Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

As a queer-identifying clinician, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and inclusive approach to therapy, honoring the diverse identities and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. I am deeply committed to building genuine rapport and trust, creating a therapeutic space where clients feel fully seen, supported, and valued in their authentic selves. My practice is grounded in LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming principles, informed by my B.A. in Women’s Studies and its emphasis on social justice, intersectionality, and feminist frameworks. My graduate training in Depth Psychology has enriched my understanding of the unconscious forces that shape our inner and relational worlds. From a psychodynamic perspective, I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, motivations, and early trauma that influences their emotional lives and relationships. In addition to psychodynamic work, I integrate Family Systems theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities, approaches that support clients in navigating internal conflicts and relational dynamics with clarity, compassion, and self-leadership. My skills in attunement, active listening, and culturally competent, curious counseling allow me to adapt to each client’s unique needs and strengths. Whether you are seeking support for LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent identity exploration, relationship concerns, trauma healing, or personal growth, I strive to offer a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration; one that fosters healing, resilience, and empowerment. If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.

We often face difficult hurdles in life where we are unsure of what path to take next. Life is not to be navigated alone and it takes bravery to ask for help. I believe finding the right therapist you are comfortable with is essential for growth and healing. My approach focuses on compassion and self-reflection as we navigate through some of those difficult life hurdles. I believe that therapy should be designed to help each individual based on their needs. Therefore, each session will be designed especially for you as we focus on your treatment goals. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and military members and their families, in a range of settings including psychiatric in-patient facilities, individuals incarcerated by law enforcement, foster care agencies, Child Welfare Services, and in homes / communities. My areas of focus include adjustment, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts and feelings, self-harm, life transitions and parenthood. As a military veteran, former foster youth, and now a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I have learned that everyone experiences pain and feelings differently and with the right support and skills, therapeutic goals can be met. I am committed to supporting my clients toward a path of empowerment, self-awareness, understanding, and compassion to my clients while helping them to identify and reach their therapeutic goals.

Hi! I have spent my entire career working with college students - starting initially on a college campus, then to a group practice near UC Davis, and now in my own private practice. I am currently only offering telehealth services and I am licensed in California, Florida, and Ontario Canada. I love supporting young adults and adults during such a pivotal time of life; as they navigate the transition to college, the unique challenges that come with being a college student/young adult, and the healing that can happen when you find a good fit. Whether you have a history of mental health impacting you or it's your first time ever experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, self esteem, relationship challenges (among other things) I strive to provide you with a safe space to feel heard, supported, and understood.

It’s never too late to create the life you’ve been longing for, free from the past that is holding you back! I love to work in an empowering, collaborative way with individuals of all ages and in relationships of all configurations. I also enjoy working together with those discovering their gender and sexual identities. If you want to look forward to a healthier you, creating healthier relationships, and putting yourself on the path to healing, I can help! I provide treatment for those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I work with couples, families, and people in any relationship configuration and support them in building effective communication, setting boundaries, and working together to create a healthy partnership. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavior therapy, mindfulness, emotionally focused therapy, and trauma. I take a diverse approach to treatment and will meet you where you are with techniques that we discover work for you. My personal style is one of openness and straight talk, so if this feels right to you, you’re in the right place! Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation.

My approach to the therapy process is collaborative so that together we can work to accomplish your goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, past trauma, relationship issues, or a life transition, we can work together to uncover the underlying emotions and navigate the blind spots so that you can gain clarity and calmness in your self and in your relationships. I use specific styles of therapy, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) as a way to help guide the therapeutic process. These styles help us explore strengths and transformation, while also navigating areas that keep us emotionally stuck. I am truly inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the bravery that people have when embarking on the difficult but necessary work of self-examination. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood, as we journey together in the therapy process.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and related conditions. I am experienced in treating Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, OCD, substance use, and PTSD. My goal in practice is to deliver effective, efficient care and to provide a safe, encouraging space for change to happen on your terms, guided by your personal values. After I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University Medicine (2017-2019), I stayed on as faculty, working in the dual-diagnosis/addiction medicine clinic until deciding to relocate and establish my practice in LA in 2021. As a researcher and therapist, it is my passion to deliver the most cutting-edge therapies out there for anxiety. I am certified in Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD and have expertise in other exposure therapies for anxiety disorders. Heath behavior change (quitting smoking, exercise) and chronic pain are also areas within my scope. Please reach out to me if you think I might be a good fit for your needs. All services are currently being delivered remote via telehealth. I am also open to seeing California-residing clients via telehealth who are outside of my area. Check out my website to know more about me and my work.

We believe that all of us are looking for a sense of fulfillment and well-being in our lives. We experience this well-being as a sense of ease, unrestricted flow of life energy. However, when negative events happen and we perceive ourselves as broken, or not safe, we constrict the flow of well-being, resulting in feelings of pain, fear, anger, grief... The Process Model of therapy helps us to identify our constrictions and release them, allowing our life energy to flow freely again, bringing the sense of relief and re-connection to self, others, and the world around us. Coming into a counseling session is much like going on a tour to explore yourself: how you got where you are today, what you can do to set yourself free, what you can do to change your life. Our counselors are much like guides employed to walk with you on this journey of self-discovery; they invite you to look deeper beyond the story, stay in the present moment and keep the focus on yourself. They are trained to respect, trust, and follow your process into and through your unresolved issues, without judgment or agenda. We are a non-profit and charitable organization incorporated in the state of California since 1982, with a mission to train pre-licenced professionals in the skill and art of psychotherapy. We have many clinicians available to work around your schedule and price range. We are committed to offer therapy to people of all means and backgrounds, and welcome diversity in all its forms.

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.

Are you interested in exploring personal relationships, identities, or sexual issues from an open-minded and culturally sensitive perspective? When you allocate time to speak freely about issues such as; academic pressure, cultural expectations, learning disabilities/neurodivergence, gender identity/sexual orientation, sexual assault/trauma, life transitions, peer relationships, family conflict, and beyond (!) ... you empower yourself to navigate any negative patterns or relationship dynamics from a place of clarity, compassion, and curiosity - instead of criticism. We will collaborate on the best way to unpack and understand your story from a growth mindset that is sustainable + strength-based! If you're looking for a therapist who is clinical, creative, and culturally humble, please reach out for a free consultation to see if my therapeutic style suits your needs! I am a firm believer that one size does NOT fit all and I aim to approach each client with a customized treatment plan that speaks to your unique experiences & inherent strengths.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you’re a Gen Z or millennial woman who only realized you had OCD as an adult, you know what it’s like to feel stuck in your own mind. You might spend hours needing things to feel “just right,” second-guessing every choice, or checking and re-checking just to feel certain. You keep your thoughts to yourself because you know they don’t make sense but they still feel so real, and over time this can feel isolating and lonely. Decisions can start to feel impossible. Intrusive thoughts loop endlessly. The constant urge to get rid of doubt can be exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken and you don’t have to face it alone. I support women questioning whether they have OCD or navigating a late diagnosis. Many feel trapped by intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and the mental and emotional strain of trying to control every outcome. If you find yourself seeking reassurance just to feel a sense of relief, you’re in the right place. Therapy can be a space where you practice staying present even when your mind is loud. Together, we’ll work on sitting with discomfort, building safety in uncertainty, and developing tools that actually work for your life, not against it. My goal is to help you create more room for confidence and self-trust. I’m here and ready when you are. Reach out today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I know personally how hard it can be to reach out for help, and I think it shows a lot of strength that you're trying to make your life better! I often work with clients who struggle with feeling like they can't control their worries, or are feeling stressed and burned out from school or work. I have also worked with many clients dealing with daily sadness and depression, the effects of trauma, and clients managing chronic health conditions like HIV. In addition, I have many years of experience helping clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and are looking for an affirming, understanding space. I'm here to help you find solutions that will help improve your life and help you connect with your values. We can try out several different research backed therapies until we find what is most helpful for you. Please give me a call or send me an email if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment! I hope to talk with you soon.

25 years as a clinical social worker has taught me that finding the right therapist is like trying on a pair of shoes. It has to be the right fit for you to start the journey of self-exploration. I believe in a strength based approach, where we not only explore the issues that brought you to therapy, but we explore how to expand the things that bring you joy and happiness. As Dr. Seuss once said, “life is a great balancing act” and he could not have been more right. My practice focuses on individual therapy for adolescents, and adults. My areas of expertise include depression, mood disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, and transitional issues of work, relationships, etc. Client’s describe me as genuine and authentic, supportive, strength based, straight forward, and always keeping hope alive. Give me a call today for a free consultation and see if I am the right fit for your journey of self-exploration.

My mission on earth is to help people live authentic, fulfilling lives. There are many things holding us back from this way of being: patterns of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us, fear, depression, anxiety, shame, loneliness. In the virtual world we are more connected than ever, and we are also in a time of profound disconnection - from our body, ourself, others. Therapy is a great way to get connected. To start living the life you dream of. Perhaps to begin dreaming that a better life is possible. I'm here to walk with you on your journey every step of the way. Together, we will discover who you are and make a plan to get you where you want to be. Self-knowledge, acceptance, compassion, forgiveness, and change are not easy. But the end result is more freedom, possibility, and love. I'm ready to walk your journey with you. Are you ready? "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." ~Morpheus, "The Matrix"

Living is so much more than simply breathing, eating, and sleeping—it’s about thriving. Are you truly living? Do you wake each day with a sense of purpose and hope, yet find yourself wanting support in setting goals or creating a plan for change? Are you struggling to understand who you are at your core or how to navigate an ever-changing, demanding world? What does living your life really mean to you—and are you growing, adapting, and responding in ways that feel healthy and harmonious? If not, I can help. I provide therapy, parenting support, and clinical supervision for individuals, couples, and families. My clients range from young children (as early as 18 months) to adults at all stages of life. I specialize in working with military families, divorce and infidelity, parent-child relationships, severe mental illness, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger’s, complex medical conditions, and career transitions. Life is multifaceted—each part influences the others. Together, we’ll explore how these facets affect your wellbeing, relationships, productivity, and happiness. My approach is strengths-based, supportive, and collaborative. We begin wherever you are, working at your pace to build insight, resilience, and growth. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to help you not just live, but thrive.

Hi, I'm Katerina from Fire Poppy Therapy! I understand that we can't just "find 5 blue objects around me" to be able to deal with life's stressors, so let's work together to find some practical ways to process, cope, and thrive in the spaces you're in. I aim to make the therapy experience authentic and validating for those I work with. Believe it or not, you do know and have intuition of what's best for you, so we'll spend our time working to get the echoes of naysayers out of your head and amplifying the encouragement from yourself and others. The approach I take with our sessions is a more relaxed style and I use a variety of techniques to inform how I support you. I value practical self care and coping strategies, honoring your roots, and empowering my clients with knowledge about how their body and brain work. I also like to balance humor with reflection, encouragement with accountability. Check out my website for more info and/or send me an email if you'd like to set up a complimentary 15 minute Zoom meet-n-greet. Whether we work together or not, I hope you find what you need. [**side note for any clarification purposes] I'm firmly supportive of the following Communities in alpha order: Armenian, Congolese, Haitian, NHAAPI, Neurodiverse, Palestinian, PGM (People of the Global Majority), Pro-Liberation, Queer, Sudanese, SWANA.