Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

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.

If you are feeling stressed, self critical, impatient, down or worried, I would like to help you feel more confident, calm, in control, and engaged in your life. My approach to counseling is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and overcome obstacles in order to heal, grow, and reach their full potential. With patience and understanding, I’ll assist you in finding solutions, and building strength and resiliency. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and together we will set meaningful goals based on what you want to change or improve about yourself, your life, or your relationships.

Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy while maintaining a whole system perspective. This approach helps the client better understand their internal experiences both as influenced by their own history and beliefs as well as the environment in which they live. I have found that my approach works best with adults living with the experience of anxiety, stress and depression. We often work to cope with the stress of daily life, relationship difficulties or working toward a goal of creating a better life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. We will work together to explore the direction in which our time together will take. We will take the time to discover what we would like to accomplish and begin to explore the path toward these goals. In our first session together we will take the time to get to know one another. We will work to better understand the needs and goals being brought into our space together. We will also begin to explore some of the options to move forward in our journey toward these goals. I have always aspired to be a calming and helpful presence to those with whom I spend time. I feel nourished by the experience of aiding others on their path toward their goals and am looking forward to working with you in the near future.

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.

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

I use a trauma-focused lens to help folks explore how they want to walk through the world. I believe each person can define themselves and find their healthy. Therapy is a collaborative experience; you bring your life experience, and I bring support from a mental health standpoint.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s hills and valleys – moments where you’re climbing, coasting, or just trying to catch your breath. We get it. We’ve been there too. And we believe no one should have to walk that terrain alone. Everybody deserves quality mental health and access to wellness. With warmth, humor, and zero judgment, we help you navigate your unique path with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

As an effective professional, I assist clients in reaching their goals. My therapeutic style emanates warmth, compassion and professionalism. My approach is collaborative, authentic and client-centered. I empower clients by building upon their strengths. I provide a safe, caring and nonjudgmental environment. Each session promotes personal growth and success!

Evidence-based therapy for young adults with OCD, trauma, anxiety, or insomnia. Are you having difficulty with worries or fears that just won't go away? Do you feel tense and wish you could just slow down and enjoy life more? You’ve tried to address your anxiety but it just won't budge. You’re really ready for more freedom from the pattern you feel stuck in. I am here to help you break that pattern. My years of specialized experience and use of research-backed techniques help people like you regain control over your anxiety. The therapy I offer is strongly rooted in research while at the same time tailored to your unique needs and goals. Visit my website to learn more about the specialized help I offer!

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

Hi, I'm Kim! For the past 25 years, I’ve been supporting people, just like you and me, to lead more fulfilling lives. By moving past the pain caused by trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, anger or whatever it is that leaves you feeling stuck, you’ll be able to focus on what is truly important to you. In this collaborative process, you’ll find that "you" becomes more clear allowing you to show up in the ways you'd like at home, work and in relationships. I wholeheartedly believe you have the answers you need within yourself. Together, we’ll get to know and understand the root cause of your struggles and pain, while learning new practical ways to improve daily life. All while using proven techniques and strategies that work, like EMDR, Internal Family Systems and Mindfulness and Values Clarification work. I use a holistic approach to healing knowing the mind, body and spirit are all interconnected. In addition, I provide Career Counseling and am trained to administer the World of Work Inventory (WOWI), the first empirically-based, fully-integrated, multidimensional career assessment that incorporates career interest areas, aptitude/achievement measures and work style to create actionable career matches. I commit to being fully present with you every step along the way. My down-to-earth, compassionate approach (sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor) will create a safe, judgment-free space for you to do the work needed for growth and change. Let's chat for a no charge 20 minute consultation to see if we're a good fit to get you moving on your path to healing and wellness.

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.

Our goal at the office of Kirstin Filizetti, Ph.D. is to help you uncover your potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand & resolve challenges in your life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, one of our counselors look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. We specialize in working with: Mood disorders, Anxiety & Stress, Trauma, Relational problems, Adolescent Issues, LGBT individuals, Life Transitions, Career issues, Substance abuse/dependence, Mindfulness and Personal Growth. We also offer psychological assessments and evaluations, including: (1) testing for ADHD, (2) evaluation for learning disabilities, (3) employment screening, and for (4) diagnostic clarification purposes. Feel free to review our website for more information about how testing can be helpful for you at this time.

"Create Wellbeing Therapy Collective provides integrative mental healthcare to students using a compassionate and supportive approach. We will meet you non-judgmentally where you are at and help you with the skills to make changes. Our innovative wellbeing model addresses the needs of the whole person. We will help you to CALM the distress, ENGAGE your whole self, and INTEGRATE healing into your life. We provide expert care to complex situations including: pregnancy, parenting, marriage/divorce, eating struggles, trauma, grief, life stage and older adult care.

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 Young Adults and Teens virtually across California, specializing in work with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma related to relationships and life transitions. 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!

My name is Jovelyn, but I go by Jovi. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a diverse background working with families, children, teens, and adults. I’m passionate about supporting clients on their journey toward personal growth, inner peace, and life satisfaction. My approach is direct, caring, genuine, and often infused with humor. I understand therapy can feel intimidating, but if you’re open and ready to do the work, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

I have always been interested in psychology and solving puzzles. I later realized how similar it is to trauma work in terms of figuring out the impact of past events on one’s current behaviors. Helping people to connect dots and make sense of the past and present has let me to the field of mental health care, especially trauma work. I value one’s cultural and family background a lot. As an immigrant myself, I understand how important it is to be heard and understood without being judged. I make sure to put myself in others’ shoes to create a safe space that I would like to be in. I think trust is built through time and understanding. I value open and honest communication without judgement. I believe trust can be built through connections in a professional way.

Everyday feels exactly the same. You want to know what it feels like to live your life in color again instead of living in a world of grey. You're ready to work through the pain and worry so you can pick yourself up, climb out of that hole, and actually get somewhere different--somewhere better that feels more authentic to you. The stress and worry have gotten to the point where it is too much and you know something has to change. It’s time for you to finally get what you need to thrive. I offer a strength-based, outside the box, creative approach to working through your issues that goes beyond regular talk therapy. For instance, have you been through some tough things in life but are not sure you can *talk* about it just yet? I offer Brainspotting where you don't have to say much at all if you don't want to, but can still find relief. Have a meme, an episode of your favorite show, movie, comic, anime, video game or a song that just speaks exactly to your experience? Want to do some therapy and include Animal Crossing? As a Geek Therapist, your worlds and passions can be brought into therapy to help you on your journey if that is a fit for you. Bring your authentic self to therapy--I'm here for it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or unsure where to turn, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy Changes is a San Diego psychology practice offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Our team is composed exclusively of licensed clinical psychologists with doctoral-level training who provide thoughtful, high-quality care tailored to your needs. Our office is located in Mission Valley, and we also offer teletherapy throughout California. Our team specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, perinatal mental health concerns, and life transitions. Our team of talented therapists are trained in advanced approaches to support meaningful healing and lasting change. We believe therapy should offer focused guidance when you need it most. We help clients find symptom relief while building practical skills for resilience and growth. We take time to understand your goals and create a thoughtful plan. Call to speak with our Client Care Coordinator and get matched with the right therapist.