Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

If you're looking for a kind and compassionate yet smart and straightforward counselor, give me a call. I specialize in teenagers and young adults with anxiety and depression, especially with estrangement issues such as conflict with parents, divorced and/or deployed parents, as well as career planning. I am a Christian and can offer help from a biblical perspective if desired. My other specialties are older adults and military/veterans. My previous career was as a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.

Is heavy stress and anxiety making it hard to feel steady, present, and focused as you move through the semester? You might get stuck in loops of overthinking about grades, deadlines, money, or the future, while your body stays tense and on edge. For some students, social anxiety can be its own grind, making you skip gatherings or spend too long replaying conversations afterward. Sometimes anxiety doesn’t just make you worry—it forecasts disaster and turns choices into landmines. Left running in the background, it can spill into perfectionism, stress-eating, zoning out, or leaning on weed or alcohol to take the edge off. You deserve support that helps you function and feel better. Not just pushing through, but building a foundation of well-being that lasts beyond the semester. In our work, we’ll address the anxiety and help you feel like yourself again with clearer thinking, a steadier mood, and more ease in your body. I’ve spent 13 years helping people with anxiety, and I know the unique pressures of college life. Together, we’ll find practical, compassionate ways to feel more grounded and zoned-in. My style is gentle and collaborative, yet active in guiding the work. You don’t have to power your way through alone. Take the first step toward change and book a free intro call on the calendar section of my website.

https://care.headway.co/providers/alejandra-arias?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=195190

I help students who are struggling in their relationships or struggling with the demands of college expectations. I have unique specialties in anxiety treatment and eating disorder treatment as well. Reach out, and let's see if I can help!

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in both medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, and have cared for diverse communities, including Chinese-speaking patients, through my bilingual skills in Mandarin and English. My approach combines compassionate, evidence-based care with personalized treatment plans that empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy teaching, mentoring nursing students, and advocating for mental health awareness. I’m inspired by seeing people rediscover hope, strength, and joy in their lives. Supporting someone through their challenges and watching them grow is an incredible privilege. I believe everyone deserves a safe, understanding space to be heard and supported. I believe the best care happens when treatment is a partnership. I start by listening closely to each person’s story, goals, and concerns, and I work with them to explore options that fit their lifestyle, culture, and comfort level. I present evidence-based choices in clear, simple terms so they can make informed decisions, and together we create a plan that feels both effective and realistic. 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: bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, sleep disorders/insomnia, suicidal ideation, academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, CBT-I, deprescribing, personality disorders, somatic symptoms disorders, trauma-informed care

Hello, my name is Dayna Hunt and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the State of California. I was born and raised in Northern California, specifically Marin County. I have lived in Southern California and also Seattle, Washington. I have traveled across the United States as well as to Europe and lived a short time in Australia. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, spending time in nature and with family. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, CA and my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University in San Rafael, Calif. I have always enjoyed listening to people's stories and problem solving. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at a very young age and began pursuing psychology early in life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Lacanian Psychoanalyst, an EMDR therapist, and a Psychotraumatologist. I also have served as a founder and advisor of mental/health & software companies. Further, I am a health and trauma consultant to international organizations. I specialize in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy for young adults, adults, couples & families; PTSD, trauma, burnout & secondary stress; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions. I authored manuscripts in the areas of child psychoanalysis, psychosomatic conditions, trauma & secondary stress & co-authored & implemented a Brief Lacanian Treatment Model & a "Lacanian Approach" model to the organization and its individuals. I have completed a postdoc fellowship @ Stanford Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS); completed psychoanalytic formation at the Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP); conducted extensive research @ PTSD Research Program, SFVA/UCSF; was a consultant to the Brief Lacanian Analysis Project @ MMH; served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty @ CIIS & as Faculty & VP @ Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP), & as a founder in Tech.

Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. Hi! My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), I am a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in supporting young and midlife adults who are navigating self doubt, fear, or anxiety related to identity, relationships, sexuality, or impulsive behaviors. After completing many years of training, degrees, and therapy of my own, I am honored to help people from all walks of life heal from anxiety, doubt, and unhelpful behaviors that prevent them from living authentically and without shame. This may include perfectionism, loneliness/isolation, people pleasing, interpersonal conflicts, fear, internet or porn use concerns, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, and low-self esteem/crappy self-talk. If you're looking for a therapist who's super relational, authentic, attuned, and attachment-oriented, you're in the right place.

For me, becoming a therapist was really about wanting to support people through difficult and sometimes lonely parts of their lives. I’ve always been drawn to deep conversations and understanding what makes people feel seen, heard, and safe. Over time, I realized that being present for someone-without judgement-can be incredibly powerful. I wanted to offer that space where people can explore their story, grow, and feel more connected to themselves. It’s a privilege to be part of that process. My priority is to create a space where you can be fully yourself-without pressure, judgment, or expectation. I’ll be listening closely not just to your words, but also to what’s underneath-your emotions, your experiences, your patterns. I’ll check in with you often to make sure I’m understanding you the way you want to be understood, not just how I interpret things. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you, and if there’s ever a moment you don’t feel heard or something doesn’t feel right, I want to know. This is your space, and your voice matters here. In the beginning, it’s really about getting to know you-what’s going on in your life, what’s important to you, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I won’t push you to share anything before you’re ready. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Building trust takes time, so I focus on showing up consistently, being real with you, and making sure you feel safe to be yourself. I’ll check in with you often about how things are going-what’s helpful, what’s not, what you want more or less of. This a therapeutic partnership, and I want it to feel like we’re working together-not me telling you what to do, but us exploring things side by side.

If you need support for a challenging situation, dealing with work/life stressors, struggling to make healthy changes or ready to get unstuck and move in a new direction in your life, I can help you with your journey to living in the world as your most authentic self. By holding a safe space for you to be heard without judgement, I hope to help you see your existing values, strengths and learn new skills to help you adapt and cope. I am passionate about whole person health and helping you achieve your goals of growth, wellness, and personal joy. As a first generation Filipino American, I understand the stigma around expressing emotions and seeking mental health services in Asian American and minority communities. Suppressed emotions can lead to emotional distress, affecting body and soul. As a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience in healthcare, I've seen the toll firsthand. I decided to become a therapist when I realized that it's ok to have uncomfortable feelings, to acknowledge them and and learn from them what we really want.I realize how daunting this first step to reaching out can be and am grateful you’ve taken the time to look into self care for yourself. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we'd be good fit.

I’m Urim Audrey Lee, LCSW, a licensed therapist with about 9 years of experience supporting adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in old relational patterns. I completed my undergraduate degree at UCLA and my graduate training at USC. My work focuses on helping clients build emotional steadiness, self-trust, and healthier relationship dynamics. I specialize in anxiety, people-pleasing patterns, attachment wounds, self-worth challenges, life transitions, and culturally complex stressors. My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply grounding. I blend evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation with practical tools you can use in daily life. In our early sessions, we clarify what feels stuck, identify the patterns underneath, and begin building skills that create meaningful change. I offer therapy from a Christian perspective for those who desire faith-integrated care. I am currently accepting new clients. Insurance accepted: Aetna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, and Quest Behavioral Health. Please use my website to book a consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you a chronic "people pleaser," feeling stuck in your relationships, or just wishing that things in your life could be different? I help adults learn to be more in control of their thoughts, feelings, and moods so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. I'll help you find new ways of understanding and coping to get you feeling better and more able to handle life's ups and downs. No matter if your stresses are recent or longstanding, together we will work on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so you are free to live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with young adults who are dealing with self-esteem issues, perfectionism, difficulty setting and holding boundaries in relationships, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have training to help those in painful relationships feel validated, learn to recognize harmful patterns, and develop skills to create healthier connections. We'll work best together if you are driven to improve your mood and relationships through hard work and humor. I absolutely love teaching others skills and gaining a different perspective about the world. If you're ready to grow, change, and laugh a lot, contact me today for a free consultation and find out how I can help you build a life that makes your heart sing.

I was inspired to become a therapist because I’ve always believed in using your voice to strengthen what has been there underneath and to overcome challenges. Life can be very challenging and difficult to navigate, and you do not have to go through it alone-I am here for you. I entered this field because I am a true believer in being able to hold a safe space to talk about the difficulties that springs up in life. I always believed in being able to hear others, educate, and encourage resilience and being a therapist was a perfect way to offer these strengths. I enter each session with care, compassion and knowing that it can be very difficult to open up to another person and to be vulnerable. I want to reassure you that I am with you from the start to the end in our sessions and throughout this journey. I will actively listen, support, provide a non judgmental space and encourage advocacy and healing. I pay close attention to what is being shared, I will ask questions, clarify, and point out things “in the now” as they are happening, tuning in with your verbal and non verbal communication. I will meet you where you are with respect, attentiveness, being present and engaged. Together, we’ll create a space where your voice matters, your experiences are validated, and you can feel supported as you explore, heal, and grow. In our sessions you can trust I am fully present and no problem is too big to be talked about. I invite honest conversations knowing you are in a safe space that respects confidentiality at all times. Every journey is unique and it requires a unique approach and I am committed to using different evidence based treatment tailored to your needs. I take a holistic approach keeping in mind your culture, values, and life experiences. Our therapeutic alliance is important so I frequently check-in and encourage you to apply the skills learned to help you grow. I have seen through out my 11 years in the mental heath field the growth and healing that can come when someone is ready to take on this journey.

I profoundly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I help people utilize their inherent strengths, build meaningful support systems, and develop practical skills that promote lasting change and personal growth. I am driven to help individuals overcome generational trauma and break free from cycles of pain and suffering. "I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Together, we work towards achievable goals, cultivate resilience, navigate challenges, and foster emotional well-being. I am committed to providing culturally competent and affirming care to all those I serve. In my practice, I find fulfillment in working with a diverse range of communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant families, and college students. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through life transitions and psychosocial stressors. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and respect towards all experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by collaborating on goals, honoring your pace, and highlighting your strengths as we work through evidence-based strategies.

I was inspired to be a therapist because of my own experience in therapy. I saw the benefits from my own sessions and worked with my therapist to work towards my goal of getting into graduate school. Now I want to help people the same way my first therapist helped me find what I was passionate in and also help those who might also feel stuck too. My style is one of collaboration and brainstorming together to figure out what solutions will help your unique situation. I always respect that you’re the expert of your life and I am here to help you figure out what clicks. I treat my therapy sessions as a casual conversation space and I use humor and analogies to get my examples and points across. Also as a video game enjoyer I use a lot of examples from that area of my life in creative ways to help emphasize or get certain points across in a different way. I’m a huge nerd so I love all things related to gaming, anime, superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons and card games. I’m a big enjoyer of fantasy and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series that got me hooked into that genre. Currently enjoying Frieren and slowly finishing season 2.

Monique is a CBT & solution focused therapist who believes therapy should be practical, honest and actually useful. She specializes in working with anxiety, depression & grief. She has a particular strength in supporting teenagers & adults through life transitions, emotional overwhelm & those ‘I know something needs to change’ moments. Her style is warm & collaborative-while still being direct & challenging when needed. Monique believes real growth happens when clients feel supported and gently pushed out of unhelpful patterns. Sessions are structured but flexible, with a strong focus on insight skill-building & real world application. Monique values transparency in the therapeutic process and where you don’t have to have it all figured out…we’ll start where you are.

I have worked with those struggling with anxiety and depression for over 5 years. I pull from an eclectic approach with skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and an orientation aligned with Internal Family Systems, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I lead with compassion and curiosity as we uncover patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in your life and build intention around creating patterns that feel effective for you. I individualize my treatment and goals to you and your circumstances and empower you to be in the driver’s seat of your life – not fear, nor hopelessness, anxiety, resentment. I’m so proud of you already and can’t wait to meet you and all of your experiences.

Each individual has their own story, values and spiritual preferences. As a warm and genuine, therapist, I believe in creating a safe space to guide you through insight and self exploration, in order to obtain healing and peace. As a woman of faith I appreciate when clients integrate spiritual beliefs and values in treatment. I love helping strong women who have survived pain, to help them re-write their life story with joy, confidence and faith -Psalms 30:11. I enjoy supporting pre-marital couples who are deeply in love. Serving as a facilitator to explore and establish clear expectations prior to saying, "I do".