Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Graduate school strains every internal system you have. The pressure to produce, the unspoken competition, the isolation, the feeling that everyone else is coping better than you—these are not small stressors. They shape how you see yourself, how you work, and how you relate to the people around you. Bay Psychology Group works with the parts of this experience that don’t show up on intake forms: the private self-doubt, the stalled motivation, the fear of failing publicly, the difficulty sustaining relationships while carrying a heavy intellectual load, the exhaustion of managing family expectations, cultural pressures, or the reality of being far from home. Our approach is slow, steady, and built for depth. We look closely at the patterns that keep you stuck—how you respond to stress, how you manage ambition, how you treat yourself internally—and we do this in a consistent therapeutic relationship where those patterns can actually shift. Many of our patients are international students, first-generation professionals, scientists, artists, doctors, and LGBTQIA students who carry layers of complexity no short-term model can address. We offer the kind of work that helps you understand why you feel the way you do, not just how to get through the next deadline. Therapy is available in English and Mandarin. In-person sessions take place in Oakland; telehealth is available throughout California.
I help students who are struggling in their relationships or struggling with the demands of college expectations. I have unique specialties in anxiety treatment and eating disorder treatment as well. Reach out, and let's see if I can help!
My approach relies on a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship where we can safely engage in healing work. We will navigate the pains and challenges of today, while fostering an understanding of how the past has played a role - all while inclining toward a meaningful future. I will provide tools for immediate relief as needed to support this process. I often work with folks who are highly sensitive, feel different or misunderstood, have overwhelming emotions, struggle with relationships, have low self-esteem, are queer or questioning, or are seeking to develop identity, purpose, and meaning in life. I would love to talk to you more about how I work, hear about your goals for therapy, and answer any questions you might have. I look forward to hearing from you!
I recognize asking for help is no simple task and respect your curiosity in exploring this step. I view therapy as an invitation to delve deeper into your current concerns, personal history, conditioning and defenses in order to reconnect with your true self and experience growth and wellness in your life. Therapy is a unique experience for every person, with the potential to be transformational. I'm licensed in New York and California and specialize in treating anxiety, childhood trauma, medical trauma, depression, substance use, grief, chronic illness, life transitions and relational concerns. I am a certified Kripalu yoga instructor with specialized training in therapeutic yoga and weave mindfulness and somatic-based techniques into clinical work. I view therapy as a collaboration. I believe you bring your own unique set of strengths to the table and together we’ll explore which modalities best suit you and your current goals and concerns. I will meet you where you’re at in your process with compassion and respect, and offer a safe space to explore concerns openly and honestly.
Talk Therapy for Students Are you feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork or are you missing your family and friends back home? Our team is here to help you find the tools and coping skills to get your mind right. Leaving home, starting university, and finding new friends can be some of the most intense pressures and stressors to manage. Our team can help you Discover new coping skills Specialize techniques to manage anxiety and depression, and negative thought loops Increase your support system that will help you manage and decrease stress Talk about your past present or fear of the future Learn new ways to manage trauma Set new goals and follow through! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! College is an exciting time filled with new experiences, opportunities, and growth. However, it can also be a challenging period, particularly for students who may face academic pressure, financial stress, relationship difficulties, or mental health issues. These stressors can quickly pile up and take a toll on a student’s well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or burnout. As experienced therapists, we have seen firsthand the unique challenges that college students face. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of academic success, building healthy relationships, or finding your place in the world, college can be a time of intense stress and uncertainty. That’s why we believe that therapy is the most powerful tool for college students who are looking to enhance their well-being and achieve their goals. Our overarching goal is to help students to develop a better understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and provide them with the tools they need to overcome the challenges they face. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or even relationship issues, therapy can help you to gain a new perspective, improve your coping skills, and increase your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. Our number one priority is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express yourself and work towards achieving your goals. We know that every college student is unique, and take a personalized approach to therapy, tailoring our methods to fit your individual needs and goals. So, if you’re a college student looking to improve your well-being, increase your self-awareness, and achieve your full potential, we encourage you to consider therapy. We’re here to help.
I support students who are experiencing stress, both academically and interpersonally. I recognize the layers of pressure that may be coming from family, peers, and yourself. School can be a challenging environment and finding support is not always easy. I provide a space to be heard and for you to process anything that's on your mind. I am warm and nonjudgmental.
As a clinician with a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a doctorate in clinical psychology, I bring a thoughtful, integrative, and person-centered approach to therapy. My work is grounded in a humanistic theoretical orientation, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with warmth, respect, and curiosity. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported in making sense of their experiences, in their own words. While I prioritize a person-centered lens, I also draw from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. I am deeply committed to multicultural awareness, equity, and advocacy in clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S, and first-gen. My approach is affirming, identity-conscious, and culturally responsive, with an emphasis on honoring the complexity and intersectionality of each client’s lived experience. In addition to English, I am fluent in Mandarin and Shanghainese, and I welcome clients who may benefit from therapy in their native language. It is an honor and a privilege to support individuals in navigating life transitions, identity development, and emotional well-being with care, openness, and collaboration. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Erin Addams <mft.erin2@gmail.com> Fri, Jan 10, 5:35 PM to Leah With over 10 years of experience in mental health, Erin is dedicated to providing compassionate and insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families. As a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Erin combines evidence-based practices with a deeply empathetic approach to support clients on their journey towards mental wellness. Through humor and direct communication, Erin still manages to create a safe and nurturing space, empowering clients to explore their inner worlds, develop effective coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections. Erin specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, and trauma, and she is passionate about helping clients build resilience and lead fulfilling lives.
I aim to create an environment that is respectful, supportive, and collaborative. My approach to therapy is primarily based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Thus, instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings, or emotions, I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. This type of approach places your values at the center of therapy. Using your values and existing strengths as a foundation, we will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns –whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender and sexuality. I have extensive training in working with transgender and gender diverse adults, youth, and families. Transgender clients seeking assessment or counseling services can expect a safe space, and respectful, non-pathologizing, collaborative care. If you are looking for someone to work with regarding gender identity and exploration, I can provide education, support, preparation, and, if indicated, reports/letters for surgery.
I specialize in transitional aged youth (18-26) and work best with highly sensitive people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and intense and unmanageable relationships.
I work best with students who might look like they have it together on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. You might be dealing with school stress, burnout, relationship challenges, family conflict, or navigating individuation and identity as you figure out who you are and what you want. You may also be going through a big life transition. If you’re someone who wants a space to actually talk things through, feel understood, and also learn tools to manage what’s coming up day-to-day, we’ll likely be a good fit.
As a first-generation Filipino-American and the oldest child of immigrant parents, I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health. I believe people are inherently resilient but sometimes need space to tap into this resiliency. Providing this space drives my work, and I am grateful to witness my clients’ healing journeys. Therapy can be scary, so I strive to make the therapeutic space warm and safe by listening without judgment and having a calm presence. I truly believe in meeting my clients where they are at. I try to create an environment where my clients feel like they have control over what they share and how much they share. I believe my clients are the experts of their lives, while I have certain tools and knowledge to help them be the best version of themselves. My clients are the ones in the drivers seat and I strive to build trust at their pace. Sessions are collaborative and I consistently check in about how my clients are feeling about their overall progress in therapy.
My clients are vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and high-functioning people who sometimes face challenges with overthinking, self-esteem, emotional regulation, maintaining relationships, and self-compassion. People often reach out to me when they’re struggling to navigate a life transition, work or school-related stress, establishing boundaries and/or balance, or are seeking support in shifting patterns that are no longer serving them. I have worked with young adults, millennials, elders, tech professionals, non-profit professionals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as caregivers and people living with chronic pain. My approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. This allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to create a secure therapeutic relationship where you can freely explore all parts of yourself. In recognition of the importance of accessibility, I offer tele-health therapy sessions. This means you can receive support from the comfort of your own space, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for you. I understand that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I value the time and energy that you are putting into seeking the best support for you and would welcome an opportunity to speak in an initial free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a fit for working together.
Hi there. I see you. If you’re a student of color, first in your family to pursue higher education, or carrying the weight of trauma, expectations, or unspoken struggles…you’re not alone. I specialize in working with Black, first-gen, and BIPOC students who often feel like they have to be everything for everyone, all while trying to hold it together. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, or feeling disconnected from your identity. Maybe you’re tired of code-switching, tired of pretending you’re okay, or trying to heal from experiences no one else seems to understand. In this space, you don’t have to explain your culture, your pain, or your strength. I get it, because I’ve lived it, and I’ve helped others through it. My therapy style is warm, honest, and rooted in both cultural awareness and deep respect for your story. We’ll work at your pace to help you feel more grounded, confident, and like you again, not the version of you the world expects. If faith is important to you, I can incorporate that into our work too. And if you’re just trying to figure out who you are and where you belong, that’s okay too. We’ll explore it together. This is a space for your healing, your voice, and your freedom. You don’t have to carry it alone. Healing is a journey, and I’m honored to walk with you.
I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.
Living in your body may feel exhausting, unfamiliar, or even unsafe. Trauma, relationship harm, health changes or chronic illness, and struggles with body image and eating can leave us feeling disconnected and stuck between overwhelm and shutdown. I offer a warm, grounded presence where you can feel seen and begin cultivating a deeper sense of self-trust and wholeness - a space to explore lived experiences and learn supportive wellness practices. I work with busy students who are carrying the weight of stress, trauma, and grief while navigating immense transitions and responsibilities. Many of my clients are healing from sexual violence, emotional relationship harm, chronic/invisible illness and health-related changes (migraines, endometriosis, PCOS, POTS, cancer), and concerns around relationship with body and food, including disordered eating. I've supported students and young adults for over a decade, with many years of experience working in a college specialty counseling clinic. I use a mind-body approach that blends somatic (body-based), cognitive, and mindfulness practices including Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping). This helps us understand ourselves with compassion, cope with emotional overwhelm and physical body discomfort, heal from trauma, and reconnect to relationships and activities that nourish us. I find great joy in serving multicultural and multi-faith communities while providing a weight-inclusive, culturally-affirming, and trauma-informed space where all parts of you are welcome.
Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.
If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.