Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Being a student can feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, work, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, it’s easy to feel anxious, burned out, or stuck. I want you to know that you don’t have to handle it alone. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and build tools that fit your life. It only takes a few sessions to feel more confident and in control. I specialize in strategies for coping with anxiety, panic and depression, as well as the management of ADHD. CBT strategies can be useful to resolve issues of procrastination or perfectionism. Together, we will decide which counseling approach and modality works best for you. I accept most insurance plans, including Cal-Optima/Medicaid. Depending on your particular insurance, I will guide you to schedule through the Headway or Octave platforms. All telehealth sessions are conducted in a private, HIPAA-compliant space.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you're struggling with emotional pain, trauma, or grief from past abuse, loss, or challenging life events, I want you to know that healing is possible—and you don’t have to face it alone. Our specialty is helping individuals navigate the complexities of sexual abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, and deep grief. We understand how overwhelming the healing process can feel, but together, we will create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs. We offer compassionate, client-centered care with a focus on empowering you to move forward in a healthy and meaningful way. If spirituality is important to you, we also provide faith-based therapy, blending your personal beliefs with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Whether you’re seeking emotional recovery or a renewed sense of purpose, We are here to support you on every step of your journey. Essentials for Healing, Inc. is grounded in the belief that everyone has the ability to heal, grow, and thrive. If you're ready to start your path toward healing, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can create lasting positive change and bring balance, hope, and growth back into your life. Let’s work together to help you thrive.

Hey- I'm glad you're here. Can I just name that looking for the right therapist for yourself can sometimes be a tad overwhelming? Give yourself some props for working through these profiles-- some of my clients have described it like 'dating' because it can take a while to find someone who you really vibe with- so I'll cut to the chase of who I am, what I do, and what you can expect from sessions with me! I'm a relational and person-centered therapist, meaning, I'm attuned to your needs and goals, act like a dynamic and engaged human in session, and really strongly believe you deserve a space where you can show up fully. I also prioritize the things you need in session to feel comfortable- if that's sitting on the floor, then I'll meet you there! If you need to fidget- I've got some for you. If you want to be burrito-wrapped up under a fuzzy blanket, that's just fine too! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you're getting something out of your time in therapy and we'll work together to create a space that allows for that. A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, inquisitive, and just carrying a lot more than most people realize. They might look like they’re keeping up just fine, but inside they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or questioning where life is headed. Some are navigating grief or the fallout of a breakup, others are dealing with anxiety, burnout, major academic stress, or trying to figure out who they are, where they're headed, and what matters to them. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. In therapy with me, I aim for us to create a space where you can be completely yourself without having to downplay your struggles. I bring warmth, curiosity, and care, and some helpful perspectives and ways of coping that are 100% tailored to you and what you need. You show up, and we’ll take things step-by-step and explore what’s weighing on you and what may help you get through it, together. If anything here resonated with you- I welcome you to reach out and set up a 20 minute free phone call with me and we'll go from there! Best of luck finding the care you're seeking!

Are you interested in exploring personal relationships, identities, or sexual issues from an open-minded and culturally sensitive perspective? When you allocate time to speak freely about issues such as; academic pressure, cultural expectations, learning disabilities/neurodivergence, gender identity/sexual orientation, sexual assault/trauma, life transitions, peer relationships, family conflict, and beyond (!) ... you empower yourself to navigate any negative patterns or relationship dynamics from a place of clarity, compassion, and curiosity - instead of criticism. We will collaborate on the best way to unpack and understand your story from a growth mindset that is sustainable + strength-based! If you're looking for a therapist who is clinical, creative, and culturally humble, please reach out for a free consultation to see if my therapeutic style suits your needs! I am a firm believer that one size does NOT fit all and I aim to approach each client with a customized treatment plan that speaks to your unique experiences & inherent strengths.

There is nothing worse than feeling like you have become a disappointment to your family. That no matter how hard you try to navigate college, nothing you do will ever be good enough. Are you looking for a way to help your family understand YOUR struggles? To validate and support you, instead of saying, "it's just a phase, it will pass" or "Everyone has a hard time, you just need to try harder" or worse, "When I was your age I went through the same thing". I believe no one knows you better than you know yourself- even your family-and I want to help you express your needs in a way your family will hear, understand and be able to support you.

Do you feel on edge, stuck in your head, or like you can’t fully connect with the people you care about? Maybe your chest tightens in conflict, or you shut down when things get too overwhelming. These are signs your nervous system is in overdrive—and it’s not your fault. Through integrative somatic and creative therapies, I’ll help you tune into your body, calm your system, and feel safer in yourself and your relationships.

My website will help you to understand my work. I have been practicing for 40+ years. I have been a grad psych professor for over 35 years, still teaching abroad. I practice narrative, social construction, and strategic paradigms.

College can be exciting, stressful, confusing, and really lonely all at the same time. Between classes, jobs, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel isolated, stuck or disconnected from yourself. I’m a genderqueer therapist who works with lgbtqia+ students and those navigating loneliness, depression, identity, relationships, and feeling unseen or unheard. I take a gentle and explorative approach, noticing how your thoughts, emotions, and body show up in the moment. I love to support folks in figuring out their identity, managing perfectionism or “people-pleasing,” or healing from family or religious harm. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, playful, and sometimes funny (jury's still out on that one...). You don’t have to have it all figured out - you just need to feel ready to show up for yourself. And I'm here to show up alongside you. I also support folks seeking gender affirming care and write free letters for care services. 5 weekly sessions are required before a letter can be written.

I am Anita Rao, MD, an ABPN board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry at Northwestern University, where I had the honor of being a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognized for teaching medical students. I earned my MD from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and obtained my undergraduate degree in International Health from Georgetown University. I adopt an approach that goes beyond treating disorders to focus on mental wellness and whole-person health. I utilize holistic treatment modalities, including evidence-based medication management, and collaborate with other members of our treatment team to ensure comprehensive mental health care. My specialization lies in anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, with a particular focus on populations that are new to psychiatric care. I take pride in delivering accurate diagnoses, including second opinion evaluations, and am committed to educating and empowering my patients to understand their illnesses and themselves.

I'm a trauma-informed therapist and a NARM Master Therapist. I help adults heal themselves from the fallout of childhood trauma, as they break generational cycles an step into a new life with more ease, freedom, and fulfillment.

Hi, my name is Nathalie Torres and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My focus is working with individuals who are struggling with OCD, emetophobia (fear of vomit), anxiety, and hair or skin picking. I use evidenced-based approaches like ACT, ComB, and ERP. I am also certified in CBT as well. But beyond my clinical training my style is very down to earth and casual. I prioritize having real honest conversations and building genuine connections. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals who are navigating college. It can be an exciting time but also feel very overwhelming. It is a lot to manage as it is a time that inevitably comes with big life changes. I would love to help you in your journey of making sense of it all and most importantly, feel more grounded along the way. I offer virtual sessions, making therapy accessible. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, I’d love to connect.

I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out a therapist. As social beings, we all need support and at certain times we need it more than ever. Speaking to someone you can open up to and trust, knowing you will not be judged, can really make a difference in navigating emotional turmoil, relationships, stress, anxiety, processing trauma, and making our way through major life transitions. At times we may struggle with larger life questions such as, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in life?" I am here to help. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I support clients in healing and overcoming obstacles that prevent them from living freely, authentically, and with deep fulfillment. I have helped people struggling with depression, life-transitions, anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, and spiritual/existential concerns. My holistic approach incorporates depth-work, spirituality, and learning new strategies to effectively navigate life. I am certified in Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy, which facilitates genuine and life lasting changes through a powerful process of self-discovery rooted in compassion and presence. I am a certified Enneagram Facilitator and Yoga Teacher.

Whether you experience anxiety, depression, or conflict in your marital or parent-child relationships; I can help you! I’m here to help in your journey of healing and restoration! Therapy can be that safe space you’ve been looking for in which you can openly unload your heart and experience non-judgmental support and genuine connection. Together we can explore where you currently are, what you would like your future to look like, and how we can work together to help you get there. I know it is important for you to find a therapist you can connect and work well with. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and Michigan. I am South African and bilingual in Afrikaans. My educational background includes a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hey, I'm Jacky! I work with adults who are facing challenges like family issues, relationships, cultural identity, and personal growth. My approach combines practical therapy techniques with an understanding of how unconscious thoughts and feelings shape our lives. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can explore yourself, gain new insights, and make decisions that feel true to who you are. My own experiences navigating life and culture shape my work, so I understand how hard it can be to balance family expectations, relationships, and personal goals—especially when you're also figuring out your identity. I often wish I had someone who could relate to my struggles, which is why I'm passionate about creating a space where you can truly feel heard. I'm here to help you get in touch with your true self, make decisions that reflect your values, and live a life that feels genuine. If you're ready to take that step, I’d be excited to see if we’re a good fit to work together.

Greetings from Frank Smith, LMFT. Let me offer a truism: whether positive or negative, most behavior is learned. Behavior often results in patterns. Those patterns can be positive and life affirming. But they can also be maladaptive and impact our happiness and relationships. Do you wonder why can't you break these destructive patterns? I can help you unravel where they came from. Let me be your psychological navigator to help you let go of the past and have a better and more fullling life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If someone asked you not to think for 10 minutes how hard would that be? Is overthinking about the “What Ifs” driving you to relentlessly check things over and over again? Are you determined to find certainty in an uncertain world? Do you frequently ask others repeatedly if something or someone is going to be OK? No matter how much you do a task or say a particular thing does peace of mind elude you? Does the compulsion to handwash, re-read, double-check, pray, or re-arrange items never provide lasting relief? Do you find yourself burdened by intrusive thoughts that strike against your will and preoccupy your mind for hours a day? OCD is characterized by unabating obsessions matched with intense mental or behavioral rituals to relieve the anxiety provoked. It is not treated by “talk therapy” but with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Through customized gradual exposures, ERP is an evidence-based method of intervention to reduce the severity of OCD symptoms. Exposure Therapy Designs is a telehealth practice that focuses on providing EMDR and ERP for individuals struggling with OCD and PTSD. Our clinicians offer evidence and strengths-based counseling with multicultural sensitivity. We are solutions-oriented and practice from a Solutions Focused Brief Therapy Model. ERP is a collaborative and creative approach to learning new skills and strategies to become comfortable with uncertainty and more confident in your ability to handle life’s unexpected challenges. My style is compassionate, client-centered, and culturally sensitive. Licensed in California and Massachusetts. Registered Out-of-State Telehealth provider for Florida. Research indicates that approximately 40 to 60 percent of OCD conditions have a trauma onset. Often talking about the trauma(s) can retraumatize a person. For that reason, Eye Movement and Desensitization Response (EMDR) and the Flash Technique are evidence-based treatment interventions utilized to resolve the severity of PTSD symptoms. Our treatment focus is on neurodivergent issues and gifted learners. Therapeutic style is evidenced and strength based, multiculturally sensitive, solutions oriented, client centered, and collaborative. You are the expert on you. Our role is to facilitate and support an awareness of how to implement changes to overcome unhelpful patterns in thinking and decision-making. We strive to see the whole person not just a list of symptoms. Understanding your unique background is key because therapy is not a cookie-cutter approach. Our team includes providers who are Certified Level One Solutions Focused Therapists and received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT). We also have clinicians who have completed Basic training in EMDR and the Flash Technique. We work with individuals experiencing neurodivergent issues, gifted learners, individuals coping to manage life transitions, women’s mental health issues around shifting roles in family and career, and immigration/re-entry adjustment stressors. We have licensed therapists who can see individuals residing in California, Florida, Massachusetts and Virginia. However our Associate Clinicians are only able to see residents of California at this time. Individuals who have Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, Lyra, SpringHealth, or Sutter EAP benefits are able to use their health plan coverage to pay for sessions with our licensed clinician only. For everyone else we work with Mentaya, a platform that helps clients get money back on out-of-network therapy sessions. If you have out-of-network benefits, Mentaya will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed. They charge a 5% fee per claim and have helped people get thousands of dollars back per year. You can sign up using this link: https://app.mentaya.com/register?p=XqKyUZD7e4vJZUJ89P3c Note: Mentaya's goal is to save you time and money. It's completely optional, and as your therapist, I do not benefit in any way from your participation. **Sliding scale rates available on a limited cash pay-only basis with our Associate Clinicians**