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Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

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Poya Lai
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA

Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.

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Paul Ziller Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Hello, and welcome! I offer Telehealth video sessions for all CA clients, as well as in-person, or telehealth/in-person hybrid for San Francisco Bay Area clients. Much of our wounding is experienced in relationship, and so our healing needs that too. I offer a compassionate, collaborative home base that responds to what you bring. Face your challenges with skilled support. I move at a pace that's attuned to each client, balancing qualities of relief with growing edges. Together we can work to help you be in better relationship and balance with yourself and others, build resources, connect to your rich inner life and greater clarity, create an intentional path. Reach out! I offer a FREE 20-minute phone consultation. My office is in the Inner Richmond, SF. I'm a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). A trauma-informed modality that builds awareness around & resilience in the body & nervous system. We'll inquire into, respond to your thoughts, feelings, sensations. What your unique life or trauma have split off, disavowed in you, or disconnected you from, this work can help reintegrate, reconnect, heal. I offer primarily SE Sessions, if you are seeking that focus and modality only, as well as Psychotherapy Sessions. I’m also trained in SE Touch, which is an optional add-on. I came to this therapeutic work through my own mid-life awakening, discovered through uncovering my essential self in my own psychotherapy, so I bring a strong passion to this work, and a fearlessness to be with you in the hard stuff. I welcome diversity of all kinds, couples/triads, LGBTQQIA. It would be a privilege to walk this path with you.

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Maria Burch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Are you looking to have a deeper connection with yourself and others? Are you ready for a change? Therapy is about reestablishing a healthy connection with yourself, so you can make conscious and healthy choices. We will identify actionable goals for you to feel a sense of direction. Common areas my clients seek support for are: coping with anxiety and depression symptoms, relocation anxiety, impostor syndrome, relationship issues, body image, and work stress, We will release the old stories and receive a fresh new perspective to move forward. I will provide you with the tools you need to get through the challenges you face. My approach is warm, interactive and collaborative. I use an evidence-based approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which consistently brings clarity, relief, and meaning to my clients. CBT is validated by research and provides results quickly when you’re willing to look within, embrace discomfort, and take action between sessions. If you are feeling lost, stuck, anxious and need to promote balance and well-being, I can help you move through the challenge you face. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and validating approach. Call or email me to set up a free consultation so we can determine if I am a good fit for your needs. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Defina Health
Group practice
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Arianna Sifuentes
Marriage & Family Therapist
Oakland, CA

Hey I'm Ari (she/her) and I am glad you've stumbled on my profile. Early adulthood is a time of intense change, individuation, social pressure, and self-doubt. I support teens and young adults with identity exploration, improving relationships with themselves and others, building resilience, and much more. If you're a college student looking for some mental health support, I'm looking forward to connecting with you to see if we may be a good fit. While I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and presenting concerns, I have specialized training in supporting the mental health of LGBTQIA+, transgender & gender diverse adolescents and adults. Being a student is difficult enough as it is, but having to navigate gender, sexuality, identity, and relationships on top of these stressors is a lot. I help college-age students to improve their mental health in the midst of social, structural and institutional barriers. With a holistic understanding of the impact that societal oppression has on mental health I am dedicated to healing, wellness & joy. Our time together will be collaborative & affirming, and we will co-create a supportive space for you to increase self-understanding, improve your relationship with yourself and others, build resiliency and develop tangible tools you can use to improve your mental health. Finding a therapist you mesh with can be a process that takes time, resources and energy. I understand how important it is to work with a therapist who shows up as a whole, authentic person, so I prioritize genuine connection in our work. I invite you to contact me with questions you may have about working together and to schedule a no-cost 15 minute consultation so we can get to know one another. Head over to my website for more information about how I work.

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Jennifer Chance
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Adam Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

"What am I doing with my life?" "What do I want?" "Why do I feel the way I do?" "When will the time come that I feel how I want to feel?" "How do I get there?" These questions and many more like them can really come up as we enter into and move through our young adult years. And they can feel quite overwhelming, especially when we feel we are asking them alone. I partner with young adults to tackle these questions together. I am enthusiastic, I feel deeply, and I believe in the power of humor - these are core to who I am as a person and core to who I am as a therapist. My approach is very interactive; I bring my full self into the room, and invite clients to do the same as we work together to get them to the way of being they are seeking. I am passionate about working with young adult At the beginning of working with someone new, emphasis in placed on getting clear about what it is they are seeking and then collaborating with them to decide the pace and direction we go. Feel free to learn more about me and my work at www.adamcohenmft.com and contact me with any questions or to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to explore working together.

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Eehwa Ung, Ph.D.
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Many of the people I work with are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who are struggling to navigate multiple areas of their life like work, school, family, relationships, or the intersectionalities of their identities. Many talk about often feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck. This then kicks off to what feels like a never ending cycle of confusion, frustration, depression, and anxiety. Therapy is an opportunity to find clarity and work through these obstacles to help people get their life back on track. My clients and I work together to develop more mindful behaviors to help lead a more meaningful and healthy life. People develop certain attitudes and perspectives based on their early life experiences to survive when they were younger. But these attitudes and perspectives are not helping now which is part of the reason why people might feel stuck. By looking at these attitudes and perspectives closely, people can learn to change how they talk to themselves, how they react to their emotions. and take more thoughtful actions to move forward towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. My practice integrates several evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that encompasses principles of person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, multiculturalism, and strength-based values. With my compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth style, therapy can address the things that are getting in the way of people’s life so that they can move forward. COMMON EXPERIENCES THAT I WORK WITH PEOPLE ON: - It feels like your mind is playing tricks on you - It feels like your eyes or ears are playing tricks on you - It feels like something odd is going on or hard to explain - Confused at times whether something is real or imaginary - You feel suspicious or mistrustful of others - It feels like you have little control over your thoughts - It feels like others can hear your thoughts or read your mind - Having thoughts or beliefs that you or others find strange - Race-related identity, culture, and intersectionality - Cultural and systemic trauma and oppression

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Kasey Balin
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

I’ve been in private practice for almost 20 years. Something that sets me apart from a lot of other therapists is my strong commitment to having a good match between therapist and client. If I’m not the right match, I will try and help you find someone who is. I work collaboratively with my clients to form a relationship that feels supportive, while at the same time, helping to stretch their capacity in whatever area(s) they may be wanting to work on. I am warm and kind and non-judgmental, and also very honest and real.

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Wendy Skillern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Dr. Aileen Fullchange
Psychologist
Oakland, CA

Overwhelmed? Anxious? Hopeless? You've come to the right place. Congratulations on taking a first step toward healing. I am a licensed psychologist specializing in treating trauma, mood disorders, and behavioral problems. I work with pre-teens through adults in family therapy, couples therapy, or individual therapy. I have a passion for empowering my clients to understand themselves better, to heal from pain, and to thrive in life. Call for a free 15-minute phone consultation (214) 247-6410.

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Vanessa Velez, MD
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA

Hey there! I understand that it’s probably taken a lot to get here: emotional pain, depression, anxiety, grief and maybe even existential crises. I want you to know that you are not alone and it does get better over time as corny as that may sound. I’m a board-certified psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and artist who specializes in helping college students struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ecological and spiritual distress find inner peace. I combine traditional modalities such as psychotherapy and medications with holistic approaches such as purpose, creativity, and spirituality. I’m proud of you for taking the first steps on your journey of healing and would be honored to humbly walk alongside you on the journey integrating the wisdom of your mind, body and soul for transformation. This is a big deal! It takes lots of courage and strength AND you are doing it! You are on your way to living a deeply meaningful and fulfilling life and I’m here to help. Finding a good fit is one the most important things for feeling better. Please check out my website to learn more about my unique approach and fill out the interest form on my website to request a Free Intro Call.

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Kathleen Dunbar
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Telehealth Video Sessions Available via Zoom During COVID-19 When we weave together the practical, the imaginative, the heartful and a good laugh—we are unstoppable! I am dedicated to helping you find, support and be alive in whatever you are passionate about bringing forth in your life. Finding the right therapist is an important decision. Your journey is an important one. I offer you a down-to-earth palette which is kind, practical, creative, experienced, and works. Each time we meet I'll help you take with you: a felt sense, practiced-in-session connection with your True Self that will not only sustain you, but surprise you, enliven you and which you will use to build on and deepen into. I am a psychotherapist and supervisor with a huge palette of tools and a creative and creativity-inspiring soul. I’m also a performer and singer-songwriter with four albums, a writer, poet and artist. I know the thrill of expression and also what we must face in ourselves in order to truly express. From the very beginning of my career I fell in love with the power, dignity, efficacy and joy of somatic and mindfulness-based healing practices. I am a Certified Hakomi Therapist with extensive training and over twenty years’ experience offering a variety of somatic and experiential modalities, neuroscience and mindfulness approaches. I also offer a speciality in working with people who have the gift of dyslexia. I offer consultation, supervision, workshops and talks. I am a woman who loves and spreads the village life. I feel deeply connected with people and nature. I sing because I am made to sing. I offer myself as a healer because that is my path. That is how I came to this work of healing. I've learned transformation, respect and love from the inside-out. What I know in my bones and heart I offer to you. You are a delight! Reach out and call. The consultation is free. 415/668-5130 I look forward to speaking with you.

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Manuel Manotas
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Hello, I'm Dr. Manuel Manotas, a licensed psychologist offering online therapy services across California. Fluent in English and Spanish, I'm dedicated to providing accessible and personalized mental health support from the coast to the Sierras. I specialize in helping clients who are navigating the often turbulent waters of anxiety and healing from past trauma. We all know that these issues can feel overwhelming, like an endless loop of thoughts such as "I'm not good enough," "Happiness only comes with wealth," or "My imperfections make me unlikable." But remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we'll face these thought patterns, unravel their origins, and discover hands-on techniques to manage anxiety. Our journey isn't about amplifying self-doubt, but uncovering the strength that exists in embracing our vulnerabilities. A unique feature of my approach is Somatic Psychotherapy, which recognizes that our minds and bodies are intrinsically linked. I'll guide you to connect with your physical responses to emotional states, teaching you effective practices like deep breathing and visualization to channel your body's energy in a healthier way. I hold a PsyD from the California Institute of Integral Studies and am certified by the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. This combination of experience and education equips me to support you effectively as you strive to overcome anxiety and heal from trauma. Together, we'll embark on a journey towards a more peaceful and resilient self.

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Martha Cervantes
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Leandro, CA

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve spent much of your life being strong for others. I specialize in working with members of the Latino community across generations, including immigrants, first- and second-generation individuals, and monolingual Spanish speakers. Many of my clients are navigating family expectations, identity exploration, acculturation stress, and the challenge of balancing multiple cultural worlds while managing anxiety, depression, relationship stress, parenting concerns, or major life transitions. I provide a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space using a behavioral and systemic approach. As a bilingual Latina therapist, I help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, navigate immigration and adjustment stress, and explore how culture and family shape their experiences. Evening, Saturday, and limited sliding scale spots available. I understand the deep importance of culture, family, and identity, and I am passionate about helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that honor their lived experiences. You deserve a space where you can show up fully, heal at your own pace, and begin creating meaningful change.

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Bridget Bertrand
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Mateo, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Porscha Castillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oakland, CA

I help clients deal with an array of life problems such as; depression, anxiety, IPV, trauma, assault, chemical dependency, co occurring conditions, maternal and postpartum, infertility, grief, etc. Previous clients have expressed therapy sessions with me have led to; better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and reduction of feelings of stress. My approach to therapy is meeting the client where they are and allowing clients to explore which therapy approach works best for them. Therapy can create some discomfort for both patients and people close to them. This is because therapy can involve change. I used a plethora of treatment modalities; CBT, DBT, gestalt, solution focused, EMDR, and many more. I feel clients are the experts of their lives and my job is not to judge or tell a client what to do. But to be a helpmate to assist a client to get where they're trying to go.

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Janet Weber
Licensed Professional Counselor
Montara, CA

I specialize in deep, long-term therapy for people who want to better understand themselves, their relationships and the world around them. We all create patterns and parts of ourselves to survive as best we can in an unpredictable world. One of the most enriching endeavors to embark on is an explorations of ourselves in a deep and intentional way. It can be transcendental to work with someone to unravel behaviors and unconscious patterns and to begin to discover our essential selves.

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Nick Wightman
Marriage & Family Therapist
Oakland, CA

I work with individuals and couples using a strength-based approach that is interactive, collaborative and informed by the latest research on attachment theory, neuroscience, and mindfulness. I see each person as more than the problem they walk in with, emphasizing their unique strengths and resilience as the most important ingredients for healing. I specialize in working with men to help deepen their capacity to understand and manage complex emotional states so they can have more self-confidence and greater satisfaction in their relationships.

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Nekolas Milton, PsyD - Deeper Than Color
Pre-Licensed Professional
Oakland, CA

Hello my name is Dr. Nekolas “Neko” Milton, I am a Registered Psychological Associate. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I operate from a client-centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of existentialism, mindfulness, family-systems, multiculturalism, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma-related diagnoses, and incorporate evidenced-based practices to address maladaptive patterns and behaviors. A question I often get asked is, “What do you mean by, ‘meeting your clients where they are at’?” In my work of helping people, I strive to subscribe to a compassionate and collaborative approach. This means that the client is part of their own treatment team. Thus, meeting the client where they’re at means embracing a variety of therapeutic interventions. I am committed to working towards social justice and equity both within the therapy room and within the community at large. Thus, my values consistent with providing care around acculturation, mental health access, concerns for underserved populations, community building, and cross-cultural dialogues.

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