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Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

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Sahar Akhtar
Licensed Professional Counselor
San Francisco, CA

Students come to me for various reasons. Sometimes it is to understand why they are feeling the way they are feeling, to understand unwanted symptoms, or behaviors, to understand why their motivation has shifted, or to learn strategies to manage symptoms. I specialize in trauma and health

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Natalie Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Pain can quietly shape your life and sense of self, even when things look “fine” from the outside. It may show up as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, low self-esteem, substance use, or painful relationship patterns. You might notice yourself longing for closeness while also pulling away, or repeating dynamics you don’t fully understand. You may be navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, or longstanding attachment patterns that continue to surface in the present. Even when you can make sense of your experiences, something may still feel unresolved or unmoved. Together, we take time to know you and to understand how you experience yourself and others—how you relate, protect, and respond to closeness and emotion. We also pay attention to patterns as they emerge in your life and in therapy. My style is warm, collaborative, and relational. Our work supports greater awareness and a sense of safety, gradually loosening what has felt fixed so new possibilities can emerge. You’re welcome to reach out for a complimentary consultation. I reserve a few sliding scale spots for college students. Please reach out for more info.

Photo of Brad Smallwood
Brad Smallwood
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

I am a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, where I work primarily with individuals and some families. My main focus of treatment and experience are in anger management, teenagers, life transitions, and relationships. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults as they develop their personal identity and grow towards healthy independence and need support they cannot get from their peer or parent group. I have a great deal of experience with young adults and mid-life individuals facing career stress/fatigue and significant life challenges such as divorce, addiction/recovery, and trauma. I have experience in working with the parents of children who are learning to support the needs of a youth with emerging mental health issues. Prior to opening my practice, I worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings, as both a clinician and clinical supervisor, ranging from college counseling centers, inpatient psychiatric facilities, juvenile correctional centers, and community-based agencies to a very diverse populations of individuals and families. Additionally, I am the in-house therapist for Square, a large financial technology company here in San Francisco. My background training in the field is influenced greatly by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, and Humanistic/Person Centered Theory. I have received extensive training in Anger Management and have facilitated numerous groups to address issues associated with anger control. I also regularly facilitate trainings on the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. My approach with each individual is very collaborative. I truly believe in identifying the goals the client wants to get out of their work with me and determining the best strategy for getting results. Often times, to augment the therapy one is receiving, a person will also work with psychiatrists, nutritionists, school teachers/counselors/tutors, sponsors, sobriety companions, and other healthcare providers. I have vast experience in working and coordinating treatment with other professionals to create the most effective plan of care for you to get the results you define. I have a very broad knowledge of services offered within the San Francisco Bay Area and can be of assistance in making these connections and referrals. I am also a firm believer in constant personal and professional growth through ongoing learning, reading, research, peer and professional consultation, and experience. Outside of work, I regularly train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and really enjoy surfing. I have been fascinated by stand-up comedy since I was a child and watch live shows as often as possible. I live here in San Francisco with my wife and our dog, Leonard.

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Dr. Cecilia Winfield
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA

We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered. My experience working with young and emerging adults has allowed me to effectively support people in finding both a work-life balance and relief from stress. My areas of interest and specialization include working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relationship issues, grief, family-of-origin concerns, disordered eating, trauma, and self-acceptance. I'm committed to providing therapy to people of all races, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and nationality. I work with adolescents and adults. I provide psychological assessments and individual or couples therapy in-person in San Francisco or online anywhere in California.

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Peace Tree Mental Health
Group practice
San Francisco, CA

I help young women facing difficult life situations find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone. I specialize in psychotherapy, with and without integrated use of medication treatment. In addition to a medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine and a residency in psychiatry, I pursued specialized psychotherapy training. I am trained in and use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, and mindfulness based therapy. It can be a daunting task to find a therapist and enter into the unknown. I'm glad you've taken the first steps towards meaningful change. My website can address any questions you might have, and I offer convenient secure video appointments, online scheduling, and a free screening consultation: www.peacetreementalhealth.com

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Tyler Vasconcellos, Psy.D.
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

To learn more about my practice, areas of expertise and therapeutic style, please visit my website (tylervpsyd.com) or Psychology Today profile (https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/717959). To set up a free 20-30 minute phone consultation to talk about the possibility of starting therapy, visit my booking page at: https://calendly.com/tylervpsyd/30min.

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Sarah Moulding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA

My practice speciality areas include working with Anxiety, Panic, OCD, PTSD and Depression and relationship issues. My approach is warm, client- centered and with an aim to get you feeling better and back into living your best life possible as quickly as possible. The techniques I use most in practice involve methods from CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.

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Derek Rubinstein
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Like any new endeavor, beginning therapy can bring both anxiety and hope. Whether you're seeking therapy to address specific concerns or to engage in personal exploration, I bring many years of experience working with a broad range of issues and people. I see therapy as a unique opportunity to help my clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, develop greater awareness and insight, and make meaningful changes that lead to greater fulfillment in their lives, relationships, and careers. As a generalist I enjoy working with a diverse range of people, ages, and issues. I also bring specialized training and experience in working with young professionals, men's issues, high functioning autism / Asperger's Syndrome, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, relationship challenges, personal discovery, integration of spiritual/psychedelic experiences, and mindfulness meditation. Through open and honest exploration and dialogue, I will help you identify the most pressing issues and make meaningful changes in your life. I'm good at providing practical solutions while also diving beneath the surface to discover underlying causes in order to affect deeper and longer lasting change.

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ilene wolff
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

You matter! Practical Tools on How to Survive and excel in College! Brief-Solution Focused Therapy to Turn your Life into a Success Story! You can be happy in spite of everything! How to live a long and healthy life. Therapy Reminds us how Brave we are. Licensed for 30 years, I can show you highly effective practical communication tools so you can experience joy, let go of anger and hurt and the disappointment that so often can get in the way of loving relationships. You will find a new level of confidence which will allow you to experience more joy and more happiness in your most important and sometimes confounding relationships. My therapeutic approach will help you overcome day-to-day anxiety, and defeat negative thoughts that too often lead to depression. If you struggle with problems in relationships or within yourself, with addiction, compulsion, or worry, dread and fear, you can call me.

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Lake Tahoe Counseling Center
Group practice
Tahoe City, CA

Lake Tahoe Counseling Center offers counseling and therapeutic services, life coaching practices, and a diagnostic clinic for children, adults and couples. Dr. Draheim has over thirty five plus years in training, research, and professional experience. She is the Director & owner of Lake Tahoe Counseling Center and is a licensed psychotherapist in both California and Nevada. Her team works with a clinical emphasis in Behavioral Analysis, Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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Wellspace SF
Group practice
San Francisco, CA

Wellspace SF is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, happy and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide individualized and innovative support centered on the whole person. Therapist specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, "quarterlife crises" and life transitions, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, depression, imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, dating + relationships, career indecision, disordered eating, body image, children of emotionally immature parents, sleep disorders, and more. Our integrative services also include health and nutrition coaching, life and relationship coaching, and career coaching. We offer complementary consultations with all of our clinicians, in-person + virtual appointments, and a convenient downtown SF location for our local clients.

Photo of Sharon Christopher
Sharon Christopher
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Feeling overwhelmed by exams, relationships, or just life in general? I've got you covered. I'm Sharon, a licensed therapist, and I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of college life. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship drama, or just need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen and support you. In our sessions, you'll find a judgment-free zone where you can be yourself and work through whatever's on your mind. We'll use proven techniques like CBT and ACT to tackle your challenges head-on. Plus, with the flexibility of in-person or online sessions, fitting therapy into your busy schedule has never been easier. Let's work together to make your college experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let's chat!

Photo of Shana Levy
Shana Levy
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA

I am from the Bay Area and went to residency at UCSF for psychiatry where I wad trained in student health. Since graduating residency in 2005, I have loved teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and peers at UCSF in many capacities such as: UCSF's Women, Mood and Hormone Clinic, Brain Mind and Behavior and a Dream Seminar. I have run a full time private practice in Cow Hollow from day 1 of graduating residency. It is therapy based with medication use/evaluations in that setting. I have an eclectic style and use many modalities: Psychodynamic, CBT, Dream interpretation, etc. In the last couple years, I have been more involved in organized psychiatry. I am currently an American Psychiatric Association (APA) Distinguished Fellow and Northern California Psychiatric Society (NCPS) Vice President. I look forward to connecting soon.

Photo of Robin Levick
Robin Levick
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.

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Unfold Psychology
Group practice
San Francisco, CA

Recognizing the need for help is challenging enough; finding the right and best clinician should be simple and straightforward. Below you will find a brief discussion of my techniques, experience and central therapeutic tenets. My name is Dr. R. Austin Heafey – I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents and families, to provide both support and treatment for a wide range of social, domestic, personal and psychological concerns. Regardless of who I am working with, my primary focus is on improving self-esteem, building self-confidence and working to enrich my patients self-worth. The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they were belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, I aim to improve my patients quality of life.

Photo of Victoria Lai
Victoria Lai
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA

I currently have limited availability; please reach out to inquire of openings (as of 06/17/2026). Growing up Asian American in San Francisco, I had the privilege of feeling like “the majority” rather than feeling like “the minority.” When my mental health took a turn in my teen years, I was fortunate to have an Asian school-based therapist who reminded me of a “cool Asian aunt.” I remember feeling at ease seeing someone who looked like me in a space I thought was only meant for white people or people who were “that crazy.” This therapist showed me that therapy could be warm, kind, and even involve the humor I needed to say the hard stuff. She showed me that people like us could receive support and care through a listening ear. (I thought the only kind of care Asian elders gave was via cut fruit.) Years later, I hope to share this same safe experience as the person now sitting in the therapist’s chair. Whether you are living out your parents’ dreams or just trying to make it through the week, I can help you explore whether your path aligns with your values and supports your growth. I promise I won’t sass you the way my former Asian auntie-like therapist might, but I’ll make sure we keep it light where it needs to be, and hold space where it’s dark. We will discover who you are and what you need, with the utmost care (and a dash of humor, because therapy is hard enough as it is).

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Margarita Holsten
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA

I have 20 years of experience working in the field of psychiatry. During this time I worked as a medical director for college mental health center and for the transitional program for young adults. I believe that college students benefit tremendously from the right support, offered at the right time to help them become successful adults.

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Kathryn Hirt
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Ronald Albucher
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience. I have worked with students since the 1990s in a variety of settings and most recently was the director of the Stanford student mental health program (2008-2017) then on staff (2017-2022). I treat a variety of conditions from anxiety and depression to ADHD and bipolar disorder. I also practice intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).

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Holly Andrew
Psychologist
San Anselmo, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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