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Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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Kathryn Winship
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

My passion for working in mental health care is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I hold an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a B.A. from Oberlin College. I have spent the past decade working in outpatient settings, providing support to individuals navigating the trauma of substance abuse, incarceration, and violence. I have also worked extensively with members of the LGBTQIIA+ community and understand the profound impact homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia can have on mental health and access to care. These experiences have fueled my commitment to promoting healing, empowerment, and inclusive care for those who face unique and systemic challenges. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I approach my work from a strength-based, client-centered perspective. I believe that you are the expert on your own journey, and my role is to help you identify and uncover your strengths and resources. Together, we’ll (re)learn how to apply them to your goals while connecting with new sources of support. Throughout our work, we’ll also focus on addressing challenging relationships and exploring new ways to build meaningful connections with others, ensuring that your voice remains central in the process. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients is rooted in empathy, transparency, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. While I primarily use drama therapy, humanistic, and narrative techniques, I tailor our work to create a plan that best fits your needs. I firmly believe that everyone has inherent worth, a meaningful story, and valuable contributions to make in the world. My approach is collaborative, ensuring that you feel heard and understood throughout the process. Additionally, I am trained in both abstinence and harm-reduction approaches and am familiar with 12-step/Recovery language and culture.

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Krystal Dreisbach
Marriage & Family Therapist
Covina, CA
Accepting new clients

You're not happy.  You're not really sure when it all began, but slowly you find your life less fulfilling.  You can't find the motivation to get anything done, you're struggling to concentrate at work, and nothing interests you anymore.  It's like you're slipping into some black hole, and every day you sink just a little further. Sometimes, it's the anxiety that bothers you.  You're worried all the time, and it's making it hard just to function. You feel like you just can't take this insanity anymore. And then, this thought crosses your mind, "Maybe it would be better if I just didn't exist anymore." And this thought scares you... Imagine feeling better, enjoying your family, and getting back into living a happy and peaceful life! This craziness that you find yourself stuck in- the anxiety, the depression, the anger, the stress; you don't have to suffer from it anymore. There's a way out of the darkness and into a life that feels balanced and emotionally at peace. Let me help you find that new life. With a decade of experience & specialized training in evidence-based practices, I'm uniquely qualified to help you on this journey. For new clients, I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide if I'm the right fit for you. Visit my website to learn more or call me to schedule your first appointment now.

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Olivea Zimmerman, AMFT
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Ramon, CA
Accepting new clients

Welcome! I'm Olivea (oh-liv-ee-uh). I'm a graduate of The Wright Institute's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology, working as an associate therapist in San Ramon, CA. I love seeing my clients in-person but also offer telehealth for those who aren't local or can't make it in-person. My general approach to therapy is lower-key, compassionate (heavy on the checking the self-critic), direct and casual. I work to create a space that feels validating, accepting, and easy to walk into, even when everything feels like it's too much. I primarily work with young adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity questions (gender, sexuality, race), and political stress. I also have a soft spot for anyone experiencing long-distance relationship struggles as well as fellow nerds and gamers, and anyone who feels chronically online (no judgment—same). I often see folks for individual therapy who are dealing with: - Life transitions that feel overwhelming - Difficulty finding their voices in their families or relationships - Feeling lonely or isolated - Relationship issues and attachment patterns - Boundaries and stress management - Racial stress and identity development - Gender and sexual identity exploration I believe you're the expert on your own life, and that a strong, collaborative relationship between us is what makes therapy actually work. My approach is grounded in that belief—I utilize strengths-based, person-centered frameworks, and I operate from a social justice lens. Basically: I see you as a whole person shaped by your experiences and the systems around you, and I'm here to help you figure out what you need and want, not tell you what to do. I'm currently an AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) under the supervision of Michelle Ritenour (#51357). If you feel like we might be a good fit, please feel encouraged to contact me by phone, email, or through my website.

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David Tran, MD
Group practice
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

Meitri Collaborative is a psychiatric and psychotherapy practice in San Francisco, CA. We believe in warm, excellent, and personalized care. We want to help you live the life you desire and address the obstacles in your way.

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Susan Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

I am passionate about healing and deeply committed to helping you cultivate a sense of inner freedom, safety, wholeness, and connection with yourself. I view challenging emotions and experiences as powerful portals for self-exploration, healing, and growth and it’s my joy and privilege to help you navigate them. I bring warmth, curiosity, openness, compassion, and deep trust to my work with clients. Through thoughtful inquiry, consistent engagement, and a focus on your needs, I strive to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where true growth and self-discovery can flourish. I welcome all of you into the session including parts that hurt or can be hard to be with alone and really work to support you in navigating these parts in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where we work together to craft a plan with strategies to help you meet your goals and navigate the complex territory of being human. I believe in the transformative power of therapy, not just for the individual, but also for the relationships and communities we touch and show up for differently by choosing to heal and grow. I’m a big believer in making space for joy, connection, and beauty in our lives as ways to resource ourselves. I find this a lot in nature and am an avid hiker and lover of national parks.

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Jeffrey Millstone
Marriage & Family Therapist
Ventura, CA
Accepting new clients

Above all, "Therapy must be useful". That means that in addition to overcoming issues related to depression, anxiety and troubled relationships, skills are developed and applied to life's challenges. These skills include increased self awareness, handling adversity and developing and applying the skills necessary to achieve a gratifying and fulfilling life. In addition to Individual, Couples, and Family sessions in the office, Video Therapy over the internet thru a HIPPA compliant platform which maintains confidentiality can be arranged. Mr. Millstone brings over 40 years of clinical experience. He has held concurrent positions as Director of Adolescent Treatment, Residential Supervisor, and Clinical Director where in addition to his clinical practice he supervised and trained post graduate interns. Mr. Millstone also has crisis intervention,critical incident, and in patient treatment experience at acute care hospitals.

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Felicia Reynolds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

I became passionate about therapy while supporting my own family through mental health challenges, and over time, I discovered the deep fulfillment of helping others use mental health as a foundation for growth and healing. I believe everyone deserves the chance to see a brighter, more empowered version of themselves. As a therapist, my goal is to create a space where you feel not only heard, but truly understood, supported, and guided toward the life you want to live. Seeking therapy is an act of courage—a commitment to yourself and your growth. I use evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique experiences to help you navigate challenges, build meaningful skills, and uncover your strengths. You are the expert in your own life, and I am here to help you make sense of difficult experiences, embrace your authentic self, and move toward lasting change. By taking this first step, you’ve already shown remarkable bravery—and together, we can turn that courage into tangible victories and a life that feels more aligned with who you are meant to be.

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The Malama Collective
Pre-Licensed Professional
Tustin, CA
Accepting new clients

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly—what is essential is invisible to the eye” (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). As a therapist, I work to see people with my heart and hold a hopeful space of unconditional compassion and empathy. As a trauma survivor with personal experiences in therapy, I’m aware of how vulnerable and uncertain starting with a new therapist can be. I honor the courage and openness it takes to begin any healing process. Creating safety in the therapeutic relationship is essential to me. I believe everyone has the capacity for healing already within them, and I work to empower people to connect with themselves and their unique strengths. I believe we are relational beings, and our different experiences with attachment can have profound effects on us. I value flexibility and creativity in my therapeutic style, and I draw from and integrate diverse approaches to discover what resonates with each different person. It is important to me to be intentional and considerate when holding space for culture and how different forces of marginalization affect mental health, and I work to be culturally responsive and attuned. My approach is continuously curious and trauma-informed, and one of my many passions is affirmatively supporting people around intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds. As a therapist and a human being, I try to embody a tree. This means moving slow, breathing deep, and being grounded enough to nourish connection. My favorite place on earth is the old growth forest! I also love to surf and meditate, and I appreciate breathwork and somatic/body-based techniques along my own healing path. I’ve been working in mental health for about thirteen years. I received my bachelor’s degree in English from University of California, Santa Barbara, and I finished my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California State University, Long Beach, where I also started writing poems for people on an old typewriter. I view therapy as a poetic process where someone gets to tell their story and shape its continuation to best honor their soul. We all need to be heard, seen, and believed in, and as a therapist, I work to cultivate this heartfelt connection.

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Free at Heart Online Therapy
Group practice
Fullerton, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

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Sharon Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Altadena, CA
Accepting new clients

Who I am I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and family medicine primary care. I am deeply committed to helping individuals facing complex mental health challenges. I provide medication management for adults and children. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for personalized, patient-centered care. My goal is to be your trusted partner on the journey to mental well-being, providing support, understanding, and guidance for a fulfilling life. I am committed to being your trusted partner on this transformative journey. Our First Session Our initial session will be a collaborative discussion. We'll begin by getting to know each other and exploring the specific mental health concerns you're currently experiencing. This will allow us to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. My greatest strengths As a dual-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I offer comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction. With experience working with diverse populations, I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. I'm committed to providing evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific needs, and I'm passionate about helping you achieve optimal mental health and well-being. Frequently Asked Questions What is your approach to care? *Trust and collaboration are central to treatment. I work with you to create a personalized, evidence-based plan that considers your symptoms, medical history, goals, and preferences. Care is structured, thoughtful, and focused on long-term stability and functional improvement. What conditions do you treat? *Telehealth psychiatric services are provided for: ADHD; Anxiety disorders; Depression; Bipolar disorder; Trauma-related conditions (including PTSD);Sleep concerns; Mood regulation difficulties All care follows current clinical guidelines and best practices. What medications do you prescribe? *Non-controlled psychiatric medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate. Treatment is individualized and monitored closely for safety and effectiveness. Do you prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines? *No. Controlled substances are not prescribed, including: ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) This policy aligns with federal and state telehealth prescribing regulations. What services are not provided? *This practice does not provide documentation or evaluations for: Disability, FMLA, SSI, Work or school accommodations, Court or legal matters, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters, DMV, FAA, or capacity evaluations, Fit-for-duty or surgical clearance, Workers’ compensation, Military or travel clearance Services are limited to psychiatric evaluation and medication management. How does telehealth work? *You will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by structured follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust treatment, and ensure safe, evidence-based care.

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m-pathy.care mental health services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Fremont, CA
Accepting new clients

College can be exciting and full of new experiences, but it can also bring a lot of pressure. Between academics, relationships, and figuring out your future, it is easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure of yourself. Therapy offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and work through whatever feels heavy right now. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally aware. I focus on helping students manage stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges while building self-understanding and confidence. Sessions are available online for students across California, and my goal is to make therapy a supportive space where you can be heard and find balance.

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Sipora Weissman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ventura, CA
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed therapist in private practice in Ventura California. I see clients in person and online. I work with people struggling with mind-body syndromes such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other health issues where the doctor says- "There's nothing medically wrong with you". I also see clients with social anxiety, complex trauma histories, Highly Sensitive People, and people with Misophonia. I am certified in Coherence Therapy, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, certified in EMDR therapy, and level 2 trained in the new somatic trauma therapy- Deep Brain Reorienting.

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Cassandra Pentzien, PhD
Psychologist
Irvine, CA
Accepting new clients

Are you feeling stuck, struggling to identify or make progress toward goals, or constantly fighting with critical self-talk? Are difficulties with executive functioning, motivation, or attention keeping you from reaching your potential and showing up in the way you want to with others? Are anxious thoughts or feelings getting in the way of the life you want for yourself? I help clients identify what matters most to them and support them along their path toward making intentional and meaningful changes. My therapy approach aims to help you better understand yourself, build skills for success, and develop greater confidence and self-compassion. I use an evidence-based, strengths focused approach to support clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, relationships, boundary setting, body image concerns, OCD, depression, and life transitions. I also provide psychoeducational and psychological testing for ADHD, Learning Disorders, executive functioning challenges, and emotional concerns. Reaching out for support can be a big step and I look forward to helping make the process as easy and personalized as possible.

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Kasey Phillips
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Irvine, CA
Accepting new clients

I work with students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or like they’re barely keeping up even if they’re still functioning on the outside. You may be juggling school, work, relationships, family pressure, and big life transitions, while internally feeling exhausted, stuck, or constantly behind. Many students I work with are high-achieving on the outside but struggling privately with anxiety, depression, overthinking, procrastination, self-doubt, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Others are navigating relationship stress, identity questions, or the lingering impact of past experiences that still affect how they show up in daily life. Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to hold it all together or figure it out alone. Together we slow things down, understand what’s underneath the stress, and start building clarity, steadiness, and emotional relief in a way that actually feels manageable in student life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both emotional insight and practical tools to help you feel more regulated, confident, and connected to yourself.

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Amanda Whitehurst, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nashville, TN
Accepting new clients

If you've experienced abuse, assault, or trauma, you know the impact can feel overwhelming, affecting your sense of self, emotional wellbeing, and the relationships in your life. I specialize in supporting individuals healing from sexual, physical, emotional, or spiritual abuse and trauma, helping you rediscover freedom and connection. I also enjoy working with individuals exploring their gender or sexual identity and the LGBTQIA2S+ community, offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to process and find joy. With nearly a decade of experience, I'm here to affirm that healing is possible. I use EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and more to support healing from sexual assault/abuse, emotional/physical/spiritual abuse, trauma/PTSD, and relationship challenges. I provide a warm, affirming space for LGBTQIA2S+ folks and those exploring gender or sexual identity. I also offer EMDR Intensives for focused healing. Above all, I believe the therapist-client relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. Together, we'll foster a collaborative dynamic as we work to find an approach that feels right for you. I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation via my profile or my website. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Full Vida Therapy
Group practice
Yorba Linda, CA
Accepting new clients

At Full Vida Therapy, we work with college students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of who they are or where they’re headed. Whether you're struggling with academic pressure, relationship stress, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, we’re here to support you. Many of our clients are navigating big changes—new independence, identity shifts, burnout, or the feeling that they’re “supposed to have it all figured out.” Therapy with us is a place to slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and build real tools for coping, communication, and confidence. We offer online therapy across California, making it easy to get support from wherever you are—no commute, no judgment, just a supportive space to be yourself and grow.

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Dr. Speed, Inc.
Psychologist
Greensboro, NC
Accepting new clients

Welcome. I am Dr. Christiane Speed. I am a licensed psychologist in CA and NC. I have been practicing for over 12 years and possess extensive experience working with college and university students both in CA and NC. I enjoy helping students regain a sense of control and empowerment over their life struggles so that they can engage and enjoy life more fully and create a healthier academic and personal life balance. A major part of therapy involves helping students adapt to student life, balance school and personal life. Students come to see for help with how to communicate effectively in relationships, and to learn practical coping skills for stress and time management. We work on identifying and managing procrastination, increasing motivation and goal directed activities and setting very clear, realistic, achievable goals and having a growth mindset. Other areas of work might include managing and resolving interpersonal problems, setting healthy emotional, physical and personal boundaries, improving family, friendship and romantic relationships and overall functioning. My areas of specialty include anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, imposter syndrome, OCD, social anxiety, specific phobia), complex stress and life struggles, depression , grief and loss. I take a flexible and individualized approach to treatment and integrate effective techniques from different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. To gain a more holistic understanding, treatment also addresses how cultural, family, medical, physical, social, societal and spiritual factors interact with each client's unique life struggles. My main focus is getting to know each of my client's unique life experiences, difficulties and needs so that I can tailor therapy to best suit what will work best for that client. If you feel that we would be a good fit working together, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to the potential of working with you.

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Sarah Strader-Garcia
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
San Jose, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Heather Warm
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Hector Lomeli
Marriage & Family Therapist
Pasadena, CA
Accepting new clients

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in supporting individuals through challenging times—whether you're struggling with sadness, worry, stress, or facing difficulties in relationships or family dynamics. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Family Therapy, all while recognizing the importance of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in the healing process. When we begin, my priority is to create a safe, supportive space where trust and connection can grow. I believe therapy is most effective when we work together as a team. You bring your unique experiences, and I bring my expertise. Together, we’ll explore your challenges and create a personalized plan that aligns with your needs and goals for growth. I’m deeply passionate about this work because I know firsthand that, even in the most difficult moments, there is always hope. With the right support, resilience, and a willingness to grow, it’s possible to find clarity, strength, and healing. I look forward to partnering with you as we navigate your journey toward positive change and personal growth.

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