Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

My name is Dr. Aparna Atluru, and I am a Stanford trained psychiatrist, am on faculty at UCSF, and specialize in seeing young adults (18-35). I further subspecialize in treating young up and comers in high stress roles: graduate &professional students, residents/physicians and start-up founders/tech employees. I am many things professionally: academic physician, double boarded psychiatrist, skilled psychotherapist, and Harvard MBA. Given my diverse educational, training, and teaching experiences, I am able to understand high achieving young adults from a unique perspective. I feel I am the best fit for young adults who are multi-dimensional, high achieving, and are motivated to make a change. I have a very limited private practice, and only take on patients who are interested in working on their whole self from a mental health perspective. I provide both psychotherapy and medication management (if needed). As a double boarded physician specializing in psychiatry, I have extensive training in both pediatric and adult psychopharmacology. From a psychotherapy perspective, I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy and existential psychotherapy. On the personal side, I am originally from Texas, am Indian- American, and enjoy being outdoors, writing fiction and sipping on a good boba tea. My patients tell me I have a witty sense of humor, so if you can handle that, please reach out and lets see if we can work together!

Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, defeated, stuck, anxious, and stressed. Whether it's academic pressure, relationship struggles, or uncertainty about the future, I provide personalized support to help them build confidence, reduce stress, and create lasting change. Using tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), we’ll explore their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences in a safe and comfortable way. My goal is to help clients break free from negative thinking, build self-esteem, and find more stability in both their personal and academic lives. Whether clients are dealing with burnout, feeling lost, or need to regain control, I’m here to support clients in creating the life they want and deserve.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with transitional-age youth and adults adjusting to significant life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, empty nest, and retirement. Much of my training has been in contemporary psychodynamic theory,  relational theory and strength-based models. For over seven years, I worked in a Bay Area high school with high-risk youth, which gave me a deep understanding of how the experiences of adolescents impact our lives and shape our identity.  I also have over 8 years of experience working with law students as they navigate law school, the bar exam, and the first few years of their careers. I use an integrated approach to best meet the needs of each individual client. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to make positive and lasting change.

I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s health, trauma, and anxiety. I have several years experience working in university counseling and am passionate about college mental health. My approach is warm and collaborative with a focus on fostering confidence, balance, and self compassion.

We are a nonprofit agency that provides mental health and educational services in English and Spanish. Our services include therapy and assessments for learning and psychological challenges. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are often able to provide several free and lost cost services to the community. Currently, we have a promotion for 15 FREE virtual therapy sessions. Visit our website or give us a call today!

I work with students and young adults who feel like they’re figuring life out without a roadmap, whether you are a first-generation, LGBTQ+, or anyone carrying pressure to succeed while quietly feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of their direction. My own path wasn’t traditional; I dropped out of high school due to circumstances beyond my control before finding mentorship, earning my GED, and becoming a first-generation college graduate from UCLA. I know what it feels like to question your purpose, to feel unseen, or to believe everyone else has it together except you. With over 13 years in education as a teacher, counselor, and mental health specialist — and more than 7 years providing psychotherapy to transitional-aged youth and adults, I bring both lived experience and professional training to our work. I created Easy Peasy Counseling because life isn’t actually “easy peasy,” but I believe even the messy, heavy seasons can become meaningful and transformative with the right support. Therapy with me is about partnership, empowerment, and helping you rediscover the resilient, capable parts of yourself that may have been dimmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions. Let's get to work together so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

I’m a collaborative therapist passionate about working with people navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, OCD/phobias, and non-traditional relationship structures. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship with an approach that centers warmth, compassion, humor, and authenticity. I lead with curiosity to unravel whatever may be weighing on you and guide you in reaching alignment with your favorite version of yourself. Feel free to send me a message and we can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. I’m excited to meet you!

I love working collaboratively with my clients to find a plan for mental wellness that is tailored to the individual. Each case presents a unique set of circumstances that cannot be fit into a one size fits all approach. While my primary area of expertise is on medication management, I do incorporate some holistic practices into my treatment plans. In addition to medication management, I use CBT, DBT, and Family Systems Therapy in my therapeutic approach. I typically work with clients with an array of mental health concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. I have additional training in perinatal mental health and enjoy working with birthing persons in planning for pregnancy as well as managing mood symptoms during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

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Profound change occurs at its best in the context of supportive, empathetic, and insightful relationship. Throughout our lives we will all reach certain times where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, and disconnected from ourselves and our relationships. Maybe this has been you for some time, or maybe this is a more recent state that feels jarring. Wherever you are today, psychotherapy can be the confidential and safe place to show up just as you are. We will work together to uncover and shift the negative patterns keeping you stuck and develop skills to apply off the couch and into your life.

Dr. Ugo Ndubaku is a doctorate-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in integrative psychiatry and holistic therapy. Dr. Ndubaku supports clients whose mental health takes a toll on their everyday wellness. She aims to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for all clients. Dr. Ndubaku begins getting to know a client by learning about their backgrounds and what brings them to her care. She seeks to understand the client’s symptoms and how these symptoms impact their lives. When appropriate, Dr. Ndubaku prescribes medication to help clients feel more comfortable and less distressed throughout their regular routines. She pairs this with integrative psychotherapy as she encourages clients to take alternate perspectives into consideration. Her goal is to find an individualized plan to address each client’s needs directly.

Hi, I'm Jodi Paris, a licensed marriage & family therapist specializing in providing mental health care to young adults. As a trusted and experienced therapist with over 25 years of expertise, I understand the unique challenges that college life brings. I am passionate about helping young adults like you navigate this transformative phase with confidence and resilience. College can be an exciting and challenging time, filled with academic pressures, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I am here to support you every step of the way. With a warm and understanding approach, I create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. My extensive experience working with young adults has equipped me with a deep understanding of the specific issues you may face. Whether it's managing anxiety, addressing relationship struggles, building self-esteem, finding motivation, or navigating career decisions, I am here to help you overcome these obstacles and thrive. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and personalized approach. Together, we will set realistic goals, develop effective coping strategies, and explore techniques to manage stress and anxiety. I may also assign activities like journaling, reflection exercises, and practical worksheets to enhance your self-awareness and track your progress. My therapeutic toolbox includes evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Therapy. I believe in tailoring the treatment to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring a customized and effective therapeutic journey. Don't let the challenges of college life overwhelm you. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life by scheduling a free consultation with me. Together, we will create a roadmap for your personal growth, well-being, and academic success. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone – I am here to support you on your journey. Schedule your free consultation today and let's embark on this transformative journey together.

My primary approach is psychodynamic, with attachment and family systems theory. We will explore your emotional experience and discover parts of you that you may have forgotten along the way. You will experience deeper intimacy with yourself and the ones who matter most in your world. We will tap into your inner strength that you may have forgotten about or misplaced. I bring over 25 years of expertise working with humans of all ages, helping to release trauma and stored tension, creating new pathways for healing and new life stories. I help those suffering from all forms of Addiction, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Depression, Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence, Eating Disorders, Elderly Issues, Family Conflict, Grief, Obesity, Peri-natal and Postpartum Issues, Self- Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Substance Use, and Women's Issues. We work on coping skills amid chaos and pain. We work on thriving in life, relationships, and business. I work with people short-term, or long-term. It depends on your desires and needs. Working in the virtual space gives more freedom and flexibility. I can't wait to meet you and begin our journey together.

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I am a Los Angeles based psychotherapist and counselor committed to supporting my clients on their journey of learning and personal growth. My areas of focus include working with adults who are facing difficult life transitions or facing challenges in their relationships. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. My clinical experiences range from providing individual psychotherapy to adults in outpatient clinics, and crisis intervention and group psychotherapy with adults and adolescents in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. I have also worked with our homeless population across LA County, providing outreach, brief psychotherapy, and referrals to community resources and mental health services. My approach when working with all clients is client-centered and strengths-based. I value the person-in-environment perspective, so I can better understand my clients and their mental health in the context of their environment, and not just through their behavior and psyche.

Do you feel like you are searching? Searching for the reasons why you are unhappy in your relationships or lack of relationships? Searching for the reasons why you are unhappy in your career? Searching for the reasons you feel run down and uninspired? Searching for the reasons why you keep repeating the same addictive patterns that do not turn out to have positive outcomes? Searching for the right therapist!? I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience. My practice includes individuals and couples suffering from relationship problems, addiction, depression, grief and loss, anxiety and stress. I would like to help you discover what you are searching for and why you feel you do not deserve more out of life. My role is to help you end the search and discover the negative messages that you tell yourself that hinder you from becoming the person you truly are.

Our lives are full of trauma, loss, and challenge. It is easy to get overwhelmed by these experiences and fall into habits that don't serve our greater goals. I will help you find the path to the life you want. I work from a trauma informed, strengths based perspective. I have a special interest in attachment, neurology, trauma processing, and mindfulness. I have personal ties to the LGBTQ+ community and I am proud to serve individuals and families navigating identity challenges. Every person comes to therapy when the time is right for them. On this journey you will find new strengths, develop new behaviors, and reorganize you thoughts. When you are ready, I look forward to walking that path with you.

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’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.

PHILOSOPHY I believe meaningful connections are at the center of the human experience. We are social beings that thrive when we feel accepted, connected, and loved. These feelings can give us the confidence to show up in the world as our authentic selves and embrace our uniqueness. When we have a deeper understanding of ourselves and engage in unconditional self-acceptance, we gain a greater capacity to have fulfilling relationships. APPROACH My clients find my style humorous and compassionate as well as engaging and down-to-earth. My approach is holistic, engaging in all aspects of your wellness, with consideration for your mind, body, spirit, and heart. Thinking of my client’s needs, I use an eclectic and integrative method, pulling from traditional, innovative, and evidence-based techniques. Some of the modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My objective is to help my clients feel better as soon as possible, so I maintain a Solutions-Focused framework, offering direct feedback, actionable steps, and strategies to cope with current stressors. I am committed to having a therapeutic lens that is culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, health at every size acceptance, and social justice oriented. My ultimate goal is to assist you in identifying your unique gifts and using them to actualize your best self in the world.