Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

If you are busy, want to get well quickly and be on your way to enjoying life, I can help you. When you start therapy with me, we will identify current behavior patterns that aren’t working, learn new ones, practice, and adjust your strategy until you maintain the new behaviors. When you feel ready, we end our work together in a healthy process and graduate you!

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps. Perhaps your relationships, career, or daily routines no longer feel fulfilling. You might notice a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over your own, or find yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and growth. It’s not always easy especially if you’ve spent years living according to others’ expectations but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy. If you’re curious about how therapy might support you, I invite you to reach out.

Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counseling intern with the Center of Resiliency. I am excited to begin our work together! I am passionate about helping people begin healing from trauma, improve their interpersonal relationships, and work towards the best version of themselves. I work with adults, couples, and adolescents with a range of life challenges, including depression, anxiety and panic management, relationship and interpersonal issues, life changes and adjustments, and PTSD and trauma.

My name is Sandra Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA. I work with young adults/teens and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitional changes, relationship issues, peer-related issues, stress, and family issues. I am trained in various evidence-based models of treatment and utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to optimize the needs of the clients that I serve. I have a collaborative approach to goal setting with clients. I work with the client to see what they would like to get out of therapy and what changes they want to make. I typically work well with young adults and teens who are willing to explore and make changes in their life. My communication style is very calm, empathetic, open minded, direct, personable, and I enjoy using humor as appropriate. I want my clients to feel comfortable and like they can be themselves when we work together. Please reach out if you have specific schedule questions.

Whether you are feeling stuck, in a transition, or seeking support to heal previous trauma's that are holding you back to evolving from your best self, I am here to support and guide you. Maybe life threw you a curve ball or treated you unfairly, or you just want a space to grow as an individual. Regardless of your circumstances, I am here to hear and heal from your story. Your story deserves to be heard! I provide tele-therapy services for those who live in California using a HIPPA compliant platform and I currently have availability for in person therapy in Campbell, CA. I also am EMDR trained and currently receiving supervision to become certified. I currently have openings on Tuesday-Friday between 4:30 - 7:30pm for tele-therapy services.

My approach to therapy is warm, integrative and non-judgmental. I use a variety of healing modalities centered in mindfulness, tracking behavioral changes and building new narratives to support you in creating meaningful change. My areas of expertise are grief, relationship issues, anxiety, depression and life transitions. I specialize in guiding young adults as they discover their inner light and cultivate contentment within themselves

At Mind Body Soul Mental Health we strive to support clients in learning from past and current experiences that are contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma. We look at therapy from a holistic lens which includes: mind, body, soul and how they all contribute to the whole person. I specialize in working with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD and embracing their neurodiversity. I also have extensive experience in helping adults comprehend boundaries, reasons for codependency and issues with self esteem. I help students navigate stress due to college pressures and social adjustments. I am trained in EMDR for clients that want relief from trauma and anxiety. Mind Body Soul Mental Health is a space that supports diversity, inclusion and welcomes everyone.

I very much enjoy working with college students in helping them navigate this time of transition from home to independent adulthood. Many college students I work with experience anxiety, chronic worrying, overwhelm, perfectionism, self-criticism, social anxiety, low self-esteem, distractibility, relationship issues, depression, academic struggles, feeling lost or unsure of their career path, and other obstacles that get in the way of reaching their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. However, many students I work with find that these obstacles to be growth opportunities to develop greater self-awareness, inner alignment, and transformation that can lead to a more fulfilling, effective, and satisfying experiences in college and thereafter. Although this time in life can bring forth challenges that may seem insurmountable at times, I have generally experienced college students to be very insightful, bright, and resilient, and because of this, I delight in working with them! In addition to psychotherapy, I specialize in providing testing and assessments. Some college students often come to me because they have been diagnosed with a learning difference or ADHD in the past and they need an updated evaluation. Other college students come to me because they suspect they may have an undiagnosed learning difference or ADHD. Because of this, they would like to better understand their learning profile, including strengths and weaknesses, in order to receive the best support, such as specialized tutoring, executive functioning coaching, and accommodations on tests and assignments. I have been providing different types of assessments for several decades and in various contexts, and many students currently come to me from UCSF's dyslexia center, where I am listed as a referral: https://dyslexia.ucsf.edu/resources. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding therapy or assessments. I am happy to provide you a free 30-mintue phone consultation!

GOODMAN THERAPY: INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICES. TEEN ISSUES: Specializing in Substance Abuse/Addiction Issues, Self Mutilation, Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts, Eating Disorders, Grief/Loss Abandonment, LGBTQ + Issues, Sexual Abuse, Depression, and overall Adjustment Issues. We have several therapists for you to choose from. The most important thing is that you select a therapist you feel a connection, and has the knowledge and experience tohelp you with your specific issue.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! Looking to work with the right therapist can feel tough. We want to make sure we find the right fit and someone we can talk to. If you are a teen looking for that person, I think you'll find comfort and safety in working with me. I have been fortunate to work with those transitioning to college from high school and those pursuing a higher education degree for the past 4 years now. I understand the stressors and difficulty this life transition can pose. I understand what it can feel like to move through this world as a student and I want to provide the best space possible to chat about that. We can talk about emotions, relationships, identities, cultures, and anything else that feels important. Feel free to reach out by email or phone for a free 15 minute consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

Are you feeling stuck in life, wanting something different but not sure what it is or how to get there? Maybe you are overwhelmed with the pressure to be perfect in relationships, school or work, resulting in the feeling of never being good enough. The decision to seek therapy is not easy. It means accepting the fact that we are struggling in some facet of our life and need help. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, specializing in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting and Psychedelic Integration Therapy, helping clients identify and heal the roots of their distress.

Are you feeling stuck in recurring, painful patterns? Do you find yourself navigating challenges such as anxiety, loss, loneliness, irritation, or spiritual distress? In our personal journeys and closest relationships, we often struggle to lead the lives we truly desire. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help you move from internal conflict to a more satisfying, connected way of living.

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

I love to help clients better understand their life experiences, wants, needs, and values. I work with people experiencing anxiety, sadness, grief, and sometimes just generally feeling lost. I have worked across differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, age and religion, and I deeply respect and appreciate the diversity of life experiences my clients come in with.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Do you feel controlled by anxiety or OCD? Feeling like you have to constantly seek reassurance or perform rituals to feel better? These disorders operate on what is called a Vicious Cycle: 1) encounter trigger/obsessive thought 2) experience distress 3) engage in compulsions or safety behavior/s, which leads to 4) relief. The frustrating part about this cycle is that the relief is short-lived. Before you know it, the obsessive fear and compulsions are back, taking up more time and mental resources to cope. The good news is that together, we can end the cycle and find long-term relief. Treating OCD and Anxiety disorders require specialized training and experience. I have trained under internationally recognized psychologists, Dr. Jenny Yip and Dr. Eda Gorbis. I have worked with clients at all levels of care, including IOP, PHP, and outpatient. Currently, I provide individual and family outpatient treatment for those aged 10+, in person and via telehealth. I know therapy can be a challenging endeavor, that's why I aim to cultivate a warm and collaborative therapeutic environment, where we can defeat your OCD and Anxiety together! Feel free to reach out for a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.