Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Do you wonder whether your experience may be neurodivergent or related to ADHD or autism? Do you want to better understand your mental and emotional experience? I specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations for adults seeking clarity around ADHD, autism, and other mental health or neurodivergence-related questions. Evaluations may include ADHD diagnostic evaluations (including Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations), autism assessment, cognitive testing, and broader mental health diagnostic evaluations. Comprehensive assessments provide diagnostic clarification and clinical recommendations. Each evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist specializing in adult psychological testing and differential diagnosis. Each evaluation includes an intake, testing, scoring, a written report, feedback, and recommendations when applicable. Evaluations may be completed via telehealth, hybrid format (telehealth combined with in-person testing), or fully in-person, depending on evaluation type and clinical needs. Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations are available. I serve adults throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, and the South Bay. Cognitive testing and some other assessments are conducted in-person only. Please contact me with any questions about evaluation format or recommendations.​ My goal is to help you better understand yourself and your experiences. Evaluations use a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach tailored to each individual. Evaluations are designed to be thorough, collaborative, and respectful of each individual’s lived experience. Fees vary by evaluation type and clinical complexity. Fee ranges are listed on my website (axeltesting.com). Telehealth services are available for adults throughout CA. My practice focuses specifically on adult diagnostic evaluation rather than ongoing therapy. You don't need to be certain about pursuing an evaluation to reach out. I am happy to answer questions and help you explore options. Contact me for a free consultation or questions.

Whether you're burdened by anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, identity questions, transitions, or physical pain linked to stress or emotions, therapy can bring relief. I offer a compassionate space where you can slow down, be seen and heard, and reconnect with yourself and what you aspire for your life. I often use Internal Family Systems to help heal painful parts and foster self-compassion and inner harmony, and Somatic Experiencing to help regulate your nervous system and heal trauma. I also offer somatic movement therapy for those interested in deeper mind/body connection. I tailor my approach based on your needs. I have helped a wide range of people in a variety of situations over more than 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker. I strive to be an ally to people of color and to be culturally responsive. I work collaboratively and without judgment. I consider it a privilege to help you find joy and make the most of that which is in your control.

It’s important to me that my clients feel that the therapeutic relationship is a good fit. The first session is free to make sure we click and I can provide referrals in the event that you’d rather see someone else. I have personal experience with many of the issues I treat which makes for a relatable and nonjudgmental experience.

My name is Betel, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing telehealth services to individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families living anywhere in the state of California. I practice a humanistic and existential form of therapy, in which the art of nonjudgmental self-awareness is central. Through a process of sustained, open curiosity, my clients learn to renew contact with what they have exiled within. This experience of returning to one’s whole human nature brings increased choice, responsibility, spontaneity to their lives. As a guide, I also use depth and process-oriented techniques from gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness traditions. Therapy is a relationship and a dialogue. I show up with a style that is gentle but honest, and full of reverence for all the light & shadow that make up a human life. I especially welcome those that are pursuing matters related to identity, creativity, or major life transitions.

I specialize in working with children, families, couples, and individual adults of all ages, addressing a variety of issues including ADHD, behavioral disruption, developmental concerns, anxiety, trauma, depression, parenting, relationship challenges, and school/career support.

Working in mental health comes from a deep desire to help others. I have always been extremely curious and passionate about learning how the mind works and what drives certain behaviors. I am inspired by human resilience and I am privileged to be in a field where I am able to support others discover, learn about themselves, and heal from generational wounds, unhealthy patterns, and so forth. I genuinely believe that you as the client are the expert of your own life and I am here to guide you through your individual journey and human growth. I provide a comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment space. My approach is collaborative and deeply rooted in trying to help you understand yourself better and where certain obstacles in your life may be coming from and how to make changes in order to create a fulfilling life. In sessions, you will notice that I will meet you where you are and guide you to continue moving forward. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be and so I try to create a safe, warm and culturally competent environment where you can be yourself. You will also notice that sometimes I will use humor, a direct approach, and I will read the room to explore whether you want to be challenged, given suggestions, or simply be heard and validated. I foster open communication, encourage honesty and transparency, ensuring that you feel heard and understood. I enjoy working with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, from young adults to older adults who are struggling with life transitions, existential challenges, relationship issues, self-esteem, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

I have always had a strong desire to help others, and working in the field of mental health has given me a meaningful way to live out that purpose. I truly consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s journey—to support them as they navigate challenges, grow, and move toward their full potential. Being able to positively impact others’ lives, even in small ways, is what continues to inspire me every day as a therapist. In our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I do this by actively listening, reflecting your emotions, asking clarifying questions, and always focusing on your perspective and needs. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard and understood, not just by what you say, but by the meaning behind your experiences. I also use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), when appropriate. EMDR can be especially helpful for processing difficult or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. Building trust is a process that takes time, and I approach it with patience, consistency, and openness. In the beginning, we’ll focus on getting to know you—your experiences, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that collaboration is key. I encourage you to share feedback about our work and our relationship at any time, and I want you to know that your voice is always welcomed and valued. My role is to support and guide you while respecting that this is your journey. As trust develops, we can explore deeper challenges, build meaningful coping skills, and, if it feels like a good fit, incorporate EMDR to help process past experiences and support lasting healing and change. One lighthearted thing I like to share is that I really enjoy finding small ways to relax and recharge—whether that’s watching a favorite show, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to unwind. I think those simple moments are so important, and I often encourage clients to find what helps them feel grounded and refreshed, too.

Oceanside Clinics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing telehealth services across California. We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Shield.

I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.

Sarah Emmanuelle Mairesse is a trilingual (English/Spanish/French) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist focused on healing mind, body and spirit. Sarah has been working in the mental health field since 2011 and earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and her undergraduate degree in Child Development from Cal State Los Angeles. Sarah began her clinical training at Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic serving the Silver Lake community working with adults, adolescents, couples, children and their families, helping them through various psychological struggles including Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, Loss, Depression, Insecure Attachment, Addictions, and using a variety of modalities including Inter family, Gestalt, Psycho-dynamic and Mindfulness CBT. Sarah is a trained trauma therapist that incorporates EMDR treatment which has been proven to help clients that are feeling stuck and want to reduce and deconstruct their underlying negative thoughts and feelings to more positive and adaptive ones. Sarah uses a humanistic, client centered approach and works in collaboration with her client’s to identify problems and explore issues interfering with their ability to feel fulfilled while supporting solutions that will improve their over all well being and unlock their innate highest potential. Sarah has worked with a range of cultures and backgrounds and is comfortable exploring issues of sexual, race and gender diversity/fluidity.

I am direct and respectful in my professional approach to every person I treat. I view our work as a collaborative effort and will do my best to meet you where you are at. Together we will create a treatment plan that will best meet your needs. I specialize in working with patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss and grief. I also have expertise studying the emotional strain associated with immigration and growing up the child of immigrants.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! My name is Angela Austin and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing online therapeutic services to college students residing in the state of California. My professional background includes forensic mental health, working with inmates in the county detention center and working with special education and general education students in the public school system. Currently, I am a business owner and private practice therapist assisting students struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, stress and other relationship issues that happen during life transitions, especially while in college. I would be honored to have the opportunity to learn more about you and to be able to support you in your therapy experience!

Tamara Halperin, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults to help them reach their full potential. Her passions include working with parents, people who have experienced trauma, and client’s with anxiety. Within parenting, she focuses on helping children and parents form healthy relationships and manage difficult behaviors through strengths-based integrative approaches. She is a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. It is of utmost importance to practice cultural humility in the care provided. Dr. Halperin attended UCSB for her undergraduate education and received her Masters and Doctorate of Psychology at Alliant International University.

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I love working with college students navigating this important chapter in their lives. I understand a lot of the challenges many students encounter during this time in their lives and have a variety of ways to offer support. Some of the ways I can offer support are by helping students understand the underlying issues fueling the challenges they are facing as well as learning coping tools and finding access to resources or practices that can benefit them and help them move through the places they feel stuck to obtain their bigger goals. I offer a variety of techniques and ways of working with students, including but not limited to, tools based, interventions, dream work and hypnotherapy which can be especially helpful in resolving ineffective habits that get in the way day-to-day.

I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs. My training in psychotherapy includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. In order to offer comprehensive treatment, I do not accept insurance in my private practice. I am currently conducting sessions via telemedicine only. Please feel free to send me an email to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so I can answer any questions and see if I can be of help.

I worked in the college counseling setting for many years, and left it private practice and for a better life-work balance. In my practice, I mostly work with active duty servicemembers and their families; however, my heart still beats for the college students. I would describe myself as a multiculturally-focused, feminist, strength-based relational therapist. I am queer and gender-affirming therapist and I do a lot of trauma work.