Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I specialize in supporting young adults through life transitions—starting college, changing careers, managing relationships, becoming a parent, or navigating new independence. Your twenties and thirties (and beyond) can feel exciting, overwhelming, and uncertain. If life feels messy, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you make sense of your experiences, explore who you’re becoming, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or have a history of trauma, grief, or loss? Are you struggling with life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships? Looking for someone who is non-judgmental, thoughtful, genuine, and active? Then look no further! It would be an honor to help guide you on your journey toward self-healing. My name is Gabrielle Powell and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker #90673, supervised by Denise M. Williams, LMFT92559. As a therapist at the Well-Play Wellbeing & Counseling Center, my intention is to assist you in becoming more self-aware, while utilizing your inner strengths to help you cope with life's ups and downs. I can also help you align your decision-making with your values, in order to create healthy relationships with yourself and others. I tailor the therapeutic experience to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and circumstances. This is achieved by utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered approach, motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, and mindfulness techniques. In other words, I am going to show you how to use your strengths to overcome your challenges.

As a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and certification as an NMT trainer, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. My focus is on working with individuals coping from daily stressors to severe mental illnesses, offering compassionate support and tailored interventions. Beyond my therapeutic skills, I have a passion for photography, capturing the world's beauty through my lens, and I'm a seasoned bowler who enjoys friendly competition. In addition, I'm an enthusiastic lover of trivia and a member of Mensa, reflecting my dedication to intellectual growth and problem-solving. What sets me apart is my approach to therapy. I embrace an eclectic approach, primarily person-centered and solution-focused, but I am highly adaptable and quick to learn new modalities. I consider myself a "jack of most trades" always willing to explore innovative ways to help my clients. My open-mindedness enables me to engage effectively with clients, including those with psychotic disorders, using a compassionate and individualized approach. Moreover, I am fluent in English and Tagalog and can engage in conversational Mandarin, offering a more culturally sensitive and inclusive therapeutic experience. When faced with difficult challenges, we'll figure out a way to make it work (together), ensuring my clients receive the best possible care. My multifaceted background ensures a holistic and dynamic approach to therapy, fostering healing, growth, and resilience for my clients.

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My passion is in helping my clients see themselves as innately whole, healthy, and resilient. I work in partnership with my clients to identify their goals and together we collaborate to work toward these goals. I am an EMDR certified therapist and I provide IFS-informed EMDR therapy in addition to other talk therapy modalities. I have found EMDR to be an especially powerful therapy, effective in healing PTSD/trauma, and helpful in addressing anxiety, depression, addictions, phobias, present or future fears, and distressing life experiences. I have been inspired by infusing IFS with EMDR, an approach that I use to guide my clients through internal complexities. With this therapeutic approach, I can help you in working through the barriers that may be holding you back. Your core beliefs as to how you see yourself and the world have the capacity to shift. What may feel heavy can become lighter. It is possible to experience a sense of relief. For more information, my website is www.annasolomontherapy.com.

Dr. Apraku is welcoming new patients for video appointments. As a Board-certified M.D. psychiatrist, she specializes in providing psychiatric diagnostic assessments and treatment recommendations for anxiety, depression, OCD and bipolar disorder. Dr. Apraku also gives guidance for mental health concerns related to life transitions, mood swings, anger and traumatic events. As a holistic provider, her focus is on medication management (including for patients wishing to decrease reliance on medication) in combination with extensive psycho-education and referral to a trusted therapist where appropriate. Effective psychiatry requires a relationship between patient and provider founded on trust and mutual understanding. Dr. Apraku's goal is to build such long-lasting relationships to get your mental health as good as it can be. She has a particular interest in treating young adults with non-traditional backgrounds, including racial minorities. Through secure video, Dr. Apraku can treat anyone located in state. The practice does not bill insurance carriers directly but instead provides a superbill which patients may use to claim out-of-network benefits. New patients are welcome to self-schedule their first appointment directly at apraku.com/book. We look forward to working with you!

Are you a student who is struggling with many of the adjustments that come with attending college? Maybe you are homesick, lonely, attempting to make new friends, or have symptoms of anxiety. Many students coming into college feel the need to get all A's or procrastinate and have time management issues. You might have relationship difficulties, or family expectations that are too high to meet or unreasonable. Feeling sad, depressed, and overwhelmed can be isolating. I hope to be able to create a therapeutic relationship with you to help manage all of these normal feelings that come with entering a new experience in your life and becoming an adult.

Hi, I’m Jennie Denney, AMFT — and I’m really glad you’re here! College can be overwhelming—especially when you’re carrying more than just school stress. If you’re dealing with self-harm, anxiety, identity questions, religious trauma, or just trying to hold it all together, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who feel stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from themselves or the people around them. My therapy style is warm, honest, and collaborative. I won’t sit back and nod—I’ll show up with you, offer tools, ask questions, and help you make sense of your story. In our work together, you can expect a space where nothing is “too much,” and where your experiences are taken seriously. Healing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about getting curious, finding your voice, and learning how to care for yourself in new ways.

I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s health, trauma, and anxiety. I have several years experience working in university counseling and am passionate about college mental health. My approach is warm and collaborative with a focus on fostering confidence, balance, and self compassion.

Growing up, you learned early on that trusting others could be dangerous. You were taught to rely only on yourself, and that self-reliance has served you well. You’ve achieved so much—your degree, your job, and a comfortable life. Yet, despite these accomplishments, your mind still feels like it’s in survival mode. The nights are restless, your emotions seem unpredictable, and you’ve tried filling the void with drinking, partying, and casual relationships, but it never quite works. You’ve felt frustrated as your emotions are often labeled as angry or aggressive, leaving you feeling misunderstood and isolated. Trusting only yourself has taken you far, but it’s not enough to bring the peace and fulfillment you crave. I recognize how these experiences have shaped your life, affecting your relationships and overall well-being. Together, we’ll work on building trust, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to identify and name your emotions. Let's challenge and unlearn the limiting belief that you’re destined to succumb to the hardships you may face due to your upbringing, gender, or skin color. My goal is to create a space where you can address and work through the tough conversations often avoided in your past, fostering deeper healing and growth.

Waking up in the morning doesn't have to be exhausting. I can show you how to feel more joy and satisfaction in your life by learning skills in: assertiveness, communication, decision-making, self-confidence, relationships, and how to reduce any anxiety or depression. Since 1991, I've successfully helped people enjoy their lives more. I accept insurance.

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I am a dedicated therapist with five years of experience, specializing in a client-centered approach that prioritizes your unique needs and experiences. My practice is rooted in a non-judgmental environment, where you can feel safe and supported as we navigate challenges together. I am committed to helping you find healing and growth on your journey. Please email me for more availability options!

Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I support each person in working toward their goals at a pace that feels right for them. I prioritize understanding what you want to get out of therapy and I work with you to develop a plan to get there. Insight is an important part of therapy, and I balance this with helping you find ways to actually see changes in your life and relationships. Working with me will feel like we are actually "getting somewhere". I describe my style as open-minded, warm and empowering. I also like therapy to feel like a natural conversation and my personality is naturally grounded and down to earth. Clients often share with me that I'm able to accurately capture and reflect how they are feeling, and they also appreciate my willingness to challenge their stuck points. My approach is all about supporting you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, while also finding the courage to change old patterns that are no longer serving you.

I work with students and young adults who feel like they’re figuring life out without a roadmap, whether you are a first-generation, LGBTQ+, or anyone carrying pressure to succeed while quietly feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of their direction. My own path wasn’t traditional; I dropped out of high school due to circumstances beyond my control before finding mentorship, earning my GED, and becoming a first-generation college graduate from UCLA. I know what it feels like to question your purpose, to feel unseen, or to believe everyone else has it together except you. With over 13 years in education as a teacher, counselor, and mental health specialist — and more than 7 years providing psychotherapy to transitional-aged youth and adults, I bring both lived experience and professional training to our work. I created Easy Peasy Counseling because life isn’t actually “easy peasy,” but I believe even the messy, heavy seasons can become meaningful and transformative with the right support. Therapy with me is about partnership, empowerment, and helping you rediscover the resilient, capable parts of yourself that may have been dimmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions. Let's get to work together so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

Hi there! I am Janna Spiegel, an LCSW with over 5 years of experience supporting college-aged women like you navigate life's twists and turns. Whether you're adjusting to campus life, facing relationship hurdles, grappling with the pressure of future choices, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and stress – I'm here to help you find your footing and thrive. I use a warm, empathetic approach, creating a safe space where you can explore your challenges without judgment. We will work together to understand your unique experiences and develop practical solutions that empower you to take control. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies and a client-centered approach, tailoring each session to your specific needs and goals. We'll work on building resilience, managing stress, navigating relationships, and making choices that align with your values and goals. Whether you are navigating through homesickness, academic pressures, career dilemmas, or relationship challenges, I offer a non-judgmental space, where you will have the opportunity to delve into your experiences without reservation. I am here to serve as your guide, be your biggest supporter, and your collaborator on your journey towards a rewarding college experience and a promising future.

Very often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients struggle with relationships, feeling comfortable with others, anxiety and depression. College is a formative time but can very often feel that you are alone trying to figure everything out: what do I want to do? How do I separate what I want from what my parents, friends, professors or peers want? Do I feel ready to be an "adult?" Therapy can help you figure out who you are and where you want to go. Most importantly, meeting with a therapist can help you make sense of it all.

My life experiences have led me to become a mental health psychotherapist. I understand many of the struggles we encounter in life and how important it is to seek support as we try to learn how to change. I treat all people with genuine care and compassion without judgment. I am real, direct, engaged and easy to connect with. My strength is in building trusting relationships in order to work through life’s challenges. I’m warm, have a great sense of humor (which can be a healthy healing agent when appropriate) and has a core belief that we can improve our lives through therapy. I will guide you to find your inner strength and solutions so you feel better about yourself whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, specific habits and behaviors. I have a diverse background of work and life experience. Previously I worked for high-tech companies as an expert in marketing communications. My business experience taught me much about human behavior and managing for successful outcomes using coping skills, assertiveness, and good decision-making. I have also practiced as a trained life coach, which I weave into my therapy practice when appropriate. I believe mental health is the foundation for health itself and worth your investment of time.

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You’re seen as strong, competent, and driven, but inside you feel anxious, burned out, or disconnected from yourself and the people around you. You’ve spent years trying to understand yourself, making sense of your experiences, and analyzing why you respond the way you do—but insight alone hasn’t created the lasting change you’re looking for. Maybe you overthink relationships, struggle with a relentless inner critic, or throw yourself into work to outrun self-doubt. You know why these patterns exist, but you still find yourself repeating them. A part of you worries that if nothing has changed by now, maybe it never will. I specialize in helping clients heal attachment wounds, trauma, and protective patterns that contribute to anxiety, shame, burnout, and relationship struggles. As a Level 2 Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I support young adults and creatives who are ready to move beyond intellectual understanding and experience deeper emotional change. Together, we’ll help the parts of you that carry fear, shame, or self-doubt soften their grip so you can feel more grounded, express your needs with confidence, and build more fulfilling relationships. As a feminist, queer-affirming, and sex-positive therapist, I strive to create a space where you can show up fully. Reach out to schedule a consultation.