Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.

To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.

Feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and grief are part of life, but when they begin to interfere with work or relationships, it may be time to connect and seek support. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, I spent four years working in PR within the entertainment and nonprofit industries. This experience gave me an understanding of the many stresses intense careers cause and the importance of developing coping skills, strong interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence to maintain a healthy well-being and thrive in a fast-paced workplace. I am passionate about helping individuals struggling with eating disorders find recovery using a Health At Every Size/Intuitive Eating perspective. We will examine the underlying issues and maladaptive beliefs that perpetuate your eating disorder and work on healing your relationship with yourself. I work with young women, adolescents, and individuals to help them lessen their burdens and embrace their newfound freedom using a blend of theoretical orientations. I enjoy collaborating with my clients on what works best for them to help them meet their goals and am committed to creating an inclusive environment in my practice.

I am a licensed psychologist dedicated to helping teens, adults, and couples in California and Hawaii achieve greater fulfillment and authenticity through virtual therapy sessions. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns for individuals and couples, including: anxiety, depression, body image/relationship with food, LGBTQIA+ issues, masculinity, identity development, and relationship concerns. I am a self-reflective, curious, and empathic yet direct clinician, committed to providing a supportive and honest environment where clients feel fully seen and understood.

We are a group of evidence-based psychologists who specialize in the treatment of stress and anxiety disorders. We work with many students in the bay area who are navigating the stresses of academic life, peer difficulties, relationship stressors, and mood and anxiety management.

I became a therapist because I understand that everyone needs and deserves a safe and trusting space to process the human experience, be it the challenges and transitions, concerns and worries, relationships with self and others, or ever-changing emotions and thoughts that can make navigating life difficult, confusing, or overwhelming. I believe that each individual experience is unique, while also understanding that no one should feel alone or that what they feel or need is wrong, abnormal, or cannot be validated. I work with my clients to help them feel empowered and capable of making decisions to live a most fulfilling life, as well as able to handle stressors and meeting their needs. I have experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds and am well-versed in providing treatment for folx who are neurodiverse or within the BIPOC, gender diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide services for people dealing with anxiety, depression, AD/HD, personality disorders, substance abuse/dependence, eating disorders and body image issues, attachment and adjustment disorders, relationship challenges, emotional disturbance and/or trauma, and behavioral challenges. I have additional training in sex therapy and provide treatment for couples and those in polyamorous relationships. I practice from a psychodynamic, client-centered, and holistic approach with an unbiased perspective. My treatment modalities have included solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, ecopsychology, and existential psychotherapy. I strive to build honest, lasting relationships with my clients so that together we can consider and process the multiple factors that contribute to one’s mental health and life choices, as well as uncover the underlying fears that can impact our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. I further highlight the mind and body connection, exploring the relationship between our physical and emotional or mental selves and how they work together, as well as what role and impact our spirituality (however it is expressed or manifested) plays within our conceptualization of life.

**Available for videoconferencing/phone sessions** I am a Licensed Psychologist with 22+ years providing therapy, consultation and life skills training. Services include individual and group psychotherapy focused on the whole person: mind-body-spirit, and on integrating all aspects of oneself at a more balanced level. I work to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel both safe and challenged. Our work will increase your ability to live more self-attuned and to integrate the many aspects of self, your relationships and your life. From that place you are can create a more intentional, healthier and joyful life. Licensed in California (PSY26465) and Texas (31736). I work extensively with individuals or families around LGBTQIA issues, including coming out, pre-marital counseling and relationship concerns. I have worked for many years within the trans community, and am available for assistance with transitional concerns, including 1st and 2nd letters. Feel free to contact me,

Aldemar is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), with 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. He also has a degree in Psychology, which compliments his clinical and social work skills to formulate a more comprehensive and wholistic approach to therapy. Additionally Aldemar is a Certified Trauma Professional, and uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as his primary theoretical approach to trauma. He believes that each individual brings into his/her therapy experience a unique set of skills, which he encourages to identify through Narrative Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another modality, which Aldemar often uses with his clients to identify maladaptive behavioral patterns, and replace them with healthy habits to achieve a optimal mental health. Aldemar believes in the human connection., which is the power to positively influence others. He welcomes you to a safe space, where you can become the best version of yourself, and he commends you for taking charge of your life through therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.”

At Roots & Refuge Center, we provide mental health services and healing spaces that support people through community care and cultural understanding. We offer soul-centered therapy for those who are displaced, seeking spiritual growth, or showing great resilience. Angelique uses a blend of ACT, somatic-based approaches, Emotionally Centered CBT (ECBT), DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy. These modalities help build emotional resilience, navigate life transitions, and repair relational systems, all through a trauma-informed and culturally grounded lens. She also integrates faith-based and spiritual practices when they align with the client’s beliefs, offering a space that honors both clinical wisdom and ancestral or spiritual healing. She has the most training and experience treating trauma-related conditions, particularly in refugee and immigrant populations. Her work centers around grief, PTSD, cultural and racial identity, faith-integrated therapy, and life transitions. Angelique’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to community healing.

Our practice is a good fit for people who are intelligent, curious, and open to self-exploration. We provide individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and ADHD assessments. Through these services we encourage empowerment, self-discovery, and resiliency. We value inclusiveness and have consciously created a space where all can seek help and self-discovery. Our clients come in a variety of races, sexualities, genders, religions, body sizes, and relationship structures.

Life isn’t what you expected. Something happened. Something happened that you never imagined would happen to YOU and it threw all of your life plans off course. Or maybe you look in the mirror today and just don’t recognize the person you see. Either way, your life has taken a turn and you’re in territory you never prepared for, never anticipated. You feel lost, scared, and alone. Guess what? You’re not. I can help you process the unexpected, regain control of yourself, and move forward to create life-altering change and establish a reality that is probably better than you can visualize right now. All you have to do is reach out. Together we'll identify what isn't working for you anymore (maybe it never has). We’ll direct attention to the solutions - working together to create a treatment plan, a way forward, using a combination of evidence-based practices. You deserve specialized care. I can provide that along with a caring, non-judgmental, safe space to explore and grow. I provide video psychotherapy to people in CA and WI. Want a free 10 minute phone consultation? Please call or email today to schedule!

My name is Dan, and I’m here for you. I believe you have the ability to grow, to adapt, to move forward, to take back control of your life. You just need the right support. It’s my mission is to help you achieve peace in your life, whatever that might mean to you. My role as a therapist is to encourage, support, and guide you so you can claim the serenity and healing you long for.

I like to work with motivated and intelligent clients who want to grow and excel. I take a strength-based approach and focus on identifying themes and patterns in your life and coming up with a concrete action plan.

Hi! I'm Michelle, an associate therapist committed to helping children, teens, and adults navigate the challenges of life with compassion and clarity. I specialize in supporting clients through anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, and women’s issues. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of support, I’m here to walk alongside you. I believe therapy should be flexible and tailored to your unique needs. There’s no single approach that works for everyone, which is why I adjust my therapeutic methods to best serve you. Whether we focus on practical strategies, deep emotional work, or a mixture of both, my goal is always to meet you where you are and help you move forward at your own pace. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space is at the heart of my practice. I want you to feel heard, understood, and empowered as we work together to address your current struggles and set meaningful goals for your future. If you're ready to take the first step toward healing and growth, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on this journey.

Hi! Welcome to my small online practice, and congratulations on taking the step in looking into therapy - I know it can be challenging! My primary goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and comfortable space where you can be yourself and open up about things that you may be struggling with, or things that are causing you stress. Our sessions will not be a one-sided conversation, nor will they be mundane (trust me!), but rather there will be a lot of conversation and interaction, and together we can work on the things you want to change. I want you to find the peace and healing that you desire. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, personality disorders, etc. I specialize in crisis intervention, grief, and play therapy. More importantly, I show up with authenticity and walk your journey with you. I will maintain a compassionate atmosphere where you will be heard and supported, while also challenging you when necessary so we can work together in creating a space for your personal growth and healing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma work. It’s my passion to work with children and young adults with the number of challenges they can face to help them learn how to manage their feelings and develop ways to better cope with life. I also work with adults and new parents to navigate managing their new identity and improve their parenting skills. My approach to therapy is personable and genuine. I find that my style is particularly beneficial to those looking for a safe space free of judgment while getting honest engagement. I’m expressive, use humor, and genuinely enjoy getting to be a therapist.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.