Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

I have had the honor of working as a therapist for 30 years in various settings such as a battered women’s shelter, Child Abuse Reunification programs and the Private Sector. My style as a therapist is calm, empathic and compassionate while using my training, experience and humor to assist my clients on their journey of growth and healing. My practice is focused on helping individuals and couples live a more connected and authentic life, overcoming trauma, managing anxiety and depression, and creating a life that they have always dreamed of. I specialize in working with women and young adults who are moving away from a negative relationship or who are in transitional stages of their lives. I work collaboratively with the client to explore the patterns in their life that are inhibiting them from living the life they desire. I focus on the whole person, mind body and soul to heal the pain from the past and create new and more effective means of communicating with others and in the world in which they live. In my practice I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy and Visualization to provide the most effective ways to regain balance and mental health.

I work with couples and adults. I help college students who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or feel overwhelmed by the transition to college, their workload, or have experienced a loss. I help couples rebuild/strengthen their friendship, learn how to manage their conflict and find ways to compromise, deal with differences in parenting, process past hurt, and deal with other stressors that can impact the relationship, such as OCD, Depression, in-law problems, work schedules, or working together. I also offer premarital counseling for couples hoping to navigate important conversations prior to marriage. I support adults with work stress, anxiety, family/relationship issues, grief, divorce, and acclimating to college or any other big life transition. I'm certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and received intensive training in the Gottman Method for Couples therapy. Both are research- based, which means they have been shown to be effective. It also means that there are many tools that I can draw from to support you. Reaching out for help is a vulnerable thing and finding the right therapist is KEY to a successful journey in therapy. I offer free phone or video consultations to make sure you get a sense of what it might be like to work with me, and for me to hear more about you and make sure I have the tools/experience to help you. I hope to hear from you soon!

With 13 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, I enjoy the opportunity to create a safer space for people to explore personal growth, discover ways to thrive with unique challenges and give themselves permission to live at their own pace. I specialize in Trauma informed care, EMDR and Process arts. I come from a person centered approach. I enjoy helping people work through traumas such as auto accidents, sexual trauma, assaults, medical trauma and abuse. I help people find ways to manage and navigate bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, chronic pain and psychosis. I have specialized training and volunteer in spaces to support the LGBTQ, kinky, poly and disabled populations.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I have been described by clients and colleagues as non-judgmental, warm (but direct), validating, and compassionate - I'd like to think that's true, but who am I to say? In any case, my hope is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, heal past wounds or trauma that continue to cause pain today, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves and our "flaws", the freer we are to make meaningful changes in our lives. I work with adults, couples, and sometimes groups. I work with all types of issues, but my specialties include adult children of narcissistic and/or abusive parents, trauma-related disorders, couples therapy, men and masculinity, managing anger, self compassion/acceptance, depression/anxiety, substance use/addiction, and cultural issues (family conflict, intergenerational trauma, issues of identity, etc.). Having been on the other side, I know it's sometimes hard to know what you need, so I offer free phone consultations to help get you started on your path. My website also has resources for self-help - feel free to browse through that as well. And I usually respond quicker to email, so please feel free to message me anytime and we can schedule a time to chat!

I am certified in utilizing interventions from multisystemic therapy, which specializes in working with families and adolescents that may be experiencing behavioral concerns with aggression, lack of following rules or boundaries in the home or community, commercial sexual exploitation, and substance abuse. I specialize in empowering clients to work on increasing their insightfulness and targeting attainable goals for their desired outcomes for counseling. I provide a safe environment to discuss strategies to help clients cope with their emotional obstacles so they can be better prepared to find effective solutions to their unique challenges. I can utilize interventions that are commonly utilized in multisystemic therapy to help empower caregivers to increase their parental hierarchy in the home to help decrease their adolescent’s at-risk behaviors. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

Let's be real - anxiety and depression can cripple anyone's life, especially students and graduates. These symptoms often cause people to feel "hopeless" and can damage academic performance, family and personal relationships, one's sense of fulfillment, and individual identity. For many years, I've successfully treated college students struggling with anxiety and depression. I specialize in blending a unique combination of therapeutic methods that helps students to overcome life's hardships. My goal is to be your ally - I work at your pace to help you achieve the goals we've set together. Much of my practice focuses on people seeking support in improving self-worth, increasing motivation, and finding direction in life. I have a long and meaningful history of working in particular with minority communities and their unique challenges, especially Asian-Americans and LGBTQ+ people. 650.690.8909 www.WellnessWaysCenter.org

College life can be tough - talking to someone who understands you can offer real support, so you don't have to navigate your problems alone. Suppose you are struggling between exams, trying to navigate relationships, dealing with identity exploration, anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, or need a space to breathe, reflect, and grow. In that case, you are in the right place. I offer flexible scheduling that accommodates your classes and competitive rates. You can contact us by phone or email to request a brief consultation. If you wish to proceed with scheduling an appointment, please book your first session using the website below.

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

Are you struggling in your current relationships? You’ve noticed you put other people’s needs first, are unable to say “no” even when it hurts, get attached too quickly and worry people will leave you. If this is you, together we can explore, understand, and navigate the challenges that you’re currently facing in your relationships. You will learn how to set boundaries and learn skills that will help improve your self-esteem. Know that you're not alone.

Therapy is an important investment in you. A foundation to my approach is forming an impactful relationship committed to helping. I offer a safe space to help support you through the challenges you bring to session. My therapeutic style is from a positive place of encouragement and insight while providing support to align your goals. I work to find strength within to help you find happiness. I've worked in private practice as well as in outpatient treatment, community mental health, and partial hospitalization programs. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

I specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

I became a therapist because I want to help people become their best selves. I always want to help you feel understood, safe, and supported, in a completely non-judgmental space, especially if these things are already lacking in your life. You should know that you can talk to me without fear of judgement and that I care about you, and all of my clients. I have experience with both children and adults. All ages are welcome! I make an effort to meet clients where they are and ask what they hope to gain from their time with me. I try to build trust by taking a nonjudgmental approach of positive regard for all my clients. I will tailor my approach to the situation and to what the client wants. For some that will mean more empathetic listening, for others it may mean more praise, positive feedback, coping skills, increasing awareness, reframing a situation or a certain level of coaching. I find that everyone is different and has different needs, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you soon!

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.

FREE consultations! Are you feeling stuck in negative thoughts, intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don't serve your best interest? Are you hoping to build more meaning and joy in your life? You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to "have it all together". We're here to join you on this journey to discover healing and build a balanced life. Our goal is to help you find compassion for yourself, develop skills to help you navigate life stressors, identify how you can become the best version of yourself, and be confident in the resilient person you are. We work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image issues, life transitions, and trauma who want to build a better future. We have been told by clients our therapists are warm, caring, skilled, and authentic. We primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients achieve more skillful ways of coping. If you want to work towards positive change in mind and body wellness, we're ready when you are.

I offer individual therapy for people recovering from unhealthy relationships and interpersonal trauma. I also provide gender affirming therapy and WPATH letters for gender affirming surgeries. I create a supportive space in which you can feel seen, understood, and accepted, and in which your lived experience and your values are centered. I offer in-person therapy sessions in Portland, Oregon, and telehealth sessions throughout California and Oregon. I admire the bravery it takes to begin therapy. For those of us who have been harmed in relationships, it takes time to build trust. Together, we'll decide on a pace and process that feels safe and supportive. Visit flourishauthentically.com for more info and to request a free 15-minute call so you can decide if I'm the best fit for your healing journey. My experience and how I work: My work has been dedicated to serving survivors of unhealthy relationships and interpersonal trauma (e.g. intimate partner violence, sexual assault, community violence, immigration trauma, intergenerational trauma, and systemic and historical oppression). I’ve specialized in supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, complex health issues, chronic pain, and substance use in relationship to trauma. I’ve worked extensively with gender-expansive (Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, etc.) clients and provided WPATH assessments/letters for gender affirming surgeries. I am a compassionate, experienced, and affirming therapist, working from a feminist and liberatory framework. I identify as a white, queer, cisgender able-bodied woman with lived experience relevant to my work. I think about identity, suffering, and healing in the context of the oppressive systems that impact peoples’ lives (e.g. patriarchy, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, fatphobia, ableism, etc.), and understand that healing ourselves in turn benefits our loved ones and communities. I create a supportive space in which you can feel seen, understood, believed, and in which your lived experience and your values are centered. I am aware of the power dynamics that exist in a therapeutic relationship, especially when our identities differ, and welcome this often-avoided issue into the room. No need to perform or edit yourself. This is a chance to show up as your full brave self.

I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.