Therapists for college students near 94132
Hello there, Feeling stuck? Feeling stressed out about all the things that are competing for your attention? Wanting to change your relationship with yourself, so you can spread your wings and soar? I'm Stefan (he/him) and I want to be there on your journey. Starting therapy can feel scary, even if you've been in therapy before! To lower that intensity a bit, I want you to give you an idea of how I show up to sessions: - I get to know you - your family, friends, hobbies, shows, loves, fears, passions. - I celebrate and hype you up when you do the hard thing. - I ask questions to get you curious about patterns in your life, and point out when you might not be aware of them. - I offer compassion when your mind creates judgments about yourself. - I welcome and ask for feedback, knowing some things will land and others will not. - I laugh with you and value humor. - I tear up when you feel hurt or uncover a tender spot (while also holding space for you to feel). - I'll tell you I'm proud of you. - I nerd out about mental health, skills, approaches, and explain concepts in a way you'll understand. - I slow down and speed up based on your cues, and I give you choice in how we go about sessions. - I'm always working on our relationship, so there's trust and security when we get to difficult things. - I acknowledge the bigger systems of oppression that affect your life and lives of your loved ones. - I'm active and dynamic in sessions - sometimes asking questions, leading an activity, listening and reflecting, interrupting to highlight something you said, and synthesizing information and summarizing it back to you. All of this "I" is the effort I put into helping you get to "you": what you want, what you care about, your goals, dreams, your emotions, stressors, internal talk, and who you want to become and how you want to show up in life. Specialties: queer and trans identities and lived experiences, anxiety and depression, perfectionism, substance use, navigating family dynamics, healing trauma, couples and relationship work, career discernment Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; trauma approach), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method (for relationship work), mindfulness and somatic interventions I'm an associate counselor, seeing clients through telehealth in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California. My typical availability is 8am-5pm EST, although I sometimes see clients earlier in the morning or early evening. I have in-person availability in Northampton, MA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please reach out with any questions! I accept the following insurances: - United/Optum/UMR/UHC in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California - Harvard Pilgrim in Massachusetts Private pay rates are: Individual - $125-$175 Couples/Relationships/Family - $145-$195
A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.
At One Heart Behavioral Health, we know life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting challenges, depression, grief, trauma, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you do not have to go through it alone. Our goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families from all walks of life, and we understand that every person’s story and needs are different. Therapy should never feel cold or intimidating — it should feel like a safe place to breathe, heal, grow, and be heard without judgment. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions with flexible scheduling and same-week appointments whenever possible. Our team is committed to making mental health care feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for the community we serve. Whether this is your first time reaching out for support or you’re returning to therapy after time away, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
College life is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family pressures, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or alone. Maybe you're struggling with a breakup, grieving someone you’ve lost, feeling disconnected from friends, or just totally burnt out. Maybe you’re questioning your path or feeling like no one really “gets” what you're going through. These moments can feel heavy—but you don’t have to carry them on your own. Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward growth and clarity. I'm here to help you tap into your strengths, make sense of the challenges you're facing, and start building the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good and grounded. I specialize in working with college students, young adults, and teens—and I’m passionate about helping you navigate this messy, meaningful chapter of your life. In our work together, you’ll find a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and take real steps toward feeling more confident, connected, and at peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, academic stress, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re ready for something to shift, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
I specialize in integrative therapy, which is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of each individual client. This means treatment is customized to meet your needs. We will work together to identify and address the source of your discomfort or distress, then develop strategies to promote change that make a difference — in mood – in relationships – in life. Psychotherapy is helpful for a variety of clinical disorders, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and interpersonal difficulties. My clinical specialties include anxiety disorders, healing after trauma, gender and sexual identity (LGBTQIA+ Affirmation therapy), and much more. I believe in the potential for emotional and individual growth, striving to provide a safe and warm environment in which client can explore and thrive. My work has been with individuals from many different cultural backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and private practice settings.
What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.
I am a licensed therapist in private practice in Ventura California. I see clients in person and online. I work with people struggling with mind-body syndromes such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other health issues where the doctor says- "There's nothing medically wrong with you". I also see clients with social anxiety, complex trauma histories, Highly Sensitive People, and people with Misophonia. I am certified in Coherence Therapy, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, certified in EMDR therapy, and level 2 trained in the new somatic trauma therapy- Deep Brain Reorienting.
We are a practice that specializes in trauma, grief & loss and anxiety. All clinicians are EMDR trained and utilize this modality to get to the core root of issues. We utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to treatment. This is expressed during sessions in our ability to understand the difference between the words a client may express and what they really mean to help clients get to the core root of the problem. Simultaneously, we also utilize solution-focused therapy to aide clients in reaching the next step of life.
I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.
Living life as a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe you’ve been feeling depressed for a while and haven’t been able to find a way out of it. Maybe anxiety has been holding you back from really showing up in your life the way you want to for too long. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in life, have lost your sense of purpose, or can’t seem to find your path. Whatever it is that brings you here, we’re happy you found us. We are located in Riverside, CA for in person sessions and offer telehealth session throughout California and Colorado. We are passionate about helping you create a life worth living. We work with people on a diverse range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, lack of fulfillment, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, career challenges, work/life balance, grief, personal growth and LGBTQ issues. We know how hard being a human can be. Whatever challenge you are facing, we’re here to help you navigate it authentically with presence, integrity, and intention.
College is a unique time of growth, but it can also bring new stressors and uncertainty. You may find yourself navigating changing friendships and relationships, questioning expectations and “shoulds,” and figuring out how to feel more independent and grounded in who you are. I specialize in working with college students navigating life transitions who want to better understand themselves and build a stronger sense of self-acceptance. Using a supportive, insight-oriented approach, we explore your strengths, values, and goals so you can feel more confident and create a college experience that feels like your own.
I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.
What are you like when you're at your best? Let's get you back to that baseline together. I believe you're the expert in yourself, and sometimes, you need some help to get reconnected to the full super powered You. We can explore sleep, self care, healthy boundaries, self esteem, joyfulness and balance. What do you want to focus on? Reach out and schedule a free 20 min secured google meet consult. Send an email, text or leave a vmail and let me know what questions you have. My website is below.
My goal as a therapist is to empower clients by working collaboratively and to help them learn and find the tools and skills to help themselves reach success. I aspire to provide compassionate and culturally competent care and support clients in reaching their goals. I do my best to ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore and process their thoughts feelings and emotions. As a therapist my goal is to be present and grounded in the moment to provide whatever support is needed. I believe that in order to build trust there needs to be understanding and connection. Finding common ground and being curious are integral parts of my work.
I have always wanted to make a positive impact and in my journey to figuring out what that was, I realized I enjoyed providing people with emotional support and that is when I decided to become a mental health therapist. This is a safe, nonjudgmental space. What is it that you need to feel heard and understood? I do not come from an expert stance. I believe you are the expert in your life and we are both coming together to work collaboratively on how to help you along your life journey.
Are you ready to make a change in your life? Is there a pattern you keep repeating in relationships that you want to let go of? Do you want to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin? Is your past affecting your present in debilitating ways you want to change? Your brain is naturally wired for change, the neuroplasticity in your brain allows you to form new neural connections breaking free of limiting beliefs. Therapy taps into this ability, and provides tangible skills for you to learn and connect to your own healing power. An experienced hand makes all the difference in healing and awakening to your best self. Specializing in trauma I’m holistic in my approach looking at the flow of energy in you as a whole being: Spirit, Mind, and Body. I interweave Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) to fit your unique needs and together we take a journey to the possible.
I enjoy assisting people to heal quickly, empower them learn to live life to their fullest, change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive and learn these skills by role playing, practicing and becoming successful. I want people to be successful in communication, being assertive and improving relationships at the workplace, and in personal relationships with friends, partners and family. I use empathy, clarify their thoughts and feelings and ask them what they want to improve in therapy, what they see as being successful and learning new skills and establishing new habits that they want to achieve. I encourage people to be honest about their feelings to themselves and to others. I listen to my clients and try to empathize with whatever hurts them and causes them emotional pain.
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!
My purpose as a therapist is to create a healing container that enables my clients to explore the full scope of their life. Through this exploration, I gently assist my clients to learn how their past life experiences shape and impact their current life experiences and behavior. This process allows my clients to integrate their new deep understanding of themselves as a means to begin living a more fulfilling, satisfying and functional lifestyle. I am passionate about supporting my clients through this process, helping them to see that their past may have shaped them, but does not define their future. Various areas that I specialize in treating consist of; trauma, eating disorders, performance anxiety for competitive sports, and difficulties surrounding faith. “There is healing in the river of life.” This quote by MacPowell demonstrates my belief that faith can be an integral factor towards one’s journey of healing and well-being. Difficult life experiences may have one questioning how they can ever feel whole again. I help my clients to explore their faith and belief systems, and to integrate their faith into their everyday life. For those who seek it, my faith-based approach to therapy helps clients feel safe and supported. I am a certified EMDR therapist and use this approach to help my clients heal from the past and move towards a brighter future.
I became passionate about therapy while supporting my own family through mental health challenges, and over time, I discovered the deep fulfillment of helping others use mental health as a foundation for growth and healing. I believe everyone deserves the chance to see a brighter, more empowered version of themselves. As a therapist, my goal is to create a space where you feel not only heard, but truly understood, supported, and guided toward the life you want to live. Seeking therapy is an act of courage—a commitment to yourself and your growth. I use evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique experiences to help you navigate challenges, build meaningful skills, and uncover your strengths. You are the expert in your own life, and I am here to help you make sense of difficult experiences, embrace your authentic self, and move toward lasting change. By taking this first step, you’ve already shown remarkable bravery—and together, we can turn that courage into tangible victories and a life that feels more aligned with who you are meant to be.