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!

What inspires me to work in the field of mental health care is the incredible resilience and potential I have witnessed in clients over the years. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how people can grow, adapt, and persevere through challenges. It’s truly motivating to witness the transformative power of therapy, as it serves as the spark or stepping stone that helps individuals create lasting change in their lives. I am inspired by the strength we all possess as human beings and the opportunity to be part of that transformative process, guiding clients toward a better future. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I focus on creating a safe and trusting environment where they can express themselves freely. I approach each session with cultural humility, recognizing that my norms and experiences may not align with those of the client. By leading with curiosity and empathy, I aim to foster a space where clients feel valued and understood. Additionally, I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual’s unique needs and experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by working collaboratively with clients to process difficult experiences. Together, we identify core beliefs and unhelpful thinking patterns that may be limiting their growth. By helping clients break free from these outdated beliefs and patterns, I create a space of support and empowerment, allowing them to move forward in a healthier, more constructive way. This collaborative approach fosters trust and a sense of partnership in the therapeutic process.

Hi, my name is Esma. Clients come to my practice looking for a therapist who can get to the root of their problem. I specialize in working with sensitive, high-functioning people who look fine on the outside but feel stuck on the inside. My practice is integrative, trauma-informed, and centered around helping clients navigate trauma, complex PTSD, anxiety, relationship challenges, and attachment wounds. I draw from Brainspotting, IFS, ACT, CBT, and other holistic approaches depending on each client’s individual needs and goals. I’m not afraid of hard conversations, and I won’t tiptoe around the things that matter. Clients appreciate that I’m both caring and direct. I’m not cold or overly clinical, but I also won’t sugarcoat things or avoid difficult conversations. I help clients get underneath the surface and start making real changes. I also use humor naturally in session because sometimes humor creates the exact amount of honesty, perspective, and relief people need to finally let their guard down. Therapy can be deep and challenging without feeling rigid or performative. I’m both caring and straightforward. I bring warmth and honesty into the room equally. You’ll feel supported, but you’ll also be held accountable. I believe both are necessary for growth. I offer both in-person and online therapy services in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I especially enjoy working with young adults and creating flexible, accessible options for support. Some of the services I currently offer include: • Brainspotting Group Therapy — Self-Love & Secure Attachment (weekly with flexible attendance) • Brainspotting Group + occasional individual therapy as needed • As-needed therapy (individual or couples) • Weekly therapy (individual or couples) • Every-other-week therapy (individual or couples) • Therapy intensives (individual or couples)

Hello! I love supporting young adults navigate the stressors of college and life changes! If you are feeling the effects of depression, anxiety, coping with chronic medical conditions, difficulties in relationships, trauma, fear, anger, guilt, grief or loss, we will work as a team to explore your concerns and work towards making positive changes in your life. Beginning or continuing your therapeutic growth and journey does not need to be an intimidating process, but one in which ultimate support, healing and connection is found. It is my goal to provide a collaborative experience of working together to create growth and change in a safe and supportive environment to help you meet your goals, discover your inner strengths and lead a more fulfilling life. If you are in a season of searching, self-exploration, and in need of brainstorming new solutions, you have already taken the bravest step! I am here to help you explore, heal, and work towards finding the meaning that you seek. The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most crucial elements for the success of therapy. It is SO important to find someone that feels right for your needs and who understands you! Don't hesitate to contact me for a free 15- 20 minute phone consultation where we can discuss and explore your personal needs and goals for therapy.

My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began when I was thirteen years old. I remember listening to my radio every night just as I was falling asleep. It wasn’t music I was listening to, but a psychologist who ran a call-in talk program. Troubled listeners would call in seeking the good doctor’s advice and in just a few minutes time, they were soon at ease by her reassuring words. I thought, “What a wonderful job that must be; to help so many people in feeling heard and connected with a caring human being. I’d like to do that too!” The same issues that plagued those callers are still around today; feeling alone, confused, different, unloved, a sense of hopelessness. The list goes on. What inspires me to work in mental health care is my desire to help make the lives of others much easier, less burdened, more worth living. To make certain that my clients feel accurately heard and understood, I check in with them often throughout our sessions. This can be done by sharing with them what I think I heard them say and then by checking in with them to make sure this is fairly accurate or if I was off the mark. I learned long ago that if I don’t get it quite right, my client’s are quick to correct me! This is usually a positive. If I get it wrong and seek clarification, it’s my hope that I convey my genuine interest in my client’s experience and that they are worth the extra effort to be understood. Trust and a strong therapeutic alliance between client and therapist are two aspects of therapy I find to be essential for meaningful work to take place. I do this by starting and ending sessions at our agreed upon time, curating a mutually agreed upon treatment plan and perhaps most of all, relating with all of my clients as my equals. I see ours as a dimly lit journey we’re walking together. Our only difference is, I am carrying the lantern helping us to see ahead. When appropriate, I’ve even been known to share a personal story involving myself if that story will help drive home a particular point.

Hi, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been practicing since 2006 and have experience in both intense community mental health and private practice. I help individuals who experience issues with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-worth. I use evidence-based practices, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, then tailor these approaches to suit your unique needs to help you face the future with new coping strategies and with a stronger sense of self.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel like a lot. Between classes, friends, family, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. You might find yourself overthinking, feeling stuck, or carrying around things from the past that make it harder to focus on the present. In therapy, I offer a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we’ll find ways to manage stress, quiet anxious thoughts, and feel more steady when life feels out of control. I also use EMDR, which can be really helpful if past experiences or memories still feel heavy and are getting in the way of how you want to live now. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and supported as you navigate college life. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—I’m here to walk alongside you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 5 years of experience in the psychiatric field. I have practiced nursing in a variety of mental health settings, which has allowed me to provide clients with individualized, comprehensive, and holistic care. By incorporating evidence-based practices, I aim to provide a safe space in which clients can feel understood and empowered to foster healing and growth within themselves. I am driven by a passion to support others in being their best and most authentic selves. I find fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with clients and being part of their healing journey. My goal is to work together to achieve their mental health goals while providing compassionate, empathetic, and effective care. I enjoy working with a variety of clients and addressing their unique needs with compassion and respect. In my practice, I focus on comprehensive, culturally competent, and holistic care. I incorporate evidence-based practices, education, and supportive psychotherapy and partner with clients to reach their mental health goals. This approach ensures that treatment is personalized and addresses the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of each client. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, holistic approaches to psychiatry, trauma-informed care, first responders, grief, veterans care

As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.

I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy. Whether you’re facing life’s challenges, experiencing anxiety or depression, or you are just interested in growth and strengthening your sense of self; we all need a neutral person to talk to from time to time. I carry with me a warm, grounded presence. I have a nonjudgmental demeanor and prefer to avoid giving advice, but instead work together to explore options and possible solutions to issues. I have an eclectic approach that is primarily rooted in psychodynamics and tailored to the needs of the individual and their circumstances. I am open to working with anyone interested in pursuing therapy; some examples of challenges I am skilled at working with are anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, grief, life transitions, relationships, gender, sexuality, family issues, existential challenges, and individuation. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and poly friendly

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

I approach my work with sensitivity and compassion to create a safe environment in which issues can be explored. I have twenty plus years of experience working with individuals and couples. I work to de-mystify the therapeutic process in order to help you maximize your efforts to create the life and relationships you wish to have. My approach is to help you to discover the unique person you are, whether you are a professional, an artist, a parent, or a couple. Whether your challenge is situational, chronic, or acute, my goal is to help you learn how to create a more meaningful and fulfilled life and enrich your relationships with others. I work deeply and pragmatically, so that you gain both insight, development, growth and practical knowledge. I have worked with people on many issues including: creating healthy relationships self esteem, self acceptance, life transitions codependency, pro-dependency & addiction sexual addiction impulse control & behavioral change substance abuse alcoholism trauma and PTSD anxiety & depression grief and loss aging parents sibling/friend loss learning and attention issues/parenting issues parenting a child with learning and/or attention differences dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD & learning to accept and thrive with your unique differences. BFRB’s trichotillomania skin picking nail biting Taking the first step is often the most difficult.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone should have access to a safe space where they can feel truly heard and seen. Life’s challenges may have you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wondering why certain patterns keep repeating. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood. I strive to ensure that clients feel heard by providing a non-judgmental perspective and supporting them in reconnecting with themselves in a deeper and more compassionate way. I also regularly encourage clients to share feedback and discuss any concerns they may have about the therapy process. In sessions I work to build trust and a therapeutic alliance by providing a warm and welcoming space and stressing collaboration and the client’s role as the expert in their life. I’m passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, relationship challenges, and identity related concerns. I use humor, warmth, cultural sensitivity, and curiosity to help clients gain insight into their experiences and make deeper connections with parts of themselves that they have been struggling to access. I enjoy sharing my belief in the power of routines and spending time in nature when possible, even if it’s just sitting by your window or in your yard or patio and soaking up the sun because these small habits can help alleviate at least some of our day to day stress. This often helps clients become aware of things they are already doing or may have done in the past that can have a positive effect on their well-being.

You’ve always been the one others lean on, and the go-to problem solver. Your known to be the steady hand in chaos, but no one sees what it costs you. But lately, it’s been harder to hide how much it’s costing you. You come home drained, carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. Even when your body screams for rest, you keep going because slowing down feels dangerous. You’ve trained yourself to stay calm, to keep it all together… even when you’re unraveling inside. Maybe you lie awake at night, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, silently asking, “Am I doing enough? Am I enough?” Therapy gives you something you rarely get: a space that’s just for you. No pressure to perform, no need to hold it all together, just room to breathe, and be real. I’ll ask the kind of questions that help you understand what’s really happening underneath the anxiety, the overthinking, or the emotional shutdown your may be feeling. In our sessions, we move at your pace. I’ll invite you to share what’s on your mind, and I’ll meet it with care and curiosity, not judgment. I might ask things like, “Can you tell me more?” or say, “I hear you say that… am I right?” Because your story matters, you deserve to feel seen in it. We’ll use tools like a feelings chart to gently reconnect you with your emotions especially the ones you’ve had to push aside just to get through the day. You’ll learn to set boundaries that could help you feel like your taking care of yourself without feeling guilty. Little by little, you start to feel different, more present, more steady, more like you. You start to trust your emotions instead of stuffing them down. You'll recognize your needs, and you honor them not with an apology, but with clarity. The constant pressure to be everything for everyone? It softens. The worry that you’re not enough? It quiets. You still show up for the people you love, but now, you’re showing up for yourself, too. You'll start to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself and others. Therapy can be the space where you finally feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re ready, I’m here. Let’s talk.

Do you experience stress, worry, or panic? Does anxiety interfere with your pursuit of personal and academic/professional goals? I can help you overcome your fears and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a compassionate environment in which my clients can learn strategies to attain greater life satisfaction and well-being. My areas of expertise include Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety and worry, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive hair pulling and skin picking). I also support parents who are experiencing anxiety or OCD during the perinatal period. I will collaborate with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs. Through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we'll work together to reduce your distress, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of balance in your life.

I’m Dr. Tanya Diaz, a licensed clinical psychologist, first-generation bilingual Latina, mother, and the founder of my private practice. I’m passionate about providing culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy to adults of all ages, with a special focus on those experiencing anxiety or recovering from trauma. You’re doing your best, but still feel disconnected, anxious, or on edge. From the outside, it may look like you have everything together. You show up for others, are responsible, and can point to accomplishments in your life. But inside, something doesn’t feel quite right. You overthink decisions, say yes when you really want to say no, or feel pressure to take care of everyone else before yourself. Over time, this can take a real toll and cause tense muscles, stomach discomfort, poor sleep, fatigue, or a lingering sense of dissatisfaction that’s hard to explain. Many of our emotional reactions and patterns happen outside our awareness. Therapy creates space to slow down, stay curious, and better understand what's happening beneath the day-to-day surface. It's an opportunity to get to know a deeper self, and with that often comes feeling more grounded, connected, and aligned with yourself. Many of the women and men I work with are thoughtful, responsible, and used to being the ones others depend on. Therapy with Dr. Diaz can be a place of support, and where you don't have to carry it all yourself. She'll provide guidance and warmth as she helps you get to the root of your concerns.

Botaitis Therapy Group is a dedicated team of therapists offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of individuals, couples and families in California. We provide in-person counseling in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, as well as online therapy options for those throughout California. This flexibility can make therapy more accessible to people with various preferences and circumstances. Our therapy group offers a holistic approach for diverse mental health and relationship issues. We have skilled professionals to assist various age groups and relationship dynamics, tailoring therapy as needed. Quality care and compassion are central to our practice. If you have questions or need more details about Botaitis Therapy Group, please don't hesitate to inquire.

At Mind Body Soul Mental Health we strive to support clients in learning from past and current experiences that are contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma. We look at therapy from a holistic lens which includes: mind, body, soul and how they all contribute to the whole person. I specialize in working with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD and embracing their neurodiversity. I also have extensive experience in helping adults comprehend boundaries, reasons for codependency and issues with self esteem. I help students navigate stress due to college pressures and social adjustments. I am trained in EMDR for clients that want relief from trauma and anxiety. Mind Body Soul Mental Health is a space that supports diversity, inclusion and welcomes everyone.

✨ Therapy where you can let go of the “I have to be perfect, successful, and okay 24/7” act Helen Bass - Asian girlies & interracial couples — 🤍 you don’t have to hold onto invisible pressures, frustration, or resentment by yourself. I’m here to walk with you as you heal and reconnect with the life that feels true to you.