Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I am and have always been inspired to work in the mental health field because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be happy and free from hindering and sometimes debilitating mental health symptoms. I started my adult life working in the corporate world and not too many years later realized that it was not my calling or my passion. It was then that I pursued furthering my education in order to be in a position to help others find their purpose, freedom, serenity, and happiness. Being a good listener is an extremely important skill and I believe a gift of mine. I believe that individuals are the experts in their own lives and therefore have a wealth of information to transmit. This is why listening is a major key in the therapeutic process. I am one to guide, not to dictate instructions for your life. I believe in being a partner in the process of recovery, healing, and well-being. A strong therapeutic alliance begins with the therapist’s ability to listen and empathize. It builds upon mutual respect and open-mindedness. A non-judgmental presence that exudes a sort of transparency and authenticity is vital in this process as well. Being flexible and modifying therapeutic modalities to fit the client’s needs are essential.

As someone from an underserved population who struggled to connect to resources, I understand how important mental health services are for our overall well-being. I believe it’s vital to challenge the stigma of mental health and create an environment where you feel understood and heard. Life has many challenges and transitions, and I am passionate about supporting others in their healing journey. I provide mental health services for anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships and challenges. I also value advocacy, an often underutilized tool that can support your life, and help clients connect to community resources and social supports. I believe collaboration is vital in the therapeutic process and I strive to work with clients to provide services that cater to their needs. I aid clients in building skills and tools that will benefit them in their healing journey. Throughout the treatment process, I make sure to aid clients in feeling comfortable communicating as therapy has been seen as a scary process for many. I use humor when clinically appropriate along with working to meet clients where they are and aid clients in understanding clinical issues in relatable terms. I love engaging in my nerdy side; whether it be reading, gaming, or discussing worlds and stories where helping the world is at a far grander and fantastic scale. I love connecting with others about their passions as I love connecting to my own outside of work.

I treat individuals who are experiencing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and related conditions of anxious rumination and Binge Eating Disorder. My treatment approach primarily uses the gold-standard of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) while also addressing issues of trauma and family dynamics. I approach the treatment of emotional eating with a skills based DBT approach, emphasizing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.

Providing thoughtful psychiatry for children, adolescents, and adults.

My name is Yams (he/him), or formally Kameryn Rose, and I am a Black, agender, and queer-identified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Kameryn Rose Therapy, aka Rose Therapy, is a virtual private practice specializing in providing culturally-informed and affirming care to Queer and BIPOC students and community builders across California. My approach is collaborative, direct, and conversational—focusing on unmasking, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your narrative from stressful or oppressive systems.

I always felt that I was called to help others. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I developed a sense of culture and community amongst Black and Brown people as well as a respect for the struggle. I grew up around artists, musicians, poets, leaders, givers, and eccentrics from all walks of life. During this time, I discovered how much I enjoyed listening to people, problem-solving, and motivating others to succeed and explore their authentic selves. I started off as a mentor in undergrad, inspiring other young people of color to attend college and think outside of the box in regards to their futures. I continued working with children, teens, and adults with special needs until I landed a position as an intern at a non-profit mental health agency in South Los Angeles. After I obtained my license as a marriage and family therapist, I continued to grow as a clinician, supervisor, and manager at the nonprofit while also taking on teen and adult clients in the private practice setting. My intake process is a free-flowing conversation where I provide a warm environment for you to feel comfortable opening up about yourself and what brings you to therapy. I used a standard intake questionnaire that can be filled out online and reviewed during the first session in order to assist with goal-setting and creating our therapy journey together. Progress is something that we agree upon collaboratively. I do give assignments as appropriate and depending on the goals we have established together. These assignments are not designed to feel like work but rather stepping stones to help you along on your quest for inner healing and positive change. I enjoy working with clients who want to grow and learn about themselves while tackling life's challenges.

I’m passionate about working with people who want a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. I specialize in gender identity, anxiety, and substance use - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, creatives, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, nonmonogamous, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined. Sound like you? Let's chat!

Hi there! Feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of transitions, anxieties, and "what ifs" that come with this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, chapter of life? You're not alone. I'm Ronna, an LCSW with 18+ years of experience supporting women like you through the ups and downs of adjusting to college life. From homesickness and relationship hiccups to career-path stress and future worries, I've seen it all, and I'm here to help you navigate it with confidence and clarity. ✨ My approach is all about you and your unique journey. We will work together to identify your strengths, understand your challenges, and develop personalized strategies for managing stress, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and making confident decisions about your future. My solution-focused style empowers you to identify practical coping skills and strategies that actually work, paving the way for the positive change you can see and feel. I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. I am here to be your guide, your cheerleader, and your partner in progress as you navigate towards a fulfilling college experience and a bright future. Remember, you've got this, and I'm here to help. Reach out today and let’s start building your brighter future together! My areas of expertise include: • Adjustment to college life • Stress management and anxiety reduction • Building healthy relationships • Managing academic pressures and career exploration • Fostering self-compassion and resilience

I was inspired to become a therapist because I have always had a passion for helping people in whatever way that I can, without judgement and assumptions. I continue to be inspired on a daily basis by the work that I do with my clients, and helping guide them to the solutions that they are looking for in therapy. I believe in the idea of ensuring that clients feel heard, understood and validated in what they are feeling. I ensure this by providing a safe, nonjudgmental therapy space for clients to feel comfortable in opening up about what brought them into therapy and how we can work through those concerns. Clients are encouraged to additionally express any concerns that they have should those arise. I speak with my clients on the idea of collaboration throughout treatment, as well as building a strong therapeutic rapport from the start. I bring in a sense of humor, respect and honesty about things as well. In addition to all of this, I allow for my clients to speak their mind about what is impacting them, and to provide them that space in order to express those feelings. I am a big proponent of positive self-care, something that I encourage my client to utilize throughout each week. I share my enjoyment of listening to music, watching sports, reading, physical activities, and playing guitar. It helps open the door to discussion about self-care techniques that clients can utilize when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

I meet clients where they are with a grounded, pragmatic approach and we collaborate to make their daily lives more manageable and fulfilling by addressing outdated coping skills that are no longer helpful, self-sabotaging behaviors, and past traumas. I also offer coaching services, particularly for young professionals, those in counseling and wellness-oriented professions, and graduate students. I am especially interested in supporting my clients through the processes of self-development and self-innovation, as well as radical acceptance and growth.

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

I find inspiration in helping others that are struggling with mental health problems. My clients have my attention, support, and feel heard and validated. I also collaborate with them to address their problems or distress. As a registered therapist, I strive to meet the client where they are at in life and help them move forward in their individual goals. I work with people from all age groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, states of life (pregnancy), and the LGBTQ population. I have experience working with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, grief and loss, trauma symptomatology, medical conditions, and dual diagnoses. I have a passion for reaching out, connecting and relieving mental suffering. I have specialized training working in the following areas: CBT, DBT, Clinical Sexology training in Florida, and TRAUMA training in SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), EMDR. I have worked with couples using the Gottman method, attachment issues and communication skills. My PhD is in international psychology and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds.

Hi! I’m Dr. Ruth Rayikanti, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and the Founder of A Blank Canvas. My greatest passion is helping people find clarity, confidence, and deep inner peace so they can live life with intent, purpose and presence. I was raised in San Francisco and went to UC Davis for my undergraduate studies. After earning my medical degree at Ross University, I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a year of specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente. But beyond credentials, what truly defines my approach is that I take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored uniquely to you as a whole person. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with high-achieving individuals including students who are navigating life transitions, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Whether you’re managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking to connect with who you truly are, together we will explore solutions that create real, meaningful change in your life. Outside of my private practice, I founded A Blank Canvas, a wellness platform dedicated to mindfulness, inner peace, and peak performance. This space is designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves in a deeper way and realign with their purpose. I believe within each of us lies a blank canvas – a place of infinite potential waiting to be expressed. If you’re seeking a psychiatrist who sees you beyond your symptoms and will partner with you to create lasting transformation, I invite you to reach out. I look forward to connecting with you. Be well!

Hi, I am a first generation Latina and the first to graduate from college in my family. I decided I wanted to be a therapist when I took my first sociology class in community college at Pasadena City College, where my life changed thanks to the support and guidance I received from my counselor and the PUENTE Project. I am now a proud private practice owner who has two children who have taught me more than any school program could. Both of my kids have learning disabilities and one is autistic. I have dedicated most of my time to learning how to navigate the educational system and advocating for their educational needs. Because of my personal experiences with my children, I am dedicated to supporting autistic individuals through neuro-affirming therapy and have guided many people in discovering and embracing their own neurodivergence. I have worked with many clients to help them access school and work accommodations and to develop personalized sensory self-care strategies. If you feel under a lot of stress, like you are working harder than the average student only to play catch up, feel burnt out no matter how you take care of yourself, and constantly feel disconnected even from friends and family, I am here to help you figure things out, one thing at a time. If you are a student who is under a lot of stress and is experiencing anxiety and/or depression, I am here to help. Or who feels alone and disconnected from others, I am here to help.

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.

My practice is grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, which means that you, as the individual, are at the heart of our therapeutic work. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, gender identity exploration, queer-related issues, and the impact of race trauma. I understand that each person's experience is unique, and I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where your voice is heard and valued. In our work together, we'll focus on processing your thoughts and emotions, helping you gain clarity and understanding. Whether you're dealing with complex challenges, seeking to understand yourself better, or in need of support, my role is to provide the guidance and tools that align with your unique journey. I hope to create a space where you can explore and grow at your own pace. I'm here to support you as you navigate your path, offering insights and strategies to help meet to your individual needs.

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

Dr. Cawkwell is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Having been trained at several elite institutions including UPenn, NYU, Harvard/MGH, and Stanford, Dr. Cawkwell has a specific interest and expertise in ADD/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, and Early Psychosis (Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder).

Let's be real - anxiety and depression can cripple anyone's life, especially students and graduates. These symptoms often cause people to feel "hopeless" and can damage academic performance, family and personal relationships, one's sense of fulfillment, and individual identity. For many years, I've successfully treated college students struggling with anxiety and depression. I specialize in blending a unique combination of therapeutic methods that helps students to overcome life's hardships. My goal is to be your ally - I work at your pace to help you achieve the goals we've set together. Much of my practice focuses on people seeking support in improving self-worth, increasing motivation, and finding direction in life. I have a long and meaningful history of working in particular with minority communities and their unique challenges, especially Asian-Americans and LGBTQ+ people. 650.690.8909 www.WellnessWaysCenter.org

Are you feeling stressed? Do you wake up moody? Is your anger affecting your loved ones? Has your addiction isolated you? I offer quality, personalized, empathic counseling to adults and teens as well as couples and families. You may come in for face-to-face appointments or use video conferencing or phone calls. ​My clinical focus includes: *Relationship issues *Depression and anxiety *Anger *Addictions Improve your quality of life today. You can feel better.