Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I have a special focus on athletes, performers, and creatives hitting walls, performance blocks, creative freezes, and the trauma quietly running the show from backstage. If you know you're capable of more but something keeps getting in the way, that's exactly where we dig in. I'm mindfulness-based, DBT-informed, and solution-focused, and certified in Brainspotting and Play Therapy. These two approaches reach places that talk therapy alone sometimes can't. Think of them as secret passageways to what's already inside you. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and completely tailored to you: no therapy-speak, just honest conversation, real tools, and a little humor when it helps. Whatever you're carrying, we'll figure out together, building on your strengths at your pace.

I’m a therapist who values honesty, reflection, and meaningful change. I go beyond surface-level work, helping you understand the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shape how you show up in your life. My approach is supportive yet direct. I’ll help you identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck—like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or self-criticism—while creating a space where you feel respected and not judged.

My main inspiration for becoming a therapist is to help people, from all walks of life. I have been working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health since 2006, and specialize in treating clients with Co-Occurring Disorders. Prior to entering the MSW program at San Jose State University, I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, and received my BA degree in 2005. I have a solid background in social theory, and I apply social theory as part of my clinical approach, thus enhancing the therapeutic process. I am continuously working towards my ongoing professional development to help my clients using cutting-edge techniques. Therapy is more than a career, it is a passion and it is my life’s work. My empathetic approach, in which I actively listen to clients and reflect their goals, values, and struggles, fosters understanding and clarity. If I were to summarize what it is like to work with me, I would say “collaborative.” am committed to collaborative relationships with clients to maximize their capacity for growth and their ability to become resilient-to the many speed bumps and potholes along life’s path.”

Deeper Than Color is a team of therapists who offer psychotherapy addresseing oppression, discrimination, and marginalization. We work to empower Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino (Latine/x), Indigionous and Native American, and other People of Color as well as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, performer, educator, and professional clients. We focus on your goals and create safe spaces where you can share without judgment. We work with you to heal trauma, embrace identity, and improve relationships. We also help you cope with stress, overcome barriers, and achieve your aspirations. We are here to support you.

I'm passionate about helping adults and teens heal emotional wounds, nurture healthy relationships, and enhance self-esteem. If you tend to overthink, feel unmotivated, or simply struggle to enjoy the present moment, I'm here to help. I provide a space where you can express and sort through unhelpful thoughts and emotions that you may not feel able to process elsewhere. I am dedicated to helping you rediscover confidence and peace within yourself and in your relationships.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

I provide individual therapy to individuals who are looking for help to cope with life's various twists and turns. I utilize an organic approach to gain an understanding of your specific life situations and stressors that are contributing to your current feelings. I use positive affirmations, strength identification and skill building to encourage you to reach your personal goals. We will work quickly to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms while we learn to identify triggers that may cause these feelings in order to focus on making long term changes that will help you to move forward through life. I would love the opportunity to work with you to find a way to bring out the strength that is inside of you. You are capable of so much more than you can even imagine!

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Dr. Yip is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and specializes in Forensic and Neuropsychology. Dr. Yip takes a collaborative approach to therapy. This approach starts at identifying the roots of the problem by understanding the individual’s social environment, daily needs, obstacles, and daily life. Dr. Yip draws from a variety of treatment modalities to facilitate change through a collaborative process of insight building, goal setting, and reflection.

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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.

I have over 17 years of professional work experience and over 8 years as a LCSW. I have experience in helping clients with Stress, Anxiety, Parenting issues, Motivation, Self esteem, and Confidence. I also have experience working with life changes and relationship issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My treatment modalities include the following evidence based practices: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. In addition, I utilize a biblical approach to teach clients how to calm their inner storm. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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I specialize in Substance Use and Trauma. I work with individuals, families, and provide support for partners and spouses of those struggling with Substance Use. Often underlying trauma, mental and physical disorders, stress and shame, fuel substance use, so without addressing those underlying forces its very difficult to manage your life and break free from addiction. I will come along side of you and provide a safe place to process, an individualized recovery plan, tools and insight through education, and together through discovery we will set goals around breaking free from those underlying issues that drive substance abuse as well as breaking addiction itself. Please check out my website for more information: www.myrecoveryworks.org

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

Whether borderline, narcissistic or simply toxic, wounded and self-centered parents create wounded children. And these children grow up without the basics of warmth and kindness, acceptance and encouragement. In order to survive, we adapt to the needs of our demanding parents. That might mean we learn to parent our parent. Or we develop antennae and quickly respond to their changing moods and needs, simultaneously ignoring our own. We hope if we do and say the right thing long enough, then one day they will be strong enough to finally take care of us. But that day may never come. We can spend our whole life looking for what we didn't get in our childhood. Attract partners who are carbon copies. Perceive other people's innocent remarks as attacking or critical. Maybe we're never quite satisfied with the attention we receive. Or no amount of success is enough. Therapy is a way to find answers and chart a new course; transcend the past and move forward. My approach is pragmatic and straightforward. I do more than just say, "Um huh," or "How does that make you feel?" I offer acceptance and encouragement, as well as feedback and suggestions.

It’s important to me that my clients feel that the therapeutic relationship is a good fit. The first session is free to make sure we click and I can provide referrals in the event that you’d rather see someone else. I have personal experience with many of the issues I treat which makes for a relatable and nonjudgmental experience.

My work is relationally based, and I additionally integrate the approaches of Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which are both mind/body modalities. These approaches have been transformational for myself and many clients I have witnessed because they offer an orientation of radical openness and compassionate inquiry about all parts of your experience.

Luck, interest, fascination of the complexity of the human psyche and opportunity. I find meaning and purpose in the privilege that comes with another’s trust in navigating adapting to life’s inevitable uncertainties. Do you feel heard and understood currently? I understand the general concept, but can you please share what “heard and understood” currently means to you? Where do you feel most and least? Let’s explore that and identify your expectations of me as the provider. Collaborative, insight oriented, strength based skill development. Short term solution focused interventions with the intended strategy to encourage increased autonomy, emotional intelligence/resiliency in accepting and navigating life’s uncertainties and intricacies!

Psychology is a fascinating field and I am passionate about helping people achieve their best selves. I have been practicing therapy for many years and in that time it has been a joy for me to see people find their joy and hope, and thrive! I believe in a collaborative working relationship and thus I approach therapy with a curious mind as we explore and discuss. I like to encourage self-empowerment, agency and independence and I like to check in with clients to confirm what I hear and give them the final say over their choice and life; I am merely the guide. I believe in practicing therapy collaboratively, working together where we will explore and discover the roadblocks and difficulties that brought them into therapy, and introducing new perspectives that will assist them in finding new ways to resolve their challenges. This is a recovery journey and I am merely the guide to assist each client in finding their best selves.