Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it shouldnʼt be so hard to live a better life. At Waterside Psychology, we offer a custom approach for each of our clients! We start with understanding where you are now and the challenges you are facing. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with virtual appointments to suit your schedule. Helping people live better lives is our passion! Whether it's setting boundaries, grieving a loss, navigating a life transition, or changing a behavior that keeps you stuck, we help you feel better so you can live the life you've dreamed of. Contact us for a free consult and we’ll get started on your journey together!

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

Let’s be honest, although change is inevitable, it can be really stressful. We all deserve to be seen, heard and loved. To know we are not alone. Together, we can work through your concerns so you can be the best version of yourself.

Hello, and congratulations on exploring options for therapy and healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience, specializing in individual and couple's therapy for adults and young adults navigating life transitions. I support clients facing a variety of challenges, including mental health symptoms, new medical diagnoses, substance use, care-giving demands, financial stress, grief and loss, and self-doubt. My goal is to help you find balance and resilience during these times. I see couples of all types, including those in non-monogamous relationships.

Hey we get it. Life’s a lot right now. Between classes, work, family pressure, figuring out who you are, and trying to keep it together… it’s overwhelming. You might be anxious, stuck, burnt out, or just tired of pretending you're okay. At Freedom Within, we’re here to help you sort through all of it. Relationships, trauma, stress, identity, future plans, anxiety, we cover it all. No judgment. Just support that makes sense for where you’re at. We will help you cut through the BS and come out the other side with a better sense of self, identity and purpose. We have several different therapists and match you with the one who gets you. Someone you can feel safe talking to about even your most challenging struggles. We also offer nutrition counseling for those wanting to explore changes to diet and their impact on your mood and overall health! You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s figure it out together.

College life is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family pressures, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or alone. Maybe you're struggling with a breakup, grieving someone you’ve lost, feeling disconnected from friends, or just totally burnt out. Maybe you’re questioning your path or feeling like no one really “gets” what you're going through. These moments can feel heavy—but you don’t have to carry them on your own. Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward growth and clarity. I'm here to help you tap into your strengths, make sense of the challenges you're facing, and start building the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good and grounded. I specialize in working with college students, young adults, and teens—and I’m passionate about helping you navigate this messy, meaningful chapter of your life. In our work together, you’ll find a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and take real steps toward feeling more confident, connected, and at peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, academic stress, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re ready for something to shift, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

If you are struggling to manage on a day to day basis or to take care of yourself and your daily tasks, I can help by creating a deeper understanding of your troubles and teaching skills to improve your quality of life. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I provide telehealth services for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, life stressors, difficulty with life transitions and assisting in healing from traumatic experiences.

"If you are struggling to sit with difficult emotions and would like support, I can help. My mission is to empower you to learn how to turn towards your pain to find healing, instead of running away to endure long-term suffering. This process is done by teaching you how to sit with difficult emotions. When you can learn how to sit with difficult emotions, you can then begin to process them and to heal through them. As you begin to heal, you can then start to make peace with the past, let go of it, and bring joy in to the present. This enables you to turn slowly and gently towards the future where you can start to feel whole again. As a result, you begin to develop a deeper and more meaningful connection within yourself and with others."

If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or having trouble coping with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. You may be struggling to find balance in your life, or noticing that attachment and trauma from childhood is impacting you presently. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one, are navigating a new chapter of life that has you feeling anxious, or just feel like you are stuck in a rut and need someone to talk to. I work with adults and teens/adolescents on addressing anxiety and depression, unpacking past experiences, improving emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries with loved ones, healthy self-esteem, and more. As a therapist, I provide a challenge-support environment where I encourage you to reflect and explore your values while providing empathy, warmth, and humor. Therapy can be scary because we are asked to go outside our comfort zones, but growth stems from change. I utilize a myriad of theoretical approaches to find a style that works best for you. For LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, I provide gender and sexuality affirming therapy and can work with you on identity exploration, navigating queer relationships, or coping with the impact of stigma, discrimination, and bias. My therapy office is an accepting and safe space for queer folk.

Sean O’Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a Board Certified Licensed Psychologist living in San Diego, California, with over 30 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O’Hara has 2 convenient office locations in San Diego County, Rancho Bernardo, California and La Jolla, California. Dr. O’Hara also frequently travels throughout the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O’Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and rock concert tours. Dr. O'Hara accepts many insurances through Headway.co https://care.headway.co/providers/sean-o-hara-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=135088

My name is Victoria Kapper and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#100449) in the state of California and based in San Diego. I’m committed to walking alongside you or your family to overcome stressful experiences and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others. I whole-heartedly believe that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. My approach is engaged, compassionate, strength-based and solution-focused. I strive to create an open, respectful and safe environment where clients can address sensitive matters and experience growth, insight and change. I integrate evidenced-based practices with empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness in treatment. I help to find solutions to problems while providing support and the tools to foster resilience that will lead to lasting changes. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development, as well as a Master of Social Work degree. My areas of speciality include treatment for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and life adjustments/changes across the lifespan. For youth counseling, I hold certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). I'm currently accepting new patients and can't wait to meet you. Call text or email to inquire about a free 15 minute consultation to start your journey today. You can also book a consultation online through my website.

I specialize in integrative therapy, which is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of each individual client. This means treatment is customized to meet your needs. We will work together to identify and address the source of your discomfort or distress, then develop strategies to promote change that make a difference — in mood – in relationships – in life. Psychotherapy is helpful for a variety of clinical disorders, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and interpersonal difficulties. My clinical specialties include anxiety disorders, healing after trauma, gender and sexual identity (LGBTQIA+ Affirmation therapy), and much more. I believe in the potential for emotional and individual growth, striving to provide a safe and warm environment in which client can explore and thrive. My work has been with individuals from many different cultural backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and private practice settings.​

Welcome! I'm Dr. Lin, director of Lin Psychological Services. I graduated from SUNY Albany in the Counseling Psych program in 2011 and have been a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Colorado since then. As a psychologist who has been practicing for over 14 years, I often tell my clients that taking care of our mental health is crucial to taking care of ALL of us. If we can make the effort to take care of our bodies, our people, and our belongings, why can't we make the same effort to take care for our minds? I can be the support that you need as you make the time to take care of your mental health. Over the last decade, I have dedicated my work to helping veterans with their trauma memories and other life stressors. Now I look forward to providing that same level of expertise to everyone seeking to work on themselves, with issues ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma (including childhood, military, civilian, or sexual traumas), sleep difficulties like insomnia, difficulties with self-esteem, navigating life transitions, struggles with racial/ethnic identity due to racism, and so on. I also use evidence based treatments that provide effective tools that clients can use for the rest of their lives. If you're looking to make a change in your life, let's work together!

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

Thank you for finding your way here. I hope you find the emotional and relational support need for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and online teletherapy . Schedule a 15-minute initial consultation today. Serving all of California via teletherapy. Our personal journey is both joyous and challenging. Life brings us things where sometimes we become lost and struggle. During these times, we may need to reach out to someone who is caring and nurturing - someone who will listen and is knowledgeable. As a depth-oriented and body centered psychotherapist, I believe that creating a deeper connection between our physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual self, we can move forward in life with greater ease and experience the world anew. We have the opportunity to become more authentic with our self, others, and life. My goal during our sessions is to create a container that is safe, caring, and trusting. By working together, you will become better able to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges in your life. You will become more receptive to the possibilities that await you and better able to move toward goals that bring greater satisfaction and commitment in your life. I look forward to meeting with you. You are welcome to make an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute session so we can get to know one another.

I help clients who are feeling stuck in a state of stress, are struggling to feel connected, and dealing with low-self worth. We’ll process trauma and difficult emotions using a mind-body approach. I work with clients to understand the root of their symptoms and how the past impacted them so that they can regulate their nervous system, improve their self-worth, and get out of that survival state and into the present moment. I’m certified in Brainspotting which is a tool that allows us to process difficult emotions and past experiences that our minds and bodies may be holding onto (and keeping us stuck). I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and am passionate about working with helpers (people who prioritize something else over themselves). Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation call today (:

Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy while maintaining a whole system perspective. This approach helps the client better understand their internal experiences both as influenced by their own history and beliefs as well as the environment in which they live. I have found that my approach works best with adults living with the experience of anxiety, stress and depression. We often work to cope with the stress of daily life, relationship difficulties or working toward a goal of creating a better life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. We will work together to explore the direction in which our time together will take. We will take the time to discover what we would like to accomplish and begin to explore the path toward these goals. In our first session together we will take the time to get to know one another. We will work to better understand the needs and goals being brought into our space together. We will also begin to explore some of the options to move forward in our journey toward these goals. I have always aspired to be a calming and helpful presence to those with whom I spend time. I feel nourished by the experience of aiding others on their path toward their goals and am looking forward to working with you in the near future.

My name is Jovelyn, but I go by Jovi. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a diverse background working with families, children, teens, and adults. I’m passionate about supporting clients on their journey toward personal growth, inner peace, and life satisfaction. My approach is direct, caring, genuine, and often infused with humor. I understand therapy can feel intimidating, but if you’re open and ready to do the work, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

⯌Premarital & couples therapy ⯌Attachment based dating & parenting ⯌Codependency & emotional maturity ⯌Personal work for therapists ⯌Grief & loss, life stage transitions ⯌Trauma & EMDR therapy ⯌Anorexia, bulimia, & binge eating ⯌Adult children of alcoholics/addicts ⯌Internet & video game addiction ⯌Sexual addiction & sex worker regret Welcome! Our focus is on how difficult issues like mental illness and relationship conflict are influenced by your family of origin and early attachment experiences with your parents. Sessions with us are focused on learning the lessons that you should have gotten from your family. Combined therapy sessions with Bernard & Priscilla available now! This is an innovative method where the treating clinicians are themselves a married couple. This approach includes the perspectives from multiple professionals to address your goals in a highly specialized setting, and can reduce clients’ perceptions of bias from the therapist. We are providing services through telehealth video, and in person in Mission Valley, San Diego. For inquiries, please use email for initial contact and include a brief description of your primary concern and goals. We can then arrange a free video consultation to determine if we are a good fit and discuss next steps!