Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
Megan Soun | Arise Therapy
Do you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Maybe you’re a people pleaser who defaults into putting other people’s feelings and needs first. Or you’re experiencing burnout from trying to uphold perfectionist standards. Or you’re a high-achiever on the emotional rollercoaster of tying all your worth to your school or work. Or you want to stop stressing about what you eat and how much you weigh, but the idea of letting go of control is terrifying. I'd love to help!
Amber Andrews
I enjoy working with young adults who are entering adulthood. I believe we all have the tools and strengths to get through life and feel therapy can help us rediscover our strengths when we can’t access them on our own. I use a person-centered approach and provide validation, unconditional positive regard, and genuine empathy with all of my clients. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to identify time-based and realistic goals for our work together. I am direct and non-judgmental in my feedback and enjoy assisting my client in discovering ways to live their most meaningful life. 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.
Kate Young
I can help you cope with academic stress, anxiety, issues with parents, relationships, eating and body image, health problems, trauma, and friendships. I combine EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness. Ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. Online or in person sessions available.
Nancy Lyle
I have been a therapist for 6 years and have worked with many populations, including the forensic population, both incarcerated individuals, those on probation, as well as first responders and their families, which includes spouses, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and enjoy working with individuals. I not only have a Masters in Clinical Counseling but also a Masters in Forensic Psychology. I am also currently working on my dissertation for a PhD. I enjoy helping my clients process and grow and teach them how to come to their own solutions for past and present life stressors. 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.
Alexis Forgnone-Judd
It is important to me to provide skills, tools, and options for individuals to feel empowered in managing their life challenges on their own. I approach the therapeutic relationship from an open and honest space. I believe in building a relationship that is supportive, genuine, and collaborative as well as challenging and directive. Healing and progress are often made with a wholistic approach that can include additional support from families, communities, groups, and non-traditional healing practices. Thus, striving to collaborate in creating a treatment plan that is both evidence-based and individualized. 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.
Geoff Bressington
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I believe we must take into account one’s mental health, physical health, culture, community, family, and recreation, and how this affects quality of life and the ability to live life to its fullest potential. I primarily use a strength-based, solution-focused approach utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques to activate change. I have been in the mental health field as a therapist for over 18 years. A focus or passion of mine has been how our thoughts or cognitions affect our motivations, actions, and how we feel on a daily basis. I also feel it is very valuable to be aware of the situations or moments that occur and savor as many moments as we can of each day in order to reduce the stress of tomorrow and take care of ourselves both mentally and physically. I am committed to collaborating with you and respecting your concerns and goals as we work together to improve your mental well-being. 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.
Ivone Umar
As we work together in a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry, or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives. I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional or relational life changes. I do this is by sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. 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.
Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW, LICSW
It is not uncommon for clients to tell me, "This is the first time I'm telling this to anyone..." I consider it a great honor to hold space for individuals to makes sense of difficult experiences and emotions, while also connecting with their greatest strengths and desires. I use well-researched therapy methods to help my clients boost coping during life's most stressful periods and transitions. I specialize in burnout prevention to help individuals connect with their innate ability to survive and thrive. Above all else, I prioritize my ability to listen, really listen, to my clients' deepest desires and wishes to be who they really are. Personally, I am drawn to the counseling profession because I believe wholeheartedly in our human capacity to grow and change. I consider it a privilege to support this process in my work as a therapist and as a burnout prevention educator. I bring my authentic self to my work (including a sense of humor) - and invite my client partners to do the same. I am inspired on a daily basis by the resilience of humanity and capacity for joy. Seeing these moments of inspiration has sustained me in this work throughout my career, and I feel grateful for the opportunity. Tell me: What changes would you like to see in your life? Warmly, Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW Therapy For Real Life Founder Burnout Prevention Hacker TherapyForRealLife.com (Available to see clients via telehealth throughout the states of CA and MN)
Suzannia Holden
As a Licensed Psychologist with more than 13 years of clinical experience, I have developed a strong passion towards helping students recognize their capabilities and collaboratively creating positive changes in their lives through our work together. I am able to discuss and treat a variety of mental health concerns by providing treatment from a multicultural lens. My areas of specialization include grief and loss, resilience factors, trauma, faith and spirituality concerns, racial/ethnic identity development, self-exploration, relational patterns/interpersonal relatedness, family of origin issues, assertiveness training, disability related issues, self-esteem, and providing support for students with adjustment concerns, anxiety, and depression. I hope I can be of support to you and look forward to connecting!
Erica Mann
Pandora Psychiatry offers medication management to students attending colleges and universities in California. In addition to your on campus resources, I can be available for evening or weekend appointments. I have extensive experience working with young adults with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD and more. Now offering in-person sessions in Seal Beach!
Allyson Cates, AMFT/APCC
You want to be a better person than what you grew up with. You want to provide the love and support that always felt conditional to you. Growing up, you learned to believe the other shoe would drop at any moment and you had to be ready. It was only a matter of time. Instead of being made to feel like you were the problem, you wish you could have grown up to trust in yourself, to feel all of the feelings without shame or judgment, to have healthy relationships. You want this, but just because you know in your head that there is a better way doesn't mean you know how to recognize it, trust in it, or believe in your heart that you deserve it. I enjoy providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to come and just be. We'll work together to identify the unhelpful patterns you've learned, to build a sense of safety, and your ability to trust in yourself. We'll build up the compassionate self you wished you got when you were young, and build in skills and supports to lean on along the way. I help adults who feel like they are always on edge, ready for someone to make you the problem and say it's your fault. Here's the truth: You are allowed to be different, to take up space, to feel all the feelings, that doesn't make you 'the problem.' We'll work together to help your brain believe it and keep you safe. Hi, I'm Allyson! I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #136508) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #12918) under the supervision of Elizabeth McGinnis, LPCC 8285. I received my Master’s from California Baptist University in Counseling Psychology and my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Biola University. In my career as a therapist, I’ve worked with children and adults of all ages. From preschool through adulthood, I’ve worked alongside my clients to process through their challenges and create patterns of relating that are most true and helpful for them. To find out more about me, check out https://empsychotherapy.net/therapists/allyson/
Janet Gaborek
I have been working with people that are negotiating changes in their lives for over 30 years. I believe that when people are at a crossroads in life, or suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, or a loss, it can feel very overwhelming. I believe it takes courage to reach out and seek support, and my goal is to create a safe space to help people open up and find ways to approach issues that are causing distress. My therapy approach is warm, interactive, and engaged. I utilize many different therapeutic modalities based on what works best for the person seeking therapy. I utilize evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I also use Mindfulness Training and values exploration in my work. 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.
Kevin Chun
I am a young adult & child and adolescent psychiatrist who specialize in working with college students. I think of my patients in a holistic way- using medications, lifestyle interventions, and talk therapy. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and spent my childhood in Irvine. I completed most of my education on the east coast. I went to Johns Hopkins and double majored in history and public health. After college, I attended the University of Maryland for medical school. After living in Baltimore for eight years, I wanted a change of scenery and moved to New Hampshire to complete my residency training at Dartmouth. During my training at Dartmouth, I had opportunities to work with high-achieving teens and families who attended Dartmouth College with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and perfectionism issues. After surviving long winter storms, I returned to my hometown and completed the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UC Irvine. I have a passion for and experience working with college students, Asian American families, and teens with LGBT backgrounds. In my free time, I like to hike, run, and kayak. Coffee is my favorite drink, and I make pour-overs every morning. As a first-generation Korean American immigrant myself, I have understood what immigrant or second-generation students go through in college and the pressures of balancing academics and family expectations. I also enjoy working with patients to explore their identities, including gender issues, sexual orientation, religion, and careers. I am double board-certified in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry.
Mark Stelzner
Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.
Ellis Kim
My work is relationally based, and I additionally integrate the approaches of Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which are both mind/body modalities. These approaches have been transformational for myself and many clients I have witnessed because they offer an orientation of radical openness and compassionate inquiry about all parts of your experience.
Rik Van Antwerpen
It can be hard to face and overcome difficulties alone and feel stuck in a place that may include anxiety, depression, addictions, inauthenticity with others, lack of self-esteem, stress, codependency, and overall life dissatisfaction. Together we can heal and transform the places where you feel stuck as well as learning tools you can use on your own. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques and provide you with a compassionate, warm space where you feel safe, seen and closely attuned to in order to explore and resolve issues together and ultimately engage with life from a more centered, authentic and fulfilled place. 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.
Juliet Schmitt
I enjoy working with young adults as they balance new adulthood, get to really know who they are, and anticipate the challenges of the life looming ahead of them. It often feels like everyone around seems to think you should already have all of this figured out... but it really is ok to feel unsure right now. Seeking out a therapist to address these unknowns shows that you are capable of inviting new ways of thinking, new ways understanding yourself and those around you, and willing to put in the time and effort to grow into this life you are making. I would be happy to be one of your support team members as you work through this time in your life.
Positive Mind Counseling
Welcome! My name is Angela Austin and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing online therapeutic services to college students residing in the state of California. My professional background includes forensic mental health, working with inmates in the county detention center and working with special education and general education students in the public school system. Currently, I am a business owner and private practice therapist assisting students struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, stress and other relationship issues that happen during life transitions, especially while in college. I would be honored to have the opportunity to learn more about you and to be able to support you in your therapy experience!
Alexes Ciardi
I became a therapist because I know what it is like to need extra support through life’s many curveballs. I became a therapist to give back, and am driven by the honor of getting to be a part of someone’s healing journey. I enjoy celebrating successes with my clients! I believe you are the most reliable narrator in your own story, and work with clients to promote empowerment in their own therapeutic experience. I work to create an authentic therapeutic space by utilizing humor, warmth, and collaboration. I empower clients to find answers within themselves and identify solutions that work to relieve their personal stressors. I guide clients to explore underlying thoughts and challenge themselves by emphasizing compassion and safety. I allow time for clients to ask any of their own questions they may have about myself or therapy in general and welcome feedback to ensure clients are receiving the best support possible. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a hobby ballerina! I also play Dungeons&Dragons. I am a firm believer in the importance of honoring our inner child through interests and play.
Lauren "Liz" Toys
I worked in the field as a mental health RN for 13 years before continuing my education to become a PMHNP. I believe that mental health plays a significant role in a person’s overall well-being including physical health, emotional health, and ability to navigate life’s often challenging hurdles that many silently face. I aspire to continue offering hope and support to anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being using the most up-to-date traditional and holistic practices tailored to meet my client’s needs. My core philosophy is based on a humanistic approach, which focuses on finding each person’s unique potential and ability to overcome their difficulties through positive personal growth. I use this patient-centered approach to help my clients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. I also encourage my clients to participate in therapy and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication management as this has proven to be the most effective method to long-term stability. I work closely with each client to ensure they can access any helpful resources that may benefit their treatment. I use a patient-centered care approach to help my patients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, CBT-I, holistic approaches to psychiatry, trauma-informed care, eating disorders, first responders, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)