Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I'm Will Michelson, a licensed therapist (LMFT) practicing in West Los Angeles and online across California. My work is depth oriented psychotherapy, which means we don't stop at managing symptoms. We work to understand what drives them, so the change you make actually holds. College and the years around it ask a lot. Anxiety that won't settle, a low mood that flattens everything, grief, loneliness, questions about identity, direction, and who you are becoming. These are not failures of character. Often they are signals pointing toward something that needs attention, and therapy is where you learn to listen. Sessions are 45 minutes, usually weekly, in person at my West LA office near the Sawtelle and Brentwood border or by secure video from anywhere in California. That flexibility suits student life. Many clients meet online during the term and continue without interruption through breaks, moves, and summers. I bring over a decade of clinical experience, drawing on psychodynamic and relational depth work. I also trained theologically at Fuller Seminary, so if faith or spiritual questions are part of your life, there is room for them here, belief and doubt alike. You do not need to be religious to work with me. The first step is a free 15 minute consultation. It is a conversation, not a commitment.

Core Therapy was founded in 2020 with a simple belief: quality mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and designed to meet people where they are. What began as a virtual response to a growing need for mental health support has evolved into a diverse team of compassionate clinicians serving individuals, couples, families, and children throughout California. Our practice is rooted in client-centered, culturally responsive care. We recognize that every person comes to therapy with different experiences, identities, challenges, and goals. Our clinicians work to create a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. As a fully virtual practice, we aim to make connecting with the right therapist easier and more convenient—bringing quality care directly to you, wherever you feel most comfortable. At Core Therapy, our goal goes beyond providing therapy. We strive to reduce barriers, challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, and make therapy feel more human, approachable, and connected.

Do things feel off track and overwhelming this semester? Procrastination, imposter syndrome, lack of academic focus, feeling socially awkward, breakups, friend drama, existential fear of what comes after graduation, family conflict, relationship communication breakdown, feeling like everyone else has it together but you, roommate boundary issues, school/work/social out of balance? Yep, that sounds hard. Let's talk. While I do specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, and life transitions, there may be additional or underlying challenges that cause you to feel frustrated, unmotivated, overwhelmed, ashamed, or sad. Whatever your struggles, together we can help you better understand what’s going on and what may be getting in the way of change and feeling more like yourself. My approach to our therapy will be goal directed, and the strategies and techniques that we will utilize are research based; CBT, ERP, mindfulness, to name a few. You will leave each session with action items, and we will work together as a team. I will bring to our work substantive training, many years of practice, patience, empathy, curiosity, and reliability. ACCEPTING CLIENTS IN: CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, FLORIDA, TEXAS

One of the most important parts of therapy is feeling heard, respected, and genuinely understood. I work primarily with college students and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, difficult or intrusive thoughts, relationship concerns, or the challenges that come with navigating major life transitions. Whether you are adjusting to college, feeling overwhelmed by academic or social pressures, questioning your path, or trying to figure out what comes next, therapy can provide a space to slow down, better understand what is keeping you stuck, and move toward the life you want to be living. My approach is warm, collaborative, and active. I believe therapy should provide both a space to feel understood and practical tools to help you make meaningful changes. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT). Treatment is individualized to your needs and goals, and we will work together to determine what approach is the best fit for you. I have particular experience working with anxiety and OCD, including intrusive thoughts, rumination, reassurance seeking, perfectionism, relationship concerns, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty. I also work with adolescents and young adults experiencing depression, ADHD, academic or behavioral difficulties, and challenges related to relationships, identity, and life transitions. In addition, I have extensive experience working with individuals and families who are part of the adoption constellation. My background includes work in private practice, community mental health, and public and private school settings, as well as teaching in Boston College's Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program. I have nearly 20 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, college students, young adults, and families. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel understood while also helping you develop the skills to approach difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations differently. Therapy isn't about eliminating every uncomfortable feeling or having complete certainty; it's about learning how to respond to challenges in ways that allow you to move forward and live more fully in line with what matters to you.

I provide highly specialized, action-oriented, individualized psychological treatment based on your goals and challenges. I maintain a small caseload so I can provide the highest quality evidence-based treatment within the framework of a client-centered and recovery-oriented approach. I specialize in treating: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis, and serious mental health challenges. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the Aaron T. Beck Psychopathology Research Center within the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I worked with and received supervision from Dr. Aaron Beck one of the creators of CBT and CT-R. I am also faculty at The Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

At Telebehavioral Health US, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care, no matter where they are. Our licensed clinicians provide therapy and counseling through secure online sessions, making it easier for individuals and families to get the support they need without the barriers of travel or scheduling. We specialize in helping clients navigate life’s challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. By combining evidence-based practices with a warm, client-centered approach, we create a safe space where healing and growth can take place.

I have experience in working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and school stress. I spent more than two years working at Cornell's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which provided me with deep knowledge of the ins and outs of their mental health system, along with the pressures that one can face at college in regard to competition, academic stress, and building social connection. Being from upstate NY, I also understand some of the isolative parts of the experience, and adjustment to the uniqueness of the region. I am grateful to have a chance to share this experience and apply it to the therapy space. I gather inspiration from a variety of backgrounds and techniques, and use an eclectic style in therapy. It is extremely important that there is a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings. I have found that individuals have a great deal of success when we work on the relationship between their thoughts and emotions. I encourage you to reach out if you want to talk more about the specifics of what therapy could look like, and to have a conversation about how to improve your life and reach your goals.

My clinical practice includes everything from complex mental health diagnoses to people going through a difficult time. I use a person-centered, relational style, and my framework is based on a Psychodynamic approach with an emphasis on family systems. I believe in building relationships in therapy that free people to find balance in their own lives. As a therapist, I focus on you. I want to understand your thoughts and feelings and guide you towards your life goals. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

My style can best be described as insight and action-oriented therapy. I believe that once an individual has an improved understanding of their inner workings (thoughts, emotions, behaviors) and patterns of behavior, then they can begin to adopt more healthy ways of living. In sessions, I offer empathy, acceptance, guidance, and understanding, while encouraging clients to show up authentically so that they can work towards personal growth and positive change. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Dr. Jehan F. Helmi is a psychiatrist in Cleveland, Ohio and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Highland Springs Hospital and Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare-Northfield. She received her medical degree from King Abdulaziz University College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She has expertise in treating bipolar disorder, among other conditions - see all areas of expertise. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. Education & Experience Medical School & Residency University of Miami/Jackson Health System Residency, Psychiatry, 2014-2017 King Abdulaziz University College of Medicine Medical School University of California (Irvine) Fellowship, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2018-2020 Certifications & Licensure CT State Medical License Active through 2027 CA State Medical License Active through 2027 FL State Medical License Active through 2027 OH State Medical License Active through 2026

I’m a certified family nurse practitioner by the American academy of nurse practitioners (AANP). I have completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. I began my career as a mental health nurse in an inpatient setting. I also have an extensive background in urgent and primary care working with patients of all ages. I have a passion for mental health and enjoy getting to know people I treat. I believe in providing the best care possible to each patient. In my free time, I enjoy travel, reading and spend time with family and friends.

Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who helps adults feel more like themselves again. She has worked across a wide range of settings, from supporting older adults living with serious mental illness to leading art based groups with younger clients, and she draws on all of it. Her style is integrative and rooted in person centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction. She connects most with people carrying the weight of trauma. Much of her work uses somatic and mindfulness based tools that help clients reconnect mind and body and rebuild a sense of control over their lives. Courtney treats you as the expert on your own story and sees her role as walking beside you rather than handing over answers. Most people who reach out are looking for steadiness, a little creativity, and a path back to peace and purpose. Courtney sees clients through WellQor, which offers online therapy across California. To get started, fill out the Get Started form on the WellQor website. A member of the front office team will then text you with next steps and help you find a time to meet, so the first step stays simple and there is no pressure to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Rachel Peterson is a telehealth clinician serving clients in Nevada and California. She specializes in depression, anxiety, and substance use, with additional experience in perinatal mental health and crisis intervention. Rachel builds trust through empathetic and reflective listening, providing a safe space for clients to discuss issues important to them. Her therapeutic approach incorporates cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior techniques, as well as motivational interviewing, empowering clients to reach their own conclusions and embrace self-determination. Rachel is passionate about helping clients identify patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, supporting them in making meaningful changes.

Welcome! I am a former lawyer, turned second career psychotherapist, practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, Colorado and Utah. In the meantime, I raised three adult kids, all with ADHD and LD’s. I specialize in navigating complicated relationships, managing anxiety and depression, exploring more recent and childhood traumas, and honestly, navigating life as a student. Want to talk about law school; I’m your girl. Want to blame everything on a parent? Happy to do it. Want to make real progress and laugh along the way? Let’s go!

Hello and Welcome! My name is Daniel Reed and I am a first-generation college graduate and clinical psychologist. I take an integrative, holistic approach to therapy, blending cognitive-behavioral, relational, and psychodynamic methods to fit your unique background and goals. Together, we’ll explore how your daily life is shaped by your cognitive, emotional, and relational patterns, while honoring your intersectional identity and lived experiences. I specialize in supporting university students and young adults navigating identity formation, LGBTQ+ experiences, trauma, neurodiversity, interpersonal concerns, anxiety, and depression. Progress starts with a great fit. As an active and collaborative therapist, I don’t just passively listen—I engage with you in real time, offering feedback, observations, and insights to help you build self-awareness and create meaningful change. Licensed Psychologist in CA & IL. *Please note: I am unable to see actively enrolled Santa Clara University students for therapy services due to a conflict of interest, as I also work at Santa Clara University's Counseling and Psychological Services. I am however, able to provide therapy services for former SCU students and alumni.

Is your college life leaving you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lonely and depressed? Many students struggle with fitting in, peer pressure, with stress, Is college not what you expected? No matter what you are going through there is hope. I believe you know what you need, but maybe you are not sure how to get there. My expertise is combined with years of experience in helping my clients achieve their goals using targeted interventions to address your particular areas of concern, I enjoy working with college students and regularly see them in my practice. That's where I come in. I will be there to help you and support you as you begin choosing to show up for yourself to feel like yourself again.

I have always been passionate about understanding others. I believe that most peoples’ actions and beliefs make sense once you understand the full context of their stories. However, we often judge others instead of taking the time to do this. Having a non-judgmental space to explore one’s emotions and experiences is a gift I believe everyone should have access to. Therapy is special because in addition to providing that non-judgmental space, I also can offer practical tools and support for mental health based on my education and experience as a therapist. During our first session, I will ask you to share about why you are seeking therapy and what goals feel important to you. Then, we’ll talk about the ways I can support you in reaching those goals. It’s important to know that I always assume the best in my clients, and my only goal for you is that you are able to live in a way that aligns with your own values and aspirations. Sometimes, I will point out when my clients actions don’t align with their values, as this enables us to truly reflect and grow. Every client has a different comfort level when it comes to how much and how soon they share things with me. I build trust with my clients by showing up consistently and honestly, and I trust that my clients will share things with me when they’re ready. In my past work, I have especially connected with young adults who are processing childhood trauma. I also have had many Asian American clients who are interested in further exploring their cultural identities in therapy. Whatever your background, it would be an honor to work with you and be part of your story.

To provide access to education, support, and therapeutic healing to nurture, thrive and influence the overall wellness of mothers and their growing families. Well-Mamas Counseling is therapeutic space where individuals in different phases of their mothering journey can be supported by mental health professionals to overcome the challenges of the many transitions that happen in life. Our goal is to support families in forming authentic relationships.

We provide therapy for children, teens, and adults in San Diego, CA. We specialize in Anxiety and ADHD and treat a wide range of issues including stress management, depression, grief/loss, LGBTQ+ and relational issues. Please view our website and providers' pages for more information.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.