Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. Early in my career I had many mentors who encouraged me to become a therapist, they believed in me. In some moment, I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I use the phrase, validate the other person’s reality that may be different from your own. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated. My first response is over time. I think trust is built with consistency. I tend to follow a consistent pattern in session, I try to have a beginning, middle and end to every session. The beginning can be more of a welcoming and social experience. The middle can be sharing and revealing the deeper part of a person and what they are going through. This can feel emotional and intense at times. The end, is closure. I will help a client have some closure at the end of every session. I talk to the client about next steps, how will you spend the time after the session, and confirm when we will meet next.

Clients who have experienced trauma, substance abuse and family issues. Struggling with depression and anxiety. Career and college challenges are all important to process. I use various research-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) . I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotions and traumatic experiences. I consider all aspects of an individual and implement a bio-psycho-social-spiritual, culturally-sensitive and client-centered approach with individuals, couples, and families.

Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply looking for growth, therapy can help. My hope is to accompany you as you move toward healing, wholeness, and flourishing. In therapy, I seek to embody a nonjudgmental, honest, and compassionate presence. You will find an environment where you can share freely and work on what’s most important to you. You will be equipped with tools and skills that will enable you to reach your goals. I have training in multiple modes of research-backed therapy, and I consistently pursue ongoing training. I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I use methods from CBT, DBT, ACT, family systems, and mindfulness. I believe in your capacity to heal, change, and grow. It can be hard, but we can do hard things–we've done it before. Call or email me today for a free consultation.

I believe that we have within us, the power to create the life we desire. We possess inner strengths and skills that can help us overcome challenges and live a fulfilled life. However, accessing this power can be an overwhelming task that may require support. Allow me to be an unbiased, compassionate and caring partner in your journey. I help individuals and couples explore their thoughts and emotions, reframe distorted beliefs, replace unhealthy patterns and unblock past traumas. I use elements of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Parts Work, Brainspotting, Prepare/Enrich and other modalities to help you achieve your goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations, in various settings, like working with college students at CAPS, working with young professionals, current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, couples and other adults. I help clients unlock their true potential and work through issues of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and more. Ready? Let the healing begin! In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.

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While therapy can be challenging to face, I try to make the process as easy as possible, hopefully even enjoyable. I enjoy working with adult individuals and couples who are curious about themselves, introspective/reflective and interested in personal growth and identity development. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 19 years of experience working with individuals/couples/families. My training has been heavily focused on helping people work through relationship issues and overcome feelings of anxiety, depression and grief/loss. I have also worked extensively w/individuals working through addiction recovery. Because I believe it is important to utilize the quickest yet most effective treatment, the treatment modalities I use are tailored to the individual and their unique needs. I like to see patients experience relief, empowerment, and personal growth as quickly as possible, yet without compromising the therapeutic process. It is important to me that individuals can easily and conveniently obtain the help they need in order to maintain continuity of care. For this reason, I am available to meet via secure video conferencing platforms if needed.

Embark’s Virtual IOP will guide you through a DBT and Trauma Focused CBT curriculum where you can gain skills like emotional regulation and mindfulness to help you navigate the stress of college. Our therapists and specialists help young adults struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We are serving young adults (18-26) in nine states: California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland (including Washington, D.C.). Our program includes group therapy, individual sessions, and as needed, family counseling, while also providing psychiatry and medication management support. Our team of highly experienced clinicians lead a virtually-curated intensive outpatient program that focuses on individualized treatment goals and objectives with therapeutic alliance and outcomes-focused approach taking the forefront. Our young adult programming is engaging, focusing on TF-CBT and DBT modalities, and we offer an OCD-specific track that brings exposure therapy to life. Reach out to learn more!

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Arboris Counseling Collective currently consists of two clinicians: Rachel Kinnard (LMFT161752) and Nicole Rodriguez (LMFT159223) Rachel specializes in treating generalized anxiety, body dysmorphia, and complex trauma, with a specific focus on helping individuals untangle the complexities of their lived experiences. If you are feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected, Rachel is here to help you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and alignment within yourself. Nicole is a late-diagnosed ADHD clinician that specializes in support individuals navigating neurodiversity. This can range from suspecting possible ADHD to support those with autism. To learn more about their individual styles please visit us at arboriscounselingco.com and/or schedule a complimentary (free) 15 minute consultation call

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

Hi! I'm Dr. Alice Wong, I have experience in working with diverse cultural backgrounds and understand the struggles one may face in wanting to assimilate while retaining their cultural heritage. Besides prescribing medications when necessary, I am a strong proponent of psychodynamic psychotherapy to process past experiences, understand ourselves better, and achieve the lives we consciously choose. Whether you're seeking relief from family expectations, struggling to integrate your multicultural identity (especially as an Asian American), experiencing the stress of transitions in life, managing symptoms of anxiety/depression/trauma, or feeling lost in your pursuit of a fulfilling life, I'm dedicated to walking this path with you.

You may be reading this because you’ve experienced a very difficult loss or transition in your life. Maybe you have lost a loved one or a pregnancy. Perhaps you are struggling as you or a relative begin hospice care or approach the end stage of a disease. You might be grieving a beloved pet or the end of a meaningful relationship. Loss, although universal, can feel isolating and unbearable to endure. I can help you cope - you don't need to go through this alone. Through my work helping others navigate hard times, I’ve been described as a “bright light in a time of darkness.” I’m a warm and welcoming therapist with a deep understanding and capability for helping people who are struggling. Therapy with me is informed by five years spent as a hospice social worker and extensive grief and loss training. I am licensed in Illinois, New Jersey, California and Florida for online therapy. I provide therapy through a secure and convenient telehealth platform (online video conferencing). I hope you will contact me for a free 15-minute consultation on how we may work together to support you. Please note, the hours listed on this profile are in Central Time Zone.

I work best with students who feel stressed, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next steps in their life—whether that’s managing academic pressure, navigating relationships, or figuring out what comes after graduation. I help students make sense of their experiences, manage stress, and find practical ways to feel more balanced and confident. My sessions are supportive, and collaborative, giving you a space to be heard and explore what matters most to you.

Hi, I’m Mojdeh. I am an Iranian-American therapist and a child of immigrant parents. I witnessed my parents experiencing their feelings of grief as they lived far from family, friends, and their native country. As a bicultural kid, I faced challenges integrating both of my cultures and experienced racism as I navigated the world. As an Iranian woman, I deeply understand the experience of not being seen, heard, or included. I am aware of the under-representation of BIPOC clients and therapists in the therapy room. This has led me to want to connect with clients who have been historically oppressed. In our work together, we can begin the process of examining systemic issues, advocating for social change and healing ancestral & intergenerational trauma.

Welcome! I’m glad you are taking this step towards your growth and healing. Are you challenged with relentless thoughts, communication, or quieting your critical voice? I enjoy helping others manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and foster emotional resilience. My clients will tell you I bring warmth and respect for diversity and identity into our sessions. I am passionate about empowering others as they embrace their authentic selves while navigating life’s complexities. I strive to create a safe space to explore your emotions, feel aligned with the world around you, and develop the tools you need to thrive in all aspects of life. I have 20 years' experience in online therapy, college settings, and emergency services. My theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Expressive modalities. Do you enjoy creative expression? My practice is rooted in embracing your unique experiences, collaboration, and creativity in our work together. Whether you are experiencing difficulties in relationships, career conflicts, or managing life transitions, I am here to support you with empathy and professionalism. Together, we will work towards creating meaningful, lasting changes that reflect your values and goals. I look forward to meeting and working with you as we begin this journey!

At One Heart Behavioral Health, we know life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting challenges, depression, grief, trauma, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you do not have to go through it alone. Our goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families from all walks of life, and we understand that every person’s story and needs are different. Therapy should never feel cold or intimidating — it should feel like a safe place to breathe, heal, grow, and be heard without judgment. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions with flexible scheduling and same-week appointments whenever possible. Our team is committed to making mental health care feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for the community we serve. Whether this is your first time reaching out for support or you’re returning to therapy after time away, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves while navigating school, relationships, work, or major life changes. You might be holding a lot together on the outside while feeling emotionally drained or stuck on the inside. If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, supportive, and collaborative—where you can go at your own pace—we may be a good fit.

On the surface you have it “all together” but underneath are struggling with constant anxiety & self doubt. Despite being smart, driven, and incredibly hard working, life feels hard. No matter how much you do or accomplish, you never feel good enough. You always put others first and struggle to say no, even when overwhelmed. You want to heal from old wounds and break unhelpful patterns but you aren’t sure how. You’re ready to let go of your inner critic and start taking care of yourself without feeling guilty. You deserve meaningful relationships where you feel supported. You want to feel fulfilled, have balance, and enjoy the life you have worked hard to build. Feeling calm and confident aren’t out of your reach, I’d love to help get you there. I specialize in treating anxiety, self esteem, and trauma in adults utilizing individual therapy and EMDR. I offer in person services in Manhattan near Union Square and virtual sessions for California and New York residents. Reach out to schedule your free 20 minute consultation call today to learn more.

Welcome to my profile! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have worked with clients for almost a decade in both county behavioral health agencies and private companies. I work with adults and adolescence that are looking for support with anxiety, depression, OCD, school issues, and relationship concerns. My approach to therapy is a blended approach in which I Incorporate cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I want clients to have a warm, positive experience where they feel listened to and heard.