Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I have been working in the mental health/social services field since 1996 in varying capacities. I was a social worker with the County of San Diego in Child Protective Services, first as a case manager, where I worked in a specialized unit with long-term foster children who had mental health diagnoses. I became a kind of “specialist” in attachment and bonding, and grief and loss issues, as well as issues with identity, be it racial, gender, or other identifications. After taking early retirement from the County in 2011, I decided to focus on the mental health side of social services. I took a job as a therapist and a discharge coordinator at a mental health crisis house, and then as a care manager for patients at inpatient psychiatric facilities for various insurance companies. In August 2013, I finally achieved a long-term dream and opened up my private practice where I continue to be delighted with the creativity and innovation, as well as the diversity of the people I meet every day.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As someone who has experienced mental health both in myself and my loved ones, I feel inspired to provide care that is comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment. I am driven by being a support to those who need it, helping you improve, and guiding you towards fulfillment and your goals. I ensure you feel heard and respected by creating a comfortable environment where, together, we can explore the uncomfortable. I value establishing trust with you and I allow each client to set their own pace while I compassionately move you forward. I practice a talk therapy approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy influences. I am proud of my ability to establish trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I do this by using humor and empowerment while also utilizing a direct approach. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be so I do my best to create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable. I enter each session without judgment as I want to honor you and your experiences. I prioritize you feeling comfortable while sharing your innermost thoughts so, together, we can put the pieces back together and fortify your mental space.

I specialize in working with people who experience intense emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger in response to life changes or adjustments. If you're looking for a psychologist who incorporates evidence-based practices while flexibly tailoring treatment to meet your unique problems and background, you've come to the right place! Whether you want to stop worrying or feel more confident, we'll consider how your inner emotional world interacts with the greater cultural context surrounding you. Let's meet if you're open to changing your thoughts, habits and perspective- or simply want someone to understand your point of view!

My passion is working with members of the LGBTQ community and have a specialty in transgender care. My therapy style is interactive. I start where you are and what you want to work on. I can help you navigate your transition if that is what you need. I understand the unique challenges your generation faces and have training in many therapy approaches that focus on mindfulness, changing thinking and taking action. I believe in bolstering our resilience to navigate the world today.

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.

I became a therapist because my own experiences in therapy as a client had been transformative and healing for me. I wanted to be a source of support and guidance for others to help them heal and grow. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I'm privileged to learn about you and your experiences. I approach our work from a place of openness and curiosity in order to help give you tools and perspective that will be genuine and helpful. I work very collaboratively with you! I view my role as one that walks alongside you through the therapeutic process to help you identify and accomplish goals that are meaningful to you. I'm very authentic in my relationships with clients, and bring my full self to our sessions.

I am a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC) with a strong academic foundation and over 13 years of professional experience. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, I bring a deep understanding of human behaviors and emotions to my practice. My therapeutic approach is characterized by my commitment to working from a relational lens, fostering genuine connections to facilitate healing and growth. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I have honed my expertise in helping individuals such as yourself, navigate life's challenges and complexities. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational therapy, which focuses on the therapeutic relationship itself as a catalyst for change. By creating a safe and empathetic environment, I enable my clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within the context of their relationships, both past and present. With a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and unique stories of my clients, I tailor therapeutic interventions to address each individual's specific needs and goals. My warm and collaborative demeanor cultivates a therapeutic partnership that promotes self-discovery and personal transformation.

I understand that it can be nerve-racking to begin this process, and I commend you for taking your first steps in starting therapy! I'm a licensed therapist and I have been working in the field for over 20 years. I specialize in working with adults and teens, ages 15 and up. I am here to help you develop tools to cope, feel empowered and supported. Together, we can work towards improving your sleep, feeling less worried and anxious, improve self-esteem, and have healthier friendships and relationships. I utilize evidenced-based and strength-based interventions, including teaching mindfulness, that help people struggling with life adjustments, and issues such as women's health, school and work stress, anxiety, depression, and racial identity (such as helping multiracial people navigate stressors). While therapy can be challenging, we can still enjoy ourselves and even laugh in a safe and supportive space. I look forward to meeting you!

Being a man in the modern world can be tough, especially if you’re carrying the added burden of anxiety, OCD, trauma, or related issues, or if you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent man. Maybe you’re struggling with constant rumination, which keeps your mind and body on overdrive, draining you of your precious energy. Activities you once enjoyed may feel like chores. Self-doubt might rear its ugly head in the form of harsh self-criticism, over-cautiousness, perfectionism, or an excessive fear of failure. Relationships may become strained, leading you to excessively seek others’ approval, hide behind a mask to avoid taking social risks, or withdraw from others altogether. Left untreated, anxiety, OCD, and related disorders may lead to: • Mental symptoms such as worry, shame, and a lack of concentration. • Physical symptoms such as exhaustion, digestive issues, and muscle tension. • A lack of clarity around your purpose and direction in life. • Problems in your social life such as loneliness, social anxiety, and a lack of assertiveness. Life doesn’t have to feel this overwhelming. Change is possible. Imagine waking up with greater clarity, making decisions with confidence, and having the freedom to pursue what truly matters to you. Therapy can also help you build more authentic relationships, express yourself more confidently, and make choices based on your values rather than fear. As someone who has faced many of these struggles myself, I understand first-hand how exhausting they can be, and I have applied many of the principles I teach in my own life. Since 2016, I have specialized in helping men overcome anxiety, OCD, and trauma, while also helping neurodivergent men better understand themselves, harness their strengths, and navigate life’s challenges. I draw from both practical approaches such as CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention, while also integrating experiential approaches including mindfulness, somatic therapy, parts work, and hypnosis. If you’re struggling and you want to transform your problems into power, contact me for a free consultation.

Greetings and welcome to my professional profile. I am committed to providing exceptional care with a focus on individual needs. My medical career has spanned the challenging environment of acute psychiatric care to the compassionate realm of family health services. As a Nurse Practitioner, my approach involves a comprehensive understanding of your health. I meticulously compile your medical history and conduct thorough examinations to ensure we address all aspects of your well-being. Interpreting laboratory tests and devising customized care plans are among my core competencies. My proficiency extends to minor surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic evaluations, collaborating with physicians to deliver seamless care. My capabilities also include remote consultations for an array of healthcare institutions, where I oversee laboratory analyses, medication management, and coordinate referrals to specialists as necessary. I am adept at performing in-depth health assessments during home visits, ensuring continuity of care and clear communication with your primary healthcare provider. My nursing experience encompasses both the fast-paced medical-surgical settings and the intensive care required in psychiatric wards, where I have provided direct patient care and leadership to healthcare teams. Reflecting on my earlier career in the Philippines, I gained valuable experience in anesthesia and served as a proactive community health officer, implementing vital health initiatives and providing direct patient care. I am dedicated to imparting knowledge that empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare. Patient safety is my foremost priority; I am vigilant in identifying potential risks and implementing necessary interventions without delay. I invite you to consider me as your healthcare ally. Let us collaborate professionally to achieve optimal health outcomes for you.

If you need support for a challenging situation, dealing with work/life stressors, struggling to make healthy changes or ready to get unstuck and move in a new direction in your life, I can help you with your journey to living in the world as your most authentic self. By holding a safe space for you to be heard without judgement, I hope to help you see your existing values, strengths and learn new skills to help you adapt and cope. I am passionate about whole person health and helping you achieve your goals of growth, wellness, and personal joy. As a first generation Filipino American, I understand the stigma around expressing emotions and seeking mental health services in Asian American and minority communities. Suppressed emotions can lead to emotional distress, affecting body and soul. As a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience in healthcare, I've seen the toll firsthand. I decided to become a therapist when I realized that it's ok to have uncomfortable feelings, to acknowledge them and and learn from them what we really want.I realize how daunting this first step to reaching out can be and am grateful you’ve taken the time to look into self care for yourself. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we'd be good fit.

Let's be real - anxiety and depression can cripple anyone's life, especially students and graduates. These symptoms often cause people to feel "hopeless" and can damage academic performance, family and personal relationships, one's sense of fulfillment, and individual identity. For many years, I've successfully treated college students struggling with anxiety and depression. I specialize in blending a unique combination of therapeutic methods that helps students to overcome life's hardships. My goal is to be your ally - I work at your pace to help you achieve the goals we've set together. Much of my practice focuses on people seeking support in improving self-worth, increasing motivation, and finding direction in life. I have a long and meaningful history of working in particular with minority communities and their unique challenges, especially Asian-Americans and LGBTQ+ people. 650.690.8909 www.WellnessWaysCenter.org

Welcome! My name is Erin and I am a therapist who loves working with college and grad students going through transition, building identity and community, or seeking support during difficult chapters. I aim to help my clients listen closely to the guidance of their inner voice as they find a way forward from confusion towards a vision of life that feels exciting. My approach is warm and collaborative, grounded in narrative therapy and a post-traumatic growth lens. I have years of experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, trauma, and social anxiety and isolation. I also emphasize community building and creativity as essential pillars of mental health. Together we'll find the approach that helps you move toward a life that feels more fully alive. I love being a therapist and am honored to do this work. If you think we would be a good fit, fill out the contact form on this page and we will be in touch!

College is a time of growth, discovery, and new opportunities—but it also comes with challenges. Balancing classes, relationships, and big life decisions can feel overwhelming, but you have the resilience and ability to navigate it all. I’m Dr. Mikaela, and I help students tap into their strengths, build confidence, and develop practical tools to thrive. My approach is down-to-earth, supportive, and action-oriented—we’ll work together to manage stress, set boundaries, and break patterns that no longer serve you. Whether you’re facing academic pressure, relationship challenges, or past experiences that still weigh on you, this is a space to gain clarity, build self-trust, and create a plan that fits your unique journey. Therapy isn’t just about working through struggles—it’s about unlocking your potential and equipping you with the skills to handle life’s ups and downs. If you’re ready to feel more in control and empowered, let’s connect and build resilience together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence?Confused by how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? Wanting to really know yourself and live a life with meaning and purpose? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform to be living the life you want. I believe I have the tools and experience from being a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Somatic Ecotherapist, and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I have a gentle yet directive style, actively engaging in a therapeutic coaching manner I have a trauma-informed, holistic style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, DBT, expressive arts, humanistic psychology, CBT, transpersonal psychology, NVC, neuroscience, and spirituality. I have experience supporting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, alternative lifestyles and relationships, and artists/musicians/creatively minded individuals I have a strong passion for helping individuals find guidance within themselves, feel empowered, live their truth, and find meaning and greater purpose within themselves, their communities, and the world. Please feel free to email at lilinakitamft@gmail.com to set up a consultation today!

If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.

Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!