Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

As a therapist I believe that all of use can benefit from the use of help at times in managing the struggles brought on by the stresses of daily living, work, or school, life transitions, grief, and past traumas. Therapy may also be the right choice when long-standing feelings of anxiety, unhappiness or shame have hindered you from living your best life. I focus on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, and spirituality. It is my goal to join with you and together work towards healing and a more meaningful life. The heart of my practice is to empower clients as they journey towards wholeness and health. I provide a safe, respectful, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment for clients to process and explore concerns that brought them to therapy. Am I a good fit to walk with you on your journey? The best way to find out is to begin with a free phone consultation.

Therapy that encourages and empowers Guiding Healing versus Treatment Do you feel alone? Like the world is burning? In today's day and time, it is hard to cope with the day to day. We have political overwhelm as well as climate overwhelm. I hear you. I see you. I don't promise to have all of the answers but I promise to meet you where you are as a human being. I am here to help you cope and provide a nonjudmental and safer space to process your experiences. I will help you learn how to be present in your body and identify what subtle messages your body might be telling you. Clients often describe my "superpower" as being a calming, gentle presence for my clients. You will be the expert of your experience and I am here as a guide. I aim to encourage and empower you to be your authentic self. My therapy style includes the belief that we all live within larger systems that have significant impacts on our physical, financial, mental, and emotional well being. In addition to clinical trauma work, I am a registered yoga teacher. My approach is grounded in the idea that trauma is stored in our bodies and requires more than just talk therapy. I am passionate about helping queer and gender non conforming clients live their most authentic selves with kindness. My experience includes providing therapy to individual adults, typically in the 18-45 age range. My practice is trans affirming and I have experience providing Gender Affirmation Surgery letters. I enjoy working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity issues. I provide kink and poly/CNM informed therapy and have both clinical and lived experience with religious trauma. I’m a sex positive and fat positive clinician. I actively engage in personal and clinical work to provide a safer space for all humans and bodies. I use an anti-racist, person-centered, and trauma-informed lens. It is my opinion that therapy should be collaborative and non pathologizing.

My inspiration to work in the mental health field is to meet the individuals I serve where they are at in their mental health journey. My drive is to provide understanding, empathy, and knowledge to the individuals I work with and to empower them to improve their quality of life. I hope to impact those I serve in a positive way, help them find their strengths, talents and learn to love themselves. Before I was a therapist, I was a certified nurse assistant. As a certified nurse assistant, I saw many of my clients in their most vulnerable state, and alone. I came to find out through my experience that even though I helped my clients with their daily activities, the most important aspect of my job was listening to my clients with an empathetic ear and being by their side during their hardest times. Once I realized I made more of a difference by just listening to my client’s feelings and being there for them, I realized my purpose was to become a therapist. I enjoy building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients by meeting the client where they are at in their recovery, by utilizing humor and providing a safe and empathic environment for clients to share. The methods, approaches and philosophies I use in treatment to build trust with clients are motivational interviewing, crisis interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused-based therapy, narrative therapy, role-play therapy, strength-based approach, behavioral theory, system theory, empowerment theory, and social theory. I have had the honor to build trust and work with all ages, 0-99 years old. I enjoy working with all people from all backgrounds. I have a background working with children and teens in the foster care system, aging adults in skilled nursing home facilities, individuals in mental health stabilization care, and in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I am someone who truly values life and believes in making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. I enjoy learning new things and continuously expanding my knowledge, both personally and professionally. Staying active in my community is very important to me, especially when it comes to advocating for and supporting the people I serve. I take pride in being involved, listening to others’ needs, and working to help create positive change. My passion for helping others, combined with my love for learning and community involvement, motivates me to continue growing and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

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!

Mindful Evolutions was started as a way to help adults, teens, and couples within the area feel happier and healthier through therapy. Each therapist has their own skills they bring to their clients. At Mindful Evolutions we happily welcome into our practices people from many communities and cultures. We provide counseling for all kinds of relationships including LGBTQ, multi-cultural, poly, kink, and heterosexual. Because we believe all people in a family need support, we have a therapist for everyone.

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a degree in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado. Mindfulness informs all aspects of my work, including my emphasis on creating a space of compassion and curiosity in which we can explore, experiment, and journey together. You can't do anything "wrong" in therapy; everything that happens can be mined for wisdom. I have primarily worked with people to address issues related to anxiety, depression, self-concept, and life transitions. I see therapy sessions as a balance between processing and skill-building, in which there is enough open space to explore and also enough direction to come away with concrete action steps to create the desired change. In addition to mindfulness, I have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I frequently guide my clients in getting to know and work with "parts" of themselves. I bring a trauma-informed approach to all sessions, in which safety, empowerment, and self-compassion are held paramount. For trauma-specific work, I utilize my training in EMDR therapy to provide targeted interventions designed to desensitize and reprocess traumatic experiences in the brain. Above all else, I hold a steadfast hope for the ability of each and every person to heal and grow. It is truly an honor and privilege to join my clients in that journey.

My educational, professional, and personal experiences, combined with a profound desire to help people heal and grow, are the foundation of my work as a psychotherapist. I provide a space where you are free to explore and share yourself. I strive to create an environment that allows you to safely discuss, reflect, uncover, and change. My ability to help people feel safe, accepted and welcome has been the cornerstone of my success as a psychotherapist. You may come as you are to address the things that are affecting you today.

I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

Balancing the intense pressures of university life, personal growth, and relationships can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, or emotionally stuck. I provide a collaborative, secure, and entirely non-judgmental virtual space designed to help students and young adults step out of old, survival-mode loops and restore internal harmony. My approach combines the deep, transformative framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with the practical, everyday tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Instead of just analyzing what is wrong, we work together to understand the different 'parts' of who you are—like the inner critic that drives anxiety, or the defensive patterns that complicate relationships. I also specialize in relational work for couples looking to build safe, vulnerable communication. Whether you are managing difficult life transitions, coping with academic burn-out, or exploring issues of identity and belonging, our work will be practical, compassionate, and tailored to your unique history. Fully bilingual services are proudly available in both English and Spanish (Ofrezco psicoterapia en español). To view my real-time openings or instantly schedule an initial insurance consultation via Headway, please click the link to visit my website.

Working with students has been my life's work. For nearly a decade I have focused my practice on teens and young adults facing complicated situations and trauma. Navigating these unique difficulties takes experience. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through these challenges.

Navigating the wild ride of your 20s? I feel you. College throws all sorts of challenges our way, right? The anxiety, stress, and those moments where it feels like life is one big question mark. Well, guess what? You're not alone in this journey. Imagine a space where you can kick back, share your thoughts, and not worry about judgment. That's what our therapy sessions are all about. We get that being in your 20s isn't all Insta-worthy moments. Sometimes, it's about figuring out who you are, dealing with the adulting stuff, and handling emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. So, let's make this journey a bit more manageable. In our sessions, we'll dive into the messiness together, finding clarity, resilience, and maybe even a bit of humor along the way. Because your 20s are a ride, and you deserve a co-pilot. Ready to chat? Cheers to navigating the chaos!

Hi my name is Nekea (nuh-key-yah). As a woman of color, I understand how the different parts of “who we are”, our experiences, identities, and relationships, shape the way we see and move through the world. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real, where you can show up fully without judgment. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultural perspectives. My work is especially centered on supporting women, people of color, adolescents, and public figures as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re healing from grief, processing trauma, or learning to set boundaries and care for yourself in new ways, my goal is to help you reconnect with your voice and your sense of self. Therapy, to me, is both a place of reflection and empowerment, a space to better understand your story and to write new chapters with clarity and confidence.

I enjoy working with those who are struggling with social and general anxiety, adjusting to major transitions in life (like starting college, changing majors, planning graduation), and identity. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

Marc is a seasoned clinician who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his work with clients. CBT focuses on exploring relationships among a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT Marc actively works with clients to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. By addressing these patterns, the client and Marc work together to develop constructive ways of thinking that will produce healthier behaviors and beliefs. For instance, CBT can help clients replace thoughts that lead to low self-esteem ("I can't do anything right") with positive expectations ("I can do this most of the time, based on my prior experiences"). The core principles of CBT are identifying negative or false beliefs and testing or restructuring them. Oftentimes clients being treated with CBT will have homework in between sessions where they practice replacing negative thoughts with more realistic thoughts based on prior experiences or record their negative thoughts in a journal. Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a considerable amount of scientific data supporting its use.

Online sessions are available. Details can be found at https://ginnyestupinian.com/appointments/ In-person office sessions are now also available for those who would rather come into my office. Board-certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I specialize in treating college students who are dealing with severe anxiety, depression, stress, and complex trauma. Over the years, I have worked with many college students who have found themselves feeling anxious and depressed to the point that they can't continue with school. Many students report going down the same rabbit hole; as the demands of college increase, they become strapped for time and start to neglect their usual self-care routines—eating healthy, exercising, and relaxing. Not surprisingly, their mood becomes poor. Sadly, ignoring these early changes will cause things to get worse. Students then reported no longer enjoying activities that were usually the highlight of their day, feeling exhausted continuously but unable to get a good night’s sleep. Next, their class performance suffers; they sometimes miss classes because they can’t get out of bed. In some cases, students find themselves in a dark place, barely eating, and unable to concentrate enough to read even a short paragraph in their books. It is not uncommon that thoughts begin to circle the same unpleasant memories and nagging fears, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and guilt. The good news is that, In many cases, I have been able to help those individuals feel better and develop the resilience strategies they needed so they could continue with school and graduate successfully. When we work together, you can be assured that you will never be judged; everything we discuss will be confidential. You will be provided with the most advanced techniques appropriate to your needs, and they will help you feel better about obtaining the goals you want to reach. No situation is too small or too large that I can't help you with. Call today for more information. 844-802-6512

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.