Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hello! My name is Karen and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy supporting first and second gen college women and femmes adjust to the social, family, and educational expectations of college. As a first gen college student myself, I understand firsthand that this is both a time of growth and complex emotions. Whether you're in your first year or just about to graduate, I want to help you process the complexities of college and feel more confident.

Heidi Camacho is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with close to 15 years of experience supporting people through trauma, anxiety, depression, and big life transitions. She is a certified EMDR therapist and holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification, and she especially loves helping young adults and students who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. Heidi's style is warm, down to earth, and collaborative. She will meet you where you are, help you make sense of what you are carrying, and work with you to build practical tools for feeling more grounded and in control. Whether you are navigating school stress, relationships, identity, or the weight of past experiences, therapy can be a space to breathe and sort things out. Heidi sees clients online through WellQor across California. To get started, fill out the Get Started form on the WellQor website. A member of the WellQor team will then text you with next steps and help you find a time that works, so booking your first session stays simple.

I’m a first-generation Latina, bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist who works with young adults and adults navigating anxiety, relationships, family stress, identity, and the many transitions life brings. I understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes we find ourselves trying to navigate changes we never expected. I’m especially passionate about women’s mental health and supporting women through the many layers of womanhood—from relationships and identity to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, loss, and the everyday demands of caring for others while trying not to lose yourself in the process. My approach is warm, direct, and solution-focused. I’ll listen and validate your experience, but I’ll also challenge you when needed because I believe therapy should help you create meaningful change—not just talk about what isn’t working. I accept insurance to help make therapy more accessible. To learn more about my approach, specialties, and availability please visit my website.

As a licensed psychologist, I provide individual therapy for a range of concerns, including relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, parentification, and trauma. I work from a stance of openness and sincerity and strive to create a comfortable, collaborative environment in which clients feel understood and supported. My therapeutic style is flexible and tailored to each client’s unique concerns and lived experience. My approach is integrative and draws from psychodynamic theory, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, sensorimotor psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am EMDR trained and incorporate EMDR thoughtfully when clinically appropriate. I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, completed my APA-approved internship at Harvard Medical School, and fulfilled my postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts University. I have over 18 years of clinical experience working with adults across a range of settings. Previously, I served as Assistant Director of Counseling at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and as a staff psychologist at Tufts University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services in Medford, Massachusetts. I have also worked as a clinician and researcher at UC San Diego Medical Center, including within an Early Psychosis Treatment Center. Having immigrated from Argentina as a child, I am bicultural and bilingual in English and Spanish.

I primarily work with college students, adults and couples with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting, relational and emotional issues, infidelity, childhood abuse, gender and sexual identity, and religious and spiritual issues. I also work with people who feel stuck, aimless, or desire to possess more purpose and meaning in their lives. In addition to psychotherapy, I offer psychological assessment services for such issues as ADHD Evaluation, diagnostic clarification, and learning disorders.

One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. I offer an active and collaborative therapeutic style that allows the opportunity for clients to learn, grow, explore, challenge and live the life they want to be living. Treatment is tailored to fit your needs and goals, drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities such as CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, and Strengths based. With a background working in community mental health, private practice and consulting in public/private school settings, I have more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment professional and additionally I have helped patients with a broad range of needs such as anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, academic, behavioral and/or relational difficulties. In addition I have extensive experience working with individuals and families that are part of the adoption constellation and have received training in complex blended family and post-adoption services. I have also taught at Boston College Lynch School of Education in the Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program for 3 years.

You don’t have to carry this alone. If anxiety, depression, or people-pleasing—trying to make others happy—take over, I’m here: open, steady, ready to help. I work with adults facing life transitions, work stress, family conflict, and low confidence. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. We’ll make sense of what’s happening and build practical skills. Using CBT and DBT, we’ll calm your nervous system, set boundaries, and move forward with clarity. You’ll be met with respect, curiosity, and a plan that fits you. Ready? Reach out—we’ll start where you are. 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.

By gently challenging you to question and shift your mental framework, I want to help you make decisions and take actions that are consistent with your values. I have a compassionate, science-based, and direct approach toward helping people find psychological relief. I am passionate about helping people achieve the most authentic version of themselves. The journey towards change must start with compassion. Only when we feel seen and heard, can we begin the process of transformation. 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.

Through forming authentic connections, my hope is to collaboratively discover insights into thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions that will collectively foster happiness and well-being. My goal is to create a safe, warm, open (and sometimes humorous) environment where relational support through challenging times will be provided. While drawn toward Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I have piqued interests with integrating Mindfulness/Positive Psychology tenets along with discovering psychodynamic processes. I am honored to hold the privilege to serve others. 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.

I use a holistic and varied approach drawing from many modalities along with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, compassionate, and self-determination based care. I have experience working with folks across the lifespan and have particular specialization and interest in regards to relational issues including polyamory/open relationships, as well as work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, & perinatal/postpartum. 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.

I have an extensive history supporting folx from the LGBTQ+ community and those who identify as gender queer, non-binary or trans. I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and individuals experiencing hardship as well as those searching for a balance of health, healing, and wellness in their lives. I approach my work with humor, authenticity, and the belief that people deserve the space and energy to be heard and seen for who they truly are. Using an integrative approach, I meet clients where they are at emotionally and use a mix of narrative, relational, and mindfulness based approaches. In addition, I am a certified strengthening families trainer and have worked with parents and families in my private practice as well as in community based settings. 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.

I know seeking therapy can be a big step—especially with stigma or cultural barriers. I offer a warm space for adults and couples to explore challenges and find fulfillment. Using Positive Discipline, I support parents in building respectful, empathetic relationships. I also address addiction, depression, grief, work stress, cultural factors, and anxiety. I’m currently in training and supervision to become a certified AASECT Sex Therapist, working with desire differences, sexual shame, intimacy barriers, and evolving identities. Let’s collaborate to align with your most authentic self and find moments of peace. 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.

Hello! I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed in both California and Oregon. I offer telehealth video sessions for young adults, and I’m passionate about supporting those who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, or a desire to build stronger self-esteem, relationships, and communication skills. I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a safe and compassionate space where we can work together to address your unique challenges. My approach integrates mindfulness-based techniques and strengths-based strategies to help you practice and build coping skills that empower you to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are curious and motivated for change. With a background in working with young children and utilizing expressive arts, I bring a creative and holistic perspective to my work with young adults. This allows us to explore unmet needs, deepen self-awareness, and empower you to advocate for your desires and boundaries, both in the present and moving forward. I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together.

I center my work on supporting LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity concerns related to gender and race. Using DBT, ERP, and solution-focused approaches, I also help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. I understand how substance use, relationship challenges, and emotion-regulation struggles can intersect with marginalized identities and amplify feelings of not belonging. My goal is to offer a warm, affirming space where you can bring your full self, build insight, and move toward meaningful change. At Inclusive Insight Psychotherapy, we believe connection is where we heal. My pronouns are he/they.

Dr. Padla was born in New Jersey and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After this, he received a Master’s Degree at Virginia Tech before attending medical school at Rutger’s Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. He then did his psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Institute of Living in Hartford Connecticut. During his years of private practice he has specialized in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, pain management and obesity medicine. He has trained physician’s assistants while being an adjunct professor in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University. He retired in 2017 after being Chief of Psychiatry at Doctor’s Hospitals of Indiana. After a brief retirement of six months, he was lured out of retirement and became the psychiatrist at the Sacramento Native American Health Center where he currently still works. Dennis Padla, MD Experience (background and professional journey) Time with APA (how long you’ve been part of the team) Personal note (2–3 lines about yourself outside of work) Certificates & licenses (list of credentials) Specialization (your focus areas in psychiatry/mental health) Title (your professional title as you’d like it to appear) Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, Forensic, Psychiatry, Pain Management and Obesity Medicine

Dr. Gaines was born in Chicago, IL and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s from Augustana College. After graduating from Wright State University School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Gaines first began training as a General Surgeon in Detroit, MI. After realizing his true passion was in the field of Psychiatry, Dr. Gaines attended The University of Chicago, where he completed in residency training in adult psychiatry. Upon completion of his residency program, Dr. Gaines spent 8 years working in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) where he helped to establish and run the first inpatient hospital for the individuals in custody. Dr. Gaines continues to provide consultant work for the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) where he assists with BOP first jail-based restoration forensic program at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gaines is a Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology since being Board Certified in 2018. Education: BS in 2003 from Augustana College MD: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Psychiatry Training: The University of Chicago Medical Center Board Certification for American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2018. Illinois Department of Corrections: 2018 – 2026 Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP): 2023- present Advance Psychiatry Associates: 2026 – current

Direct, empathic, collaborative, trauma-informed. The purpose of therapy, from my perspective, is working to gain understanding about yourself and the underlying rationale for what makes you you so that you can take steps to be the best version of yourself. I tailor my approach to each individual's unique needs and work with them to actively restructure the patterns of thought and behavior that are keeping them stuck and unhappy, allowing them to move through life with a greater sense of freedom, clarity, confidence and purpose. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to live fuller, more satisfying lives.

If you are considering therapy, I'd be glad to provide you with a free consultation over the phone. I believe that the relationship between the client and therapist plays a significant role in helping people overcome school stress, painful emotional experiences, destructive interpersonal patterns, and other obstacles that get in the way of us experiencing our lives from a place of openness and security. I work closely with student clients to explore the role that their unique circumstances play in how they see themselves and others. My approach to treatment relies on non-judgment, compassion, and respect for all of my clients. I utilize various therapeutic approaches and provide psychological testing, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic interventions. Your needs matter, and I will work to stay attuned to them throughout the treatment. I have fifteen years of experience treating college students, adults, children, and adolescents in various treatment settings. Through working in a collaborative and integrative manner, and treating the whole individual, I aim to help those I work with negotiate your unique place vis a vis your relationships and your greater environment. I believe that this approach can lead to lasting and meaningful changes in one's life.

Tired of talk therapy that goes nowhere? You’ve seen therapist after therapist, each one listens, nods, and takes notes… but where are the practical tools for real change? If you're craving more than just conversation, you're not alone and BRAVE Wellness Studio is here to help! Holistic psychotherapy treats you as a whole person, not a diagnosis. We blend talk therapy with body-based and mindfulness techniques to uncover root causes, build awareness, and support real healing. We also offer Ketamine Assisted Therapy. Sessions are relaxed, empowering conversations that help you reclaim control. You're not broken, and you don’t have to do this alone. If you're ready to feel more connected, supported, and in control of your healing journey, we're here to walk with you. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and reclaim your BRAVEry!

Do you often feel unheard, unseen, or unimportant within your relationships? Maybe you identify as hyper-independent or a people-pleaser, finding it hard to prioritize your own needs and often overthinking interactions. These patterns can feel isolating and deeply anxiety-provoking, and they often have roots in complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or growing up in environments where emotional needs were minimized or unmet. Perhaps you already “logically” connected these dots, yet you still feel stuck. That’s because complex trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just the logical brain. I specialize in trauma-processing therapy, including EMDR, to help you safely process traumatic experiences and release the emotional burdens that come with them. I also integrate Narrative Therapy to help you reconnect with a sense of identity that reflects your true values, voice, and strengths. Therapy with me feels collaborative, safe, meaningful, and relieving. As a fourth-generation Japanese American therapist, I understand how cultural expectations around family, responsibility, and respect can make healing feel complicated. I help clients explore ways to preserve their emotional well-being, while still honoring the relationships and values that matter most to them. If you’re ready to break old patterns, feel more confident in yourself, and strengthen your relationships, I hear you and I see you. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.