Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Welcome! I'm Isabella. Thank you for finding your way here. I'm an integrative psychotherapist providing tele-health therapy to individuals and couples located within California. I come to this work with a deep reverence for the human experience and the courage it takes to turn inward. I am passionate about supporting highly sensitive souls, and those navigating anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. As someone who is no stranger to the rocky terrain of the psyche, I know what it's like to feel lost, scared, and longing for relief. And yet, even amidst the chaos, there is wisdom, clarity, and calm that can always be found. This, I hold as a deep truth. I completed my practicum training at Saint Mary's College of California CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) where I worked with a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students. I really love working with college students and supporting them through this very important stage in adulthood. If you think we might be a fit, please don't hesitate to reach out!

I am a licensed clinical mindfulness psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Using a creative synthesis of Western science and Eastern philosophy, I can help you develop a set of tools that enable you to better your life, and truly embrace it. I am also an EMDRIA Certified therapist in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

Are you feeling stressed out over having to do too much and not enough time to do it? Are you finding some of your closest relationships changing? Are you finding that you are having mental blocks from stress? Would you like to learn creative, evidence-based practical skills that can facilitate lasting positive change? As an active psychotherapist, musician and counselor for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I work with talented, intelligent and motivated clients who want to obtain greater self compassion and productive strategies to assist in establishing a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives.

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​I am a licensed clinical social worker with experiences in psychotherapy. I am fluent in English and Mandarin to provide culturally competent mental health service. I earned clinical trainings in working with clients in relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, chronic medical conditions, cross-cultural issues, trauma events, employment, grief and loss. As an Asian American psychotherapist, I naturally connect with immigration and acculturation issues that clients experience. And as a parent, I understand the challenge of modern parenting and can provide professional advices. Each therapeutic relationship is unique. I am warm and respectful to each person I treat. I provide a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, confidential, and supportive environment. My theoretical orientation is a combination of psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, multi-systemic, and solution-focused interventions. I aim concentration in these therapy approaches, Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Mindfulness-Based Clinical Practice Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Humanistic Psychology Self-Compassion Psychotherapy My clinical experiences emphasized on "Person in Environment" and "Psychobiological Perspective". Throughout the treatment, I continue to assess the needs of clients, adjust interventions for better result, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative effort and that change is possible. I do my best to work with you in the process of healing and growth. I help you discover various aspect of yourselves, look into issues from new perspectives, increase self-awareness and your confidence to self-help. More in depth in therapy, you will gain more insight to patterns in current relationships informed by early ones, identify barriers to well-being, and understand negative thinkings that impacted on your mood, relationships, and work/academic performances.

Do you feel on edge, stuck in your head, or like you can’t fully connect with the people you care about? Maybe your chest tightens in conflict, or you shut down when things get too overwhelming. These are signs your nervous system is in overdrive—and it’s not your fault. Through integrative somatic and creative therapies, I’ll help you tune into your body, calm your system, and feel safer in yourself and your relationships.

In times of change and stress, it's totally normal to feel a bit anxious and overwhelmed. We might find ourselves feeling a bit lost or just going through the motions without much joy or meaning. You might find yourself not being the person that you want to be, feeling completely lost in a new environment, or struggling to adjust to some current transitions in your life. You hold within yourself the resources to move forward into a more fulfilled, joyful, and peaceful life where you feel in control and like you have the tools you need to manage challenges that come up. Sharing your journey with others, allowing them to witness both your joys and struggles as you navigate transitions, can be transformative. Together, we can explore and uncover the resilience and strength within you to foster a more meaningful and joyful life.

I specialize in working with college students and young adults who are navigating the pressure to excel while managing anxiety, burnout, depression, relationship difficulties, and identity exploration. Many of my clients are thoughtful, driven, and self-aware, yet find themselves feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the life they've worked so hard to build. In therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space to slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and develop tools for lasting change. My style is warm, relational, and evidence-based, helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded and confident in themselves.

My clinical approach is multi-disciplinary and rooted in psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, and humanistic psychology. I also have a background in integrative health and wellness, which can contribute to a more in-depth perspective on treatment. In addition, my work is relational and informed by the belief and the research that the essence of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. It is this relationship that can encourage true and thorough transformation. My style is genuine, collaborative, interpersonal, direct, and non-judgemental, and I encourage clients to be true to themselves and transparent. Although treatment is based on an individual's needs and goals, primary objectives in treatment are to help clients (re)connect to their confidence and curiosity and to reinforce their capacity and resiliency.

I work with clients who are asking "Who am I, apart from the things I've done, as a student, or the job I have?" The work that we'll do together will help you to create a renewed sense of purpose and meaning through empathetic, insightful therapy. Whether you're grappling with burnout, the complexities of relationships, work-life balance, life transition, anxiety, grief, or depression, I will design treatment that matches your unique circumstances and helps you thrive in the world.

Profound change occurs at its best in the context of supportive, empathetic, and insightful relationship. Throughout our lives we will all reach certain times where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, and disconnected from ourselves and our relationships. Maybe this has been you for some time, or maybe this is a more recent state that feels jarring. Wherever you are today, psychotherapy can be the confidential and safe place to show up just as you are. We will work together to uncover and shift the negative patterns keeping you stuck and develop skills to apply off the couch and into your life.

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Very often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients struggle with relationships, feeling comfortable with others, anxiety and depression. College is a formative time but can very often feel that you are alone trying to figure everything out: what do I want to do? How do I separate what I want from what my parents, friends, professors or peers want? Do I feel ready to be an "adult?" Therapy can help you figure out who you are and where you want to go. Most importantly, meeting with a therapist can help you make sense of it all.

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Do you ever feel as though life is even tougher than it should be, or that solutions always seem just out of reach? You're not alone, even though it can feel that way when stress builds up and you're not sure where to turn. Students today face a wide range of challenges on campus, such as demanding classes, financial pressures, and navigating new relationships with professors and peers, not to mention figuring out how you relate to your family, community, or even yourself as you enter adulthood. The uncertainty and decisions can be overwhelming. As a licensed psychologist with almost 8 years of private practice experience in San Francisco, I can help you think through overwhelming situations and develop strategies that will work for you. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and many kinds of life transitions and stress. I believe therapy should provide a welcoming, supportive place to grow and practice relating to thoughts, feelings, and other people in healthier ways. A good therapy session should feel like a satisfying - if challenging, at times! - conversation with someone who really understands your needs and goals.

Hey, I’m Kayla If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or like your brain just won't turn off — you're not alone. Whether you're navigating adulting, college pressure, trauma, identity stuff, or mental health struggles that won’t go away, I’m here to help you figure it out — step by step. I work with young adults (18–24) who are dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, or just a general feeling of “what now?” Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you can explore your story, build practical tools, and feel more in control of your life — without judgment. My Therapy Style My approach is real, supportive, and skills-based. I’ll meet you where you are — no pressure to “fix” anything overnight. You’ll find that I’m curious, empathetic, and genuine — I believe in showing up as a human, not a cold clinical voice. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42376"></script>

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you are struggling with adjusting to college life, anxiety, depression, or difficult emotions, I can help. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I will create a safe place for you to explore yourself, heal, and get guidance. I specialize in building a healthy relationship with yourself first and foremost, and also with people around you. I welcome people of all backgrounds and cultures to my practice. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance. I look forward to talking with you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.