Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I provide mental health support to students and young adults who are going through life transitions and want to ensure that therapy is accessible, affordable and safe to a culturally and diverse population. I work with students and young adults to help them cope and manage mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, emotional dysregulation, and other conditions. I want to share my experience in providing emotional support, helping students through challenging times, and teaching students strategies to manage stress so that they can grow, develop and thrive!

These are times of upheavel. Novel coronavirus pandemic, climate chaos, & violence on BIPOC and LGBTQ folks reinforced by our systems. Isolation induced depression. Overwhelm, numbness, and agitation with systems brutality and uncertainty. Despair with job and wage insecurity and loss. Lowered immunity and illness exacerbated by chronic fear, anxiety, oppression, and exhaustion. Unprocessed grief and anticipatory grief. In this time of uncertainty and great systems upheavel, we need to be intentional and creative in (re)connecting with each other and ourselves, families, and communities. Video sessions during this unprecedented time in the safety and comfort of your home. **Special outreach and focus to healthcare workers, elders, parents, people of color, and others on the frontlines — to pause and (re)ground in our day-to-day.** We need mending to sustain and to (re)imagine what is possible, for ourselves, families, communities, and systems.

Life is full of moving pieces, and maintaining balance, relationships, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and so many more often feels difficult. I am committed to developing a transparent, safe, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Feeling overwhelmed by current or past trauma(s), depression, anxiety, or a burden you have carried through life can be helped through the therapeutic relationship process. You are the expert on your own life, and I don’t take that for granted. Together, we will find the best path for your therapy journey. I will strive to help you develop new ways of thinking and support you in finding peace and confidence to help you create the life you want and deserve. I’ve spent over a decade working with clients from diverse backgrounds and settings, and it became clear that no one type of therapy fits everyone. I approach relationships with my clients warmly, mindfully, and compassionately. Our life experiences often shape the pattern of our thoughts and behaviors and perspective of adult life. Each of us brings our own stories to therapy, and would be an honor to learn about yours.

We believe that every person holds the power to grow, heal, and create a more fulfilling life. Our practice serves as a beacon of empowerment for individuals ready to navigate their unique journey of personal growth. Here, the pursuit of wellness is not seen as fixing something that is broken, but as a celebrated and continuous part of life.

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. Hi! My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), I am a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in supporting young and midlife adults who are navigating self doubt, fear, or anxiety related to identity, relationships, sexuality, or impulsive behaviors. After completing many years of training, degrees, and therapy of my own, I am honored to help people from all walks of life heal from anxiety, doubt, and unhelpful behaviors that prevent them from living authentically and without shame. This may include perfectionism, loneliness/isolation, people pleasing, interpersonal conflicts, fear, internet or porn use concerns, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, and low-self esteem/crappy self-talk. If you're looking for a therapist who's super relational, authentic, attuned, and attachment-oriented, you're in the right place.

You have been trying to get pregnant and keep getting bad news. Or you are having problems staying pregnant and are feeling terrified about trying again. You are feeling guilty, overwhelmed, mad and afraid to keep moving forward. How can this keep going on ? Let me help. I understand and am here to help you with this rollercoaster. My clients come to me looking for something different. They report feeling feeling lighter, seen, and understood after our first session. Please check out my website and reach out via email or phone to schedule a free phone consultation. That is a great way to see if I am the best psychotherapist for you.

I specialize in addiction and recovery, I have many clients I have helped navigate anxiety, codependency or toxic relationships, the transition into college life, and recovery from trauma. I am available in person in my office in Hermosa Beach, or via tele-health. I pride myself of being very casual, down to earth and having authentic conversations. I don't shy away from sarcasm, profanity or humor (therapy doesn't have to be all intense). And the best compliments I receive are hearing "I didn't think I was a therapy person... until I started therapy with you".

Hi! I’m Jada Thompson, a Licensed Couple and Family Therapist. I am a proud second-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the Big Sky State of Montana. I moved to the Los Angeles area over ten years ago to feed my sense of exploration and reconnect with my family, culture, and self. My early life experiences, including the sudden death of my mother during childhood, have shaped me into the person I am today and fueled my drive to pursue a career in mental health. I graduated from Alliant International University in Los Angeles with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While working in community mental health, I continued to grow in my work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer individuals a compassionate space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions with curiosity and respect. Whether facing cultural or religious trauma, rejection, or the pain of not feeling fully seen, we work together to uncover the roots of struggle and build tools for greater freedom, resilience, and fulfillment in the present.

I'm an integrative therapist, which means I pull from several different theoretical orientations. I utilize elements of humanistic, psycho-dynamic, attachment theory, and family systems. As an integrative therapist, I view each of my clients as an individual rather than a diagnosis. My style is direct, warm, and collaborative. I believe in the importance of the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. The relationship that emerges between therapist and client is a powerful healing tool. I bring safety, empowerment, compassion, and a non-judgmental atmosphere to the therapeutic process, which allows you to explore all parts of yourself within a safe container.

I can help you cope with academic stress, anxiety, issues with parents, relationships, eating and body image, health problems, trauma, and friendships. I combine EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness. Ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. Online or in person sessions available.

The Healing Collective, PC is a private practice that offers an array of mental health treatment and wellness services within the community of Pasadena and throughout the state of California. THC is comprised of qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Our licensed therapists are trained in a variety of trauma-informed, holistic, strengths-based, and culturally competent mental health treatments. We provide mental health treatment to adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Our mental health services include individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy (both coming soon). I welcome you to view our website and learn more about us. Call or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me! I am happy to see if I can be helpful to you or a loved one.

"Since 2019, Peace and Purpose Therapy has offered compassionate psychotherapy to adults and teens throughout San Luis Obispo County. Located in Arroyo Grande, this dedicated practice specializes in trauma-informed care, including EMDR, alongside expert support for relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Their experienced team provides a safe, nurturing environment for individual, couple, and family counseling, tailoring every approach to foster healing, growth, and lasting well-being. Peace and Purpose Therapy is excited to announce that we are now accepting Cencal Insurance."

Whether borderline, narcissistic or simply toxic, wounded and self-centered parents create wounded children. And these children grow up without the basics of warmth and kindness, acceptance and encouragement. In order to survive, we adapt to the needs of our demanding parents. That might mean we learn to parent our parent. Or we develop antennae and quickly respond to their changing moods and needs, simultaneously ignoring our own. We hope if we do and say the right thing long enough, then one day they will be strong enough to finally take care of us. But that day may never come. We can spend our whole life looking for what we didn't get in our childhood. Attract partners who are carbon copies. Perceive other people's innocent remarks as attacking or critical. Maybe we're never quite satisfied with the attention we receive. Or no amount of success is enough. Therapy is a way to find answers and chart a new course; transcend the past and move forward. My approach is pragmatic and straightforward. I do more than just say, "Um huh," or "How does that make you feel?" I offer acceptance and encouragement, as well as feedback and suggestions.

Working with students has been my life's work. For nearly a decade I have focused my practice on teens and young adults facing complicated situations and trauma. Navigating these unique difficulties takes experience. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through these challenges.

I accept most major insurances. Please visit my website to schedule time with me! Hi, I’m Alvaro, a licensed professional clinical counselor based in San Diego. If you are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, stress during big life changes, or trying to make sense of college and everything that comes with it, I can help you sort through it. In our sessions you will get real conversation and practical tools, not just theory. We will look at what is getting in your way and work together on what feels manageable right now. You do not have to handle everything on your own. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, and your story is welcome here. My goal is to offer a space where you feel heard, supported, and able to grow.

You don't have to feel alone in any of this anymore. Whether it's everyday life stressors, relationship problems, a loss of something or someone important, either a positive or negative life transition, feeling signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety, or just simply feeling overwhelmed and confused; participating in therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to address, unveil, and tackle any and all of these things that we experience in our lives from time to time. I have specialized training in helping people make health behavior changes, learn the tools and skills needed to increase stress management, and recover from difficult or traumatic past experiences. My hope is to create an empathic and supportive space to allow you to feel the courage to process and work on those things buried deep down that can cause pain and heartache. By doing so, the power and control that those things have had on you can begin to lift and lessen.

You have to be strong all the time. You feel stuck. You can’t sleep. You feel your heart racing. There’s tension in your back and tightness in your body. And it feels so heavy. Sometimes you may even cry when you’re alone and have feelings you want to let out, but hide them in fear you will be judged. You’re exhausted. But life feels so busy it's hard to slow down. You find you are having doubts about yourself and abilities. Maybe you are repressing parts of who you are. You are struggling to say “no” and taking on more responsibilities that leave you feeling burnt out. Perhaps there are parts of you that desire personal growth. You deserves to slow down, prioritize yourself and heal. In therapy you can be you, rebuild and grow. This is your time! You are taking the first step by seeking therapy. You will have a space to feel safe and free from judgement. We can navigate your struggles together. You are worth the time and work. It would be my honor to guide you through this journey of personal growth and healing. You already have everything inside you to live the life you want. Let’s bring it out together. Contact me to schedule a FREE consultation. Si tienes preguntas contactame para una consulta GRATIS. *A few Reduced fee slots of $90 available.

Hi, I’m Caitlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW and LICSW) and founder of Tiny Cottage Therapy. I offer online therapy for college students and young adults across California and Washington who are navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and cultural or family expectations. College can bring a lot of pressure: to do well, to meet expectations, to have everything figured out. I provide a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s been feeling heavy, learning tools to manage stress, and building more balance and self-trust. I take a warm, collaborative approach and focus on what feels most important to you. We’ll start where you are. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself as you move through this season of life. Most of the students I work with share a few things in common: they care deeply, try their best, and often feel pressure to keep it all together — even when they’re exhausted. They might overthink things, struggle to set boundaries, or feel torn between their own needs and what’s expected of them. Many of my clients identify as Asian American, AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and are trying to balance family, culture, and school while figuring out who they want to be. Others are high achievers or caretakers who want to learn how to slow down, manage anxiety, and build a healthier relationship with themselves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” or like you’re living your life on autopilot, therapy can be a place to pause, make sense of things, and start finding your own rhythm again.

Perhaps you struggle with feelings of worry and restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You have a lot of ambitious ideas and thoughts, but struggle with implementation of them due to stress, pain, and fears of failure. Sometimes these feelings and physical sensations can seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. You sometimes may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I work with my clients using techniques that will best suit their specific individualized needs. I use a collaborative approach, since I believe you are the expert of your own life. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be a significant force in facilitating positive changes, therefore, making sure that we are on the same page is always important. There is hope for feeling better. Please don't hesitate to reach out! I offer free 15-minute consultations to ensure a good fit.