Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

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 am motivated by the idea that every human being deserves to be truly heard by someone they believe cares about their wellbeing. I am confident that through mindful and empathetic exploration in a safe and trusting space, many reoccurring and/or cooccurring somatic, emotional, and psychological difficulties may be better understood and processed in a way that can facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the environments in which we exist. I am an existential and humanistic provider who believes that we are driven by our unconscious and because of this, past psychological, emotional, and physical injuries may leave an imprint on our psyche that can continue to interrupt our lives and reinjure us unless we can see ourselves and our part in these injurious events differently. I use an eclectic treatment style that includes many different treatment modalities such as Mindfulness, Bilateral Tapping, CBT, DBT, cognitive reframing, and MI. I have had the opportunity to work with many different socioeconomic populations from the homeless to the very wealthy with conditions ranging from addiction and obsessive disorders to depression and anxiety. They each come with an interesting and unique perspective. I come from a background of childhood trauma, abuse, and addiction. My journey began with a 9th grade education and homelessness as I traveled my road of happy destiny to a Bachelors and Masters degree with two professional licenses (LPCC & LAADC) in the state of California, and continues to unfold today. I have turned my life’s experiences into a place of wisdom and growth and have dedicated my life and career to helping others find the light in whatever darkness they are experiencing.

You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

As a dedicated bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking mental health practitioner, I am deeply committed to facilitating the emotional healing journey for adults. My practice is rooted in a person-centered philosophy, where I specialize in integrating a comprehensive array of therapeutic approaches. These include Internal Family Systems Therapy, Brief Strategic Family Therapy, the Gottman Method, Collaborative Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. This eclectic mix of methodologies enables me to create a bespoke healing experience for each client, meticulously tailored to address their unique needs and challenges. My approach is inherently collaborative, emphasizing a partnership with individuals, families, and couples who entrust their care to me. By combining these diverse psychotherapy techniques, I aim to foster a nurturing and empathetic space that supports clients in navigating their emotional landscapes. It is a privilege to have worked with clients from almost every continent, including those from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This global experience enriches my practice, enhancing my ability to understand and cater to various emotional and psychological needs. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Have you been feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stressed out lately? Perhaps fears, perfectionism, procrastination or struggles adjusting to changes in your life or relationships are preventing you from achieving your goals? I have a passion for working with young adults thru their college and early career years who are in need of support. Together we will help you create a strong emotional foundation and build tools to manage life's challenges. We’ll explore your patterns, uncover triggers and create personalized tools to help you feel better, more grounded, confident and in control. Seeking support is a sign of strength! Sessions available via telehealth to anyone located in California.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada, serving students, young adults, and adults across these states. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, and stress related to school, work, or life transitions. I work best with college students and young adults who want support managing the unique stresses of academic life, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. My ideal students are ready to understand themselves better, develop healthy coping strategies, and create lasting changes, rather than rely on quick fixes. Many students I work with experience: Anxiety, depression, or stress that affects school, work, or social life ADHD, trauma, or mood challenges that make daily routines or academics difficult Feeling overwhelmed by expectations and wanting practical tools to manage responsibilities A desire for collaborative, personalized care that fits their lifestyle and goals I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where students can explore their mental health, learn effective strategies, and work toward long-term well-being. My approach combines therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medications when necessary, always focusing on what works best for each individual.

I have been working in the mental health/social services field since 1996 in varying capacities. I was a social worker with the County of San Diego in Child Protective Services, first as a case manager, where I worked in a specialized unit with long-term foster children who had mental health diagnoses. I became a kind of “specialist” in attachment and bonding, and grief and loss issues, as well as issues with identity, be it racial, gender, or other identifications. After taking early retirement from the County in 2011, I decided to focus on the mental health side of social services. I took a job as a therapist and a discharge coordinator at a mental health crisis house, and then as a care manager for patients at inpatient psychiatric facilities for various insurance companies. In August 2013, I finally achieved a long-term dream and opened up my private practice where I continue to be delighted with the creativity and innovation, as well as the diversity of the people I meet every day.

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I help clients who are feeling stuck in a state of stress, are struggling to feel connected, and dealing with low-self worth. We’ll process trauma and difficult emotions using a mind-body approach. I work with clients to understand the root of their symptoms and how the past impacted them so that they can regulate their nervous system, improve their self-worth, and get out of that survival state and into the present moment. I’m certified in Brainspotting which is a tool that allows us to process difficult emotions and past experiences that our minds and bodies may be holding onto (and keeping us stuck). I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and am passionate about working with helpers (people who prioritize something else over themselves). Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation call today (:

Stress, Anxiety, Overwhelm, and Uncertainty. How long can we go on like this? What happens when it gets to be too much? Living like this can push you past your limits. I notice that people tend to seek help for "mental health" when the symptoms of stress that affect their "physical health" worsen. My approach to helping clients is rooted in my understanding that mental, physical, and emotional health are all inextricably intertwined. I work with Highly Sensitive Persons (see the self questionnaire at: www.hsperson.com) who struggle to cope with the fast paced, overwhelming and uncertain environment our lives have become. I also work with many people who recognize their childhoods as having been painful or traumatic.I am trained in EMDR. Therapy can help develop the tools you need to create the life you want to live.

I work best with young adults and athletes who are used to putting a lot of pressure on themselves. You may struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, low confidence, or the feeling that no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough. Many of my clients are balancing academic, athletic, career, or personal expectations while trying to figure out who they are and what they want for their future. Whether you're navigating performance pressure, relationship challenges, life transitions, or feeling stuck in patterns of overthinking, therapy can help you build a healthier relationship with yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and structured, helping you develop practical tools to manage stress, strengthen self-confidence, and feel more grounded in your daily life. I believe growth happens when we learn to be both compassionate and honest with ourselves. Together, we'll create a space where you can better understand your experiences, build resilience, and move toward the life you want with greater confidence and clarity.

I work with college students, athletes, and young adults who seem to be doing well on the outside but feel overwhelmed on the inside. You might be navigating anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-doubt, or the pressure to keep performing at a high level. As a former Division I athlete with experience in the corporate world, I understand how easy it is to push through stress and tie your worth to what you achieve. My clients often come in feeling stuck in overthinking, afraid of failure, or unsure how to slow down. We can also make space for relationship challenges, identity questions, and uncertainty about what comes next. I’m warm, active, and collaborative in sessions. Together, we’ll understand the patterns keeping you stuck and build skills you can use in daily life. My goal is for you to leave sessions with clear takeaways, greater confidence, and a stronger connection to what matters to you.

"Commit to loving yourself completely. It's the most radical thing you will do in your lifetime" - Andrea Gibson I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals through transition and personal growth. After growing up in Colorado and graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, my professional journey started with a passionate commitment to community building, leadership development, and health and wellness advocacy. I embarked on a profound exploration of autonomy and a deepening understanding of myself through working with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Mexico and then as a Director of an Environmental Educational program in Hawaii. Following my move to the Bay Area, my deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on individual lives motivated me to pursue and successfully earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. Throughout my mental health professional journey, I have worked as a psychotherapist, consultant, supervisor, counselor and Founding Director of a New Parent Support Center, each contributing to my diverse skill set and holistic approach to well-being. With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals with their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. My integrative approach utilizes my extensive training in research-based interventions as well as clinically efficacious modalities such as developmental psychology, attachment theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy. By combining these methods, I provide a tailored and holistic therapeutic experience while recognizing each individual as the expert of their own life. I am certified in Parent-Based Treatment for Childhood Anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center, a certified Gottman Educator, a certified Parent Coach as well as a Girls Leadership educator. I have completed trainings in Surf Therapy, Somatic Experiencing as well as Nature-Informed therapy. I enjoy surfing, hiking and exploring the outdoors and live with my husband and two teenagers in Encinitas, CA. Lic# MFT 51396 “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Jon Kabat-Zinn Specialties College Students Women's Issues Identity Development Life Transitions Stress Management Relationship Concerns Anxiety and Worry Depression Attachment Theory Mindfulness and Somatic Based Therapy Parts Work

College is a time of tremendous growth, but it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and pressure from many directions. Balancing academics, relationships, family expectations, cultural identity, and planning for the future can feel overwhelming—especially if you're a first-generation, international, or multicultural student trying to navigate different worlds. Therapy offers a space that's truly yours, where you don't have to meet anyone else's expectations or have everything figured out. Together, we'll explore what's weighing on you, gain insight into the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you manage life's challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion. My goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic self, build resilience, and create a life that feels aligned with your own values rather than the expectations of others.

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, confused, or depressed? Are you feeling disconnected or lost as you navigate your college journey? Wondering if you may have impostor syndrome? Are you procrastinating and cannot find any motivation to study? Having family conflicts? Relationship issues? Boundary issues? You are not alone! I have experience working with people from all walks of life. I am here to support and collaborate with you to meet your needs and develop new skills to help you feel happier in life. There is no one-size-fits-all counseling approach. I have always used person-centered and integrated therapy approaches to help my clients, such as Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Play therapy, EMDR therapy, Brainspotting, Gottman Couple therapy and Art therapy. I have found that we are all unique individuals who have similar experiences but unique details in life. Since I began counseling, each modality and approach has its pros and cons; we cannot always rely on one modality or approach to handle every situation. Sometimes, being creative and flexible can help my clients better understand themselves. I have had many counselors in my life, from academic counselors to mental health counselors, and they all have brought me wisdom to help me identify my issues and have helped me realize nothing is more important than our health. Having healthy communication skills and learning about others’ cultures and practices can reduce anxiety between both parties. We often have various unique obstacles to face, but if we can be flexible to adapt to our challenges and find alternatives and resources, this can be our key to problem-solving and a huge step to our success.

Hi there! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in San Diego, California. I offer individual mental health therapy to folks in their 20s navigating relationship challenges such as relationship anxiety, people-pleasing, self-doubt, breakups, and anxious attachment. Relationships can be complex. Whether you are looking for support with managing feelings about your family or romantic relationships, setting boundaries, addressing your people pleasing behaviors, or navigating new independence, I'm here to support! It is my hope that I can provide you with a safe space to be heard, navigate these emotions and challenges, and feel empowered both independently and within your relationships. My approach to therapy is an encouraging, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with humor and creativity that ideally allows space for you to explore emotions, feel encouraged, and develop new insights. In my free time, I enjoy running along the beach at sunrise or sunset, having a cozy day in, spontaneous picnics in the park, and am currently on the hunt for the best matcha latte in San Diego! You're welcome to reach out for a free 15 minute call to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Welcome! I’m Jill. If you haven’t been feeling like yourself and want to feel better, then I’m glad you’re here. Together we can explore what may feel difficult–anxiety, life changes, boundaries and relationships. I enjoy teaching clients coping skills to help manage mental health symptoms. If you’d like to learn more about my approach, please visit my website. Thanks, I hope to meet you.

As a therapist with over 9 years experience working with adults of all age and backgrounds I provide a safe and nonjudgemental space for you to tap into your own personal growth and healing. Anxiety, depression, self-doubt getting in the way of you living your life to the fullest? Negative beliefs holding you back from achieving success in your education, career, life or relationships? I have also worked with young and older adults who are questioning or exploring their sexuality and gender. Additionally, I am trained in a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing where we can go even deeper than traditional talk therapy and often process these unhelpful beliefs faster. Contact me for more information about EMDR therapy. EMDR flat rate of $200.

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.