Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

Are you feeling lost and unsure about yourself and how you are feeling? Are you struggling with anxiety and depression and are weighed down by the societal and social pressures of having to have your life figured out? Being a young adult can be very challenging with all of the pressure to succeed, "be the best" and having to stand out academically and socially. As a therapist with 20 years experience, allow me to explore with you how to become the "best" version of yourself in a safe, warm, and accepting environment. "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -C.S. Lewis

I offer individual therapy for people recovering from unhealthy relationships and interpersonal trauma. I also provide gender affirming therapy and WPATH letters for gender affirming surgeries. I create a supportive space in which you can feel seen, understood, and accepted, and in which your lived experience and your values are centered. I offer in-person therapy sessions in Portland, Oregon, and telehealth sessions throughout California and Oregon. I admire the bravery it takes to begin therapy. For those of us who have been harmed in relationships, it takes time to build trust. Together, we'll decide on a pace and process that feels safe and supportive. Visit flourishauthentically.com for more info and to request a free 15-minute call so you can decide if I'm the best fit for your healing journey. My experience and how I work: My work has been dedicated to serving survivors of unhealthy relationships and interpersonal trauma (e.g. intimate partner violence, sexual assault, community violence, immigration trauma, intergenerational trauma, and systemic and historical oppression). I’ve specialized in supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, complex health issues, chronic pain, and substance use in relationship to trauma. I’ve worked extensively with gender-expansive (Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, etc.) clients and provided WPATH assessments/letters for gender affirming surgeries. I am a compassionate, experienced, and affirming therapist, working from a feminist and liberatory framework. I identify as a white, queer, cisgender able-bodied woman with lived experience relevant to my work. I think about identity, suffering, and healing in the context of the oppressive systems that impact peoples’ lives (e.g. patriarchy, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, fatphobia, ableism, etc.), and understand that healing ourselves in turn benefits our loved ones and communities. I create a supportive space in which you can feel seen, understood, believed, and in which your lived experience and your values are centered. I am aware of the power dynamics that exist in a therapeutic relationship, especially when our identities differ, and welcome this often-avoided issue into the room. No need to perform or edit yourself. This is a chance to show up as your full brave self.

Welcome! I often support young adults and adults who feel stressed and overwhelmed by demands in life, many of whom tend to be at least somewhat perfectionistic. I have specialized training and experience in supporting people with college and career issues, setting and holding boundaries, dating and relationships, managing anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, skin-picking/hair-pulling, depression and postpartum anxiety/depression/OCD and parenting difficulties and existential issues. I often support sensitively-wired empathic clients in need of a kind gentle approach that is still direct and clear. Many of my clients do identify as Highly Sensitive (HSP), Neurodivergent (ADHDers and/or Autistic) and/or Empaths/Empathic. Please visit my website to learn more, and you are welcome to email me to schedule a free consultation call where I will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Catherine O'Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, speaker, educator and college professor. She has dedicated her life's work to helping new and expecting parents navigate the challenges of parenthood. As a mother of two children, Catherine understands the overwhelming nature of parenting and wants to help couples thrive during this transition instead of just surviving. She founded HappyWithBaby.com to provide counseling and coaching services for new parents and offers courses to help parents manage expectations of parenthood and understand the developmental milestones of infants and children. As a college professor, Catherine's perspective on parents' challenges while juggling multiple responsibilities is unique and valuable. Her life's work is about enabling parents to look at their own lives with the same compassion and unconditional love they generously give to their families. Take advantage of the counseling, coaching, and courses that Catherine offers. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while also pursuing your academic goals.

I offer individual and couples therapy to college/graduate students and young professionals. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, LGBTQ affirming, and trauma-informed. I believe that my clients are the expert on their own lives, while I am there as a witness, a source of support, and a toolbox of techniques and strategies.

Do you experience stress, worry, or panic? Does anxiety interfere with your pursuit of personal and academic/professional goals? I can help you overcome your fears and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a compassionate environment in which my clients can learn strategies to attain greater life satisfaction and well-being. My areas of expertise include Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety and worry, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive hair pulling and skin picking). I also support parents who are experiencing anxiety or OCD during the perinatal period. I will collaborate with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs. Through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we'll work together to reduce your distress, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of balance in your life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides support for individuals and families. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, identity, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, stress management, trauma, and life transitions. I am passionate about creating a collaborative relationship to support and empower people to achieve their goals and strengthen their innate resilience. I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe and heard. My style is interactive, experiential, and adaptable; guided by the following post graduate trainings/certifications: ACT, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. I work collaboratively with you and support you in finding a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. You’ll be met with warmth and curiosity. I intend to get to know you - your story, your hopes, your needs, and your goals. It takes courage to seek therapy, and I look forward to supporting you.

Navigating the wild ride of your 20s? I feel you. College throws all sorts of challenges our way, right? The anxiety, stress, and those moments where it feels like life is one big question mark. Well, guess what? You're not alone in this journey. Imagine a space where you can kick back, share your thoughts, and not worry about judgment. That's what our therapy sessions are all about. We get that being in your 20s isn't all Insta-worthy moments. Sometimes, it's about figuring out who you are, dealing with the adulting stuff, and handling emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. So, let's make this journey a bit more manageable. In our sessions, we'll dive into the messiness together, finding clarity, resilience, and maybe even a bit of humor along the way. Because your 20s are a ride, and you deserve a co-pilot. Ready to chat? Cheers to navigating the chaos!

You have taken a big step today by considering therapy. This tells me you are ready for change. I applaud you for that! I am proud of you. You have tried ignoring it and hoping that Anxiety or Depression will go away on it’s own. Maybe you have been over-working to distract yourself . It's possible you have tried therapy before without any success. You may notice that your sleep or eating habits are worsening. You could also be experiencing physical symptoms or panic attacks due to Anxiety or Depression worsening. You have tried talking to friends or family but this is not helping. You could be too embarrassed to talk to anyone about. You are worried that no one will understand. You want to feel better and move beyond anxiety and depression. Therapy can help you by teaching tools to manage anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms. I'm Patty Munoz, I help adults overcome Anxiety, Depression and heal from Trauma. I have 16 years of experience working in mental health. I am also EMDR trained. EMDR is a therapy modality that has been proved effective to treat trauma, depression and anxiety. In Therapy, I will teach you better ways to manage your anxiety,depression and empower you to use your voice to make the changes in your life. We may also need to process past trauma if it's currently affecting you. My hope is that you can move from Panic Survival Mode or depressed state to living the Life You Deserve. Please Contact me for your free 15 minute consultation or with any questions.

Hello, My name is Lisa Chester-Schyman and I'm an LMFT practicing in Los Angeles, California. I provide a safe and compassionate environment to support you in your life journey and its many challenges. Through our work together you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, which will allow you to navigate your life with more ease, manage stress, change and transitions, and live a life filled with meaning. Together we will explore your true nature and I will support you to find more comfort in your life by teaching you tools to overcome obstacles to your emotional well-being. Our collaboration will allow you to move through the more challenging times in your life with a greater sense of ease. I work with adults, teens, and adolescents. I specialize in grief and loss, relational issues, transition and trauma. I believe the relationship between a client and therapist is essential in creating personal healing. I nurture a trusting relationship where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without any judgment. From this safe place we will explore what coping mechanisms will best help you and I will help guide you through. I would love to help you on your journey especially during this very difficult time in life and the world. Looking forward to working with you.

Welcome! I provide an environment where you can share your past experiences and current stressors to shed what no longer serves you. My journey to becoming a therapist began while I was working in the education system. As I worked with students struggling academically, I became aware of how relationships, stressful life events, and home dynamics could impact their overall well-being. This led me to discover my passion of helping others heal and grow. I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship centered around comfort and safety. As treatment progresses, I help you gain awareness of the thoughts and habits that are negatively impacting your well-being. I will challenge you to use the knowledge and tools you're gaining during our sessions to make the necessary changes to become your best self. If you feel that I can provide you with the support you deserve reach out so that we can connect.

I enjoy working with those who are struggling with social and general anxiety, adjusting to major transitions in life (like starting college, changing majors, planning graduation), and identity. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Balancing the intense pressures of university life, personal growth, and relationships can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, or emotionally stuck. I provide a collaborative, secure, and entirely non-judgmental virtual space designed to help students and young adults step out of old, survival-mode loops and restore internal harmony. My approach combines the deep, transformative framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with the practical, everyday tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Instead of just analyzing what is wrong, we work together to understand the different 'parts' of who you are—like the inner critic that drives anxiety, or the defensive patterns that complicate relationships. I also specialize in relational work for couples looking to build safe, vulnerable communication. Whether you are managing difficult life transitions, coping with academic burn-out, or exploring issues of identity and belonging, our work will be practical, compassionate, and tailored to your unique history. Fully bilingual services are proudly available in both English and Spanish (Ofrezco psicoterapia en español). To view my real-time openings or instantly schedule an initial insurance consultation via Headway, please click the link to visit my website.

We all need support to get through difficult times in our lives. Beginning with identifying your goals and areas of focus in therapy, we will work together at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you are struggling with feelings of depression, overwhelm, anxiety, grief or trauma, therapy can create space for transformation and healing. Whether you are looking for a sounding board when facing tough decisions about family, relationships, work or life transition, or you recognize a need for change, the therapeutic process can support you in making the changes you want to see in your life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified therapist with 15 years of counseling and psychotherapy experience, I provide short and long-term therapy to adults, adolescents, and families. My approach is individualized, and uses a combination of insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as EMDR. I believe therapy should move at your pace, with a focus identified by you. In a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere, we will work together to access your strengths and supports to find the most effective ways to cope.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with adults of all ages, couples, and adolescents. I offer virtual and in-person sessions at my office in the Castro. I have extensive experience working with college students and graduate students. I can help with a wide range of issues including: anxiety and stress, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, identity issues, transitions, ADHD/neurodivergence, difficulties with regulating alcohol use, gender and sexuality, loneliness, and more.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, where I work primarily with individuals and some families. My main focus of treatment and experience are in anger management, teenagers, life transitions, and relationships. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults as they develop their personal identity and grow towards healthy independence and need support they cannot get from their peer or parent group. I have a great deal of experience with young adults and mid-life individuals facing career stress/fatigue and significant life challenges such as divorce, addiction/recovery, and trauma. I have experience in working with the parents of children who are learning to support the needs of a youth with emerging mental health issues. Prior to opening my practice, I worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings, as both a clinician and clinical supervisor, ranging from college counseling centers, inpatient psychiatric facilities, juvenile correctional centers, and community-based agencies to a very diverse populations of individuals and families. Additionally, I am the in-house therapist for Square, a large financial technology company here in San Francisco. My background training in the field is influenced greatly by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, and Humanistic/Person Centered Theory. I have received extensive training in Anger Management and have facilitated numerous groups to address issues associated with anger control. I also regularly facilitate trainings on the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. My approach with each individual is very collaborative. I truly believe in identifying the goals the client wants to get out of their work with me and determining the best strategy for getting results. Often times, to augment the therapy one is receiving, a person will also work with psychiatrists, nutritionists, school teachers/counselors/tutors, sponsors, sobriety companions, and other healthcare providers. I have vast experience in working and coordinating treatment with other professionals to create the most effective plan of care for you to get the results you define. I have a very broad knowledge of services offered within the San Francisco Bay Area and can be of assistance in making these connections and referrals. I am also a firm believer in constant personal and professional growth through ongoing learning, reading, research, peer and professional consultation, and experience. Outside of work, I regularly train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and really enjoy surfing. I have been fascinated by stand-up comedy since I was a child and watch live shows as often as possible. I live here in San Francisco with my wife and our dog, Leonard.

Pain can quietly shape your life and sense of self, even when things look “fine” from the outside. It may show up as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, low self-esteem, substance use, or painful relationship patterns. You might notice yourself longing for closeness while also pulling away, or repeating dynamics you don’t fully understand. You may be navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, or longstanding attachment patterns that continue to surface in the present. Even when you can make sense of your experiences, something may still feel unresolved or unmoved. Together, we take time to know you and to understand how you experience yourself and others—how you relate, protect, and respond to closeness and emotion. We also pay attention to patterns as they emerge in your life and in therapy. My style is warm, collaborative, and relational. Our work supports greater awareness and a sense of safety, gradually loosening what has felt fixed so new possibilities can emerge. You’re welcome to reach out for a complimentary consultation. I reserve a few sliding scale spots for college students. Please reach out for more info.