Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

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I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves while navigating school, relationships, work, or major life changes. You might be holding a lot together on the outside while feeling emotionally drained or stuck on the inside. If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, supportive, and collaborative—where you can go at your own pace—we may be a good fit.

What is an Authentic Life Path? The question should really be What is YOUR Authentic Life Path? Often in the hustle and bustle of the “real world” we kind of just go with the flow and often lose ourselves. Sometimes it is scary to live our lives authentically. Living authentically means the person you feel you truly are on the inside. I started my career in the IT field, but realized I did not have a passion for it or enjoy it. I wanted to help others. I became a licensed marriage and family therapist, and am now living my authentic life path and want to help you find and live yours. I specialize in working with children, tweens, teens and adults who identify as transgender or genderqueer. I also specialize in the LGBTQIAA+ community. I work with all religions and spiritualities and all types of families no matter what the unique makeup. I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore yourself and grow into your most authentic self and find the path that is right for you. Give me a call or email if you have any questions.

I'm so glad you're here and thinking about therapy! I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who want help with new symptoms (anxiety, depression, etc) or finding new ways of being in the world. Life transitions can be extremely stressful, but I'm here for you! Please reach out and let's set a time to see if we would be a good fit.

I am a Los Angeles based psychotherapist and counselor committed to supporting my clients on their journey of learning and personal growth. My areas of focus include working with adults who are facing difficult life transitions or facing challenges in their relationships. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. My clinical experiences range from providing individual psychotherapy to adults in outpatient clinics, and crisis intervention and group psychotherapy with adults and adolescents in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. I have also worked with our homeless population across LA County, providing outreach, brief psychotherapy, and referrals to community resources and mental health services. My approach when working with all clients is client-centered and strengths-based. I value the person-in-environment perspective, so I can better understand my clients and their mental health in the context of their environment, and not just through their behavior and psyche.

H, I am Kelley - I have been in practice for the past 18 years and have 2 college age kids. I am licensed in Colorado, California and Oregon as these are the states I have lived in and still visit. I really struggled with my own mental health in college but back then therapy wasn't that common. There's a saying that therapist's become who they once needed - and that is definitely true. I offer a kind and compassionate ear, judgement free, collaborative approach - based in Brain Science. I want you create a place for you to be grounded and confident with what you bring to the world.

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I bring extensive knowledge and clinical expertise to create an inclusive and supportive environment where you can achieve the changes you want. My services are designed to address, treat, and manage interpersonal conflicts and mental health challenges with a culturally sensitive approach. I'm here to provide the support and guidance when you're ready for change and growth.

Hi, my name is Esma. Clients come to my practice looking for a therapist who can get to the root of their problem. I specialize in working with sensitive, high-functioning people who look fine on the outside but feel stuck on the inside. My practice is integrative, trauma-informed, and centered around helping clients navigate trauma, complex PTSD, anxiety, relationship challenges, and attachment wounds. I draw from Brainspotting, IFS, ACT, CBT, and other holistic approaches depending on each client’s individual needs and goals. I’m not afraid of hard conversations, and I won’t tiptoe around the things that matter. Clients appreciate that I’m both caring and direct. I’m not cold or overly clinical, but I also won’t sugarcoat things or avoid difficult conversations. I help clients get underneath the surface and start making real changes. I also use humor naturally in session because sometimes humor creates the exact amount of honesty, perspective, and relief people need to finally let their guard down. Therapy can be deep and challenging without feeling rigid or performative. I’m both caring and straightforward. I bring warmth and honesty into the room equally. You’ll feel supported, but you’ll also be held accountable. I believe both are necessary for growth. I offer both in-person and online therapy services in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I especially enjoy working with young adults and creating flexible, accessible options for support. Some of the services I currently offer include: • Brainspotting Group Therapy — Self-Love & Secure Attachment (weekly with flexible attendance) • Brainspotting Group + occasional individual therapy as needed • As-needed therapy (individual or couples) • Weekly therapy (individual or couples) • Every-other-week therapy (individual or couples) • Therapy intensives (individual or couples)

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If you are a student anywhere in California, who is having a hard time and you're open to working online, I could be a good fit for you. If there's something you're struggling with internally like adjusting to being in California, or you're having relationship issues with a partner, family or others, I aim to create a safe place for you to gain clarity and find a positive way forward. This could include developing more tools and better coping skills.

Dr. Francesca Balada has successfully assisted many individuals lead happier and more productive lives. As an independently practicing psychologist, Dr. Balada has been providing psychology services to individuals for over 15 years. She has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2005. Dr. Balada specializes in providing Consultation, Clinical Supervision, Testing and Neuropsychological Assessments. A neuropsychologist provides specialized services from multiple perspectives: medical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, educational, and rehabilitative. Evaluations incorporate extensive details about an individual’s medical history, developmental history, cognitive ability, academic history, and daily functioning. Dr. Balada evaluates individuals with: memory impairment, concussion, head injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Alzheimer’s Dementia, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Dr. Balada has dedicated her life to helping others reach their full potential and often lectures on the subject of neuropsychological assessment and intervention. Regarded as an expert in assessment and diagnosis, Dr. Balada has acted as a consultant for many academic institutions and hospitals, in addition to acting as a consultant and teaching expert. DR. BALADA IS CURRENTLY SERVING ANY INDIVIDUAL LIVING IN NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA VIA TELEHEALTH

My name is Kimberley Durr, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, IL and am board certified. I evaluate and treat mental health disorders across the lifespan with medication and have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I am most experienced in mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia but have experience in other neurodevelopmental, eating, substance use disorders. In my practice I approach each person individually and holistically. I incorporate his/her life's narrative and preferences when developing treatment plans and provide psychoeducation regarding my diagnostic impression. I offer a compassionate, gentle approach to patient care and provide guidance that is evidence based. I became a nurse simply because I like helping those in need. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to know I am making a difference in someone's life. I eventually found a position working in mental health and never looked back. I was a psychiatric nurse for a few years before pursuing my role as a nurse practitioner. This field can be challenging but rewarding, and I am determined to improve the lives of others. This first session involves getting to know each other and gathering history and collateral information when needed. I develop a case formulation, provide psychoeducation, and offer medication if appropriate. Sometimes labs are also ordered.

Welcome! I’m Alexa, an associate marriage & family therapist committed to helping individuals, families, and couples feel more embodied, present, and authentic. My practice includes cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care to support each client’s process. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client. I am experienced in working with individuals navigating addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, and effects of trauma. As someone with lived experience in overcoming addiction and eating disorders, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate life with ineffective coping skills and am open to sharing my experience with clients when appropriate or helpful. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in various mental health and substance use treatment settings, supporting individuals and their families navigating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, I have experience collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive support throughout the therapeutic process.

Welcome! My name is Jasmyn Rodriguez, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I am specialized in working with adolescents and young adults. I am dedicated to helping individuals like you overcome challenges, build resilience, and discover your strengths. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, major life changes or simply seeking personal growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. My goal is to help you identify and alter your negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve your emotional well-being. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, I strive to help you create meaningful change and achieve your therapy goals. As your therapist, I will provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for you to explore and address your feelings. If you're ready to take the first step towards a happier, healthier life, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me.

**ALL SESSIONS CURRENTLY PROVIDED VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE** Are you new to college and feeling overwhelmed? Maybe, you are having a difficult time focusing and it’s impacting your grades. Perhaps, you’re unsure what you want to major in or don’t know what you want to do after graduation. Or, you’re struggling with finding motivation, missing classes, or falling behind. While school comes easy for some college students, others need more help in finding their strengths, passion, and people. You may be struggling with your mood, ability to focus, or work-life balance. Or, you might have trouble with time management, organization, and managing a heavy schoolwork load. Whatever the cause of your current struggles, an experienced therapist can help you find balance, feel better, and develop the skills you need to feel more successful. There is no need to continue to struggle alone. Seeking help does not mean you are weak, but rather that you are committed to reaching your goals and getting the most out of your life. Therapy can help you to feel better and get your life back on track. Having a safe place to vent and problem solve can be pivotal in helping you thrive. You can learn to manage your responsibilities, build strong relationships, learn healthy boundaries, manage big feelings, and increase your self-esteem. Clients tell me that I am different from other therapists. There are therapists that will simply sit and listen to you. I am not one of those therapists. I will listen and support you AND I will challenge you to work towards building a life that lights you up. We will laugh, cry, and have fun together, all while getting the tough work done! I offer the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you work through whatever issues are getting in your way. If you're ready start feeling better, I'm ready to help!

Wellspring Family Therapy is a group of therapists dedicated to helping college students improve and maintain their emotional health and psychological well being. We provide support for teens and adults experincing anxiety, depression and other life stressors. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi! My name is Suji Akhtar, a Korean American licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I specialize in anxiety, depression, multigenerational trauma, postpartum mental health, and immigration-related challenges. As a therapist, I'm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, heal from past traumas, and build resilience. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant, a parent, and a mental health professional. Whether you're struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood, grappling with anxiety or depression, or seeking to break free from the grips of intergenerational trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. Together, we can explore your unique experiences and develop personalized strategies to help you overcome obstacles, manage emotions, and build resilience. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you and helping you thrive amidst life's challenges. As I am in multiple telehealth platforms, please do not hesitate to reach out to see if I accept your insurance.

We have many therapists who specialize in working with young adults and teens with depression and anxiety. We have years of experience working with young people and are passionate about the unique challenges presented at this age.