Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

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.

Students often come to Reframe CBT feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, overthinking, or pressure to succeed. Many are thoughtful and motivated, but get stuck in patterns of second-guessing themselves, replaying situations, or trying to figure things out before they can move forward. This can make it hard to focus, sleep, or feel confident in themselves. Our approach is collaborative and straightforward. We help students understand what’s driving these patterns and give them practical tools to respond differently—so they’re not stuck in their head as much and can move through school and daily life with more confidence and ease.

I support students who put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed—whether that’s in school, relationships, or planning for the future. Many of my clients appear to “have it all together," but inside they feel anxious, burned out, or unsure of how to manage the stress. My clients come to me because they’re struggling to balance everything on their plate or want support navigating big changes like moving away from home, figuring out their identity, or making decisions about what’s next. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re carrying the weight of expectations (your own or others’), you’re not alone. In our work together, you’ll have a space to slow down, feel understood, and learn practical tools to feel more grounded and confident in your everyday life.

We are here to help you cope through stressors of social life, academic pressures, adjusting to new place and culture, anxiety of majors, careers, peer pressures, sexual identity and feeling lost and lonely. You really do not have to do this alone.

Hello! I am an Asian-American therapist and I work with young adults dealing with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, navigating adulthood, and intergenerational and multi-cultural experiences. If you’ve struggled with any of these, 1) you’re a human being, and 2) you’ve arrived at the right place. I am here to welcome you and all of your humanness! As a therapist, I can teach you the skills to navigate how to address these struggles. I want to create a safe space so that you can explore your life without worry of judgment. I aim to bring warmth and humor into the therapy room, as well as a deep commitment to getting to learn about you and work towards your life goals! You and I will be a team. You are the expert in your life, and I will act as a guide to help you on the path that you want to take towards healing. I want you to feel empowered to learn more about your inner workings so that you can take on the world!

Living life as a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe you’ve been feeling depressed for a while and haven’t been able to find a way out of it. Maybe anxiety has been holding you back from really showing up in your life the way you want to for too long. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in life, have lost your sense of purpose, or can’t seem to find your path. Whatever it is that brings you here, we’re happy you found us. We are located in Riverside, CA for in person sessions and offer telehealth session throughout California and Colorado. We are passionate about helping you create a life worth living. We work with people on a diverse range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, lack of fulfillment, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, career challenges, work/life balance, grief, personal growth and LGBTQ issues. We know how hard being a human can be. Whatever challenge you are facing, we’re here to help you navigate it authentically with presence, integrity, and intention.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional and Integrative Psychiatry. My ideal client seeks a holistic, root-cause approach to mental health. I work with those who’ve had suboptimal outcomes, intolerable side effects, or feel unheard in traditional care. I offer personalized visits with deep listening and individualized treatment. I also have specialized training and a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. * note I only prescribe non-stimulant options for ADHD I offer two tracks for treatment Track one: (out of network) evidence-based Functional & Integrative Psychiatry, addressing brain health, root causes, and whole-body factors. I help clients with complex or treatment-resistant issues by exploring medical, nutritional, inflammatory, genetic, and lifestyle contributors to mental wellness. Track two: Traditional Psychiatry- Medication Management & Supportive Therapy (In Network with 7 Insurances via Headway) I approach patient care with collaboration, empathy, and empowerment. I create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Healing, joy, and peace are achievable, and I am committed to guiding you on your journey to mental well-being and a healthier, more balanced life.

During challenging times, people often feel defeated and focus on what is wrong. I want to shift the focus from what is "not working" to identifying what is "working." We will work to uncover patterns (behavioral, thought beliefs, relationship), that will lead you to making better decisions. I want to offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings around issues that can be challenging. I am interested in helping people who experience stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and challenges with relationships (social or romantic). Many conversations are around “adulting” and how to manage life, career, relationships, etc. I teach clients how negative thought patterns/language effect mood and behavior. Narrative and Solution Focused therapy assists in shifting from self-defeating language/thoughts to a positive life narrative. I utilize CBT and teach the basics of how thoughts effect behavior/mood. I teach ACT concepts- to learn how our emotions and thoughts are related. I teach mindfulness to help with coping.

I am inspired to work in mental health to help people and help them feel like they are not alone in the world. I listen intently. I not only reflect on what my patients say verbally and on what their intention is even silently but also hear and provide a holding space for their anxieties to create hope and assurance. I create a welcoming and safe space without judgement or shock and I create a place where they are listened to. This can be a special place just for them to be who they truly are. I use eye contact and intentional questions that guide them to a gentle space to explore.

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.

Your mental health journey is more than a clinical experience – it's a unique and meaningful story. I work with college students every day as a professor in a nursing program in addition to working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. That allows me to have a unique understanding of the challenges you face. It can be tough to balance school, work, athletics, and life in general. It takes courage to access support for your mental health - I look forward to working with you. I offer therapy and medication management for individuals of all ages with concerns such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, Insomnia, and more.

I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

Hello! I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker therapist, licensed in both California and Washington State. I offer telehealth video sessions for young adults. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. My goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach for you to process your emotions. As a therapist, I utilize a variety of different therapeutic interventions to customize treatment to meet my clients' needs. I love empowering my clients to leave therapy feeling proud of the work they have done, and confident and capable in their next stage of life.I truly listen to my clients, openly, honestly, and without judgment. I love to tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. I feel homework is a critical and crucial part of treatment, and it helps to solidify our discussions.

Reaching out for help is often the most difficult step. We may think “Why wasn’t I strong enough to deal with this on my own?” or “What is wrong with me?”. We may even downplay our experiences, thinking “There are others who have it worse” or “I’m just being dramatic.” It’s okay to have these thoughts, and it’s okay to realize that we can’t do it all on our own. As your therapist, I am here to support you in all aspects of the human experience – especially the ones that make us question ourselves. Whether it be feelings of shame, grief, inadequacy, or something else that is challenging to name, I will be there to guide you gently through. I utilize empathy, compassion, and gentle curiosity in the therapy room. As a collaborator in your process, I will help you to explore and discover while always allowing you to set the pace for your own journey. As a companion, I will be by your side when difficult emotions arise – guiding you through coping mechanisms, providing resources, and strengthening support systems. I believe that everyone has within themselves exactly what they need to live their most satisfying life. My role is to help you uncover that which is already within. In this way, I utilize a Solution-Focused approach to highlight strengths and identify small steps towards healing and change. I also integrate techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and IFS in order to tailor therapy specifically to each person’s needs. As a Latina and descendent of immigrants myself, I am passionate about intergenerational healing and breaking cycles. I take an inclusive approach to therapy, taking into account social, political, cultural, and economic contexts when considering family stories and histories. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples navigating the stressors associated with living in different cultures and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Reaching out for help is an act of courage. I am glad you are here.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.

Honest Insight is an individual and couples counseling service dedicated towards developing self-awareness and healthier relationships with ourselves and others. We provide in person services (Pasadena) and virtual services throughout CA. Clients that choose to work with us are curious to learn about how their unique childhood experiences have influenced their current adult lives. You want to be more effective in managing relationships (romantic, family, professional, social), and develop the confidence to live life with more meaning. It is possible to feel safe, experience happiness and worry less. We are trauma informed and work from a relational focus. We can work together to gain insight and explore your past so that you can develop a better understanding of your experiences and how they have impacted you. Our therapists have been trained in several modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT and more trauma based approaches.

Taking the courageous step to seek support is a powerful act of self-care and strength. It’s a recognition that you deserve compassion, understanding, and guidance, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges may feel. You don’t have to navigate your struggles alone, together, we can create a safe and welcoming space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I deeply respect the uniqueness of each person’s journey, and I am here to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re feeling lost, searching for clarity, or striving to grow into the person you aspire to be. I specialize in working collaboratively with my clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their unique challenges and goals. My approach encompasses a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, marital issues, and stress management. Together, we’ll chart a path toward healing, growth, and meaningful change My mission is to help you uncover the strengths you already possess, develop practical and effective coping skills, and create a life that reflects what truly matters most to you. You deserve a life filled with purpose, resilience, and fulfillment—one that aligns with your unique values and aspirations. I’m here, ready to support you whenever you feel ready.

“I didn’t find therapy, therapy found me.” I believe my own journey through various stages of life, as a teacher, coach, confidant, and parent, provided me a deep calling and inspiration to serve and support people from all walks of life as a therapist. I thoroughly enjoy the therapeutic process and empowering clients to reach their goals and beyond. It’s imperative that as a therapist, I am curious to know my client and give them the nonjudgmental space to express their issues, concerns, emotions, etc. I am an attentive listener who inspires the client to take the steering wheel of where they want to go. Through collaborative work together and keeping an open mind, I will be there for the client to explore what will work best for them and how they will get there. I approach therapy as client-centered, every person has their own story, their own experiences in life. With an empathetic ear and through the client’s self-exploration and goals in mind, I like to practice an integrative perspective that may intertwine the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Creating a safe and supportive environment will allow for a positive therapeutic environment and promote growth.

Do you struggle with feeling inferior or plagued with self-doubt? Is anxiety or stress making it difficult to feel motivated and be productive? Take the first step with me - a supportive space to feel heard and acknowledged. Find the hope you have been looking for to make growth and positive change in your life! My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which involves exploring the beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors causing distress and using healthy strategies to regulate the emotions and respond effectively. I also incorporate a trauma-informed, strength based approach, and mindfulness. If you are interested in learning more about what to expect with therapy or want to see if we would be a good fit, please call or email me to set up a free 15 minute consultation call! I look forward to meeting you!