Therapists for college students near 94117

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, and former ER nurse and healthcare administrator dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized mental health care. My background in emergency medicine taught me how to support people through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel safe being themselves. I take a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change. My path into psychiatry was shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. Working as an ER nurse, I saw firsthand how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life and how often people were struggling silently long before reaching a crisis point. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I could build longer-term relationships with patients and focus not only on stabilization, but on healing, growth, and overall quality of life. As a veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, which continues to influence the kind of care and environment I strive to provide for my patients. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment and believe the best care comes from truly understanding each person’s unique experiences, goals, and challenges. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being open and honest. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and endurance training. Staying active and spending time outdoors are important parts of how I maintain balance and mental wellness, and I enjoy connecting with patients over the importance of finding healthy outlets and activities that bring meaning and fulfillment outside of work and daily stressors.

I became a therapist because I believe healing happens in spaces where you feel truly seen, heard, and safe. My approach to therapy is warm, relational, and deeply human. I show up as my authentic self so you can feel free to do the same – without judgment, pressure, or pretense. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of your next step, we will move at a pace that feels steady and supportive for you. Together, we create a space where vulnerability feels safe, growth feels possible, and lasting change feels attainable. Above all, I want you to feel that you don’t have to carry everything alone anymore. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood from the very beginning. I approach therapy with warmth, authenticity, and steady presence, helping you feel supported while also empowered to grow. Therapy with me is collaborative and personalized. I draw from evidence-based approaches while tailoring our work to your unique needs and goals. I want you to feel that you are not alone — and that meaningful, sustainable change is possible. I deeply believe in nervous system resets… and I’m usually the first one to step outside for a few deep breaths.

Students who feel lost or struggle with relationships during the college years have so much on their plate. I am a therapist who is down to earth, relaxed, and who has years of experience helping others who feel this way. You are not alone. I look forward to getting to know you and to setting and working towards your goals together. Please feel free to email me!

Hi, I’m Jessica Nava Orellana. I am a talk style therapist and I’m so glad you’re here… I am a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual and couples therapy/Relationship Therapy. I also support individuals who are exploring relationships, grief and loss, work-life/ School balance, job loss and other life transitions. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process whatever comes up in therapy, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re continuing your journey with a new therapist. We will work together to explore and tailor your goals at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about checking in on the highs and lows of the week; other times it’s about deeper reflection and growth. Together, we’ll create space for your inner strengths to emerge naturally. You don’t have to do this alone.

I support high-achieving professionals and students in Orange County and virtually across California in managing anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and burnout. Together, we’ll tackle setting boundaries, achieving work-life balance, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and navigating the pressure of high expectations. The goal isn't to give up optimizing your routine or lower your ambitions, but rather to find a sustainable, cohesive way to meet your demands without being run into the ground. My approach blends warmth, humor, and a nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen. Therapy works best when it’s based in genuine connection. A place where you don’t have to pretend to “have it all together.” I make no claims to perfection, and I won't hold you that claim either. Whether it’s workaholism, overwhelm, or simply finding balance, support is just one click away. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today.

Hi! My name is Dr. Ben Ross, & I’m a clinical psychologist (PSY32948). I practice individual and couple psychotherapy in Orange County, CA. I work with people 14+ struggling with a range of difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, phase of life issues, relationship concerns, mood instability, individuation and identity formation, and personality disturbances. I'm also interested in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, artists and creatives, musicians struggling with music performance anxiety, and young adults forging their path in life. I strive to foster a relational therapeutic environment in which my patients have an outlet to express parts of their mind that they have not yet put to words. Expression of these inner thoughts and feelings can facilitate relief from stress that can otherwise manifest in painful psychological and physiological symptoms. This process can make way for meaningful transformations to occur.

My experience covers a wide variety of presenting concerns and backgrounds. Working for a decade in higher education I spent a great deal of time with high achievers who were managing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and identity concerns. I am a strengths based, person centered therapist at my core, who utilizes perspectives and interventions from many areas of treatment, e.g., identity development models, systems theory, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe people often have the answers for themselves if given the proper conditions for reflection and growth.

Hi, my name is Yu-Nien (Pulinda). I am a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (APU '21) who's worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a wide range of ages. I enjoying working with clients from various walks of life. My clients are often experiencing difficulties coping with emotions, feeling confused about their distress, desiring a space for authenticity and warmth, and a nonjudgmental environment. I welcome all who are experiencing various struggles in life and will support you on taking the first step towards healing. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client's unique circumstances and life experiences. The therapeutic modalities I commonly draw from include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Grief Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Psychodynamic Therapy. As a Taiwanese bilingual (English and Mandarin) social worker, I believe in meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. Through our journey together, I will walk alongside you as you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and healing. 您好，我是妤寧(Pulinda)，持有加州認證Licensed Clinical Social Worker執照。在我的臨床工作經驗中，我曾與來自不同背景及各年齡層的個案合作，因此特別關注每一位來談者的獨特性，也享受了解個案不同的人生歷程與生活經驗。我發現許多個案前來尋求協助，是因為他們正在面對情緒調適上的困難、對自身的情緒困擾感到困惑，或渴望擁有一個能夠真誠表達自我、被理解、並感受到溫暖與接納的空間。我希望能提供一個不帶批判且安全的環境，讓個案能自在地探索自己的經驗與內在世界。在壓力源無處不在的世界，我們可以一起溫柔的面對焦慮、憂鬱、創傷及失去，一起消化，找到跟練習適合您的情緒穩定方法，強大您的心理能量。 我的治療取向採整合式方法，並依據每位個案獨特的處境、需求與生命經驗量身調整。我常運用的治療模式包括接納與承諾治療（Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT）、認知行為治療（Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT）、悲傷與失落治療、正念取向介入，以及心理動力治療（Psychodynamic Therapy）。我相信有意義的改變建立於治療關係中的平等關係，因此我會與個案密切合作，確保治療方向符合其目標、價值觀與需求。我也特別著重找回每個來談者的自我共情（self-compassion），這也是更能療癒自己的方法之一。 我來自台灣，所以能夠流利的用英文及國語跟您合作。但我也在其他不同國家生活及移民過，所以我體會過在不同文化環境跟關係中適應和尋找自我的過程。我會考量到每位個案所處的人生階段及困擾，並尊重其獨特的生命經驗。如果我們有緣合作，我將陪伴在您身旁，協助您建立心理韌性、深化自我理解，並找到實用的，以促進持續的成長與療癒。我歡迎所有正面臨人生挑戰的人，並願意陪伴您踏出療癒旅程的第一步。

As a Licensed Psychologist with more than 13 years of clinical experience, I have developed a strong passion towards helping students recognize their capabilities and collaboratively creating positive changes in their lives through our work together. I am able to discuss and treat a variety of mental health concerns by providing treatment from a multicultural lens. My areas of specialization include grief and loss, resilience factors, trauma, faith and spirituality concerns, racial/ethnic identity development, self-exploration, relational patterns/interpersonal relatedness, family of origin issues, assertiveness training, disability related issues, self-esteem, and providing support for students with adjustment concerns, anxiety, and depression. I hope I can be of support to you and look forward to connecting!

I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem challenges, and relationship difficulties. I am especially passionate about supporting first-generation individuals and high-achieving clients who feel pressure to meet family, cultural, academic, or professional expectations while trying to stay connected to themselves. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and create a space where your experiences, values, and identity are genuinely respected and understood.

When life starts to feel overwhelming or out of balance, having support can make a real difference. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck. I’m passionate about helping people move through those moments with more clarity, support, and confidence. My path into therapy began through early experiences traveling with an international outreach organization in South America and Europe and working in U.S. inner-city communities. Those experiences shaped how I approach therapy today: with openness, cultural awareness, and a curiosity and respect for each person’s story. Over the years I’ve worked in private practice, inpatient and outpatient settings, and group therapy programs, supporting adolescents, young adults, couples and families through times of stress, trauma, and change. I especially enjoy working with college students and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, pressure, relationship challenges, grief, family issues, life questions, or uncertainty about the future. Whether you’re feeling burned out, carrying past experiences, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, therapy can be a place to slow things down and feel less alone. My approach to therapy is collaborative and flexible—this is your space. We’ll work together to figure out what you need and what feels most helpful for you. I aim to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can be honest, feel understood, and grow at your own pace. If spirituality is meaningful to you, I'd also love to gently integrate that into our work together.

I became a therapist because I want to help people become their best selves. I always want to help you feel understood, safe, and supported, in a completely non-judgmental space, especially if these things are already lacking in your life. You should know that you can talk to me without fear of judgement and that I care about you, and all of my clients. I have experience with both children and adults. All ages are welcome! I make an effort to meet clients where they are and ask what they hope to gain from their time with me. I try to build trust by taking a nonjudgmental approach of positive regard for all my clients. I will tailor my approach to the situation and to what the client wants. For some that will mean more empathetic listening, for others it may mean more praise, positive feedback, coping skills, increasing awareness, reframing a situation or a certain level of coaching. I find that everyone is different and has different needs, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you soon!

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you are just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Please call or email me for an individual, couples or family therapy consultation today.

I understand what it is like to feel lonely, stuck, depressed, and anxious about oneself and the future. It can seem tough to move on in life when life appears to move on without you. These heavy feelings and unwanted thoughts are hard to embrace even when everything is going well. Helping others work through these times of deep feelings is very important to me. My focus is to support you as you learn to generate your own purposeful action plan and create a flexible value-directed life that matters to you. You are more than your troubled feelings and thoughts. I do this by careful listening and checking for understanding by reflecting that understanding back to you, the client. I believe trust is the creation of a safe space to reveal your hurts and dreams. If you can see that you are more than your thoughts and feelings, then you can handle uncomfortable unwanted thinking and begin to heal and believe there is hopeful successes in you future.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

I enjoy helping college students and adults who suffer from mental health and/or substance abuse problems. I am a highly effective leader who personalizes the care of each client. I offer my clients a highly personalized approach which typically includes spiritual, Buddhist, Mindfulness, and/or secular, Western, approaches (ACT, CBT, DBT) of therapy. I am extremely well versed in 12 Step and SMART approaches to recovery from alcohol and drugs. Clients needing help with managing emotions, relationships, and meeting their goals through private, individualized care and goal setting will find me most helpful. I work, live and volunteer in San Diego and throughout CA.

Reaching out for help can be a BIG deal and I am here to make therapy a space where you can grow, be challenged, and learn how to live a life YOU are happy with. Have you been feeling an increase in Anxiety? Are you a young adult trying to navigate the world and figuring out where you fit? How about someone experiencing substance misuse? These are the areas I get excited to help people manage. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My goal is to help you gain the control you deserve to have over your own life. Have you considered talking to someone but you’re not sure where to start? As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in working with people and specialize in young adults, as well as treating co-occurring disorders. I believe individuals experiencing addiction are often times also managing mental health symptoms. I treat the WHOLE person. My approach is meeting you where you are at and working together to ensure therapy is a beneficial space that improves your life. I am here to support your journey.

Equip is the leading evidence-based virtual eating disorder treatment program on a mission to ensure that everyone with an eating disorder has access to treatment that works. Built by clinical experts in the eating disorder field and those who have experienced eating disorders firsthand, Equip fills the gaps in today’s insufficient eating disorder landscape. We provide fully virtual, evidence-based treatment through a multidisciplinary care team (which includes a medical provider, therapist, dietitian, and trained mentors), allowing each patient to achieve full recovery without disrupting their life. We treat patients of all ages and diagnoses in all 50 states, and we accept most insurance plans.

Hey, I’m Sadé (pronounced Shah-day). I know therapy can feel intimidating, I get it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to offer a process that moves at your pace and centers your needs. As a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Intern, I support individuals, teens, couples, and families in facing whatever life brings big or small. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to work through whatever challenges you're facing. I’m especially passionate about working with those navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, relationship challenges whether romantic, family, or platonic, breakups, life transitions, PTSD, attachment wounds, emotional regulation, burnout, and cultural identity concerns.

I’m a therapist who values honesty, reflection, and meaningful change. I go beyond surface-level work, helping you understand the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shape how you show up in your life. My approach is supportive yet direct. I’ll help you identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck—like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or self-criticism—while creating a space where you feel respected and not judged.