Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I believe whole heartedly in the healing power of therapy because I’ve seen first hand how it has improved the lives of those I’ve worked with and how it has improved my life personally. I’m passionate about supporting my clients, aiding them in their healing journeys, and helping them live more fulfilling lives. I view my clients as experts in their own lives and work alongside them to uncover their inherent strengths, helping to build resilience and create the life they envision. I believe that gaining awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors fosters personal insight and motivation, promoting mental well-being. I draw on evidence-based, person centered, trauma-informed methods, integrating techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoanalytical approaches, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to equip clients with the tools needed for healthy functioning and overall wellness.

If you’re feeling stretched thin as a parent, trying to adjust to a new culture, carrying trauma, or facing grief or a major life transition, this space is for you. I believe in the power of continuous growth—both for myself and for the people I work with. My hope is to support you on your journey of self-discovery as you work toward greater balance, healing, and fulfillment in your life. As a child of an immigrant family and a parent to three multicultural, multiracial children, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. I understand firsthand the complexities of identity, belonging, and navigating multiple cultural worlds, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My lived experience as a BIPOC individual in a multicultural community informs my work and allows me to offer a space that offers cultural humility, empathy and openness. It takes courage to explore your story, and I honor that by creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. While my work is guided by proven methods like Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing, what that really means for you is a personalized experience focused on healing and resilience; we’ll work on gaining insight and building skills. I also believe in the healing power of a shared laugh; I often use humor to help us navigate the heavy moments with a bit more grace and perspective. My goal is to help you find lasting change and a deeper kindness toward yourself. I believe finding a community is essential for navigating life’s challenges. For me, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been that vital mental health anchor for 13 years. Although training and coaching has been important, fostering the social connection and personal grit needed to stay mentally healthy has helped me through different life transitions.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

Having worked in hospitals, behavioral/mental health, and in the homes of the elderly and disabled for the past 21 years, I will bring a depth of knowledge and experience to your therapy journey. My friendly down to earth, and “strengths based” approach helps clients balance their goals, wishes and desires with options. I can help you find new ways to cope, to handle life’s challenges, to connect with others and have happy, secure friendships and relationships. It may not be easy, and it may not happen overnight, but I assure you that the ability to change and grow is within yourself!

Navigating life’s transitions can feel overwhelming—whether it’s moving to a new city, starting college, getting married, going through a divorce, changing careers, or grieving a loss. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly when these challenges arise during times of change. At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change begins with a strong, genuine relationship between therapist and client. What makes my practice unique is my commitment to helping clients discover and connect with their authentic selves. So often, conflict and distress arise when we feel out of alignment with who we truly are—or when we’re not even sure who that self is. My goal is to help you move toward a life where you feel more genuine, grounded, and whole. I strive to create a space where you feel both validated and challenged, using an integrative approach that draws from psychodynamic, narrative, and emotion-focused therapies. Together, we will explore patterns, reframe perspectives, and connect with the parts of yourself that feel most authentic. In our early sessions, you can expect us to spend time building trust, exploring what brings you to therapy, and clarifying your goals. We’ll focus on understanding your unique story and laying the foundation for the work ahead, at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy, to me, is about introducing you to yourself—sometimes for the very first time. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

For over 30 years, we have worked with individuals to confront experiences of suffering and conflict through existential psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Our mission is to help you uncover the meaning behind your struggles and rediscover the passion, love, and joy that may feel elusive. Whether you seek clarity, healing, or growth, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

College life is a wild ride—from the excitement of new beginnings to the "how am I going to finish this?" stress. I’m here to make sure you don't have to navigate it alone! As an LCSW licensed in CA and TX (and IA, but insurance networks coming soon) , I provide a relaxed, judgment-free space to help you tackle anxiety, relationship shifts, or just finding your footing in this big new chapter. My goal is to help you move beyond the "survival mode" of college and actually enjoy the journey. I’m currently in-network with most major plans in CA and TX, with IA coverage coming very soon! Let’s find your balance—book a session today, or a consult if you’d like to meet first!

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.

As a therapist with over 9 years experience working with adults of all age and backgrounds I provide a safe and nonjudgemental space for you to tap into your own personal growth and healing. Anxiety, depression, self-doubt getting in the way of you living your life to the fullest? Negative beliefs holding you back from achieving success in your education, career, life or relationships? I have also worked with young and older adults who are questioning or exploring their sexuality and gender. Additionally, I am trained in a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing where we can go even deeper than traditional talk therapy and often process these unhelpful beliefs faster. Contact me for more information about EMDR therapy. EMDR flat rate of $200.

Welcome! I have worked with college students for the better part of 20 years. I spent almost a decade working in a university counseling center and continue to partner with several local colleges as both an off- campus referral source and consultant to their campus communities. Counseling is all about the right fit, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to talk more about my practice and whether I could be of help to your situation!

Hello there, Feeling stuck? Feeling stressed out about all the things that are competing for your attention? Wanting to change your relationship with yourself, so you can spread your wings and soar? I'm Stefan (he/him) and I want to be there on your journey. Starting therapy can feel scary, even if you've been in therapy before! To lower that intensity a bit, I want you to give you an idea of how I show up to sessions: - I get to know you - your family, friends, hobbies, shows, loves, fears, passions. - I celebrate and hype you up when you do the hard thing. - I ask questions to get you curious about patterns in your life, and point out when you might not be aware of them. - I offer compassion when your mind creates judgments about yourself. - I welcome and ask for feedback, knowing some things will land and others will not. - I laugh with you and value humor. - I tear up when you feel hurt or uncover a tender spot (while also holding space for you to feel). - I'll tell you I'm proud of you. - I nerd out about mental health, skills, approaches, and explain concepts in a way you'll understand. - I slow down and speed up based on your cues, and I give you choice in how we go about sessions. - I'm always working on our relationship, so there's trust and security when we get to difficult things. - I acknowledge the bigger systems of oppression that affect your life and lives of your loved ones. - I'm active and dynamic in sessions - sometimes asking questions, leading an activity, listening and reflecting, interrupting to highlight something you said, and synthesizing information and summarizing it back to you. All of this "I" is the effort I put into helping you get to "you": what you want, what you care about, your goals, dreams, your emotions, stressors, internal talk, and who you want to become and how you want to show up in life. Specialties: queer and trans identities and lived experiences, anxiety and depression, perfectionism, substance use, navigating family dynamics, healing trauma, couples and relationship work, career discernment Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; trauma approach), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method (for relationship work), mindfulness and somatic interventions I'm an associate counselor, seeing clients through telehealth in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California. My typical availability is 8am-5pm EST, although I sometimes see clients earlier in the morning or early evening. I have in-person availability in Northampton, MA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please reach out with any questions! I accept the following insurances: - United/Optum/UMR/UHC in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California - Harvard Pilgrim in Massachusetts Private pay rates are: Individual - $125-$175 Couples/Relationships/Family - $145-$195

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.

As a licensed psychologist, I partner with children, adolescents and young adults navigating life’s most difficult chapters. My primary expertise lies in the assessment and treatment of stress, trauma, and PTSD, helping young people process painful experiences in a safe, validating space. Additionally, I specialize in managing ADHD symptomatology, providing actionable strategies to strengthen executive functioning, improve emotional regulation, and reduce impulsivity. Whether you are managing anxiety and depression, balancing heavy academic and work demands, or wading through a complex life transition, my goal is to help you build real-world coping skills. By blending evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and mindfulness, I empower you to leverage your natural strengths, cultivate self-compassion, and gain the practical tools needed to thrive. I am a highly accomplished licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in the psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. I demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of youth development and systemic care across the full continuum of mental health settings.

Life is full of moving pieces, and maintaining balance, relationships, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and so many more often feels difficult. I am committed to developing a transparent, safe, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Feeling overwhelmed by current or past trauma(s), depression, anxiety, or a burden you have carried through life can be helped through the therapeutic relationship process. You are the expert on your own life, and I don’t take that for granted. Together, we will find the best path for your therapy journey. I will strive to help you develop new ways of thinking and support you in finding peace and confidence to help you create the life you want and deserve. I’ve spent over a decade working with clients from diverse backgrounds and settings, and it became clear that no one type of therapy fits everyone. I approach relationships with my clients warmly, mindfully, and compassionately. Our life experiences often shape the pattern of our thoughts and behaviors and perspective of adult life. Each of us brings our own stories to therapy, and would be an honor to learn about yours.

Currently accepting new clients! Do you sometimes feel unheard or want to better navigate your relationships? Are you struggling with stress, self-doubt, or the constant pressure to meet expectations? Maybe you’re adjusting to college life and trying to find balance. If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space, therapy can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re hesitant or ready to dive in, you’ve already taken an important step by seeking support. My goals are to validate your experiences, offer a safe and judgment-free space, and help you work through whatever you bring into therapy. I support college students from all walks of life with a compassionate and person-centered approach. Many of my clients are navigating relationships, anxiety, depression, OCD, self-doubt, and major life transitions. Together, we’ll identify your goals, explore your feelings, and develop some helpful coping skills.

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

Aloha! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years’ experience who provides help with psychotherapy to various populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I live in Oregon and am licensed in Oregon, Hawaii, and California and love developing trusting rapport with my patients from all different cultures and backgrounds. While I offer a patient-centered approach to each individual, I really enjoy helping families and groups who might be struggling with issues including Addiction, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia. I am known for my empathy, encouragement, and gentle humor in supporting patients as we explore new thoughts and behaviors. I believe each person has the right to be heard in a safe, non-judgmental manner, and have found that utilizing various therapy modalities closely aligned to the individual have been very successful in helping to reach each patient’s highest potential. I am especially versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused, and other cooperative modalities that empower people to overcome the effects of Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, and relationship challenges. I love using my empathy and therapeutic ear to really listen and discern what is being communicated. Trust is paramount. I recognize that being in therapy asks people to be open, and thus vulnerable. You are not alone. I look forward to hearing from you!

If you’ve grown up in a family environment where manipulation or emotional abuse was present—particularly from someone with traits of a personality disorder, like narcissism or borderline personality—it can deeply shape how you relate to others. You may find yourself walking on eggshells, constantly adjusting your behavior to avoid conflict. This pattern of hyper-vigilance and people-pleasing often extends to other relationships, leaving you feeling anxious, drained, or uncertain about your own needs. Many of my clients struggle with setting healthy boundaries or asserting their needs, feeling compelled to prioritize the emotional demands of others, as they learned to do in childhood. However, through psychoeducation, we explore how these survival behaviors shape your beliefs about yourself and the world. Understanding where these patterns come from can be the first step in healing. In addition to psychoeducation, I use eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help shift these survival strategies. EMDR can be highly effective in processing and healing past trauma, allowing you to build self-worth, strengthen your ability to set boundaries and develop healthier ways to relate to yourself and others. Together, we can work toward reclaiming your sense of self and creating more fulfilling, balanced relationships.

Welcome! My name is Angela Austin and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing online therapeutic services to college students residing in the state of California. My professional background includes forensic mental health, working with inmates in the county detention center and working with special education and general education students in the public school system. Currently, I am a business owner and private practice therapist assisting students struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, stress and other relationship issues that happen during life transitions, especially while in college. I would be honored to have the opportunity to learn more about you and to be able to support you in your therapy experience!

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.