Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. Maybe you feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like you have to handle everything on your own. Whatever you’re carrying, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to support you as you step outside your comfort zone and move toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. As someone who was once a student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shifting relationships, grief, trauma, and everything in between—on top of trying to keep up with school and the pressures of “figuring it all out.” I work with college students at all stages—whether you’re adjusting to campus life, pushing through to the next break, preparing for graduation and the uncertainty ahead, or returning to school after time away. Whoever you are, this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. As a child of immigrants, I’ve personally navigated the complexities of balancing cultural expectations, identity, and belonging. My own journey has deepened my empathy and passion for helping others find clarity, self-acceptance, and peace in their own stories. Students come to me for all kinds of reasons—managing stress, navigating friendships and relationships (yes, even situationships), figuring out what’s next, or simply having a space to process it all. Whatever brings you to therapy, we’ll approach it with curiosity, compassion, and maybe even some laughter along the way. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re continuing your journey, I’m honored to support you every step of the way. Registered Associate Marriage and Family therapist at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. - Supervised by Monica Ramil, LMFT #108945 -

Are you struggling with Fear, Anxiety and Stress due to Coronavirus and have concerns to go into therapy? If you have time during your day you have time for quality solution based therapy to deal with the current situation. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, with over 25 years experience, Dr. Devorah Rader is a private practitioner accustomed to working with a diverse range of clientele to make positive changes with a fresh approach. Clients will experience greater satisfaction, meaning, empowerment and balance in life.

Change Within Reach specializes in culturally sensitive, deeply personalized therapy for individuals, couples, and families seeking meaningful transformation, with a strong focus on addressing anxiety alongside complex life transitions, identity, and relationship dynamics. Change Within Reach is committed to providing an inclusive, client-centered environment where clients from diverse backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported. With therapists skilled in blending cultural insights and therapeutic expertise, Change Within Reach offers services in multiple languages, helping clients address challenges that intersect with cultural expectations, self-identity, and mental health.

I'm a therapist because I've had my own process with therapy. It takes strength to reach out, and I'm so glad you're here. I believe therapy can help, and that weekly sessions are only part of the picture. True growth and healing happens in applying what we talk about to your life outside of sessions. Like recovery, the therapy process is nonlinear, and the road can feel dicey before it starts to even out. I am honored to sit with my clients in the uncertainty and hold space for this, until the light begins to show through. I specialize in helping my clients with connecting to emotions, managing anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, perfectionism, and trauma. I'd love to chat with you to learn more about what brought you here, and how I can help.

Do you feel like life's obstacles have become too overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. I can help you overcome such obstacles. Through psychotherapy, I help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Breaking through your obstacles begins with you. Contact me and we start your journey toward wellness. I see individuals dealing with a wide variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety and trauma to trouble with relationships, multicultural issues and difficult life transitions. Even if don't see your particular issue listed, let's discuss your needs and goals for therapy, and I can refer if necessary.

If you are struggling, please contact me right away. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in counseling college students and adults in the community who are navigating complex relationships or experiencing depression, shame, or trauma. You are not alone in struggling with profoundly difficult things in your life. You need a place to talk about whatever it is that is troubling you with somebody who can actually help. My counseling approach involves individual one-on-one appointments in a safe and confidential space. In our sessions, I will guide you through processing whatever it is you are struggling with. Through this work you can reach peace, better understand yourself, and find rewarding relationships. There is hope.

I was born a helper and my experience in the navy enhanced my desire to help others who are struggling with mental health issues regardless of how small or how big. As a therapist I want to be able to help those who are courageous enough to seek help to improve their mental health. Being heard and understood in each session is important for every client and encourages vulnerability and completion of recommended treatment. I support this by actively listening to them, validate their emotions, ask clarifying questions, paraphrase what they say to confirm understanding, and maintain eye contact. As a therapist I know how important it is to have a healthy and therapeutic relationship with each client because no two clients are alike. I utilize active listening skills, demonstrate genuine empathy, maintain an open line of communication, and create a safe space for vulnerability to support the development of a trusting and strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients. A key element in me building a therapeutic alliance with each client is being transparent about the therapeutic process and assisting each client with setting individualized realistic treatment goals.

Are you struggling with grief and loss, infertility, divorce, or past trauma from unhealthy personal or family relationships? Have these life stressors left you feeling fearful or lonely, struggling at work, or disconnected from what brings you joy? Do you feel exhausted, hopeless, or defeated by just trying to get through the day or go "back to normal" when life feels anything but? Do you question why this terrible thing happened and wonder if life can ever get better? Now more than ever, adults and teens are feeling overwhelmed about working through grief and loss, finding healthy relationships, and staying hopeful during tough life changes. I believe each person has the potential for healing, connection, and building healthier relationships with a good support systems. In my practice I provide individual therapy to help people experiencing different kinds of grief, loss and/or relationship related trauma. My approach incudes setting a couple of goals and identifying root causes of your pain. Next, I help you choose some new strategies and tools you can use to build more tolerance and acceptance for these painful life event(s). I offer compassionate, warm, and client-driven therapy treatment so you can begin creating healthier and more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others. Contact me today to book a free consultation to get started

As a certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I offer a supportive and collaborative approach to mental health care, combining medication management with practical therapeutic guidance to help you reach your goals.

Worried you haven't done enough? Experiencing indecision and disappointment in your relationships? If you're struggling to manage anxiety, now might be the time to connect. I’m a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion and express themselves fully. My style is warm and authentic, with some humor. I sit with clients as they experience difficult emotions, listen to what others have not been able to hear, and guide clients to connect with their self-worth and contend with the realities of life. Therapy is your time to think and feel with my support. Clients can expect a genuine interest in understanding them. I provide virtual therapy in CA for adults only, focusing on anxiety, perfectionism, stress, relationships, generational differences within Latinx/e communities and beyond. I draw from emotion-focused, psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories and therapy. Book your free consultation today. *Note: In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, do not call/email me to schedule a consultation call. See resources below: *Dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance, Go to nearest hospital/emergency room  *Call or Text 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline *Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line (Available for all types and levels of crises) *Dial 877-854-3594 for Human Options, a domestic violence resource *Dial 714-842-6600 for Huntington Youth Shelter, Dial 800-914-2272 for Casa Youth Shelter  *Dial 2-1-1 for additional information about local resources closest to your area

Do you experience stress, worry, or panic? Does anxiety interfere with your pursuit of personal and academic/professional goals? I can help you overcome your fears and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a compassionate environment in which my clients can learn strategies to attain greater life satisfaction and well-being. My areas of expertise include Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety and worry, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive hair pulling and skin picking). I also support parents who are experiencing anxiety or OCD during the perinatal period. I will collaborate with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs. Through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we'll work together to reduce your distress, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of balance in your life.

You may be feeling tired of the world as it is—overstimulated, uncertain, and emotionally demanding. Whether you appear strong and capable or feel overwhelmed, many people are carrying fear, exhaustion, and a longing for something steady to hold onto. The people I work with often feel worn down by repeating patterns like people-pleasing or overextending, or feel stuck and disconnected when life feels unstable. I provide a grounded, safe environment where you can truly slow down and breathe. My approach bridges the gap between traditional clinical expertise and alternative ways of healing. I offer evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, MBCT and Narrative Therapy. In addition to this, I also integrate somatic-based practices, Buddhism psychology, Akashic Record reading, and other spiritual healing practices into our work together. I work with self-identity, relationships, burnout, boundaries, and life transitions—especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to help you develop an inner anchor you can return to when life feels chaotic, and to support you in moving toward a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

Phoenix Rising Centers breaks barriers in mental health care for BIPOC, QTPoC, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Through trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally rooted practices, we empower healing, growth, and resilience while confronting systemic inequities.

"Commit to loving yourself completely. It's the most radical thing you will do in your lifetime" - Andrea Gibson I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals through transition and personal growth. After growing up in Colorado and graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, my professional journey started with a passionate commitment to community building, leadership development, and health and wellness advocacy. I embarked on a profound exploration of autonomy and a deepening understanding of myself through working with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Mexico and then as a Director of an Environmental Educational program in Hawaii. Following my move to the Bay Area, my deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on individual lives motivated me to pursue and successfully earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. Throughout my mental health professional journey, I have worked as a psychotherapist, consultant, supervisor, counselor and Founding Director of a New Parent Support Center, each contributing to my diverse skill set and holistic approach to well-being. With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals with their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. My integrative approach utilizes my extensive training in research-based interventions as well as clinically efficacious modalities such as developmental psychology, attachment theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy. By combining these methods, I provide a tailored and holistic therapeutic experience while recognizing each individual as the expert of their own life. I am certified in Parent-Based Treatment for Childhood Anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center, a certified Gottman Educator, a certified Parent Coach as well as a Girls Leadership educator. I have completed trainings in Surf Therapy, Somatic Experiencing as well as Nature-Informed therapy. I enjoy surfing, hiking and exploring the outdoors and live with my husband and two teenagers in Encinitas, CA. Lic# MFT 51396 “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Jon Kabat-Zinn Specialties College Students Women's Issues Identity Development Life Transitions Stress Management Relationship Concerns Anxiety and Worry Depression Attachment Theory Mindfulness and Somatic Based Therapy Parts Work

Are you a high achiever who feels disconnected from who you truly are? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of overwhelm, despite your outward success? Perhaps you’ve been shaped by high expectations, either from your family, culture, or society, and now feel torn between the person you’re supposed to be and the person you really are. I specialize in working with clients like you—ambitious, driven individuals, often children of immigrants, who are navigating the pressure to succeed while grappling with the internal conflict of identity. You may be feeling stuck between honoring your heritage and culture, and carving out a path that feels authentic to you. This can be an exhausting, confusing, and painful process—but it doesn’t have to be done alone. In our work together, I aim to create a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgment or pressure. Together, we can begin to untangle the stories that have shaped you, heal from trauma, and work toward developing a more integrated sense of self—one that aligns with your true values and desires, rather than others' expectations.

Marc is a seasoned clinician who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his work with clients. CBT focuses on exploring relationships among a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT Marc actively works with clients to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. By addressing these patterns, the client and Marc work together to develop constructive ways of thinking that will produce healthier behaviors and beliefs. For instance, CBT can help clients replace thoughts that lead to low self-esteem ("I can't do anything right") with positive expectations ("I can do this most of the time, based on my prior experiences"). The core principles of CBT are identifying negative or false beliefs and testing or restructuring them. Oftentimes clients being treated with CBT will have homework in between sessions where they practice replacing negative thoughts with more realistic thoughts based on prior experiences or record their negative thoughts in a journal. Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a considerable amount of scientific data supporting its use.

I specialize in helping adults work through unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, problem gambling, hoarding, phobias, and grief. I also support clients with stress management and navigating life’s everyday challenges. I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I am licensed to provide telehealth services to clients in both California and North Carolina. I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. I’m passionate about this work because I have the privilege of walking beside people on their healing journey. Witnessing the shift from feeling stuck in painful patterns to gaining true freedom and self-understanding is something I never take for granted. Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about being heard, seen, and supported as you grow and heal.

Collectively We Heal supports high-achieving students and young adults—many from immigrant, queer, and creative communities—who feel anxious, burned out, or stuck beneath the surface. We work with stress, relationships, identity, trauma, and major life transitions, offering collaborative, culturally responsive care that honors each client’s lived experience and supports greater regulation, clarity, and confidence.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

Oceanside Clinics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing telehealth services across California. We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Shield.