and working together to ensure therapy is a beneficial space that improves your life. I am here to support your journey.

Welcome! I'm Isela Garcia White, LCSW (she/her), therapist and owner of Lotus Bloom Therapy. I specialize in working with undergraduate and graduate students- especially Latinx, BIPOC, first-generation, and immigrant students who are navigating high academic pressure, anxiety, depression, impostor feelings, perfectionism, and the challenge of balancing family or cultural expectations with school demands. With several years of experience supporting students at Stanford University and Stanford School of Medicine, I understand the unique mix of stress, identity-related experiences, and relationship changes that can come with campus life. My approach is warm, culturally responsive, and straightforward, offering a safe space to be heard, develop coping strategies, and strengthen your confidence and well-being. If this sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, I invite you to message me here, or at www.lotusbloomtherapy.org. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help consider if we'd be a good fit. I’d be honored to connect and see how we might work together.

As a mental health provider, I am driven to provide quality care for patients. I hope my previous knowledge and experience, along with my desire to learn and grow, can help people meet their treatment goals. I enjoy meeting clients where they are in life, building rapport, and providing support. I hope to help patients bolster insight and awareness along with skills building “homework” to help enhance the therapeutic experience. My main approaches derive from DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic theories. I enjoy working with many populations and communities. My background working with active-duty, veterans, lgbtq+, children, couples, families, and individuals has provided me with a variety of experience. I am a transracial adoptee who lived in several countries growing up, which helped formulate some of my life views and goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in and reflecting on experiences with adoptees. I have thoroughly enjoyed every organization that I have worked for because they have all helped me learn and grow. Words cannot describe the joy and admiration I feel toward our active-duty servicemembers and veterans. I am forever grateful that I was able to provide services on a military base and out at sea. Individuals, couples, children, and families have helped me gain insight and awareness into different systems. I respect and appreciate every patient and wish everyone successful treatment.

California Prime Recovery is a substance use and mental health PHP/IOP/OP located in Orange County, CA. We offer in-person and virtual group and individual therapy, psychiatry and case management. Hours range from 6 hours per day to 1 hour per day, depending on the needs of the individual.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Fusion Care Group is Creating Change! We are changing the way people think about and receive mental health services and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and therapists are here for you.

Everyone has a story. Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by thoughts that bring fear, leading to a cycle of overthinking? Do you tend to be tough on yourself, which can result in feelings of sadness, loneliness, or isolation? Are there times in your relationships when you feel unheard, leaving you frustrated and unsure? Have you considered that things could get better? Just remember, you're not alone in this. There’s hope! Many people go through similar struggles with relationships, challenging thoughts, and a mix of emotions.

I welcome clients wishing to work on a variety of life's challenges. I specialize in anxiety, panic, stress, self-esteem, depression, and school/work/life balance. I offer a complimentary phone consult, where we can learn more about each other, answer any questions and decide if it feels like a good fit. I've spent the last several years specializing in the college transition, college students, and challenges faced after graduation, as young professionals under unique work/life stressors in Silicon Valley. I believe in working together as a team to create treatment approaches that work best for each unique person. With a calm, genuine and approachable nature, I offer an experience/environment where clients feel safe, supported and encouraged on their path of growth and self-discovery. If this is your first time seeking therapy, I encourage openness, hopefulness and understanding around nervousness and apprehension. I believe in the inherent strengths of the individual. Utilizing a strength-based approach encourages each individual to discover their own special qualities and build upon them, to overcome challenges and create their best self. I feel honored to hear your story. You will find a warm and non-judgmental, human and authentic presence in my work. I also enjoy mentoring and supervising associates, helping other therapists grow and improving experiences within the counseling and psychotherapy field.

My passion for working in this field stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of mental well-being. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and I am honored to support individuals in achieving this. Witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate mental health challenges is profoundly inspiring. It fuels my commitment to provide compassionate support and evidence-based interventions that empower them to overcome obstacles and thrive. By fostering empathy, awareness, and de-stigmatization, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I do this by practicing active listening, which involves giving my full attention to what the client is saying—both verbally and non-verbally. I reflect back what I hear to ensure I understand their perspective and emotions accurately. I also ask clarifying questions when necessary and validate their experiences, showing that I respect their feelings and struggles. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I help clients feel safe to share more openly. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where they feel accepted and understood, which fosters trust and the ability to make progress in therapy. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This begins with being genuinely present and engaged in our sessions, listening actively, and responding with empathy. I also ensure that I maintain clear communication about the therapy process, respecting the client’s pace and autonomy. By being consistent, reliable, and transparent about goals and boundaries, clients are more likely to feel secure and confident in the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I validate their experiences and emotions, which helps to foster mutual respect and understanding. Over time, this collaborative and supportive dynamic allows us to work together toward meaningful change.

Hi, I’m Jessica Nava Orellana. I am a talk style therapist and I’m so glad you’re here… I am a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual and couples therapy/Relationship Therapy. I also support individuals who are exploring relationships, grief and loss, work-life/ School balance, job loss and other life transitions. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process whatever comes up in therapy, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re continuing your journey with a new therapist. We will work together to explore and tailor your goals at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about checking in on the highs and lows of the week; other times it’s about deeper reflection and growth. Together, we’ll create space for your inner strengths to emerge naturally. You don’t have to do this alone.