Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

What is it you need the most, in order to feel more satisfied with your life, to grow as a person, to grow closer to others, or to feel less anxious or depressed? We cannot always see ourselves clearly from the inside looking out. It can be very helpful to work with a professional therapist with specialized skill and training to discover, work through, and resolve complex experiences we carry with us that can negatively impact our life in ways that are difficult to comprehend on our own.

Maybe what aches most is not the change itself, but the fear that someone you love is slipping out of reach — even if that someone is you. Everything feels different, yet somehow the same. One minute you are putting on pajamas, and the next you are spiraling because it is the first moment of quiet you have had all day. There is this gut feeling that your heart can no longer be bound with band-aids, but soul-searching is a lot before the alarm goes off tomorrow. You do not have to make sense of it all alone at midnight — that is what I am here for. I support clients ages 13–30s through this season of becoming — identity, relationships, independence, pressure, purpose, and transition. With evidence-based care and expressive arts, we use guided reflection, practical strategies, and creative exploration to turn overwhelm into clarity, awaken new direction, and find the light at the end of the tunnel. There is no perfect place to begin. Arrive as you are! I offer virtual therapy sessions for clients located in California, Indiana, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. I am available for a free 15-minute phone consultation, and I invite you to reach out. I look forward to connecting.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you really are? College can be exciting—but it can also feel like too much. Maybe you’ve always been the one who holds it all together, gets straight A’s, and never lets anyone see you struggle. But now, you're anxious all the time, you're exhausted from trying to be “on” 24/7, and even small things feel like a big deal. You might feel pressure to meet expectations—yours or your family’s—and you’re starting to wonder if any of it really feels like you. Maybe you feel like you’re constantly performing. Like you can’t ever fully relax. Or maybe you’re starting to ask big questions about your identity, your future, your values—and it’s scary to realize you don’t have all the answers yet. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with college students who are high achievers, perfectionists, and deep thinkers—especially those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, burnout, or questions around identity and family dynamics. In therapy, you can slow down, breathe, and start untangling the pressure from what you really want. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, more like yourself, and more in control of your life. Sessions are confidential, affirming, and tailored to who you are—not who others expect you to be. I provide inclusive and affirming care and create a space where you don’t have to explain or defend your experiences. Online sessions available for students in CA & WA. In-person sessions available in Santa Monica, CA. If this sounds like what you need, reach out. Things can be different—and therapy is a good place to start.

Do you experience stress, worry, or panic? Does anxiety interfere with your pursuit of personal and academic/professional goals? I can help you overcome your fears and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a compassionate environment in which my clients can learn strategies to attain greater life satisfaction and well-being. My areas of expertise include Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety and worry, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive hair pulling and skin picking). I also support parents who are experiencing anxiety or OCD during the perinatal period. I will collaborate with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs. Through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we'll work together to reduce your distress, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of balance in your life.

Hello, I’m Tessa! I believe that everyone's stories should be heard, their experiences valued, and their strengths recognized. My goal is to create a space where my clients feels safe, understood, and trusted. As a biracial Latinx cisgender woman from a large blended family, my own background influences my approach to therapy. I’ve had the privilege of working with students, parents and families from diverse backgrounds in private practice, community mental health, and school settings. Together, we can navigate challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, life transitions, trauma, loss, identity work, anxiety and depression. Our therapeutic relationship may sometimes look like laughter and smiles, and other times look like facing difficult feelings, delving into your beliefs shaped by cultural and relationships, while honoring your strengths and values that make you, YOU! As your ally and collaborator, I will meet you with compassion, acceptance and empowerment, wherever you are in your journey. We will work together to closely connect you to your goals and preferred sense of self. If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to reach out.

Your path to a calmer, happier life starts here. I am ready to support you at your own pace, providing flexible appointments and personalized care. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple looking to strengthen your connection, or a family aiming to foster harmony, I am here to help. Let’s work together to address anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a healthier path forward for yourself, your relationships, and your family.

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.

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.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

Hello! Welcome! I'm glad you are on this journey to self-discovery and healing. I come from a relational perspective and believe relationships to be incredibly healing. As such, I am authentic, empathetic, and warm. Your goals are our focus and I am here to be with you in the process and learn skills to support your goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Integrated, individualized counseling, coaching, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology!

Serving the San Fernando Valley, the greater Los Angeles area and conveniently located on Ventura Blvd, 15 minutes west of the 405 freeway with neighboring areas including Calabasas, Simi Valley and Malibu, Clearview Outpatient – Woodland Hills utilizes a combination of DBT, CBT, and experiential therapy to meet the individual needs of each client we serve. We specialize in treating adults, 18 years and older, who have mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Woodland Hills, we’re committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality individualized psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care for adults who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness while maximizing social functioning in the real world.

With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.

Hey there! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years of experience, I'm passionate about helping you connect with yourself, grow, and thrive. I've worked with people of all ages navigating depression, anxiety, and more. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your story, explore your strengths, and develop strategies for a balanced life.

I'm a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community who helps Queer people feel less stressed, more fulfilled, and live their best lives. Therapy is normal and healthy, and I would love to partner with you on your mental health glow-up. Reaching out is the hardest part, but you can do this! You can get started by scheduling your free, no pressure consultation through proudcounseling.com (linked at the bottom of my profile) so we can meet and see if I might be a good fit for your mental health glow-up

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of early adulthood? College pressures, family expectations, and your own evolving identity can create a perfect storm of stress and uncertainty. If you're struggling with: -Anxiety or depression that interferes with your daily life -Balancing academic demands with your mental wellbeing -Family tensions as you establish your independence -Uncertainty about your chosen degree or career path -Finding your authentic self amid others' expectations Our work together will help you access those inner resources and build the confidence to chart your own path forward—one that honors both your needs and your potential. Schedule a consultation today and discover how therapeutic support can help you thrive during this transformative time in your life.

Being the first in your family to navigate college and professional settings is filled with excitement, growth, transition, and joy. It can also be lonely, confusing, and stressful. Do you feel caught between two worlds (family and work/school)? Do you underestimate your value or worth in places where you experience prejudice and discrimination? Are you struggling to define or accept who you are and what you value based on tensions with family or your culture? When you are First Gen, there are often challenges in both your professional and personal life that are hard to understand and cope with but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, we will be able to gain clarity on how your experiences are impacted by your personal and family history, your communities, and society as a whole. We will shine a spotlight on your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lean into how amazing you are. We will explore how to manage the sad, frustrating, uncomfortable, and anxious parts of your life in a way that builds you up and grounds you in your values. Existing in two worlds doesn’t have to mean separating your life. You can be your full self with anyone, anywhere. If you are ready to get started on the next stage of your First Gen journey, contact me today!

Hi! I’m Jen, a therapist living & working in Santa Monica, CA. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for teens, adults, and couples, with a special focus on supporting college students navigating life’s big transitions. College can feel like a constant pressure to have it all figured out, like keeping up with classes, planning your future, maintaining relationships, becoming independent. It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss the internal struggles happening under the surface. In our work together, we’ll take a closer look at the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping how you move through the world - not with judgment, but with curiosity. That might mean noticing how the past shows up in the present, tuning into what actually feels good (which often gets overlooked), or learning how to ask for what you need with more confidence and empathy. I know firsthand what it’s like to seem “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. My own experiences navigating high-pressure environments, family dynamics, and personal growth have shown me how powerful it is to have a space for reflection, connection, and honest support. My approach is insight-driven, relational, and strength-based. This means we'll work on understanding why you do what you do, not to label it, but to learn from it, and build on the strengths you already bring to the table. The relationship we build in therapy becomes a space to practice things like vulnerability, setting boundaries, and getting your needs met, so that over time, the changes you make here can ripple into your everyday life — in classes, friendships, dating, and beyond.

I provide both English and Mandarin virtual psychotherapy to individuals and families. My approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS and MI, and I adapt the approach that resonates with my clients; my practice also focuses on our automatic thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, as well as exploring cultural identity, navigating cultural dilemmas, and releasing intergenerational tension. I have more than 7 years of experience helping individuals with mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, cultural identity issues, and generational conflict. I am also equipped with the knowledge to work with individuals with special needs, such as autism and developmental disabilities.