Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I believe that we have within us, the power to create the life we desire. We possess inner strengths and skills that can help us overcome challenges and live a fulfilled life. However, accessing this power can be an overwhelming task that may require support. Allow me to be an unbiased, compassionate and caring partner in your journey. I help individuals and couples explore their thoughts and emotions, reframe distorted beliefs, replace unhealthy patterns and unblock past traumas. I use elements of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Parts Work, Brainspotting, Prepare/Enrich and other modalities to help you achieve your goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations, in various settings, like working with college students at CAPS, working with young professionals, current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, couples and other adults. I help clients unlock their true potential and work through issues of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and more. Ready? Let the healing begin! In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

In my case, it was both personal experiences and deep interest in the understanding of people. I have always been interested in how we navigate life’s challenges and how we can grow from them. Early on, I saw how powerful it can be to have someone listen with empathy and help make sense of difficult situations. That really sparked my desire to pursue therapy-to be that support for others. I ultimately believe that everyone deserves a space to be heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes. I understand how very important it is to feel heard and understood, and I am committed to creating that space with you. I will listen without judgment and make sure I clearly hear your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I will ask questions to further that understanding and reflect back what I hear so that you know I’m with you in this process. What I want for you is to feel heard and understood, and at any time if something feels misunderstood, please let me know because it is important to me that you feel validated and respected throughout this process. We go at your pace, and I am transparent regarding the process, goals, and any obstacles. Trust means I’m here for you with no judgments and that I truly care about your well-being. Our work together will be a collaboration in which we explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Honesty is the best policy-if something isn’t working, I encourage you to let me know so that we can make an adjustment. Most importantly, this is a safe space where you are heard, respected, and valued for your unique experiences.

For over 30 years, we have worked with individuals to confront experiences of suffering and conflict through existential psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Our mission is to help you uncover the meaning behind your struggles and rediscover the passion, love, and joy that may feel elusive. Whether you seek clarity, healing, or growth, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

Santa Cruz Therapy Collective (SCTC) is a place for support, healing, and growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making sure you connect to a therapist who understands and can help you overcome your struggles. We’re trained in science-backed techniques that help you become more mindful, reflective, and connected as you build resilience, manage distress, and feel more fulfilled. As a therapy client at SCTC, you’ll have engaging, thought-provoking sessions that give you clarity, perspective, and self-compassion.

Treating mental illness requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus. Pacific Mind Health integrates evidence-based treatments into a customized health plan that optimizes mental health outcomes. Pacific Mind Health practitioners are here for patients who need help managing a myriad of mental health issues: • TMS- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation • Anxiety • Depression • Substance Abuse • Mood Disorders • Addiction • Panic Disorders • Sleep Disorders • Coping with Dementia • Behavioral Disturbances • Coping with Chronic Illness • Life Transitions • ADD & ADHD • Schizophrenia • Bipolar Disorder Pacific Mind Health was founded in 2017 by Dr. Joshua Flatow, a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in innovative therapies, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. With his team of providers, Pacific Mind Health treats patients across California with in-person and telepsychiatry appointments, making continuity of care readily accessible.

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

I am Daniela Paolone, a Marriage & Family therapist in California (Lic 90752) & Wyoming (LMFT-223). I am passionate about helping you move out of pain so that you can experience a more fulfilling & rewarding life. As a Latina & Italian therapist, I enjoy working w/diverse ethnic, cultural, religious & gender groups. I specialize in Latine counseling, chronic pain & illness, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, women's health, relationship stressors & caregiver support. Living with my own health challenges has helped shape my practice & approaches to give clients tailored support to help them reach their goals. Many of my clients prefer talk therapy with Brainspotting to better manage anxiety, burnout, depressed mood, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, caregiver stressors, medical trauma & chronic pain & illness experiences. Other clients I see are caregivers or parents who are overwhelmed taking care of others while not being able to look after themselves. If we get the opportunity to work together, we will explore your strengths & current ways of coping & use that to build upon & create an action plan. I focus on giving you tools, resources & exercises that are easy to use so that you can feel more at ease, more resilient & less stressed by your circumstances. You do not have to do this alone!

Dr. Cawkwell is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Having been trained at several elite institutions including UPenn, NYU, Harvard/MGH, and Stanford, Dr. Cawkwell has a specific interest and expertise in ADD/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, and Early Psychosis (Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder).

Navigating life’s transitions can feel overwhelming—whether it’s moving to a new city, starting college, getting married, going through a divorce, changing careers, or grieving a loss. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly when these challenges arise during times of change. At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change begins with a strong, genuine relationship between therapist and client. What makes my practice unique is my commitment to helping clients discover and connect with their authentic selves. So often, conflict and distress arise when we feel out of alignment with who we truly are—or when we’re not even sure who that self is. My goal is to help you move toward a life where you feel more genuine, grounded, and whole. I strive to create a space where you feel both validated and challenged, using an integrative approach that draws from psychodynamic, narrative, and emotion-focused therapies. Together, we will explore patterns, reframe perspectives, and connect with the parts of yourself that feel most authentic. In our early sessions, you can expect us to spend time building trust, exploring what brings you to therapy, and clarifying your goals. We’ll focus on understanding your unique story and laying the foundation for the work ahead, at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy, to me, is about introducing you to yourself—sometimes for the very first time. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.

I enjoy helping college students and adults who suffer from mental health and/or substance abuse problems. I am a highly effective leader who personalizes the care of each client. I offer my clients a highly personalized approach which typically includes spiritual, Buddhist, Mindfulness, and/or secular, Western, approaches (ACT, CBT, DBT) of therapy. I am extremely well versed in 12 Step and SMART approaches to recovery from alcohol and drugs. Clients needing help with managing emotions, relationships, and meeting their goals through private, individualized care and goal setting will find me most helpful. I work, live and volunteer in San Diego and throughout CA.

Living is so much more than simply breathing, eating, and sleeping—it’s about thriving. Are you truly living? Do you wake each day with a sense of purpose and hope, yet find yourself wanting support in setting goals or creating a plan for change? Are you struggling to understand who you are at your core or how to navigate an ever-changing, demanding world? What does living your life really mean to you—and are you growing, adapting, and responding in ways that feel healthy and harmonious? If not, I can help. I provide therapy, parenting support, and clinical supervision for individuals, couples, and families. My clients range from young children (as early as 18 months) to adults at all stages of life. I specialize in working with military families, divorce and infidelity, parent-child relationships, severe mental illness, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger’s, complex medical conditions, and career transitions. Life is multifaceted—each part influences the others. Together, we’ll explore how these facets affect your wellbeing, relationships, productivity, and happiness. My approach is strengths-based, supportive, and collaborative. We begin wherever you are, working at your pace to build insight, resilience, and growth. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to help you not just live, but thrive.

I love being a Mental health Therapist. I have been licensed as a Marriage and family child therapist, since January, 5 1985. I have worked in private practice and with Medical groups to provide the best mental health care available to each individual and to our community. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and with adolescents to improve daily functioning and improved mental health. I see each client as an individual with past experiences that only they can share their own history. It is very important to listen to what the client has experienced and to share their history. Trust and an empathetic relationship is paramount to have the client feel heard and safe.

I'm here as you navigate a challenge that has arisen for you. Perhaps, there is a specific situation you want to sort through, or maybe it feels more nebulous. You may be coping in ways that aren't wholesome or sustainable. There is hope! Together, we will figure out how to find more balance, more authenticity and more joy in your life again.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, trained with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. During my healthcare career, I have worked with diverse patient populations including oncology, pediatrics, telemetry, and patients with extensive medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. I am inspired by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with their mental health by helping them navigate mental health challenges. I know that everyone has a unique story and challenges, and because of this, I work together with clients to make a care plan individualized for them. My goal is to help you achieve your goals.

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.

Hi, I'm Shari, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. With over 7 years of experience, I provide an affirming, empowering, and solution-oriented approach tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported as we work together to build on your strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and you are the expert on your own life. My approach is affirming, empowering, and solution-oriented, helping you build on your strengths while developing practical tools to navigate life's challenges. I tailor each session to your unique goals and needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. We'll also begin working on the concerns that brought you to therapy, so you can leave with practical insights, strategies, and a clear path forward.

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.

We are a group of therapists who share the vision of providing mental health services to our community, that are inclusive and affirming. Collectively, we have a variety of cultural backgrounds, education, training, areas of expertise, and life experiences that we bring to the work with our clients. We are bilingual and bicultural. We provide services in English and Spanish and provide services to ALL including the Spanish-Speaking and Latinx/e community. Hablamos Español! Please see our website, call or e-mail us for any questions you may have, we are here to help!