Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
I work with individual adults to create meaning, joy, purpose and well-being.
We specialize in a range of issues college students face and are passionate about providing warm collaborative mental health care tailored to your specific needs.
College is hard enough — your relationships don't have to be. Between classes, work, and extra curricular events, navigating relationships on top of everything can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re going through a breakup, stuck in the same fight with your partner, or just feeling confused about where things are headed, relationship therapy can help. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk about the messy stuff, understand yourself better, and gain insight into your relationship patterns. Let’s work together to help you feel more confident in yourself and your relationships. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Contact me today for a free consultation.
I meet clients virtually to quiet negative self-talk and build resilience in their nervous systems using a patent pending somatic processing tool. With a stronger nervous system, it’s easier to not be overwhelmed, in fact your baseline becomes calm, less triggered, and more balanced. Clients routinely report resolution of panic attacks; resolving the underlying causes of the negative self talk; resolving the root causes of anxiety, depression, rage, and numbness; having better relationships; and understanding their emotions better. This transformative work addresses the nonverbal impact of stressful/traumatic experiences including feelings, sensations, emotions, muscle tension, numbness and dissociation; the areas where talking is not effective. Benefits typically begin with the first session. We use CBD, medical cannabis, or ketamine assisted virtual sessions to activate brain areas that facilitate safely processing emotions, and make new brain cell connections (associated with learning and working around blocks) among many other benefits. Many patients complain about the emotional numbness and other symptoms caused by their psych medications. Because I am a medical doctor, as patients improve I am able to help wean them off of their meds when appropriate. Insurance is not accepted, but sliding scale payments are. Learn more at: http://www.slipflowtherapy.com/patients
I’ve been in private practice for almost 20 years. Something that sets me apart from a lot of other therapists is my strong commitment to having a good match between therapist and client. If I’m not the right match, I will try and help you find someone who is. I work collaboratively with my clients to form a relationship that feels supportive, while at the same time, helping to stretch their capacity in whatever area(s) they may be wanting to work on. I am warm and kind and non-judgmental, and also very honest and real.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your emotions? Have you experienced childhood, family, or identity trauma that has left you feeling stressed and anxious? Or perhaps you're simply looking to understand yourself better and lead a happier life. If any of these resonate with you, I can help. I have five years of experience working in various clinical settings, including suicide hotlines, community mental health, sexual health clinics, and hospitals. Through my experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking mental health care, especially with AAPIs, young adults, immigrants, and the LGBTQ population. As a Taiwanese American who immigrated to America at 12 years old, I have firsthand experience of the challenges individuals from immigrant communities face. I also understand the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ population, and I'm committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all of my clients. In my work, I view my clients from a social justice lens and address systemic issues that impact mental health. I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches to help my clients achieve their goals. As a trauma-informed therapist, I recognize that the effects of trauma can be pervasive and long-lasting, and I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs. I also incorporate Brainspotting and EMDR into my work to support clients in processing their trauma. I also offer video games and virtual reality (VR) therapy to help you explore your strengths, manage your moods, and devise solutions to overcome your challenges. These innovative approaches can be especially helpful for clients who are seeking a more interactive and immersive therapy experience. Together, we can work towards building a happier and more fulfilling life. So if you're ready to take the first step, I encourage you to schedule a 15-minute phone call with me today.
I’m Dr. Abu-Rus, a clinical psychologist available to see patients anywhere in California. I know reaching out for therapy can feel strange—like acknowledging something’s wrong when you’ve spent so much energy trying to hold it together. As a mom, USAF Veteran, and psychologist, I work with people navigating trauma, new parenthood, or depression that doesn’t always make sense on the surface. You might feel irritable, numb, anxious, or unsure of who you are anymore. You’re not too much. You’re not broken. And you don’t have to carry this alone. I specialize in trauma, postpartum stress, and depression that feels heavy or hard to explain. I use proven therapies like CPT, PE, ACT, and IPT to help you feel safer, more grounded, and more in control. My approach is structured but deeply human—tailored to what matters most to you. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just ready for something to shift, I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit. Therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming, I’ll walk you through the next steps. Send a message or email to get started. Or schedule directly into my calendar! Click on my website to see availability.
Starting or continuing college can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you’re navigating new independence, academic pressures, identity exploration, or unexpected challenges, it’s a lot to hold on your own. For years, I’ve supported my community in a variety of settings—from community clinics to crisis counseling—and I understand how life transitions can impact mental health. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ students and those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. My time as a 911 crisis counselor especially taught me how to hold space during some of life’s most difficult moments. In my practice, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental environment where your story matters. I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, tailored to your unique needs, all grounded in a humanistic framework that values self-exploration, growth, and discovering your full potential. Together, we can work on building insight, breaking unhelpful patterns, and creating new ways forward—so you leave each session feeling more grounded, confident, and ready for what’s next.
Warmest welcome! My name is Jacky Tse and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. I hold Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies from University of Cambridge and Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, San Bernardino. I have more than 7 years of social service experience as educator and social worker, closely working with diverse populations including people with developmental disabilities, AAPI populations, LGBTQIA individuals, families in crisis, youths and children. My therapeutic interests include perfectionism, substance use disorder, anxiety and stress management. Having therapy with me is like embarking on an exciting adventure together. We may encounter different twists and turns, ups and downs, or highs and lows, but I will be your guide in this adventure of life. I specialize in utilizing person-centered therapy by exploring your strengths, exercising empathy and motivating for self-actualization. My practice is also LGBTQIA+ affirming through an intersectional lens, and I can conduct sessions in Cantonese and Mandarin. In my free time, I enjoy singing karaoke, spending time in nature, trying out new restaurants, watching reality TV shows and playing Pokemon.
As a dedicated mental health professional, I am committed to guiding adolescents and young adults. My practice is deeply rooted in systemic thinking, seamlessly blending psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and attachment-based approaches to deliver a nuanced and tailored intervention. In cultivating a warm and collaborative environment, I facilitate a process where clients explore personal and relational intricacies, fostering insights for a more fulfilling life. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, I acknowledge the uniqueness of each client in treatment planning. Navigating trauma, codependency, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and OCD, my practice emphasizes the impact of traumatic events and recognizes the influential role of relationships on an individual level. Embark on the journey of transformative growth by reaching out for support. Remember, you don't have to face things alone; you are the expert of your own life, and you hold the power to make transformative change. In this journey, I'm here to empathetically walk alongside you, offering understanding and guidance every step of the way.
There is nothing worse than feeling like you have become a disappointment to your family. That no matter how hard you try to navigate college, nothing you do will ever be good enough. Are you looking for a way to help your family understand YOUR struggles? To validate and support you, instead of saying, "it's just a phase, it will pass" or "Everyone has a hard time, you just need to try harder" or worse, "When I was your age I went through the same thing". I believe no one knows you better than you know yourself- even your family-and I want to help you express your needs in a way your family will hear, understand and be able to support you.
Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”
Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re caught in cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism—always showing up for others but still questioning your own worth. On the outside you may look like you’re holding it together, but inside you’re exhausted. If you long for authentic relationships and the confidence to feel secure in yourself, therapy can help. Our work together is deeper than surface-level talk therapy. Through IFS and a warm, supportive approach, I’ll help you uncover the root of what’s keeping you stuck. Clients often say I bring a calming, compassionate presence while also gently challenging them to see things in new ways. I specialize in helping high-achievers in Bakersfield and across California heal the roots of shame, anxiety, and people-pleasing. My goal is for you to feel more confident, connected, and at peace with yourself. If you’re ready to take that first step toward lasting change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Hey, I'm Briana! I help global women and gender expansive folks break free from burnout, self-doubt, low self-esteem, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, people pleasing, family/societal pressure, cultural stress, and cycles of generational trauma. Through our work, you'll release habits and patterns that sabotage your joy, unlearn oppressive beliefs you've been taught about everything from body image to your role as a woman, and reclaim yourself from capitalism, supremacy culture, and manufactured urgency. You'll tap into your own power and claim your own liberation. As revolutionary woman Assata Shakur reminds us: "we have nothing to lose but our chains." Through our work together, you'll reclaim your power, release fear and self-doubt, redefine your roles, regain confidence in your skills and gifts, reimagine relationships with community, and reconnect with rest, joy, pleasure, and play so you can survive these times. Visit my website to schedule your liberation session. Let's get you and all of us free.
We are a group of psychologists, therapists and holistic providers who value the integration of the mind and body to heal emotional and mental health struggles. Our core value is working to treat the whole self, not just part of you by integrating mind-body treatment modalities. We have extensive experience supporting the college population and skilled in areas that commonly come up during this stage of life, such as: anxiety, depression, stress, identity development, LGBTQIA+, life transition, self-esteem, social anxiety, and life purpose. We are also skilled in working with trauma, veterans, sexual assault, and grief. Looking forward to supporting and connecting with you.
As you navigate your journey toward your degree, you might be having to deal with other stressors: anxiety, depression, family separations, loved ones passing away, breakups, difficulty with school, etc. The list could become endless. I've been there and can understand how rough it could get. While in therapy, you can learn the appropriate coping mechanisms to steer in the right direction so that you can focus on enjoying your college experience. I have made the experience of doing therapy with me easier, by doing it online. This way, you don't have to sit in traffic driving to/from your appointment, and you get to sit on your own couch while holding your favorite blanket.
Are you hard on yourself? Do you hold back from loved ones or struggle to accomplish things? It doesn't have to be this way. You’ve been struggling for a long time and you can change. Opening up can feel uncomfortable, but therapy can help you to a better path. You can get unstuck by disentangling from old patterns, imagining new possibilities, and connecting to what's most important. I have fourteen years of experience at UCSF helping patients to recover from moderate to severe mood symptoms and to more creatively participate in their lives. I also hold a credential in perinatal mental health. My psychotherapy practice is online or through walk and talk sessions in San Francisco parks. I’d like to help you see beyond this difficult moment. I’d love to help you enjoy your life more.
I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and my work is focused Eating Disorder Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Prenatal and Postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have extensive experience in both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment providing eating disorder therapy, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring disorders. I have a unique treatment approach to Binge Eating Disorder Therapy as a recovered person and therapist. I deeply understand the struggles of eating disorder recovery and the complexities of treatment.