Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I am a dedicated therapist with five years of experience, specializing in a client-centered approach that prioritizes your unique needs and experiences. My practice is rooted in a non-judgmental environment, where you can feel safe and supported as we navigate challenges together. I am committed to helping you find healing and growth on your journey. Please email me for more availability options!

I love to help students succeed academically while keeping life balance. Do you have habits that block you from achieving your potential? As a PhD, I can attest to the challenges students face and I've learned highly effective strategies for addressing adademic stessors. We can all break unhelpful, unconscious patterns and replace them with new models for happiness and success. Working with me, you will learn to recognize your feelings as valuable information and organize your mind so that you can empower your life. I have served clients for over 10 years as a professional coach and therapist. My experience backed by a Doctorate in Depth Psychotherapy, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and certifications as a Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP).

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.

You feel misunderstood and judged; you worry others view you badly; you feel disconnected and excluded. Relationship feels confusing and frustrating. It feels like nothing you try works, you feel like it's your fault, and you feel empty inside. Your anxiety and loneliness won't go away on its own. Let me help you understand why you feel the way you do, help you gain abilities to truly connected with people, and mental clarity to handle interpersonal exchanges in ways that feels confident, caring, and thoughtful. I will create a safe place to talk about what's going on inside. Together, we will explore the roots of your relationship problems. Often, when you understand where they come from you will start the process of healing. I will help you learn self-love, gain confidence, emotional and relational insights to make more meaningful connections in life. I believe we are born with ability to grow and move toward wholeness. My work is rooted in neuroscience understanding and attachment theory that we as human beings need each other to heal. I want to be the connector for you on your healing journey. Before becoming a therapist, I have 15 yrs tech experience. I have 2 children and also speak Mandarin.

A lot of people are struggling to be present today. The pace of life, distraction from our phones, and increasing demands at work and school make it challenging to "slow down" and enjoy life. This is even more difficult when we're experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or substance use. I work with people to overcome underlying mental health issues and develop skills to improve presence, strengthen relationships, and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors. I specialize in treating anxiety, including OCD (using ERP, the gold standard), integrating both cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based modalities. I also work with people experiencing depression and substance use. I know that struggling with mental health can be overwhelming. It might feel like you are moving through a downward spiral. My goal is to reverse that spiral with you. Together, we'll identify 1) where you're at, 2) where you want to go (and what's getting in the way), and 3) practical, specific, evidence-based actions you can begin taking right away. I was previously a Clinical Assistant Professor at USC (where I worked in the Student Counseling Center), have worked with people across the clinical spectrum, and have been teaching meditation for 10+ years. I also run public courses and workshops on mindfulness and mental health. I would be glad to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to talking more!

Please see info about my practice: www.drmichellespoelstra.com

No one has a perfect childhood. Early stressors, abuse, and neglect can continue to have profound effects on all of us and can manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, and low-self esteem. As we continue through life, enduring pain and distress, we often learn to suppress our emotions and neglect our needs in order to get by. In therapy I will provide you a safe, supportive space that belongs to you, in which you may share as much as you are willing and at a pace that you are comfortable with. While working together, I aim to help you undo old ways of being and to help you begin fostering a more compassionate relationship with yourself. As a therapist, I believe that I am a facilitator in your journey of change. My passion is helping clients rediscover their true selves and leading more authentic, genuine lives.

You feel like you’re drowning in the midst of all the big changes going on in your life. You feel alone and long to deeply connect with others, but you often end up feeling disappointed, unseen, used, or heartbroken. You’re overwhelmed with the transitions happening in your life and the confusing emotions going on inside of you, but you beat yourself up for being “too sensitive”. You’re working so hard to have a successful career and fulfilling relationships, but you never feel like you’re enough. You just want to feel better, but you don’t know where to begin. You want to successfully navigate these changes and emotions in a way that helps you understand who you are and what you want. You want healthy, vibrant relationships where you feel loved and accepted. You want to know that it’s not just okay to be you, but that being you is more than enough. You want to live an authentic life that really matters. I’m passionate about serving emerging adults in my practice because I know personally how hard and confusing this time of life can be. I use Brainspotting and the Enneagram to help you grow individually, along with Emotionally Focused Therapy and Prepare/Enrich to help you create vibrant, healthy relationships. I’ve created a welcoming space where you can feel embraced and cared for as we engage the difficulties that are getting in your way and deep dive into your inner world. Interested in getting started? Let’s talk!

My life experiences have led me to become a mental health psychotherapist. I understand many of the struggles we encounter in life and how important it is to seek support as we try to learn how to change. I treat all people with genuine care and compassion without judgment. I am real, direct, engaged and easy to connect with. My strength is in building trusting relationships in order to work through life’s challenges. I’m warm, have a great sense of humor (which can be a healthy healing agent when appropriate) and has a core belief that we can improve our lives through therapy. I will guide you to find your inner strength and solutions so you feel better about yourself whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, specific habits and behaviors. I have a diverse background of work and life experience. Previously I worked for high-tech companies as an expert in marketing communications. My business experience taught me much about human behavior and managing for successful outcomes using coping skills, assertiveness, and good decision-making. I have also practiced as a trained life coach, which I weave into my therapy practice when appropriate. I believe mental health is the foundation for health itself and worth your investment of time.

Are you looking for a compassionate and attuned experience with someone who trusts and can help you tap into in your nervous system's innate capacity to heal?

Welcome—I’m Targol. I support students, young adults, and emerging professionals who are navigating one of life’s most uncertain and transformative chapters. You might feel caught between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming—managing school, work, relationships, family expectations, identity, or just trying to make sense of it all. On the outside, it may look like you’ve got things under control, but inside, you could be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next steps. If you’ve ever thought, “I should have this figured out by now” or “Why does everyone else seem to have it together but me?”—you’re in good company. Many of my clients share those same thoughts. In our work together, we’ll create a space where you can show up just as you are—without pressure or performance—so you can begin to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in your life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive—I show up with curiosity, not judgment, and tailor our work to reflect your unique values, strengths, and needs. Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can feel like a deep exhale. We’ll figure things out—together.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious all the time? Are you feeling depressed and struggle with getting through the day? Life can be confusing and chaotic at times especially when you are dealing with mental health issues. My goal as a therapist is to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and comfortable to facilitate progress and resolution of different issues in life that can be difficult.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. I help students navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions in a supportive, judgment-free space. We’ll work together to build coping skills and find strategies that fit your unique needs. Whether you’re adjusting to campus life, managing academic pressure, or looking for someone to talk things through with, I’m here to support you.

*Serving clients in California, Pennsylvania & North Carolina via teletherapy* I imagine you're looking for help, maybe a kind and guiding mental health professional wherever you are on your healing journey. Perhaps you've felt confused, misunderstood, unseen, overwhelmed with the constant pressures and stresses of this current moment. You may be struggling with shame, self-hatred, a lack of belonging, imposter syndrome. You might feel nervous about asking for help. I welcome the chance to work together in personalized, culturally sensitive, and confidential virtual therapy. As a multicultural and multiethnic cisfemale therapist of color, I seek to understand who you are, your worldview, and your environment. Once you reach out to me, I'll invite you to set up a consultation to discuss your needs, what's going on and how we may work together. We'll get to know each other a little. I'll also invite your questions and perspectives on what you're looking for in a therapist. Together we can help you heal, create a space to honor and respect who you are, and support a life of meaningful connection and empowerment. Contact me or schedule an initial consultation via the secure client portal https://ashleyaclemft.clientsecure.me/!

Your mind never stops running, yet you still feel “behind.” You're juggling so much—college, career, relationships, identity, or maybe even starting a family. Add in anxiety, the weight of expectations, or ADHD and it can all feel like too much. There is an easier way. Let me help you find it. I’ll provide a culturally affirming, trauma-informed space where we work with who you are—not against it. Together, we'll develop strategies to manage overwhelm, improve focus, and quiet that inner critic. Our work will be collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. My goal is to help you experience more calm, confidence, and clarity in your daily life. I'm Nicole Castillo, MA LMFT—founder of MentalPaz, Latina therapist, new mama, and young breast cancer survivor who gets what it's like to balance identity, ambition, and healing. With over a decade of experience, I couldn’t be more passionate about working in solidarity with my clients. Ready to stop figuring it all out alone? Reach out for a free consultation. Let's chat!

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#142738), I specialize in trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, life transitions, anxiety, and depression, I am passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults on their journey to well-being. My commitment to being client-centered means that I prioritize your unique experiences, values, and goals throughout our work together. My approach is client-centered, empathetic, and collaborative. I believe in creating a warm and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring and expressing your thoughts and feelings. I recognize the strength within each person and tailor my therapeutic interventions to address your specific needs. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, with your goals and preferences guiding the direction of our work. Building a trusting and comfortable therapeutic relationship is priority. I'll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, your expectations, and any specific goals you may have. This helps me tailor our approach to best meet your needs. It's essential that you feel comfortable and empowered in the therapeutic process. My aim is to empower you with the tools and insights necessary for positive change and personal growth. As far as sliding scale goes, I work with Open Path Collective to offer reduced rates. I also take a variety of insurances. If you are interested, I can also work with helping you get reimbursed for services with Thrizer.

I am a licensed psychologist and certified Hendricks Big Leap Coach. One of my specialties is working with both young adults and adults, providing care for individuals struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I work with people who are struggling with career, academic, and sports related issue, and who want to gain clarity on next steps and or enhance their performance and well-being. I have extensive experience with somatic (whole body), client centered, and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) techniques, and have been a licensed psychologist since 2009. My treatment approach is rooted in both evidence-based practices as well as whole-body education and coaching. My academic path has included attending community college before transferring to UC Santa Barbara, where I obtained a B.A. in Biological Sciences. I then earned a M.A. is Transpersonal Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University). Additionally, I earned a Big Leap Coaching Certificate and completed the Leadership and Training program at the Hendricks Institute. I completed by pre-doctoral internship at Santa Clara University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Center providing counseling services to college students. After completing my post-doctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente, I worked at a large hospital setting for 5 years where I became EMDR certified which has become a crucial part of his practice and my clients’ success and progress. In addition, I became certified in body-mind coaching, and this also has become an important part of my practice and facilitating personal and professional growth for his clients. My main goals for my patients include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving overall well-being, and promoting personal growth and resilience. I believe that if my clients are committed to solving their primary issue, concern or potential, then they can overcome any obstacle. I have an unique view and experience with client-centered and somatic psychology that results in long-lasting behavioral changes, improved self-esteem, and enhanced well-being. I have excelled in my practice because I am passionate about helping (with their permission of course) my clients achieve their goals by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I enjoy spending time with my children and wife. I’m also an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoy watching baseball games, and traveling and exploring different cultures. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients and want to assist in empowering them to reach their full potential.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Mexico, Arizona, California, New Mexico, New York, & Michigan. I have over 20 years of clinical experience. Some of the issues people are working on are: academic performance, peer pressure, career decisions, family problems, alcohol/drug choices, behavioral choices, stress, stress, and more stress, financial aid, money, relationships, career unhappiness, job struggles; and feelings of: lost, alone, depressed, isolated, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexuality exploration, self-doubt, minimal self-worth, eliminating drinking/smoking/drug usage, living a life of sobriety & spiritual development. I am certified in EMDR therapist, I love working with teens, young people & couples; I completed 1 year internship in a couple counseling agency with supervision/training & Gottman's couple counseling training. I am a Wilderness First Responder and lead forest therapy hikes. I am down to earth, easy to talk to, funny and direct. I grew up on a farm & personally did not start out in life with much. I was one of the University scholarship kids you read about. This has shaped me into being authentic, honest, open & direct in my relationships. I have found working hard for your dreams is essential in life.

InPsych provides individual therapy, psychological assessment, and neuropsychological evaluations. We use a holistic, strengths-based approach to explore factors that may have gotten in the way of achieving your goals, such as academic difficulties, life stressors, relationship difficulties, or insecurities. Together we will focus on addressing these obstacles in order to allow you to achieve your goals and thrive. We also conduct assessments to investigate what obstacles may be present (i.e., ADHD, memory problems, personality characteristics, etc.) and provide recommendations on how to best overcome them to improve your overall functioning and ability to thrive academically and/or professionally. We look forward to working with you!