Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hi and welcome! My name is Yasmin (she/her) and I am a first-generation, Latina-Arab American. I have been a therapist for 9 years and am passionate about working with college students and young adults. If you are reading this, you are likely dealing with a tough situation and want to cope or make a change. Perhaps you are having a hard time adjusting to college - you may be dealing with stress, overwhelm, or figuring out how to balance academics with the life you want to have in college. Maybe you're trying to figure out your sense of identity and who you truly are as you enter this new chapter of life. Or maybe you've recently experienced a major stressor and have no idea how to cope and keep going. As a therapist, I am here to walk alongside and guide you through your journey. It takes strength and courage to ask for help. That is why I strive to create a safe, caring, warm, and nonjudgemental space where you can begin your journey towards healing and growth. I offer a free, 15 minute consultation call to see if we'd be a good fit to work together. Ready to get started or have questions? Give me a call or send me an email!

I work with individuals and couples using a strength-based approach that is interactive, collaborative and informed by the latest research on attachment theory, neuroscience, and mindfulness. I see each person as more than the problem they walk in with, emphasizing their unique strengths and resilience as the most important ingredients for healing. I specialize in working with men to help deepen their capacity to understand and manage complex emotional states so they can have more self-confidence and greater satisfaction in their relationships.

I am accepting new clients who may be feeling challenged by PTSD, substance misuse, system-impacted, institutionally traumatized and/or suffer from ADHD and/or Autism.

I work with non-linear thinkers who are searching for a therapist with intuitive wisdom who cherishes the divergent path. I specializes in connecting with ADHDers who have always felt different even if others couldn't tell. My clients are notoriously curious and adept improvisors, who are playfully creative, but they still feel perpetually out-of-sync with the world around them. They charm others with their insight and levity, and save the biting criticisms for themselves. So they end up feeling like anxious imposters, waiting to be exposed. Acquiescing to others has helped you get by without too many catastrophes, but deep down you can't keep convincing yourself that you're okay with just getting by. There's a deeper itch that's beckoning you into an alternative way of being. Yes, still different, but personal, integrated, aligned with your soul. I approach therapy as the life-changing work that it is, and while there's a serious commitment to exploring one's psyche, it doesn't mean you or I are required to take ourselves too seriously. Excavating one's own lived experience and the difficulty of navigating a world not built for you is not for the faint of heart, yet we continue to be curious, adapt, and play. I am intentional in creating and holding space for clients to find and share a more authentic version of themselves. Clients are well-met when they bring curiosity about their distinct approach to life, courage to speak what has been left unsaid, and compassion to nurture a deeper truth about themselves.

Hi there! My name is Lucia Fernandez and I've been practicing for over 13 years now. I specialize in healthy anxiety, depression from a trauma informed lens and utilizing strengths to empower you through move through areas that make you feel stuck. I supervise MFT interns both in my practice and in the school system. I have provided crisis counseling and work with students and adults with high needs who are struggling with functioning in day to day life. I'm relatable and utilize a humanistic approach to help you feel at ease by considering your individual needs. My treatment approach is customizable to meet your mental health needs.

We’re a team of licensed therapists who actually get what student life is like. Whether it’s anxiety, family stuff, roommate issues, breakups, burnout, feeling lost, or just needing someone to talk to, we’ve got you. We keep it real, non-judgmental, and actually helpful. No stiff, boring therapy vibes. Just practical support that fits your crazy schedule. In-person or online (telehealth) sessions available. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Ready to feel better? Come chat with us on Thrive or reach out for a free consultation.

Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how daily external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong, supportive relationship I will help you uncover core issues. I primarily use a psychodynamic, creative approach to guide my clients towards greater self-compassion and clarity that will allow you to feel more confident in your ability to change and heal.

I am Dr. Taide Mier-Vera. A bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on research, practice, and education for the promotion of mental health. I have been helping children, youth and adults in community mental health and school settings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, California for over 12 years. My approach is to attend to the whole person (mind, body, soul). My education, continuous training, professional experience and missionary work has helped me develop cultural competence. I am passionate about learning about other cultures to better understand others and their stories. Furthermore, I am committed to ongoing training and education so that I can provide evidenced-based and top quality services.

Our practice is a good fit for people who are intelligent, curious, and open to self-exploration. We provide individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and ADHD assessments. Through these services we encourage empowerment, self-discovery, and resiliency. We value inclusiveness and have consciously created a space where all can seek help and self-discovery. Our clients come in a variety of races, sexualities, genders, religions, body sizes, and relationship structures.

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in trauma, adoption, and challenging life experiences, my approach is relational and integrative. I work exclusively online with teens and adults in California who have had significant adverse childhood experiences or recent stressful or traumatic events. Life transitions can trigger old emotional wounds, contributing to anxiety or depression in adulthood. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from symptoms of past trauma is EMDR therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can provide lasting relief from disturbing memories, reactivity, anxiety, excessive worries, and other emotional distress stemming from adverse experiences in the past. This evidence-based integrative brief psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective. Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as an effective trauma treatment; the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of  Defense placed EMDR therapy in the "A" category as "strongly recommended" for trauma.

**ACCEPTING NEW CIGNA OR CASH CLIENTS** My focus is to provide support for infant massage, children, individuals, couples, parent/child dyadic relations, family systems, or other non-traditional relationships (best friends, co-workers, "trouples", etc.) to find healing and identify each individual's inner strengths and connections. I achieve this by providing a safe "neutral" space, listening to your concerns, identifying rooted issues, and processing to foster growth. I provide various strategies for processing trauma, in addition to traditional talk therapy, such as sand tray, dyadic art, therapeutic play, etc. As a LGBTQ affirming therapist, I am open minded to all walks of life and relationship choices. I am not here to judge your choices. We focus on relational systems and assist each member in creating mindfulness in their choices. We will work on identifying generational patterns that contribute to behaviors and patterns. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey, for as long as you will allow me. No Hablo Espanol.

Welcome! My goal as your therapist is to meet you exactly where you are and help you get where you want to go. I do this by collaborating with you to develop an individualized and holistic plan tailored to your unique experiences and goals. I draw from EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Feminist Therapy, CBT and other integrative approaches. I consider my therapeutic style to be warm, empowering, open-minded, and honest. I enjoy working with adults living in California, including fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Thanks for stopping by and investing in yourself today. I can't wait to meet you!

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A willingness to seek support is a sign of strength. As an empathic and experienced professional, I provide support with compassion and understanding. I work to help you achieve your personal, relational, and professional goals through a strength-based approach using CBT and EFT. To further support you, I have additional training in Gottman’s Couples Therapy (Levels I & II) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. I am also a certified grief informed professional and certified in EMDR.

Let’s be honest, the past few years have been incredibly challenging, leaving many of us feeling anxious, depressed, or uncertain. Remember, you’re not alone in this! I’m here to support you in making positive changes in your life. In therapy, we’ll collaborate on your unique needs and goals, exploring strategies and interventions to help you find relief, hope, and personal transformation. During our sessions, our focus will be on your individual needs and goals. Together, we’ll work collaboratively to explore strategies and interventions specifically designed for your situation. My aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel open to express yourself without judgment. Throughout our therapeutic journey, our goal is to cultivate a sense of relief, hope, and personal transformation. With a Master’s degree in Social Work and years of experience in this field, I bring a genuine dedication to helping individuals like you. I firmly believe that seeking therapy is a courageous choice, demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and well-being. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out and schedule a session. Together, we can brainstorm and discover how to become a better version of ourselves.

Hi! and welcome. I am Rachel Navarro, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California with over 15 years of experience in the social services sector. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, and coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I will inquire about which communication method works for you and follow your lead in the pace you need to go at in order to feel comfortable and supported through your journey in exploring feelings and needs. My clinical approaches combine Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

Hi, I’m Madison Steele, LMFT, specializing in eating disorders and related challenges. Since 2019, I’ve worked with individuals across various settings, supporting them at different life stages. I recognize that disordered eating often intertwines with broader emotional issues, and my approach is client-centered and judgment-free. I collaborate with registered dietitians to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the diverse experiences that shape our relationships with food and self. I’m here to meet you where you are and support your journey to holistic well-being.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you feeling stuck in recurring, painful patterns? Do you find yourself navigating challenges such as anxiety, loss, loneliness, irritation, or spiritual distress? In our personal journeys and closest relationships, we often struggle to lead the lives we truly desire. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help you move from internal conflict to a more satisfying, connected way of living.

I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out a therapist. As social beings, we all need support and at certain times we need it more than ever. Speaking to someone you can open up to and trust, knowing you will not be judged, can really make a difference in navigating emotional turmoil, relationships, stress, anxiety, processing trauma, and making our way through major life transitions. At times we may struggle with larger life questions such as, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in life?" I am here to help. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I support clients in healing and overcoming obstacles that prevent them from living freely, authentically, and with deep fulfillment. I have helped people struggling with depression, life-transitions, anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, and spiritual/existential concerns. My holistic approach incorporates depth-work, spirituality, and learning new strategies to effectively navigate life. I am certified in Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy, which facilitates genuine and life lasting changes through a powerful process of self-discovery rooted in compassion and presence. I am a certified Enneagram Facilitator and Yoga Teacher.