Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Do you notice that you feel anxious or stressed and it is affecting you in your life? Are you looking for ways to feel more grounded, resourced and calm? As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I work with the mind-body connection to help clients feel more regulated. I can help you notice how patterns and experiences from your past show up today, and can help you to sort through what you would like moving forward. Using simple mindfulness practices to calm the nervous system and IFS techniques to understand and heal parts of yourself that feel stuck or protective. You’ll find sessions to be down-to-earth and practical. We can pay attention to your process, explore what comes up, and support you to build internal resources to help you feel more regulated and grounded. If you’re juggling school, relationships, or life stressors, therapy can be very helpful. I invite you to reach out to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if I am a good fit for you at https://therapywithshohreh.clientsecure.me

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. I am a licensed psychologist and gender expert, specializing in working with transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ communities. I also specialize in working with Black, brown, and indigenous, as well as POC. I have extensive experience working with college and graduate students. I am queer/trans, and an immigrant myself. I also have expertise in this area. I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University in their gender and sexual identities track. I offer therapy to people with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, eating disorders, and difficulties with impostor syndrome. I hope I get the honor of working with you.

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by a deep curiosity about human behavior and a genuine desire to support others through life’s challenges. I’ve always been drawn to understanding how our experiences, relationships, and inner worlds shape who we are. Over time, this evolved into a passion for helping people feel less alone, more understood, and more empowered in their lives—especially during vulnerable seasons like the perinatal period or times of emotional overwhelm. I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without fear of judgment. I listen with intention, reflect with care, and ask thoughtful questions to truly understand your experiences. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches, I help you connect not just with your thoughts, but also with your emotions and body. My goal is for you to feel seen, validated, and supported every step of the way. Working together is a collaborative process. We’ll move at your pace, focusing on what feels most important to you. In our sessions, we’ll explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop practical tools you can use in your daily life. Trust is built through consistency, openness, and respect—I show up authentically, and I invite you to do the same. Over time, this creates a strong therapeutic relationship where growth and healing can unfold naturally. Outside of my work, I’m someone who deeply appreciates the little things—whether it’s a good cup of coffee, time in nature, or moments of quiet reflection. I believe that small joys can have a big impact on our well-being, and I try to bring that same sense of balance and presence into both my life and my work.

I am a mother of two boys and a wife with over 10 years of experience in psychiatry. My training spans various settings, including inpatient care, crisis units, the mother-baby unit, and academia as a lecturer. I have a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and the perinatal population. What inspires me most in my work are the patients and their stories—helping individuals make progress and improve their quality of life. I believe in meeting each patient where they are, holding space for them, and listening to their needs as part of the healing process.

I am passionate about teaching others how to access their deep knowing and watching people grow and learn in new and successful ways. I find the work of psychotherapy to be fulfilling and purposeful and I look forward to being on the journey of improving your mental health wellness with you. I use empathetic listening, curiosity, and my excitement for helping others in order to provide a sense of validation to my clients. I believe that we heal through meaning making and I help you do this in an supportive and understanding space. I also believe that being heard and acknowledged for who we are and what we feel is so important for the human experience and I work hard to offer this to my clients. I work to build a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients by creating a collaborative, compassionate and respectful therapeutic relationship. I offer a safe and supportive container for individuals to explore and strengthen their abilities. I am honored to help my clients and feel humbled to be trusted enough to be invited into the pain and experiences of those whom I get to work with.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, where I graduated with honors. I began my nursing career in 2019 and have been dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys ever since. My approach blends clinical expertise with empathy, always aiming to create a safe, supportive space where patients feel truly heard and understood. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. Mental health care allows me to walk alongside people during some of their most vulnerable moments, offering compassion, understanding, and evidence-based tools to help them heal and grow. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space where individuals can share their stories and work toward their goals. I believe the most effective care happens when it’s built on true partnership. I make sure to take the time to listen to each individual’s goals, concerns, and values, and together we create a plan that feels both effective and meaningful to them. I make sure to explain treatment options clearly so that they can make informed choices with confidence and as treatment progresses, I remember to stay flexible and responsive, adjusting the approach as needed to ensure that it continues to align with each patient’s preferences and values.

As your therapist, my priority is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth and positive change. I'm excited to work with you, addressing your challenges and helping you achieve your goals. Therapy is a transformative process that can guide you towards becoming the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

I strive to support students of color and first- and second-generation immigrants in exploring their identities, healing from family burdens, and building the confidence to succeed in life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, or cultural and family issues, I'm here to provide the support and guidance you need to heal and grow.

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.

Hello my name is Gabriel Arroyo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. My specialties in treatment focus on couples/relationship counseling to help improve relationship dynamic with better communication, trust, and intimacy. I also work with individuals that struggle with anxiety and depression by learning healthy effective coping strategies. In therapy I like to work in a collaborative approach to strength your existing strengths as well as learn new effective skills. My approach is direct with balanced sensitivity and compassion to help achieve your goals in an effective and efficient manner. If you are interested in working with me, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation call.

Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind. I am adept at devising individualized care strategies that incorporate cutting-edge medical interventions, delivered with professionalism and sensitivity. My commitment is to assist patients in managing complex health issues as well as providing support through emotional and psychological challenges. Fluent in English and Spanish, I am dedicated to making high-quality healthcare accessible to diverse populations. Together, we can pursue a path to optimal health and enriched quality of life.

I work mainly with young adults (18-40) who may be dealing with mental health challenges that include ADHD, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients face a build-up of stress related to identity, relationships, school or career. I help clients build positive and healthy mental health practices into their lives. Please visit my profiles on Headway.

Hello, My name is Lisa Chester-Schyman and I'm an LMFT practicing in Los Angeles, California. I provide a safe and compassionate environment to support you in your life journey and its many challenges. Through our work together you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, which will allow you to navigate your life with more ease, manage stress, change and transitions, and live a life filled with meaning. Together we will explore your true nature and I will support you to find more comfort in your life by teaching you tools to overcome obstacles to your emotional well-being. Our collaboration will allow you to move through the more challenging times in your life with a greater sense of ease. I work with adults, teens, and adolescents. I specialize in grief and loss, relational issues, transition and trauma. I believe the relationship between a client and therapist is essential in creating personal healing. I nurture a trusting relationship where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without any judgment. From this safe place we will explore what coping mechanisms will best help you and I will help guide you through. I would love to help you on your journey especially during this very difficult time in life and the world. Looking forward to working with you.

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Dr Richa Bhatia is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with 15 years of clinical experience, including serving as faculty at leading universities such as Dartmouth College and Stanford University School of Medicine. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She strives to provide high quality care in a warm, empathic, patient centered manner. Her practice focus is providing psychiatric and psychotherapy care to individuals suffering from Anxiety, OCD, maladaptive perfectionism, and/or adjustment difficulties in response to life stressors.​ Dr Bhatia provides a comprehensive evaluation to understand a patient’s unique concerns, needs and strengths. She strives to gain an understanding of each person's emotions, beliefs, life challenges, values, past experiences, and other factors that may be contributing to their present situation. Treatment may also involve understanding biological factors such as the potential effect of medications and/or medical conditions on your mental health where applicable.     She utilizes various psychotherapy modalities such as psychodynamic psychotherapy (insight-oriented), mindfulness based interventions, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and acceptance and commitment therapy. Medication management, where needed, is nuanced, with close monitoring, using shared decision-making. Starting a medication is a collaborative decision that is approached with nuance and thoughtfulness, aiming for the lowest effective doses. Dr Bhatia attempts to keep the medication regimen as simple as possible and has often helped simplify patient's polypharmacy regimens when indicated.

As a youth, I recall many instances when I experienced intense anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts, – but I did so in isolation, without adequate support. Mental health services were not available and not commonly accessed in my community. As a young woman I used dance and movement, and other forms of creative expression (such as writing and singing), as my means to manage emotions. I became a psychotherapist to ensure that I could be supportive to those in similar situations – to help support people in not feeling alone with the difficult aspects of life and relationships. No one should have to fight their mental health battles alone. The integration of somatic (body-focused) psychotherapy has allowed me to support others while giving them the gift that I have discovered through a life of movement – the gift of understanding the role of the body in allowing for healing. Through the use of the body in psychotherapy clients can learn how to find balance in their mind while finding peace in their emotional landscape. I believe I support clients in feeling heard and understood through using a deep curiosity to delve into each aspect of their lives. I use a collaborative approach to support clients from exactly where they are starting from. I listen intently for new ways of hearing the shared information, the client’s story. In this process, I ask questions to weave together the thread of their thoughts and concerns as it creates a path towards their progress and growth. I hold the larger picture of who they are to support the process of highlighting insights into ways of getting from where they are to where they want to be. In this way, I am deeply understanding their process of growth while empowering them to make changes in their life. I use a warm and engaging process of building connection with clients. I find it is important to face and embrace our emotional selves, allowing ourselves to be fully authentic to cultivate growth. I foster an environment that supports this authenticity and growth through using my own eccentric and eclectic approach. From within the safety of this relationship I am able to challenge clients with humor while creating space for depth. I am able to flow with what is relevant in the moment while holding their expanded story to support.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a therapist I believe that all of use can benefit from the use of help at times in managing the struggles brought on by the stresses of daily living, work, or school, life transitions, grief, and past traumas. Therapy may also be the right choice when long-standing feelings of anxiety, unhappiness or shame have hindered you from living your best life. I focus on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, and spirituality. It is my goal to join with you and together work towards healing and a more meaningful life. The heart of my practice is to empower clients as they journey towards wholeness and health. I provide a safe, respectful, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment for clients to process and explore concerns that brought them to therapy. Am I a good fit to walk with you on your journey? The best way to find out is to begin with a free phone consultation.