Therapists for college students near 94305

I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.

As a recent college graduate, I know how hard it is to not get behind or feel burnt out while trying to go to school and deal with daily life stressors at the same time. I am here to help clients navigate through their struggles, learn about themselves, and grow into the best versions of themselves. I am here to tend to each client's unique needs and help them on their journey of bettering themselves.

I help people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, overwhelm, and creative blocks. An additional focus of my practice is around issues related to immigration, bicultural identity, and racial and ethnic identity. In particular, I specialize in working with college and university students, highly sensitive people (HSPs), and creatives and artists. The process of finding the right therapist isn't easy, and it's a brave choice to embark on the journey towards healing, insight, and growth. A relationship with the right therapist can be life-changing. Feeling deeply heard and able to trust your therapist is essential. I believe that an empathic and attuned relationship between the therapist and patient is vital for lasting change, and that attention to the social, cultural, and political context in which you live is important for treatment. Together, we can understand the patterns that contribute to your current distress and gently shift to new ways of relating to yourself and others. It is courageous to take steps in your search for the right therapist. Have a look here and on my website to learn more about me. If it feels like we may be a good match, please contact me to set up an initial consultation call.

I utilize education on how the brain, nervous system, and body (stomach) are connected, therefore normalizing and reducing shame. I also teach mindfulness, coping tools, and DBT/CBT skills that can empower the client and reduce symptoms that are interrupting well-being. I create a safe session by normalizing old schema and educating that there are no bad parts developed and work on embracing through IFS therapy. I recognize and support the strengths of the client that they may be unaware of, which is really beneficial as well. I listen and create understanding about how old schema was a necessary protection when young and the brain wasn’t fully developed. I validate that the familiar way of thinking and acting that is no longer working, and make take time to improve through practice.

I offer individual and couples therapy to college/graduate students and young professionals. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, LGBTQ affirming, and trauma-informed. I believe that my clients are the expert on their own lives, while I am there as a witness, a source of support, and a toolbox of techniques and strategies.

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.

*I am licensed in both Oregon and California, and can work with students who often travel between these two states.* When the difficult experiences from your past are still impacting you, it is hard to know what to do. You don’t feel like yourself anymore, and the people in your life are starting to notice. It’s coming out at school, in your relationships, in your mood. You might be thinking “I just want to move on with my life. Why can’t I just get over it already?” But no matter how many times you try to move on, you still feel stuck. You are not alone. I help people who have been through difficult childhood, sexual, and relationship experiences look at how their experiences have shaped them, and explore how to take back their lives from the memories that have burdened them for so long. Together, we will build a trusting relationship where you can feel safe enough to explore what happened in your life, the ways you have survived, and how to get unstuck so you can move toward a life that is ruled by you, and not by the past. I know reaching out to begin therapy can be an overwhelming experience. I offer a free 15-20 minute consultation, where you can share a bit about what you would like to work on, ask me any questions you may have, and we can determine whether I might be a good fit for your needs. Please feel free to visit my website to learn more and schedule a consultation. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

I became a therapist because I saw the impacts it can have on people to not have a space to feel safe and seen. Life can come with challenges that set us off course, and it can feel isolating to experience those challenges without a roadmap. My hope is to provide a space to navigate life’s challenges safely, and develop a tool kit to manage whatever life may throw your way. Our work together is ultimately a collaboration, we discuss your values and needs and will create goals that align with them. I encourage ongoing feedback during sessions, discussion of what is working and not working, and make sure to provide a space where your needs come first. I acknowledge that it takes time to build trust in any relationship, including a therapeutic relationship. I build trust by focusing on you as a whole person, letting you set the pace and meeting you where you are at. I want to get to know your strengths, interests, and values. I utilize metaphors and examples that break down issues that feel bigger than you can handle to create a sense of safety in our sessions. I have two cats who you may see glimpses of during our sessions, whether it be through a blob stretching in my background or their tail popping in to the frame.

College is a major life transition. It is a particularly vulnerable time, with immense changes and pressures from family, peers, school, work, and society in general. Sometimes it may be hard to recognize that you need help because anxiety, depression, grief can show up as low motivation, procrastination, social isolation, physical complaints, poor academics or relationship problems. It can be very overwhelming and lonely to have to figure it all out on your own. I understand how hard it can be to navigate so many demands from school, work, family, friendships and relationships. You do not have to do it alone. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be yourself and talk about the intense emotions and experiences you are going through. I will work collaboratively with you to identify the roots of your struggles and ways to regain a sense of control and create a healthier more balanced life. I can teach you practical coping tools to address anxiety, depression, stress, uncertainty, procrastination, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, lack of motivation and time management. Our work can also include developing more effective communication skills, resolving identity crisis, setting healthy relationship boundaries and improving your personal relationships. Many students do not realize that part of their struggles could be related to having unresolved grief. I help students identify and move through the pain of grief, makes sense of their loss and rebuild their connections while honoring their loss. A big component of therapy for me is teaching my clients self-compassion and simple ways to self-care. My goal is to get to know you as an individual and your specific unmet needs, so I can best help you. Our therapeutic relationship is just as important as the work of therapy. My approach is empathic, direct and solution focused. I will provide interactive feedback and I will gently nudge you when there is opportunity for growth but I will not ever push you to talk about something you are not ready to talk about. You get to set the pace of therapy. I provide telehealth sessions in CA and NC. If you would like to learn more about how I can help you, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to working with you.

If you're looking for a therapist who brings authenticity, warmth, and a feminist sensibility to their work, I might be the person to help! I typically work with clients who find themselves at complex intersections of identity, especially around sexuality, gender and culture. I love working with students—previously at SJSU CAPS and currently at a private group practice. Many of my clients are AAPI children of immigrants, and/or queer and trans people of color, navigating questions about family and relationships. I can offer an affirming space work through intergenerational trauma and feelings of cultural guilt or shame. I am also able to support clients with common concerns like anxiety, depression, stress management & more. As a therapist I am interested understanding your life story as you tell it, and I'm here to help you figure out the next chapter. My goal is to help you feel greater clarity, freedom & control as the author of your story. I incorporate practical tools into my work, so that you develop new skills to deal with painful feelings and thoughts. If what I offer resonates with you, I invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation. You'll have a chance to get all your questions about therapy answered, and schedule an intake with me (no pressure!)

The Norooz Clinic Foundation is a non-profit public service and educational organization established in October of 2012. Norooz is a Farsi word meaning new day and a new beginning. At the Norooz Clinic Foundation, we strive to assist those who walk through our doors with their journey of discovery to find their new day, their rebirth, through mental health and wellness. The Norooz Clinic Foundation focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships by identifying common struggles and providing new ways to approach them with success. We teach our clients effective skills and tools in order to give them alternative ways to think about daily problems and stressors and overcome them with more ease and balance.

Anxiety Experts has offices in Santa Monica, Goleta, Montecito and Ventura, as well as virtual outpatient and Virtual Intensive Outpatient (VIOP) Treatment. Our team is specialized in treating anxiety, panic, social phobia, school refusal, OCD, PTSD, BDD, and disordered eating. These problems rob one's sense of freedom, confidence and self-worth. We treat these issues with a type of CBT called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Medical Nutrition Therapy from a Registered Dietician as appropriate. We have helped hundreds of young adults master their fears; research shows in-person and live video to be equally effective!

Being the first in your family to navigate college and professional settings is filled with excitement, growth, transition, and joy. It can also be lonely, confusing, and stressful. Do you feel caught between two worlds (family and work/school)? Do you underestimate your value or worth in places where you experience prejudice and discrimination? Are you struggling to define or accept who you are and what you value based on tensions with family or your culture? When you are First Gen, there are often challenges in both your professional and personal life that are hard to understand and cope with but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, we will be able to gain clarity on how your experiences are impacted by your personal and family history, your communities, and society as a whole. We will shine a spotlight on your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lean into how amazing you are. We will explore how to manage the sad, frustrating, uncomfortable, and anxious parts of your life in a way that builds you up and grounds you in your values. Existing in two worlds doesn’t have to mean separating your life. You can be your full self with anyone, anywhere. If you are ready to get started on the next stage of your First Gen journey, contact me today!

Do you think about what kind of person you'd like to be, but feel uncertain, nervous, lost, or overwhelmed about how to make the change? College is an exciting time to explore your identity, learn how to build meaningful relationships, and to find a purposeful career. If you're hoping to feel more confident in who you are, feel more certain about your direction in life and live up to your potential, you've come to the right place. Dr. Grace specializes in asking these "big questions" in life. She marries the wisdom of Buddhist practices with the science of psychology to deepen clients' self-awareness and exploration, and uses a multiculturally sensitive lens to identify how our environments may have shaped our beliefs, motivations, and behaviours. Clients often say that sessions with Dr. Grace feel productive, with a balance between insight and action. Her presence is calming and non-judgmental, encouraging clients to maximize their growth. She is a MSU alumni, having previously worked at CAPS, and offers fully virtual services in both English and Mandarin. Evening hours available.

If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, empathy, and an ongoing commitment to social justice, I might be the person you’re looking for. My clients come to therapy with a variety of concerns, including healing from trauma, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Others are looking for support around relationships and intimacy. Many of my clients identify as queer, disabled, non-monogamous, or women in STEM. I have specialized experience supporting students who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. I use a somatic, mind-body approach in my work, and view therapy through a liberatory, intersectional lens. If that sounds like a good fit, I invite you to book a free, 20-minute consultation with my practice to learn more!

I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to how people make sense of pain, identity, survival, and the patterns that shape how they relate to themselves and others. Before entering this field, I worked in settings where I supported people in crisis and helped connect them with care and resources. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to help people stabilize through difficult moments, I wanted to support deeper, longer-term healing, especially around trauma, relationships, and identity. I’ve also become especially interested in couples work and relational patterns—how people affect one another, how cycles of conflict or distance develop, and how repair becomes possible. A lot of emotional pain shows up in relationships, and I’m interested in helping people slow those moments down so they can understand what’s happening underneath reactivity and disconnection. Alongside that, I’m committed to working with neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and OCD, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I’m interested in how people navigate differences in attention, regulation, intrusive thoughts, identity, and communication, especially in systems that haven’t always understood or accommodated those experiences. My goal is to create a space where those differences aren’t pathologized, but understood in context. Feeling heard is something we build actively in the room, not something that just happens automatically. I slow the process down when needed so each person has space to fully express what they’re experiencing, especially in moments where emotions are high, communication feels stuck, or patterns start repeating. I listen for both what is said directly and what might be happening underneath needs, fears, protective responses, and the meaning each person is making of the situation. In couples work, I pay close attention to the interaction itself: how cycles form, where disconnection happens, and what each person may be protecting or trying to communicate through their reactions. With trauma, neurodivergence, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ experiences, I also stay attentive to how past environments may have shaped how safe it feels to speak openly, regulate emotions, or be fully seen. I check in regularly to make sure I’m understanding each of you accurately, and I welcome correction if something doesn’t land right. The goal is for both of you to feel that your experience is taken seriously, even when your perspectives differ. Working together is a collaborative process where we look at what’s bringing you in, what patterns are repeating, and how those patterns show up both individually and between you as a couple. I don’t approach therapy as something I’m doing to you, but as something we’re actively building together over time. Trust develops through consistency, clarity, and responsiveness. I aim to create a structured but flexible space where we can slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath conflict, shutdown, or overwhelm. In couples work, that often means tracking the interaction in real time and helping both partners feel understood without losing sight of accountability or impact. With neurodivergence, ADHD, and OCD in particular, I also pay attention to how attention, impulse, certainty, doubt, and regulation affect communication and relationships. With trauma and LGBTQ+ clients, I focus on creating a space where safety, respect, and identity are not assumed or questioned, but actively supported. Throughout our work, I check in about how the process is feeling and adjust as needed so therapy remains useful, grounded, and aligned with what matters most to you. Outside of therapy, I like having creative outlets and noticing small, grounding moments in everyday life. I also spend time with my dog, a Beagle, Frenchie, who has a lot of personality and a strong opinion about absolutely everything. She’s a good reminder that even in deeper work around trauma, relationships, and identity, there’s still space for humor, warmth, and moments that don’t feel so heavy.

Life shouldn’t be this hard. You’re feeling more and more anxious and sad, perseverating on thoughts/ past issues that don’t serve you. You feel like life is passing you by. You know the kind of life you want but you can’t seem to get there. You’ve heard about mindfulness and meditation but you don’t know where to start. You want a better future for yourself that includes love, fun, meaningful school/ work and balance. There is good news. I have helped many people who’ve been sad or anxious, develop tools to help them live a life of fulfillment. Together, we'll uncover what's keeping you stuck and we will work toward rebuilding your life. You can experience happiness and contentment again. If you are ready for some real results, call or email me today. I’m happy to provide you with a free 15-minute consultation to make sure we’re a good match and you feel comfortable. I understand what you’re going through, and I know I can help. Call me today to get started.

Equip is the leading evidence-based virtual eating disorder treatment program on a mission to ensure that everyone with an eating disorder has access to treatment that works. Built by clinical experts in the eating disorder field and those who have experienced eating disorders firsthand, Equip fills the gaps in today’s insufficient eating disorder landscape. We provide fully virtual, evidence-based treatment through a multidisciplinary care team (which includes a medical provider, therapist, dietitian, and trained mentors), allowing each patient to achieve full recovery without disrupting their life. We treat patients of all ages and diagnoses in all 50 states, and we accept most insurance plans.

We are a group of therapists who share the vision of providing mental health services to our community, that are inclusive and affirming. Collectively, we have a variety of cultural backgrounds, education, training, areas of expertise, and life experiences that we bring to the work with our clients. We are bilingual and bicultural. We provide services in English and Spanish and provide services to ALL including the Spanish-Speaking and Latinx/e community. Hablamos Español! Please see our website, call or e-mail us for any questions you may have, we are here to help!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or unsure where to turn, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy Changes is a San Diego psychology practice offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Our team is composed exclusively of licensed clinical psychologists with doctoral-level training who provide thoughtful, high-quality care tailored to your needs. Our office is located in Mission Valley, and we also offer teletherapy throughout California. Our team specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, perinatal mental health concerns, and life transitions. Our team of talented therapists are trained in advanced approaches to support meaningful healing and lasting change. We believe therapy should offer focused guidance when you need it most. We help clients find symptom relief while building practical skills for resilience and growth. We take time to understand your goals and create a thoughtful plan. Call to speak with our Client Care Coordinator and get matched with the right therapist.