Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

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College can be an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming, confusing, and really hard to navigate. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, big life decisions, or just feeling unsure of who you are and where you’re headed—you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in working with college students and young adults who are in this exact stage of life. My approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping you build the confidence and clarity you need to move forward. I’m here to offer a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and start making changes that actually help you feel better.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Hi! I'm Laura. I work with folks from all walks of life who are looking to build (or re-build) their connection to themselves and others. My clients tend to struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, self-worth, perfectionism, exploring their identities, attachment trauma, and relationship issues. I work within an intersectional perspective to cultivate a space that is inclusive and welcoming to all so my clients can feel safe to embrace vulnerability and explore themselves deeply. If you decide to work with me, we'll examine parts of your past, challenges in the present, and hopes for the future while honoring your intersecting identities and natural strengths. I'll hold space for you to cry, vent, make jokes, or swear — while helping you to deconstruct unhelpful patterns, dismantle perfectionism, set healthier boundaries, heal past wounds, and embrace your most authentic self. My approach is modern and eclectic, integrating EMDR, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and narrative techniques with psychodynamic, feminist, existential, and humanistic theories. This means I draw from multiple modalities to personalize your care based on your needs. Through both research-based techniques and being a real + approachable human, my goal is to help you find clarity and healing while creating meaningful and sustainable change.

Anxiety, sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, self-doubt, distress, difficulty sleeping and discomfort in our bodies are indicators that we need support. I am passionate about helping clients navigate difficult transitions, using these challenges as catalysts for healing and growth. With over 25 years of experience in various therapeutic modalities, I provide client-centered and trauma-responsive therapy grounded in compassion and empathy. It is a privilege to guide clients in processing and integrating past and present experiences. I employ Internal Family Systems (IFS) "parts work" (an approach that helps us understand and heal from past experiences by identifying and addressing different parts of our psyche), attachment theory, EMDR and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).

Relationships are the most rewarding and often the most difficult parts of our lives. If you're struggling in your romantic relationship, friendships, family or even in your relationship with yourself...you're not alone. Negative thoughts and feelings can keep you from the life you want with the people you love. Counseling can give you the support and encouragement you need to help move forward and find new, better ways to communicate and connect. It can be difficult to know who to trust with the things you're going through. Therapy offers you a confidential, comfortable place to talk about the things in your life that are hard to share with others. Together, we can uncover your strengths and use them to create a plan to give you relief from the uncomfortable place you're in today.

My psychiatric specialties include psychiatric management of mild to moderate mental health concerns, and treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan, substance use disorders, advanced treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Integrative Mental Health, Lifestyle Medicine. I see patients in the following areas but not limited to ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia. I treat clients who identify as members of the BIPOC community (Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander…etc) and the LGBTQ+ community. I also treat patients who may not identify within these communities but are allies to those who do as well.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support people in a wide range of settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, residential programs, and homeless shelters. These experiences have allowed me to work closely with individuals facing many different challenges and life circumstances. Working across these environments has helped me develop a flexible, compassionate approach to care. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are—whether they’re in crisis, navigating major life transitions, or working toward long-term healing and stability. My background has shaped my ability to provide thoughtful, personalized support that is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the complexities people face. I specialize in general mental health, anxiety/depression, substance abuse, and Christian centered psychotherapy. Therapy is a space for growth through trust, curiosity, and reflection. I use humor, metaphor, and insight to guide exploration with compassion, seeing vulnerability not as weakness but as fertile ground for healing, self-awareness, and resilience. Together, we'll explore root causes and develop a practical plan for change. Many notice symptom relief within weeks and continue to make steady progress, gaining a stronger sense of control and connection in their lives. Together, we'll explore your unique path toward well-being.

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Navigating college life can be a lot! Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, juggling academics and social life, dealing with anxiety or depression, or facing the unique challenges of being a student mom or pregnant/postpartum, it's okay to ask for support. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore these challenges and develop coping strategies. My approach is tailored to your individual needs, drawing from person-centered therapy to ensure you feel heard and understood, interpersonal therapy to help you navigate relationship dynamics, and cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thought patterns. I'm here to support you in building resilience, improving your well-being, and achieving your goals during this important chapter of your life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Thank you for stopping by! I'm Richard and trained in Narrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and am a certified expert in Media and Medicine. Prior to attending Harvard Medical School, I was a Fellow and Positive PsychoIogy Division Member at Harvard/McLean Hospital/Institute of Coaching. I believe that you are the expert in your life story and have many hidden strengths that can be discovered to overcome obstacles and create positive outcomes. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in this discovery process of achieving optimum health. My prior experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners along with working on Billion $ revenue generating productions allowed me to garner an understanding of the dreams and ambitions of wanting to get to the top, staying at the top, and balancing school/career/family/relationship demands. At times we may run into relationship problems or addictions when we strive to live up to personal and family obligations and expectations and want our share of success. When one side of the scale becomes heavier, it causes an imbalance. In order to bring balance back into lives, I provide CBT, Solution-focused, and Motivational Interviewing psychotherapy evidence-based practices with a humanistic perspective. I utilized my psychotherapeutic interventions with clients to assess, navigate goals, and help improve the lives of clients associated with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. My clients include Fortune 100 executives and program managers who are of diverse backgrounds. As a psychotherapist and performance psychology business coach, I have prior experience working with Emmy, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning production teams at Paramount, Universal and Miramax. My credits include Frasier (NBC), Rush Hour 2 (New Line Cinema), The Italian Job (Paramount), Tea with Mussolini (Universal), Life of Luxury (Glorious Art Entertainment), The Howard Stern Show (E! Entertainment), Emmy Awards (ABC), and uncredited writing of the original story treatment for Tropic Thunder (Dreamworks SKG). My contributions to the field of mental health as a clinician-researcher garnered a Los Angeles County Commendation for investigating group psychotherapy practices within the Los Angeles County Department of Probation. I have studied mindfulness behavior/integrative medicine at UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Resource Center. Helping you achieve optimum health is my goal. I provide psychotherapy to those who are seeking caring support, change, or improvement in their lives as individuals, couples, and families; wanting to establish stronger work, family, and/or team organizational objectives, assuaging anxious thoughts, depression, or stressors associated with life challenges. My expertise is working with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, school and career transitions, illnesses, family and marital issues, and co-occurring disorders.

I provide therapy in English and Spanish. I received my Master's Degree from JFK University. I have been in the Mental Health field for 18 years. In my first 10 years I worked with children, teens, young adults, and families. Since then I have been working with adults. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I utilize evidence based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, problem solving therapy, behavioral activation, and EMDR. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.

Paper Cranes Counseling aims to reduce anxiety and depression by strengthening your sense of self and helping you foster fulfillment in your significant relationships.

You are feeling stuck and overwhelmed from the pain and trauma of your past. At times it feels like your body and mind are at odds, out of your own control, and you feel distant from yourself and others around you. You're unsure of how to move forward but you know it can't continue on like this. You're looking for a sense of peace and safety within yourself and your relationships. You want to finally leave the past in the past and show up as more wholly you. Whether you are just beginning to explore the ways your past has impacted you or you've been in therapy before, I believe lasting change and healing is possible.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Psychiatrist with more than a decade of experience in psychiatry treating adults and adolescents with a combination of medications and therapy.