Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hello, I’m Jessica Martinez, a licensed mental health therapist providing evidence-based care since 2011. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, problem gambling, relationship and marriage issues, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. My approach integrates leading therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method couples therapy, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you feel understood and empowered. By tailoring treatment to your specific needs, I help individuals, couples, and families gain clarity, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting change.

Hi I'm Maddi and I'd love to help you figure out college and all this adulting stuff. Let's face it, adulting is tough. It can feel so overwhelming trying to balance all the things like school, family, friends, errands, chores, work, self-care... Oh ya, and don't forget to make time to eat, sleep, call your mom, and figure out your future. (No pressure or anything!!) I know what it's like to feel like you have to put on a brave face for everyone and pretend that you're doing OK, while deep inside you are freaking out and on the verge of a breakdown. (It's fine, I'm fine, everything's fine...) I know what it's like to feel like you spend all your free time overthinking things, replaying interactions, and worrying that someone is mad at you. (Spoiler alert, they're not!) I want to help you do more than just survive college! Let's work together to help you break free from the self-doubt, stress, and overthinking that keeps you up at night and leaves you feeling exhausted and stuck at the end of the day. Together we can talk through things to make sense of them and find realistic solutions. This way you can leave therapy with an understanding of what's going on, and what you can do to make it better. We got this!! Reach out today and let's schedule a free phone consultation so we can see if I'm the right therapist for you. You can reach me by email or text message.

Hello and Welcome! Are you a couple needing to strengthen communication, navigate conflict effectively, and break free from long‑standing gridlock? I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience, and I help you deepen friendship, build emotional intimacy, and create shared meaning. Are you exploring your identity, preparing to come out, struggling with self‑acceptance, or navigating gender‑affirming care? Together, we can build healthy coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and address symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress while supporting a stronger sense of self. I help clients find relief from overwhelming thoughts, emotional exhaustion, & daily stress by identifying triggers, emotional regulation, & building coping skills. I also support children/ teens with OCD, trauma, low self‑esteem, & assertiveness challenges often from being bullied, helping them understand emotions/cognitions, build confidence & boundaries. I view therapy as a collaborative and individualized process—one that builds practical skills while fostering insight, emotional healing, and growth. Clients often describe my style as warm, grounded, and down‑to‑earth, creating a space where they feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

We are an online telehealth group therapy practice committed to promoting mental health and well-being for college students. Understanding the unique pressures and challenges faced in this pivotal stage of life, our team is skilled in addressing stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and personal growth. Our expertise extends to trauma and age-specific therapy tailored to young adults navigating academics, social life, and career planning. We blend traditional therapeutic techniques with innovative practices, focusing on strategies that resonate with the dynamic and diverse needs of college students. Our online sessions are designed to fit seamlessly into the demanding and fast-paced college lifestyle, offering the flexibility and convenience necessary to prioritize mental health without compromising academics or social commitments. Our practice stands on a rich foundation of professional expertise, empathetic care, and a commitment to helping students navigate the complex terrain of college life. With personalized, high-quality care in a confidential and secure online setting, we make mental health services more accessible and relevant than ever. Join us in a collaborative journey towards self-discovery, resilience, and a fulfilling college experience.

At Affirming Therapy Center, we support and encourage your desire for growth in a completely non-judgmental way, in a space that acknowledges your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcomed and celebrated here. Helping you in understanding, accepting, and embracing your own beliefs, identities, and lifestyles is cornerstone in providing the support and encouragement you need to grow, to bring clarity to your choices, and to enhance your life and relationships. We focus on making you feel safe to explore your feelings and to express yourself. We proudly serve communities of Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity! The therapists at ATC are dedicated to enthusiastically affirming all GSRD identities including, but not limited to, LGBT, Queer, Heterosexual, Kink / BDSM, Fetish, ABDL and Ageplay, Sex Work, Adult Industry, Monogamy, Non-Monogamy, Swinging / Lifestyle, Polyamory, and a Variety of Relationship Dynamics and Family Configurations. Each member of the ATC clinical team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist, qualified to address topics such as identity, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, sex and sexual health, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth. And each of our clinicians have unique areas of expertise, including advanced specialized training in the areas of Sex Therapy, Gender Affirming Therapy, Eating Disorders, EMDR (for trauma), and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. As with everything in life, there are ups and downs, and sometimes you need someone to talk to. Maybe you have inner conflict, questions about how and where you fit in to our kooky world. Perhaps you have wounds that aren’t healing or stories you need to tell. Or perhaps you just want to talk to someone about life and love, talk to someone who understands the challenges you sometimes face, without having to hide any facet of yourself or your life. There is only one “you”, and we at Affirming Therapy Center are here to help you excel at living your best life and being your best “you”. Our therapists are trained to listen, understand, and help guide you on your unique journey. Please visit our Meet the Team page to see each of our amazing therapists’ bios and areas of specialization. https://www.affirmingtherapycenter.com/meet-the-team/ Contact us now to get started: Send an e-mail to Team@AffirmingTherapyCenter.com with a brief description of what’s going on for you and your availability for appointments. One of our friendly therapists will respond to you (in 1–2 business days) to schedule an initial session or a free 10–15 minute phone consultation.

We at Affirming Therapy Center are offering TeleTherapy services (by phone or video sessions for individuals and by video sessions for relationship therapy). If you have circumstances where TeleTherapy is too limiting for your mental health care needs, we are also offering the option of in-person sessions, along with additional safety protocol and procedures in place. We understand that you may feel anxiety and stress from the uncertainty of your situation, or depression from isolation, and that you may be experiencing relationship challenges or struggling with being single in a time of social distancing. If you need additional support and are looking to start therapy, please reach out to us. We are here for you! Move from what’s now to what’s next. If you are like most people, there’s no magic moment when you find yourself saying, “I’m ready for therapy.” But there comes a time when you begin to get tired of living with things the way they are, and enough is enough. If this is where you find yourself now, you are ready for what’s next. Like any first step on a new path, the beginning of the therapeutic journey may feel unfamiliar. We know, because we have traveled this road to find the whole places in ourselves. If you are looking for more or longing for change, we can help you start the process and walk that path. Visiting the Affirming Therapy Center website indicates that you are seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We can guide you as we move forward to your better place. Contact us now to get started!

Hello and welcome to Bellator Psychological. We created the trauma clinic that the San Diego Police and Fire departments use for their intensive PTSD care. We are expert providers of trauma care and other mental health issues that can interfere with success and daily functioning. If you’re looking for quality Private Counseling sessions with providers who care, then you’ve come to the right place. We guide our patients every step of the way and implement methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Clearing away obstacles and dysfunction can occur faster than expected and allow us to engage life with a clear mind, a healthy view, and joy. We specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, crisis, codependency, substance abuse, and family/relational. We are trained in the evidence-based trauma therapies highly recommended by the American Psychological Association for treating PTSD, including CPT, PE, and EMDR. Whether you are looking for intensive treatment or personal growth, most clients discover their ability to reach far beyond the basic skills necessary to achieve their initial goals. There can be a lot of joy in understanding ourselves and growing into the person that we can be proud of. The journey is judgement free and at any pace that we need to take it.

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

Hello! I support young adults navigating the stress of emerging adulthood, career stress, and relationship dynamics, including anxious attachments. I specialize in offering care to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. You're not alone, and you're brave for considering a change. Let's see how we can help you reclaim freedom, joy, and meaning in your life.

Does your sexual behavior feel out of control? I'll help you overcome problematic use of pornography and other sexual health issues, so you can be the person you want to be. I cater to young men who want to unlock their full potential through evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy methods.

We grieve any time life changes directions, and even positive changes can bring about difficult feelings. You may be struggling with the death of a loved one, demands of school or work, adjusting to a new relationship, or considering the next chapters of your life. With experience in oncology, young adult parental loss, anticipatory loss, and sudden death, I provide you with support, insights, treatment, education, and guidance during times of transition and beyond. While some clients make the choice to pursue working with a therapist because of a specific life event or situation, others make the choice because of a desire for self-growth and a general improvement in well-being. Regardless of your reason, I welcome you to contact me. It's not easy to seek support. I'm easy-going, approachable, and genuinely want you to feel better. Send me a message and we can figure out how to make that happen.

We are a team of culturally affirming therapists who have come together through shared common values, life philosophies, and the need to create an alternative and creative approach to therapy. Our values and philosophies were born and defined from our work in the following settings: home-based and community-based treatment, community outreach, advocacy, mentorship, teaching at community college and university settings, public speaking, and traditional talk therapy. Our aim at Courage Over Comfort Counseling is to empower our clients to step outside of their comfort zone and into their true greatness, and this… takes courage.

Hello, my name is Heather Pederson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego and am so glad you are here. Seeking help can potentially feel daunting, exposing, and overwhelming. It can also be our first steps toward repair, healing, and growth. I have found that people are so very strong, courageous, and hard-working, and still need some help when things get hard. I believe therapy can be a unique chance to discover parts of ourselves we forgot about, allow healing for the tender parts, and find new ways of interacting with ourselves and our loved ones that allow for deeper understanding and connection. I work with individuals and couples who often struggle with: a feeling of something between angry, sad, and fear that doesn’t have a name, as well as feelings of overwhelm, worry and stress that gets between them and their preferred lives. I seek to create opportunities in therapy to connect more deeply with the truest parts of yourself so that you can then connect more deeply with your purpose, values, and trusted others. I am trained in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (Externship with Sue Johnson, Core Skills to become Certified in progress), a Certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator, Trauma Informed Care, and a graduate of Bethel Seminary San Diego with an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. Please contact me with any questions you might have regarding therapy. I work with college students (extensive experience working on college campuses), couples, individuals, premarital/pre-engagement, relational distress, trauma, and anxiety.

If you have found yourself here it is because you are wanting to make a change in your life and/or your relationships. Maybe you have been being experiencing pain, are feeling overwhelmed at work or at home, have been experiencing low self-esteem, or you are stuck in a relationship that is no longer serving you. The therapeutic process is a powerful one where you get to work through your emotions and thoughts to see if these thoughts and emotions are in service to you. We believe that these emotions we experience are telling us something about our needs, and rather than not listening to this, we encourage our clients to lean into the experience of feeling. We are here to walk through this process with you and it is our absolute privilege to be engaging in this work with you. Here at Living Within Therapy we work with individuals coping with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and loss to name a few. We use evidence-based approaches, including but not limited to: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy; however, we tailor our approach to meet your needs. In addition, we work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and are LGBTQIA affirming. We work collaboratively with our clients throughout the entire process to ensure your needs are being met. Feedback is imperative within the therapeutic relationship to make sure this is happening for you. Our main objective is to assist you in feeling safe to share your experiences and to discover hope and your strengths within the therapeutic process so that you can connect with yourself and your values. We believe that the client/therapist relationship is the most important component of therapy; therefore, we offer a free fifteen-minute phone consultation to help you determine if we are the right fit. Looking forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Have you experienced trauma or difficult relationships? Have you ever used substances to numb stress or to distract? Sometimes your brain is your worst enemy. You question your worthiness and your lovability. There is pain from your past that has led you to build up walls to protect yourself from being hurt again. But here you are, done feeling stuck. You want to have deep connections. You want to feel confident and successful. I support people who have experienced self doubt, pain, and trauma begin to heal so that they can thrive in their lives. Together we break the cycle of anxiety and disconnection. There will be compassion and some laughs along the way. You will find your hope. You will find your way to creating success and improving relationships. EMDR, IFS, & CBT offered. Everyone deserves therapy. We all deserve time when we are truly seen and validated. Many of us like to think we can handle things on our own. Maybe we were told by people in our lives “suck it up" and be tougher. But life gets messy sometimes and we can't do it alone. Let's navigate this together. Give yourself this gift. As a former Associate Director for a college counseling center, students are a population that I truly enjoy working with. I look forward to connecting with you. Appointments can conveniently be scheduled directly through website, through email, or by phone. This practice is inclusive and welcoming to all genders, races, countries of origin, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and body sizes.

Chelsea Sterling is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Her clinical experiences include providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling and psychosocial assessments through work in short-term acute residential treatment (START) programs, outpatient mental health clinics and an alcohol treatment facility. She is a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Chelsea has expertise in the following modalities: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

You want to heal your past but you don’t know how to do it alone. You want to be able to talk about what you have been through or are facing now without blame or shame. What would it be like to feel better in your relationship with yourself, with your partner, and with God? I offer the benefit of my professional experience and training combined with compassion and insight from God’s Word. Through counseling I can facilitate healing, improved communication, increase connection, and understanding.

What To Expect At Your Visit: Walking Together Down the Path To the Life You Desire Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and during sessions I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging the adoption of new attitudes and behaviors to create the outcome YOU desire. We have the tools and professional experience to help you get on your ideal track.

I know the bravery it takes to ask for help and you deserve the support you are seeking. In my experience, working in many different counseling contexts, I have come to believe in the healing of a safe space with unconditional listening. I have walked clients through crisis, transitions, grief, relational strain, identity questions, major anxieties, depression, everyday stressors and growing pains. I have developed, taught and led programs and counseling services for youth and families within school districts, the church and the foster/probation system. My educational background is in psychology and faith integration, which supports my approach in helping deconstruct beliefs and/or incorporating truths and traditions into practice. It is my goal to walk alongside you and equip you with awareness and skills to manage as you move forward. I am Level II trained in Restoration Therapy and also teach psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University. I am a southern California native who loves calling San Diego my home. I enjoy the beach, a classic comedy TV show, and all things chocolate! I believe therapy is most effective with the right fit, so feel free to contact me to see if I can help in any way.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.