Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I am a Board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Life Span since 2017. I had been practicing Medicine and Surgery in the Philippines from 1985 - 2004.

Our clinicians are trained in numerous evidence based and best practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care.

Something happened, and you've carried it ever since. Maybe it was one event, or maybe it was the slow accumulation of things nobody around you wanted to talk about, or maybe it's the stress of homework and deadlines. You might be stressed about fast-paced campus life. You're showing up, doing what's expected, but underneath that there's a weight that doesn't lift. I work with people who are tired of that weight: People who grew up learning that asking for help is weakness; families fractured by conflict, grief, or addiction; individuals caught in patterns of anxiety, depression, or substance use they can't seem to shake on their own. I work with individuals, couples, families, and teens in person and virtually. Sessions are real conversations. I'm not silent, waiting for you to figure it out. I listen carefully, reflect what I'm hearing, offer a direct perspective when it's useful, and challenge you when that helps. The pace is yours. If you need concrete tools right now, we build them. If you want to understand the deeper patterns, we go there. I know reaching out is the hard part. You don't need to have the right words or a clear plan for what you want to work on. My first session is yours to use however you need it. Show up, and we'll figure out the next step together. I'm glad you're here.

As your clinical psychologist, with over 30 years experience, I am committed to creating an environment where you feel safe and understood. I will assist you in addressing and exploring the challenging issues that have kept you from living the life you would prefer. Originally from SoCal, I have lived in Athens for a total of ten years, have two adult children, and have worked extensively with college students, at both UGA and CSUN. Although it needs to be challenging at times, my goal is to make therapy a very positive, fun, and productive experience for you. I work together with you,utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, with an emphasis on solution-based therapy. Having spent almost nine years post-grad (3.5 years Masters, 5 years Doctorate), I personally know the challenges of being a student. I personalize my approach to be the one that is most effective for " you." We will work to find healthy changes that are important in assisting you to be happier, less anxious or depressed, and more fulfilled.

Providing culturally sensitive, inclusive and trauma informed therapy for individuals with anxiety, depression, relational trauma, intergenerational family trauma, perfectionism/high achieving, low self esteem and relationship issues.

I offer in-person sessions in two locations: Employed by Havenly Counseling Collective in Los Gatos, CA Supervised by Melinda Olsen, LMFT 111165 Employed by Leela Mental Health in Palo Alto, CA Supervised by Moitreyee Chowdhury, LMFT 121934, LPCC 9238 I also offer teletherapy throughout California. I support those who are looking to understand both themselves and their relationship to the world and others more deeply. I am a queer, Chinese American woman with Hong Kong roots living with a chronic health condition in a world shaped by many systems that create barriers for people like me. My mission is to challenge those systems and empower my clients to do so as well by helping them discover their individual needs and find meaning along the way. I believe healing is not linear, and I aim to support you in finding comfort within discomfort by exploring creative approaches that align with your unique needs. I want to do therapy with you. The therapist-client relationship can feel new and vulnerable and I recognize that safety is ultimately co-created. Together, let’s discover ways we can gently bring back genuine, meaningful play and color into life again. I emphasize the present moment, always through a multicultural, feminist, and queer-affirmative lens. I also bring my diverse background in nonprofit museums and education to my practice, integrating creative and science-backed perspectives.

Hi, I’m Jeremy. I work with thoughtful, high-functioning graduate or university students who often appear successful on the outside but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious underneath. Many are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or a persistent sense that something in their life or work isn’t quite aligned. Many have tried therapy before—or spent a lot of time thinking things through on their own—but still feel like something isn’t shifting. My approach is different. I combine depth with practical movement. We don’t only explore what’s going on—we focus on how to shift it in a grounded, realistic way that fits your actual life. Therapy with me is collaborative, active, and focused on helping you regain clarity, direction, and momentum in areas that feel stuck or uncertain—whether that’s relationships, work, identity, or decision-making. I have over a decade of experience supporting adults through life transitions and identity shifts. I received my clinical training at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Washington.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

Hi there! I’m Jocelyn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in supporting individuals who were expected to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. Together, we'll explore the lasting impacts of family trauma, including the unique experiences that can come with growing up in immigrant families, navigating cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and breaking generational cycles of trauma.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides support for individuals and families. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, identity, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, stress management, trauma, and life transitions. I am passionate about creating a collaborative relationship to support and empower people to achieve their goals and strengthen their innate resilience. I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe and heard. My style is interactive, experiential, and adaptable; guided by the following post graduate trainings/certifications: ACT, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. I work collaboratively with you and support you in finding a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. You’ll be met with warmth and curiosity. I intend to get to know you - your story, your hopes, your needs, and your goals. It takes courage to seek therapy, and I look forward to supporting you.

After working in the developmental disability and mental health field for many years I decided to pursue an education to become a therapist. I wanted to support people with improving their quality of life regarding relationship problems, life transition difficulties, self-esteem struggles, and emotional healing from past and current trauma. I have been working in the developmental disability and mental health field for over 20 years and I’ve always felt a strong passion to do this work. My educational background includes a BA in Education from the University of Akron and a M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Kent State University. I hold a national certifications as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and a National Certified Counselor. As a therapist, I take a holistic and collaborative therapeutic approach. I consider the physical, mental, and spiritual factors that influence someone’s well-being. My Approach is to create a sense of self-awareness and to understand the connections between mind, body, and relationships. In collaboration I enjoy exploring how these areas impact a person’s mental health. As a therapist I have a compassionate and empathetic style that creates a safe space where you can share intimate details of your life. I bring valuable experience in supporting individuals navigating issues such as anxiety, disabilities, feelings of stagnation, and challenges in attaining a state of inner peace. With my collaborative approach, we will work on navigating uncertainty, embracing yourself, and building stronger relationships and supports. The strategies and skills that I teach can be practiced on their own outside of the therapy sessions.

I will work collaboratively with you to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. These issues may include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, grief/loss, and trauma. I am passionate about working with young adults, teens, and adults. I offer both virtual and in-person sessions in Glendale and Encino. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, struggling in relationships, or questioning who you are and where you're going, you’re not alone. College can bring a lot of pressure—academically, socially, and internally. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're going through, and feel more like yourself again. Together, we’ll work to understand patterns that may be holding you back, build tools to manage stress and anxiety, and support you in developing a stronger sense of identity, confidence, and direction. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more able to navigate your life with clarity and self-trust.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Melanie invites you to explore and embrace all the parts of who you are, recognizing that your intersecting identities shape your experiences and the way you interact with the world. She takes a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and at times, direct approach that blends working toward meaningful goals with staying present. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of humor, she creates a space where you feel safe enough to risk vulnerability. You might benefit from working with Melanie if: - You're facing a big change, like a breakup, a move, a new job, or a loss, and feeling untethered. - You've achieved a lot, but continue to be plagued by anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt. - You're an athlete, artist, or high performer, whose inner life doesn't match your outer success. - You're processing trauma or childhood experiences that still impact you today. - You want support managing stress, emotion dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. - You're tired and frustrated by not getting what you want out of your relationships. - You wish you could set appropriate boundaries, find the words to articulate the internal workings of your mind, and have the confidence to express your needs.​

College is often a time of growth and change. Some days feel fun and exciting while at other times you may feel lonely and overwhelmed. Students are adjusting to living with roommates and trying to balance studies with socializing. Homesickness is common, as are sadness, stress, and sleep disturbances. College often allows young people to embrace their true selves and start anew. Please join me in a therapeutic, non-judgmental space to explore and process your feelings as you navigate this important time in your life. No topic is off-limits. I enjoy and feel privileged to work with this population and welcome the opportunity to connect soon.

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.

We are a group of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) here to help you feel better. Here is a brief overview of what we do. LMFTs: Our LMFTs focus on support women through their motherhood journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. We focus on helping smart, high achieving women navigate the stressors of starting a family while maintaining their career goals. We use a compassionate electric approach to therapy pulling interventions from different theoretical orientations and customizing our care plan to fit each individual woman's unique needs. AMFTs: Our AMFTs focus on working with young adults (16-24 years old) and supporting them in their transition into adulthood. It is hard to navigate what type of career you want to have, who you want to become, and what kind of friend you want to be. Our AMFTs are here to help you figure it out and support you as you find your path in life.