Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

You may be carrying generations of stories in your bones. You might be the first in your lineage to pause, to rest, to ask: What would it mean to live differently? Whether you’re unlearning survival patterns, tending to old wounds, or simply trying to hear your own voice beneath the noise. I want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. As a queer, first-generation Mexican-American therapist and a daughter of immigrants, my approach is rooted in cultural humility, relational depth, and embodied compassion. I offer a space that honors all the parts of you— your strength, your softness, and your truth. My world is shaped by music, movement, language, and story, and I bring that spirit into our work together. I will witness you fiercely and gently. I will reflect back the person I see in front of me—resilient, intuitive, capable, and deserving of care that meets you where you are. Holding space for QTBIPOC clients, especially those navigating layered identities, is not only a privilege, but a responsibility I carry with reverence. I strive to offer a practice that is consistently affirming, culturally attuned, and radically safe. My work is for those who: Are first-generation or multi-generational cycle-breakers, seeking to redefine connection, boundaries, and belonging Hold intersecting identities with nuance Feel exhausted from performing, pleasing, or holding everything for everyone else Are healing from quiet trauma: emotional neglect, attachment wounds, chronic invisibility Long for a relational and soulful approach to therapy Values and Approach I hold a deep commitment to practicing therapy that is inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and rooted in accessibility and transparency. These aren’t just values—they are living principles that guide every aspect of how I show up in the room with you. I believe that every story holds weight, and that it’s a sacred thing to be witnessed in your truth. Yet so many of us have never had the chance, or the safety, to be truly vulnerable. In our work together, I strive to create the kind of space where you can exhale. A space where we explore the roots of your experiences with curiosity and care, where old narratives are gently questioned, and where your body and mind are invited into healing through deep compassion. It is devastating when I hear that individuals have not had safe and productive experiences in therapy. This is not your fault. Many people, especially BIPOC and queer folks, have felt misunderstood, pathologized, or minimized by past providers. I’m passionate about offering reparative, empowering therapy to help you reclaim your voice and your worth and to provide a truly transformational experience for first-time therapygoers. We’ll make room for grief and joy, for dismantling what no longer serves you, and for building a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself. When you start, I simply ask you to arrive as you are and begin from where you presently stand. When not in session, I am reading in my local coffeeshop or moving my body through yoga and dance. I hope you don't mind that my two cats, Finnegan and Chaos, will occasionally make an appearance in our sessions. I can't wait to hold space for you!

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 have always had a strong desire to help others, and working in the field of mental health has given me a meaningful way to live out that purpose. I truly consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s journey—to support them as they navigate challenges, grow, and move toward their full potential. Being able to positively impact others’ lives, even in small ways, is what continues to inspire me every day as a therapist. In our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I do this by actively listening, reflecting your emotions, asking clarifying questions, and always focusing on your perspective and needs. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard and understood, not just by what you say, but by the meaning behind your experiences. I also use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), when appropriate. EMDR can be especially helpful for processing difficult or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. Building trust is a process that takes time, and I approach it with patience, consistency, and openness. In the beginning, we’ll focus on getting to know you—your experiences, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that collaboration is key. I encourage you to share feedback about our work and our relationship at any time, and I want you to know that your voice is always welcomed and valued. My role is to support and guide you while respecting that this is your journey. As trust develops, we can explore deeper challenges, build meaningful coping skills, and, if it feels like a good fit, incorporate EMDR to help process past experiences and support lasting healing and change. One lighthearted thing I like to share is that I really enjoy finding small ways to relax and recharge—whether that’s watching a favorite show, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to unwind. I think those simple moments are so important, and I often encourage clients to find what helps them feel grounded and refreshed, too.

Better Mindset Therapy strives to create an authentic, welcoming atmosphere for her clients to explore their lives in a new way. She has experience helping children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, and more. Here we use the therapeutic relationship to explore your early life experiences and bring unconscious thoughts and patterns into the conscious awareness.

Have you ever wondered if life could feel less stressful or more fulfilling? Whether you’re in school, starting your career, or navigating life as a first-generation adult, I’m here to support you. Together we’ll find practical ways to handle challenges, build coping skills, and help you feel more confident and resilient, one step at a time. During our sessions, you’ll have a caring, judgment-free space where your story matters. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other proven approaches to help you shift negative patterns, tap into your strengths, and make meaningful progress toward your goals. Ready to find out if we’re the right fit? Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. I accept insurance and sliding scale. I offer flexible telehealth so starting therapy is convenient and accessible. Let’s connect and take your next step forward together.

I view therapy as a collaboration where therapist and client work together to connect with an inner healing intelligence and unconditional positive regard within each of us. We can then tend to trauma, grief, resentments, and limiting beliefs that are contributing to symptoms. With humility and reverence for the resilience, courage and vulnerability it can take to heal ourselves, I create a nonjudgemental, kind and compassionate space with room for humor, absurdity and fun. I integrate healing modalities from various wisdom traditions that awaken our physiological and emotional connective systems in collaboration with the natural world. This process can help clear historic trauma and family of origin wounding that is reinforced by a mass cultural amnesia. I draw from evidence-based client-centered modalities including Transpersonal Psychology, Ecopsychology, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Family Systems and Somatic approaches to healing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change Inc. Real support for real life—because college isn’t easy. Balancing school, work, relationships, and your future can feel overwhelming—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. At FYBC, we provide therapy that meets you where you are, whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or just feeling “off” and not sure why. We make getting started simple, with flexible scheduling, insurance options, and a team that truly understands the pressures students face today. Whether you need short-term support or a space to grow long-term, we’re here to help you build clarity, confidence, and balance in your life. You don’t need to wait until things get really bad to talk to someone. If something feels off, that’s enough. Please feel free to contact us directly for any questions at 818-927-0478 and send your referrals to this link: https://www.findyourbalancecenter.com/referral

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s University and earned my Masters of Science in Nursing at Cal State Long Beach. Prior to my career as a nurse practitioner I worked in emergency nursing and inpatient psychiatric settings. Prior to my nursing career I served in the US Army as a medic and completed my enlistment as a Sergeant. I am a married mother of twins and my interests include learning to play the drums and guitar, going to the gym and astrology. I am inspired to work in mental health as I believe wellness is multifactorial. The state of our mental health is what can influence our ability to function in our day to day. People of all walks of life, including myself, have either experienced a need for mental health care or loved someone who has. I am thrilled to provide care in a time where mental health is becoming less stigmatized. It is extremely rewarding to witness what a profound impact high quality mental health care can provide. I tailor my approach and treatment plan to align with preferences and values through thorough assessment and consideration. I ask questions and I encourage my clients to do the same. Care should be collaborative and that includes hearing and respecting the individual seeking care. I provide recommendations for individualized treatment plans and work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for the client’s perceived needs. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, BIPOC mental health issues, LGBTQIQ2s+ mental health, first responders, racial identity, sex-positive, kink allied, transgender care, veterans care

I am a PMHNP who graduated from Cal State LA’s MSN program. I have experience working in phase 1 and 2 clinical research helping develop new medicines for mental health patients. I also have my own family history of mental health issues. My ability to connect with my patients deeply inspires me to keep working in this field. I get to know every patient’s background, lifestyle, relationships, occupations, hobbies, stressors, and medication history very thoroughly to develop a holistic approach to create a plan with the patient to ensure effective care.

I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care. I can provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgery. I work well with folks who are self-aware but sometimes "to a fault." You find feelings hard but really want to work on "feel the feelings!" You are willing to take risks and be real when something is hard. You want a change but feel stuck, and are down to try both new and old things. You want to be a better person/friend/partner/coworker/child/etc. My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing. I know how hard it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of criticism with yourself and others. You may wonder why you can’t seem to change the things that bother you or improve your relationships. I believe that you can find ways to accept what you can’t control, and to change what you can. I would be honored to support you on this journey of growth and healing.

It’s not easy having feelings of “not belonging” and “not knowing how to fit in” – questioning “who am I” and “how can I be seen?” Wondering where your people are and then wondering “are these my people?” How to connect while allowing yourself to be vulnerable while allowing yourself to be safe while allowing yourself to experience the full experience of life … Mental / emotional health is a vital necessity for success in life; to be able to make clear decisions without doubt or fear or to practice compassion toward the self instead of letting insecurities take root or judging the self harshly. Symptoms of depression and anxiety can be debilitating and create interference in meeting daily demands – creating low motivation, low energy, a sense of excessive worry or irritability, struggling with concentration / focus or delaying making decisions; or becoming fearful of failing or of losing something valuable. My name is Laura, and I have over 25 years’ experience as a licensed mental health counselor; most of my focus has been on helping young adults make the transition from dependence to independence; to identify and support their own values and ideas for their own future. To assist the process of developing coping strategies to manage life and learning how to recognize and walk through emotional responses; I would like to be of assistance in helping you make the transition toward your mental health and recovery journey. I also have extensive experience in assisting individuals heal from traumatic events, to embrace a release from the emotional impact locked into the memories of the trauma. Providing an opportunity to allow the traumatic event to remain in the past and no longer interfere with your present. Please reach out to me via email or text me at 317-296-3279 if you have any questions and let's figure out how I may be of help to you.

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

Life can have it’s shares of ups and downs , but you don’t have to manage it while feeling alone and overwhelmed. I provide a safe, supportive space for you to deal with challenges, process your emotions and recognize your strengths, so that life feels manageable and even joyful. I particularly enjoy working with college students who have unique developmental challenges as they manage so many pressures and demands and navigate the responsibilities of adulthood. Therapy strives to help develop and maintain good self-care and healthy coping mechanisms. We work together to develop and achieve goals specific to resolving the issues you are wanting to work through. My approach is client-centered. I meet each client where they are at in their life. My work is predominantly grounded in Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy weaving in Mindful Based approaches

I work with individuals in person and via telehealth. i have an office in Hermosa Beach ,CA and in OR I am telehealth only. I love working with college students and use a body, brain and soul approach to therapy. I am certified in Brainspotting which is a Body Brain based modality that goes deeper than talk therapy alone. It can help people get un-stuck faster. I also offer guided meditations in session and teach about the importance of involving the nervous system in treatment especially for anxiety, trauma and depression. I utilize hypnosis as well and treat fears, phobias and more. I offer hypnosis and for those wanting a more spiritual approach I also offer Spiritually Focused therapy. I work with young men and women and always some client's at the colleges in Oregon as well as California.

Where the healing begins...takes personal courage. Often times, it is not easy to ask for help because our fears of being judged. No longer do you have to suffer alone or in silence from: trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, divorce or relationship difficulties. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience who will compassionately & effectively assist you through the counseling process. The "RDH Factor" of being able to Reveal, Deal, and Heal will provide empowerment. Working with clients to find relief & make changes towards freedom in making decisions & choices is a passion of mine. I assist individuals, couples, and families navigate the journey of life. My expertise is in: substance abuse, marital problems, divorce, childhood/sexual trauma, domestic violence, adoption & family conflict. I am Certified in EMDR, an evidenced based therapy that treats trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and pain to alliviate psychological distress. Do not stay stuck in undesirable thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are getting in the way of healing. I am here to help you today by offering a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any concerns you may have. The healing begins now...

College can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or stuck in your relationships, you’re not alone and support is available. I help students work through challenges like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress in a safe, laid-back space where you can be yourself. I take a whole-person approach to healing, focusing on the connection between mind, body, and soul. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in control of your life. My goal is to support your growth, help you feel heard, and walk with you through whatever you’re facing.

I specialize in helping adults and couples overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and people pleasing in their relationships. I will help you understand what your needs are so you can advocate, build boundaries, and thrive in your relationships. I know it can feel isolating to have anxiety, especially when it interferes with communication in your relationships, ability to be productive, present in the moment, and calm. Sometimes the courage in asking for help can help you build more trust in others and in yourself. Once you know your needs, you will feel empowered to make these changes and feel less anxious. With me, you will learn ways to regulate your emotions and communicate more clearly to build confidence and trust. I will work with you at your own pace. We do not have to dive right into what may feel uncomfortable to share. Let's first build trust and ease into the process. If you are interested in working together, I encourage you to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!

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.

The Healing Collective, PC is a private practice that offers an array of mental health treatment and wellness services within the community of Pasadena and throughout the state of California. THC is comprised of qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Our licensed therapists are trained in a variety of trauma-informed, holistic, strengths-based, and culturally competent mental health treatments. We provide mental health treatment to adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Our mental health services include individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy (both coming soon). I welcome you to view our website and learn more about us. Call or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me! I am happy to see if I can be helpful to you or a loved one.