Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I also work with individuals who struggle with gender identity concerns, abuse and trauma (sexual, verbal, physical, emotional), PTSD, depression, anxiety, women's and men's issues, and sexual desire/intimacy/dysfunctions. I work to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere and safe space to work through a vast array of potentially difficult and stigmatizing issues. Using evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. The basis of using a more eclectic therapeutic style is in my understanding that everyone is different and therapy is not a "one size fits all" practice, and I strive to be sensitive to each person's individual needs. I'm experienced in working with individuals who are active in polyamory/open/casual relationships. 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.

Hi, I’m Emily, a licensed professional counselor, licensed in California, Colorado, and Wisconsin, with a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals of all ages. I earned my counseling degree from the University of Northern Colorado and completed my undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University. My experience spans private practice, school counseling, and working with military families, giving me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face at different stages of life. Advocacy and inclusivity are at the heart of my work, and I take a neurodivergent affirming, client-centered approach, which integrates social-emotional learning and evidence-based interventions to foster resilience and personal growth. I believe that healing happens through connection, and my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to explore, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapeutic connection, I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to connect with you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm a therapist because I've had my own process with therapy. It takes strength to reach out, and I'm so glad you're here. I believe therapy can help, and that weekly sessions are only part of the picture. True growth and healing happens in applying what we talk about to your life outside of sessions. Like recovery, the therapy process is nonlinear, and the road can feel dicey before it starts to even out. I am honored to sit with my clients in the uncertainty and hold space for this, until the light begins to show through. I specialize in helping my clients with connecting to emotions, managing anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, perfectionism, and trauma. I'd love to chat with you to learn more about what brought you here, and how I can help.

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

I have a background in crisis counseling in a hospital setting as well as with working professionals in the community for several years, working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use issues, chronic stress/burnout, relationship issues, and trauma. I help clients to learn skills oriented towards reducing the impact and influence their difficult situations are holding over their lives. Do you find yourself uncontrollably spiraling with your thoughts at the most inconvenient times? Does it feel like you are completely at the mercy of overwhelming emotions due to a difficult situation? Our work together will involve reducing the impact and influence these difficult experiences are holding over you while learning how to hold steady in the midst of an emotional storm. There is an inherent amount of pain and difficulty that comes with life: a strained relationship, a stressful job, or the loss of a loved one for instance. How we respond to that pain and difficulty is where much of our work is. We look at ways that you might be artificially increasing that pain by identifying and changing unhelpful behaviors. The aim isn't necessarily to make the unwanted experience go away per se. Together we will identify behaviors and practice skills that set you on a values-driven path towards a rich and meaningful life. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence?Confused by how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? Wanting to really know yourself and live a life with meaning and purpose? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform to be living the life you want. I believe I have the tools and experience from being a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Somatic Ecotherapist, and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I have a gentle yet directive style, actively engaging in a therapeutic coaching manner I have a trauma-informed, holistic style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, DBT, expressive arts, humanistic psychology, CBT, transpersonal psychology, NVC, neuroscience, and spirituality. I have experience supporting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, alternative lifestyles and relationships, and artists/musicians/creatively minded individuals I have a strong passion for helping individuals find guidance within themselves, feel empowered, live their truth, and find meaning and greater purpose within themselves, their communities, and the world. Please feel free to email at lilinakitamft@gmail.com to set up a consultation today!

Have you ever found yourself juggling a million tasks while speeding through life, or that happiness is just a fleeting emotion? Maybe you've developed some bad habits like drinking too much, and it's impacting your fullest potential. I’ve been there before, and that’s what drives me to help people find peace of mind and improve their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I encourage honest reflection, application of change and skills, and fostering new understanding. My specialties include, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy. The goal is to help people figure out why they do what they do, what they need to fix it, and how to live a happier and healthier life through a change in perspective and application. Together, we can explore what hurts the most and find resolution around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be. Times might be difficult and situations may be trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live a happy life. Together we can find new ways of navigating the world that work best for you! Let's journey together, one step at a time.

Mental wellness is a process. Often, life encourages us to put our resources into our outer world, from how we look to where we work. As important as this can be, this is often at the expense of investing in our inner world. Let me help empower you to develop your mental wellness and enrich your wellbeing from the inside out. I'm Dr. Dakari, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in treating a variety of mental health concerns. My therapeutic style involves creating a warm and supportive environment for you to process life complexities and learn practical skills to progress towards your mental wellness goals.

I have extensive experience working with adults, families, and couples. This includes treatment for substance use disorders using a harm-reduction model, mental health disorders, dual-diagnosis, severe mental illness, Native American populations, and court-dependent youth. My passion is for people, and believe we all have an intrinsic desire to move toward health and happiness. My services are provided from a Strengths-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems, Humanistic perspective. I focus on empowering clients through an open professional approach, empathy, and compassionate understanding. 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.

Where the healing begins...takes personal courage. Often times, it is not easy to ask for help because our fears of being judged. No longer do you have to suffer alone or in silence from: trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, divorce or relationship difficulties. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience who will compassionately & effectively assist you through the counseling process. The "RDH Factor" of being able to Reveal, Deal, and Heal will provide empowerment. Working with clients to find relief & make changes towards freedom in making decisions & choices is a passion of mine. I assist individuals, couples, and families navigate the journey of life. My expertise is in: substance abuse, marital problems, divorce, childhood/sexual trauma, domestic violence, adoption & family conflict. I am Certified in EMDR, an evidenced based therapy that treats trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and pain to alliviate psychological distress. Do not stay stuck in undesirable thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are getting in the way of healing. I am here to help you today by offering a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any concerns you may have. The healing begins now...

Your path to a calmer, happier life starts here. I am ready to support you at your own pace, providing flexible appointments and personalized care. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple looking to strengthen your connection, or a family aiming to foster harmony, I am here to help. Let’s work together to address anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a healthier path forward for yourself, your relationships, and your family.

If you’re feeling stretched thin as a parent, trying to adjust to a new culture, carrying trauma, or facing grief or a major life transition, this space is for you. I believe in the power of continuous growth—both for myself and for the people I work with. My hope is to support you on your journey of self-discovery as you work toward greater balance, healing, and fulfillment in your life. As a child of an immigrant family and a parent to three multicultural, multiracial children, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. I understand firsthand the complexities of identity, belonging, and navigating multiple cultural worlds, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My lived experience as a BIPOC individual in a multicultural community informs my work and allows me to offer a space that offers cultural humility, empathy and openness. It takes courage to explore your story, and I honor that by creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. While my work is guided by proven methods like Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing, what that really means for you is a personalized experience focused on healing and resilience; we’ll work on gaining insight and building skills. I also believe in the healing power of a shared laugh; I often use humor to help us navigate the heavy moments with a bit more grace and perspective. My goal is to help you find lasting change and a deeper kindness toward yourself. I believe finding a community is essential for navigating life’s challenges. For me, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been that vital mental health anchor for 13 years. Although training and coaching has been important, fostering the social connection and personal grit needed to stay mentally healthy has helped me through different life transitions.

Are you feeling overwhelmed managing anxiety or stress? It is time to regain control and find tranquility. Picture a safe, confidential space where you can freely discuss these challenges. As your therapist, I will offer you that safe space to express yourself authentically and feel more in charge in your life. While current stressors may feel overwhelming, remember, they do not dictate your future. My expertise lies in guiding clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and more. I obtained certifications in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, Incredible Years Program (Parenting Program: School Age Basic Program & the Child Training: Small Group Dinosaur Curriculum). Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, Seeking Safety, & Gottman Level 2. These evidence-based practices have proven highly effective in my approach to treating diverse populations and addressing various mental health issues. Reaching out for help is a courageous step toward your healing journey. Starting therapy might feel intimidating initially, but I'm here to support and guide you.

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.

While in therapy, it is crucial that clients develop an increased understanding about the working relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions. I enjoy helping clients learn to practice emotion regulation, develop healthy coping skills, and empower them to take an active role in their lives leading to positive outcomes outside of therapy. I recognize the difficulty in talking to a stranger about intimate and personal topics, and I acknowledge the strength that it takes to freely discuss these events in an open manner. I provide an open space, where clients feel at ease sharing their lives in a confidential setting. It is well researched that a successful therapy outcome is highly linked to a positive therapeutic rapport. I strive to make you feel safe, heard, respected, and valued. I am aware of the complexities life brings and the many paths it can take, both positive and negative, my hope is that while in my care, I provide you with a reliable safe space to further develop your personal growth.

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.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

I became a therapist because of my personal experience with finding hope and healing with the right person, at the right time in my life. It’s very vulnerable to open yourself up to a provider and I strive to always respect that courage by recognizing we work as partners in bringing hope and healing to your life, at your pace. I strive to provide a warm and safe place for my clients to feel they can be transparent without fear of judgement. I then openly let my clients know my perceptions so that they have an opportunity to provide clarification on their individual needs and correct any assumption I may have. I work hard to ensure my clients have a full understanding of what is happening in their treatment so they can feel empowered as an equal partner in the process. I often hear my clients express appreciation from being informed and having the power to determine the direction they want their treatment to go. As someone who works with fostering/rescuing animals, I find so much joy in getting to meet many of my clients pets. It brings a lot of comfort to have my pets near me, and it is comforting to know my clients are supported by their pets.

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. It's important to find someone that you can relate to and most importantly someone that you trust. We will work together to create a secure relationship, where you begin to feel less alone experiencing emotional vulnerability. My capacity to truly see you, and your capacity to feel comfortable being seen, will be essential to your healing. It is my belief that lasting growth does not occur as a result of insight and understanding alone. Deep healing and change happen when you are able to explore new emotional experiences and to try new behaviors, in the presence of a supportive person (therapist). I work with adults and older adolescents to address old wounds, to increase self compassion and to develop increased emotional stability and flexibility. If you are interested in learning more about me and my practice, please visit my website or email/call to schedule a brief phone consultation.