Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I became a therapist because I know what it is like to need extra support through life’s many curveballs. I became a therapist to give back, and am driven by the honor of getting to be a part of someone’s healing journey. I enjoy celebrating successes with my clients! I believe you are the most reliable narrator in your own story, and work with clients to promote empowerment in their own therapeutic experience. I work to create an authentic therapeutic space by utilizing humor, warmth, and collaboration. I empower clients to find answers within themselves and identify solutions that work to relieve their personal stressors. I guide clients to explore underlying thoughts and challenge themselves by emphasizing compassion and safety. I allow time for clients to ask any of their own questions they may have about myself or therapy in general and welcome feedback to ensure clients are receiving the best support possible. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a hobby ballerina! I also play Dungeons&Dragons. I am a firm believer in the importance of honoring our inner child through interests and play.

My inspiration to work in the mental health field is to meet the individuals I serve where they are at in their mental health journey. My drive is to provide understanding, empathy, and knowledge to the individuals I work with and to empower them to improve their quality of life. I hope to impact those I serve in a positive way, help them find their strengths, talents and learn to love themselves. Before I was a therapist, I was a certified nurse assistant. As a certified nurse assistant, I saw many of my clients in their most vulnerable state, and alone. I came to find out through my experience that even though I helped my clients with their daily activities, the most important aspect of my job was listening to my clients with an empathetic ear and being by their side during their hardest times. Once I realized I made more of a difference by just listening to my client’s feelings and being there for them, I realized my purpose was to become a therapist. I enjoy building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients by meeting the client where they are at in their recovery, by utilizing humor and providing a safe and empathic environment for clients to share. The methods, approaches and philosophies I use in treatment to build trust with clients are motivational interviewing, crisis interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused-based therapy, narrative therapy, role-play therapy, strength-based approach, behavioral theory, system theory, empowerment theory, and social theory. I have had the honor to build trust and work with all ages, 0-99 years old. I enjoy working with all people from all backgrounds. I have a background working with children and teens in the foster care system, aging adults in skilled nursing home facilities, individuals in mental health stabilization care, and in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I am someone who truly values life and believes in making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. I enjoy learning new things and continuously expanding my knowledge, both personally and professionally. Staying active in my community is very important to me, especially when it comes to advocating for and supporting the people I serve. I take pride in being involved, listening to others’ needs, and working to help create positive change. My passion for helping others, combined with my love for learning and community involvement, motivates me to continue growing and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

If you are sensitive, creative, trying to do it all for yourself and for others, but lonely and stuck about how to resolve the paradox, my practice is for you. Does the following sound familiar? "I will just do everything myself. I can want others, but I mustn’t truly need them…or upset them.” I do my best work with those who can want deeper human contacts in life but who feel uncertainty or conflict about opening up fully and about serving themselves. Your gifts might include: sensory, aesthetic, and emotional sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, desire for fairness and justice, creative and spiritual / philosophical interests, teaching / writing, having ideals, enthusiasm (when interested), and a good first impression (when you feel safe and well). Still, you may have slipped into people-pleasing, social anxiety or reluctance, uncertainty about dependency and safety, disappointed or resentful exhaustion, under-assertion, quiet envy / jealousy, variable or confused boundaries, withdrawal after setbacks, perfectionism, procrastination, or unexplained body symptoms If the above sounds like what you have been feeling and trying to cope with, get in touch with me for some knowledgeable, understanding help in a safe-yet-engaging environment. I am patient, intently listening, insightful about subtleties, and gently persistent. I have faith you can develop a healthy interdependence with life and others. I am here to hang in with you as you make the time to digest help and faith and then make some new moves. It will be worth it!

I am a PMHNP who graduated from Cal State LA’s MSN program. I have experience working in phase 1 and 2 clinical research helping develop new medicines for mental health patients. I also have my own family history of mental health issues. My ability to connect with my patients deeply inspires me to keep working in this field. I get to know every patient’s background, lifestyle, relationships, occupations, hobbies, stressors, and medication history very thoroughly to develop a holistic approach to create a plan with the patient to ensure effective care.

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.

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.

You may be carrying generations of stories in your bones. You might be the first in your lineage to pause, to rest, to ask: What would it mean to live differently? Whether you’re unlearning survival patterns, tending to old wounds, or simply trying to hear your own voice beneath the noise. I want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. As a queer, first-generation Mexican-American therapist and a daughter of immigrants, my approach is rooted in cultural humility, relational depth, and embodied compassion. I offer a space that honors all the parts of you— your strength, your softness, and your truth. My world is shaped by music, movement, language, and story, and I bring that spirit into our work together. I will witness you fiercely and gently. I will reflect back the person I see in front of me—resilient, intuitive, capable, and deserving of care that meets you where you are. Holding space for QTBIPOC clients, especially those navigating layered identities, is not only a privilege, but a responsibility I carry with reverence. I strive to offer a practice that is consistently affirming, culturally attuned, and radically safe. My work is for those who: Are first-generation or multi-generational cycle-breakers, seeking to redefine connection, boundaries, and belonging Hold intersecting identities with nuance Feel exhausted from performing, pleasing, or holding everything for everyone else Are healing from quiet trauma: emotional neglect, attachment wounds, chronic invisibility Long for a relational and soulful approach to therapy Values and Approach I hold a deep commitment to practicing therapy that is inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and rooted in accessibility and transparency. These aren’t just values—they are living principles that guide every aspect of how I show up in the room with you. I believe that every story holds weight, and that it’s a sacred thing to be witnessed in your truth. Yet so many of us have never had the chance, or the safety, to be truly vulnerable. In our work together, I strive to create the kind of space where you can exhale. A space where we explore the roots of your experiences with curiosity and care, where old narratives are gently questioned, and where your body and mind are invited into healing through deep compassion. It is devastating when I hear that individuals have not had safe and productive experiences in therapy. This is not your fault. Many people, especially BIPOC and queer folks, have felt misunderstood, pathologized, or minimized by past providers. I’m passionate about offering reparative, empowering therapy to help you reclaim your voice and your worth and to provide a truly transformational experience for first-time therapygoers. We’ll make room for grief and joy, for dismantling what no longer serves you, and for building a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself. When you start, I simply ask you to arrive as you are and begin from where you presently stand. When not in session, I am reading in my local coffeeshop or moving my body through yoga and dance. I hope you don't mind that my two cats, Finnegan and Chaos, will occasionally make an appearance in our sessions. I can't wait to hold space for you!

Navigating the challenges of college and young adulthood can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in supporting college students, young adults, and children as they work through anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem struggles, and relational challenges. My goal is to create a warm, safe, and judgment-free space where you can explore your emotions, gain clarity, and build the tools you need to thrive. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable to you, helping you move toward greater confidence and well-being.

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.

You have to be strong all the time. You feel stuck. You can’t sleep. You feel your heart racing. There’s tension in your back and tightness in your body. And it feels so heavy. Sometimes you may even cry when you’re alone and have feelings you want to let out, but hide them in fear you will be judged. You’re exhausted. But life feels so busy it's hard to slow down. You find you are having doubts about yourself and abilities. Maybe you are repressing parts of who you are. You are struggling to say “no” and taking on more responsibilities that leave you feeling burnt out. Perhaps there are parts of you that desire personal growth. You deserves to slow down, prioritize yourself and heal. In therapy you can be you, rebuild and grow. This is your time! You are taking the first step by seeking therapy. You will have a space to feel safe and free from judgement. We can navigate your struggles together. You are worth the time and work. It would be my honor to guide you through this journey of personal growth and healing. You already have everything inside you to live the life you want. Let’s bring it out together. Contact me to schedule a FREE consultation. Si tienes preguntas contactame para una consulta GRATIS. *A few Reduced fee slots of $90 available.

Starting therapy is a big step—one that takes courage. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you're struggling with the weight of past experiences, feeling lost about your future, or dealing with relationship challenges that leave you unsure of where you stand. Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with school and daily life can feel like too much to handle on your own. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can bring your full self—your worries, frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties—without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you make sense of what feels messy, reconnect with your strengths, and navigate the challenges that are holding you back. I specialize in working with college students and understand the unique struggles that come with this stage of life. If you're curious about how therapy might help, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Feel free to check out my website or send me an email with any questions. No matter what you're facing, you're not alone, and I'm here to support you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. For me, being a physician is more than a profession—it is a vocation to help indviduals flourish. My practice is devoted to students and young adults seeking thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care that extends beyond symptom relief. I provide comprehensive evaluations that consider medical, nutritional, lifestyle, and psychological factors—including laboratory testing when clinically appropriate—to identify the contributors to emotional and cognitive health. I also specialize in evidence-based de-prescribing for patients who wish to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications for anxiety, attention difficulties, or substance use disorders. My approach is guided by precision, humility, and restraint: using the least intensive intervention necessary while drawing upon the full breadth of evidence-based medicine. Depending on each patient's needs and goals, I integrate psychotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, exercise, targeted supplementation, and, when appropriate, carefully selected medications into a personalized treatment plan. In addition to my clinical work, I have presented internationally on psychiatric deprescribing and medical ethics. My work has been recognized with awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, the American Psychoanalytic Association, and other leading professional organizations. I am the Founder & Medical Director of Verigrate Health. I am licensed to serve patients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Lousiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

Bio I am a board-certified Stanford trained adult psychiatrist in practice for over 35 years. I provide compassionate, empathic and knowledge based care. Together, we will gain insight and knowledge about you and where your strengths and conflicts may be. Each person comes with a unique background and through this perspective, I will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. It is important to understand you as a whole person so that I can provide you with the most up-to-date treatment recommendations. My areas of specialty include mood disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues. Dr. Richard Corelli specializes in adult psychiatry, specifically mood disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and life transitions, including divorce and loss. He’s passionate about spending time in talk therapy with his patients rather than providing a “quick fix’’. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illness, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Most psychiatrists rely on a mix of medications and psychotherapy. https://stanford.edu/~corelli/ https://web.stanford.edu/~corelli/shortworks.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/richard-j-corelli-half-moon-bay-ca/236593 https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcorelli?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Luck, interest, fascination of the complexity of the human psyche and opportunity. I find meaning and purpose in the privilege that comes with another’s trust in navigating adapting to life’s inevitable uncertainties. Do you feel heard and understood currently? I understand the general concept, but can you please share what “heard and understood” currently means to you? Where do you feel most and least? Let’s explore that and identify your expectations of me as the provider. Collaborative, insight oriented, strength based skill development. Short term solution focused interventions with the intended strategy to encourage increased autonomy, emotional intelligence/resiliency in accepting and navigating life’s uncertainties and intricacies!

Hello! Thank you for taking the first steps in finding a therapist who will be a good fit for you. Making changes can be difficult (and scary!), and my job is to help support you on that journey. I view therapy as a collaborative endeavor in which the client and therapist are partners working towards a common goal. As the process unfolds, clients develop skills and learn strategies that they can apply not only to their current challenges, but to future difficulties that might present. Eventually, therapy is no longer needed, because clients have the tools they need to move forward on their own. I look forward to meeting you, and I hope that I can help you improve your life in the ways that you are seeking.

My practice specialization is focused on women’s issues and perinatal mental health. In response to the recent changes in access to women's reproductive healthcare, many of us are feeling confused, scared, (and p*ssed off!). I provide a safe space for women to process whatever emotions they may be feeling as a result of their direct experiences or related to future concerns. I believe that the relationship between clinician & client is the foundation for a successful therapy experience. Please know that I realize how difficult it is to connect with a “stranger” when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very enlightening. It can also be light-hearted & fun. (I guarantee a few laughs during each session!) I utilize a variety of therapy techniques, which ultimately allows for flexibility in making sure that you get what you need in a way that works for you.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and action-oriented. I practice evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). CBT focuses on changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT provides skills for regulating emotions and behaviors and improving relationships. Cultivating compassion can help you learn to face the challenges in your life with courage, wisdom, and kindness. I can help you improve well-being and life satisfaction and establish more compassionate relationships with yourself and others. In therapy together, I will listen closely and without judgment, helping you to uncover and pursue what you value most. I will help you change ingrained, self-defeating patterns and replace them with new, healthier ways of meeting needs. And I will offer you tools, support, and therapeutic techniques with your personal needs and preferences in mind.