Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

I support motivated individuals with childhood trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and conflict with family. Perhaps you're exhausted carrying burdens never meant to be yours. My approach is soulful, compassionate, yet unafraid to gently challenge when growth requires it. I specialize in depth therapy—exploring underlying beliefs that no longer serve you, rather than just addressing surface symptoms. I meet you where you are and walk together to rise above your current circumstances. I truly believe that you have inner wisdom that can lead you to a place of solace and healing. Together, we'll transform pain into power while honoring your resilience. With over 18 years in the mental health field, I not only extensive clinical experience but also a grounded, empathetic presence shaped by my own journey of growth and healing.

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.

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.

I do this work because I am committed to liberation for all people. I believe that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. I am a queer and nonbinary therapist who brings a queer and intersectional lens to my work. I specialize in holding space for life transitions and know how to act as a guide to your personal revelations. I prioritize trauma informed care, and I have been told that I know how to hold a strong container for clients to discover their own inner wisdom and knowing. As survivor of trauma and Intimate Partner Violence, I specialize in helping clients find and trust their own intuition. I have lived experience as a queer and nonbinary person who came out later in life. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and EMDR. I've been doing my own IFS work for 4 years and firmly believe that at the core of every human being is the desire to heal. Fat-friendly, kink and polyamory informed. You already know the way! You have innate wisdom born out of your experiences and intuition. I'm here to help you learn to trust yourself and to be a compassionate witness to your self-discovery. However you show up in session is ok: you don't have to mask or sit still. I meet clients where they are with warmth and curiosity.

Are you a high achiever who feels disconnected from who you truly are? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of overwhelm, despite your outward success? Perhaps you’ve been shaped by high expectations, either from your family, culture, or society, and now feel torn between the person you’re supposed to be and the person you really are. I specialize in working with clients like you—ambitious, driven individuals, often children of immigrants, who are navigating the pressure to succeed while grappling with the internal conflict of identity. You may be feeling stuck between honoring your heritage and culture, and carving out a path that feels authentic to you. This can be an exhausting, confusing, and painful process—but it doesn’t have to be done alone. In our work together, I aim to create a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgment or pressure. Together, we can begin to untangle the stories that have shaped you, heal from trauma, and work toward developing a more integrated sense of self—one that aligns with your true values and desires, rather than others' expectations.

Do you have endless energy for your hobbies, but find yourself putting off assignments? Do you write your best essays at the last minute, fueled by adrenaline? Do you get frustrated at yourself for doing these things and swear you’re gonna start that project early next time? Do you feel uncomfortable in social situations but you’re not sure why? I help people with neurodivergent brains understand themselves better and learn to be nicer to themselves. I most often work with Autistic and ADHD folks and welcome anyone questioning if they might be neurodivergent. My background is in educational psychology and psychotherapy because who can pick one career to do forever? (Hint: not me) I help folks with areas such as: executive functioning, emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, attention, sensory sensitivities, relationship issues, identity, sexuality, gender, and so much more! Check out my college late diagnosis group starting in March!

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Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, where I graduated with honors. I began my nursing career in 2019 and have been dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys ever since. My approach blends clinical expertise with empathy, always aiming to create a safe, supportive space where patients feel truly heard and understood. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. Mental health care allows me to walk alongside people during some of their most vulnerable moments, offering compassion, understanding, and evidence-based tools to help them heal and grow. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space where individuals can share their stories and work toward their goals. I believe the most effective care happens when it’s built on true partnership. I make sure to take the time to listen to each individual’s goals, concerns, and values, and together we create a plan that feels both effective and meaningful to them. I make sure to explain treatment options clearly so that they can make informed choices with confidence and as treatment progresses, I remember to stay flexible and responsive, adjusting the approach as needed to ensure that it continues to align with each patient’s preferences and values.

I’m inspired on a daily basis when I witness the transformative power therapy. I have a deep desire to help, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s important for me to establish a safe and trusting environment where you feel heard, understood, respected, so we can foster a sense of collaboration to facilitate healing and positive change. I do this by meeting you where you currently are in your life and utilizing evidence-based approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, plus Mindfulness, to process through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, life transitions, self-improvement, and career related stress. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important things in therapy. I build trust and strength in the relationship through empathy and listening. I make a great effort to get an understanding of your personal story and how it may be currently impacting you, while being supportive and validating.

I'm Olivia Hanley, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I completed my MSW at USC and have spent the last four years doing this work because I believe people deserve real, substantive support — not a one-size-fits-all approach. I specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and the identity shift that comes with motherhood), anxiety and trauma in teens and adults, and play-based therapy for children and adolescents. I work with clients across California via telehealth and am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health. I tend to attract clients who are high-functioning but quietly struggling — moms who look like they have it together, teens who internalize everything, and adults who've been "fine" for a long time and are finally ready not to be. I'm direct, curious, and warm. I will challenge you — gently — when it's useful.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Being a college student can be a lot. Between classes, exams, relationships, family expectations, and the pressure to figure out "what's next," it's easy to feel stretched thin, anxious, or unsure if you're doing any of it right. It can also feel hard to focus on your own life when world events feel heavy or overwhelming. You might be questioning a relationship, feeling disconnected from friends or family, or wondering who you are outside of what everyone expects of you. You deserve a space that's just for you, where you don't have to have it all figured out. Together, we'll work through the stress and anxiety of this season of life. We'll untangle relational patterns that feel stuck and get curious about what you actually want. Along the way, you'll walk away with practical tools to manage stress and anxiety so you can feel more grounded day to day. Getting clearer on your values and who you are can make the uncertainty feel a lot less overwhelming. My style as a therapist is authentic to who I am in everyday life. I show up with warmth, kindness, patience, and humor, and I want you to feel like you can be fully yourself in our sessions. We'll shape the work around what you need, blending honest self-reflection with practical steps forward. If this sounds like what you're looking for, I'd love to connect.

As a therapist, I pride myself in the confidentiality and the general skills I can offer you like any other therapist. However, what you can expect with my practice goes beyond the standard therapeutic experience. My practice is person-centered and non-judgmental across several subjects, domains, circumstances, and themes. I also pride myself in being multi-dimensional in identity politics; I am Trans-Affirmative, LGBTQ+ Affirmative, Sex-positive, Body positive, Kink-positive, and more. I approach the world and my work from a lens of inclusivity rather than exclusivity. We all deserve quality care regardless of how we identify. Reach out for your free consult. Please be aware that while this site asks me to include my initial and ongoing session fees, it does not allow me to clarify my sliding scale; please feel free to inquire about that if needed. I would be honored to take this journey with you!

Are you looking to make some changes in your life? Let's make it real and transformative together. As a seasoned and licensed psychotherapist, I'm here to be your guide, helping you connect with your inner voice, find balance, and foster the rich, fulfilling relationships you truly deserve. My approach seamlessly weaves together Western and Eastern Psychology, uniting Mind, Body, and Spirit to deepen your relationship with yourself. Specializing in various modalities such as CBT and MBSR, I am equipped to assist in healing emotional trauma, anxiety, mental blocks, and pain, while also fostering creativity and high-level performance.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, working with you to achieve your unique goals. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Collaborative Therapy, Mindfulness- Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). Outside of my passion for helping clients build fulfilling lives and meaningful connections, I’m a dog lover, enjoy doing yoga, spending time in nature, and cooking.

Feeling lost, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, alone? Figuring out how you feel, what you want, or who you are is just plain difficult, especially in the world we're living in now. Add to that a difficult personal history and doing 'well' can feel nearly impossible. You don't have to carry this all on your own. I became a therapist through my work in the arts and teaching meditation. I help clients develop a healthy inner life, relate to others deeply, and find meaning in their lives. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, Buddhist-based, and creative. My specialties include relationship issues, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and existential dilemmas. I work with individual adults, couples, and facilitate interpersonal process groups. If you’re struggling with relationship issues: connecting with yourself or with others, experiencing grief, anxiety, or depression, or suffering through an existential dilemma, please reach out.

Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation aims to minimize the effects of oppression and intergenerational trauma experienced by many members of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities. We’re committed to helping bridge the gap between culturally sensitive mental health resources and treatments, promoting mental health wellness, and removing the barriers that hinder people from accessing the quality help they require. Services are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. By prioritizing affordability, inclusivity, and community collaboration, our organization seeks to reduce mental health disparities, combat stigma, and foster holistic wellness within underserved populations, ultimately promoting resilience, healing, and empowerment for individuals and communities alike. Our nonprofit organization targets marginalized communities that face significant barriers to accessing mental health care services, including but not limited to low-income individuals, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, undocumented individuals, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Our services are designed to be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and linguistically accessible, ensuring that all members of our target population have equitable access to the support they need to thrive. We provide a safe space, and all are welcome. Contact us today to inquire further.

I was born a helper and my experience in the navy enhanced my desire to help others who are struggling with mental health issues regardless of how small or how big. As a therapist I want to be able to help those who are courageous enough to seek help to improve their mental health. Being heard and understood in each session is important for every client and encourages vulnerability and completion of recommended treatment. I support this by actively listening to them, validate their emotions, ask clarifying questions, paraphrase what they say to confirm understanding, and maintain eye contact. As a therapist I know how important it is to have a healthy and therapeutic relationship with each client because no two clients are alike. I utilize active listening skills, demonstrate genuine empathy, maintain an open line of communication, and create a safe space for vulnerability to support the development of a trusting and strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients. A key element in me building a therapeutic alliance with each client is being transparent about the therapeutic process and assisting each client with setting individualized realistic treatment goals.