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Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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Jeremy Fain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Morgan Hill, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, I’m Jeremy. I work with thoughtful, high-functioning graduate or university students who often appear successful on the outside but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious underneath. Many are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or a persistent sense that something in their life or work isn’t quite aligned. Many have tried therapy before—or spent a lot of time thinking things through on their own—but still feel like something isn’t shifting. My approach is different. I combine depth with practical movement. We don’t only explore what’s going on—we focus on how to shift it in a grounded, realistic way that fits your actual life. Therapy with me is collaborative, active, and focused on helping you regain clarity, direction, and momentum in areas that feel stuck or uncertain—whether that’s relationships, work, identity, or decision-making. I have over a decade of experience supporting adults through life transitions and identity shifts. I received my clinical training at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Washington.

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Gloribell Mercado, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hoboken, NJ
Accepting new clients

Are you surviving — or actually thriving? I became a therapist so I could help people thrive instead of just surviving. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience helping adults heal from trauma, manage ADHD, break painful relational patterns, and reconnect with who they truly are. I specialize in working with the BIPOC community, college students, first-generation professionals, women navigating major life transitions, high-achieving adults who feel stuck despite their success, and adults with ADHD who are tired of being misunderstood. I am also one of the few LCSWs certified in financial social work — bringing a unique understanding of how money stress, financial trauma, and ADHD intersect with mental health. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from trauma-focused therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy — always meeting you where you are. Reaching out is the first act of self-care. I offer telehealth exclusively, serving adults in California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ¡Se habla español!

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Bay Psychology Group, Inc.
Group practice
Oakland, CA
Accepting new clients

Graduate school strains every internal system you have. The pressure to produce, the unspoken competition, the isolation, the feeling that everyone else is coping better than you—these are not small stressors. They shape how you see yourself, how you work, and how you relate to the people around you. Bay Psychology Group works with the parts of this experience that don’t show up on intake forms: the private self-doubt, the stalled motivation, the fear of failing publicly, the difficulty sustaining relationships while carrying a heavy intellectual load, the exhaustion of managing family expectations, cultural pressures, or the reality of being far from home. Our approach is slow, steady, and built for depth. We look closely at the patterns that keep you stuck—how you respond to stress, how you manage ambition, how you treat yourself internally—and we do this in a consistent therapeutic relationship where those patterns can actually shift. Many of our patients are international students, first-generation professionals, scientists, artists, doctors, and LGBTQIA students who carry layers of complexity no short-term model can address. We offer the kind of work that helps you understand why you feel the way you do, not just how to get through the next deadline. Therapy is available in English and Mandarin. In-person sessions take place in Oakland; telehealth is available throughout California.

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Jackie Ponce
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new clients

I’m inspired by the desire to support every person I work with in feeling heard, seen, and validated in ways that are indispensable to exploring our individual growth and healing. While we cannot change any experiences or limitations in our history, I don’t believe it is ever too late to challenge erroneous or self-limiting beliefs that hinder us from evolving onto our best selves. I reassure that I trust my clients as the expert in their own personal experience. I seek to understand what familial, cultural, political, etc. circumstances influence their everyday experience. The alliance is built through curiosity and learning what an individual client values, what is most meaningful to them, and what they believe in. Additionally, trust is built through consistency and reliability from all parties. Trust should not be demanded or expected, but rather earned through time and a deeper understanding of what the client needs from the therapeutic relationship to feel safe.

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New Hope Family Counseling Center
Group practice
Downey, CA
Accepting new clients

Hola, Hello, thank you for reaching out and taking the time to see what NHFCC is all about. We are a group practice located in Downey, Santa Ana, and virtually in all of CALIFORNIA. We understand that therapy or coaching is a unique experience. We are here to support you in your journey.

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Ava Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist
Pasadena, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.

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Colleen Wong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Westlake Village, CA
Accepting new clients

As an individual who has some life experiences behind her, I understand the value of mental health services, and the importance of finding the right fit. I have a strong background in the field of social work, and appreciate the process of collaboration, being present and accompanying an individual in their journey of well-being. I strive to fully engage with you, not just to hear and to listen, but to be curious and inquisitive, to ask questions and to foster open communication. At the first session, I hope to convey to you that this is a safe and supportive spot to be heard, to speak up, and as we continue to meet, trust will be established. Building trust takes time as we get to know each other and establish rapport. I hope to meet you where you are at, to understand what will make you comfortable as we learn how to communicate. I never rush or apply pressure for you to act a certain way or provide information that you may not feel comfortable sharing. I welcome your questions and to please speak up.

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Angela Horng
Group practice
Redwood City, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi! I am a 2nd generation Taiwanese American woman who specializes in providing culturally-attuned psychotherapy to ethnic minority populations. Areas of clinical expertise include mood disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, family conflict, intergenerational trauma, and minority stress. I am passionate about working with clients who find themselves dissatisfied with where they are in their relationships with themselves, with others, or with life in general and are looking for a change. I love to work with individuals who are driven to develop more insight into who they are and why they engage in certain patterns of emotion and behavior over and over again in order to move towards more fulfilling and healthy patterns. I specialize in providing culturally-attuned therapy to diverse, ethnic minority populations. The field of psychology is still largely White dominated, and I take pride in providing culturally-attuned psychotherapy for ethnic minority patients where we incorporate cultural stigma, intergenerational trauma, minority stress, and more into our work together. Life can be so complicated and challenging to navigate alone! Your presence here tells me that a part of you wants to seek safety, harbor connection, and to grow as a person. Finding a therapist who is a good fit can be very challenging. I would love to chat with you briefly over the phone to see if we would be a good fit to work together towards your goals.

Photo of Ava Cazares, M.S., LMFT
Ava Cazares, M.S., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Glendale, CA
Accepting new clients

Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain. Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood. My approach has two phases. First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences. Once we understand the why, we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase. Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope. The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch; you are already her. Let’s find your way back to yourself.

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Monica Burford, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

I work with couples and adults. I help college students who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or feel overwhelmed by the transition to college, their workload, or have experienced a loss. I help couples rebuild/strengthen their friendship, learn how to manage their conflict and find ways to compromise, deal with differences in parenting, process past hurt, and deal with other stressors that can impact the relationship, such as OCD, Depression, in-law problems, work schedules, or working together. I also offer premarital counseling for couples hoping to navigate important conversations prior to marriage. I support adults with work stress, anxiety, family/relationship issues, grief, divorce, and acclimating to college or any other big life transition. I'm certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and received intensive training in the Gottman Method for Couples therapy. Both are research- based, which means they have been shown to be effective. It also means that there are many tools that I can draw from to support you. Reaching out for help is a vulnerable thing and finding the right therapist is KEY to a successful journey in therapy. I offer free phone or video consultations to make sure you get a sense of what it might be like to work with me, and for me to hear more about you and make sure I have the tools/experience to help you. I hope to hear from you soon!

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Marina Madick
Marriage & Family Therapist
Petaluma, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, and welcome — I’m really glad you’re here. Seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you or your relationship are carrying the weight of anxiety, trauma, disconnection, identity questions, or cultural pressures that are hard to name. I work with young adults and couples navigating emotional and relational challenges — including trauma, identity development, communication struggles, family conflict, neurodiversity, and learning disabilities. Whether you’re adjusting to college, career transitions, independence, or partnership changes, we’ll focus on building clarity, confidence, and steadier coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, ACT, DBT, and EMDR. I tailor each session to meet you where you are, helping you build awareness, resilience, and stronger, more secure connections. I bring deep respect for the cultural identities, values, and lived experiences that shape each person and relationship. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported — where therapy isn’t just about symptom relief, but about fostering authenticity, self-trust, and growth. This is your journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

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Callie Palmer
Marriage & Family Therapist
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

Witnessing my clients feel empowered to work towards meaningful change inspires me everyday. Asking for help is a difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to our mental health. My position allows me to support folks who’ve taken the first step (often for the first time) to focus on improving their coping skills, confidence, self-compassion, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I aim to highlight strengths and utilize my client’s interests and passions to help facilitate positive changes. Supporting folks through life challenges, trauma, and grief is also an important part of my practice. Many of my clients are choosing therapy for the first time, and I am honored to be a part of their journey. One of the most important aspects of the therapeutic process is feeling heard and understood. By staying open, curious, collaborative, and compassionate, I hope to make the therapeutic process as welcoming as possible. It is important to me that all my clients feel safe and welcome in my (virtual) space. By creating an environment that is warm and authentic, I aim to develop trust so my clients feel comfortable bringing any topic to the table. My practice is supportive for folks who identify as neurodivergent, nerdy, LGBTQIA+, and people in non-monogamous relationship structures.

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Claudia Giron, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Boulder, CO
Accepting new clients

Claudia is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working across diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Holding both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare (MSW) from UCLA, Claudia is licensed in California and Colorado and is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her expertise encompasses various evidence-based practices, including Family Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP). Specializing in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, parenting, and the stresses of daily life, Claudia is committed to fostering positive transformation in the lives of her clients. Grounded in the belief that everyone possesses unique gifts and talents, Claudia encourages her clients to tap into their potential to effect change in their lives, communities, and beyond. Embracing the mantra, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” Claudia guides individuals to discover and empower themselves, enabling them to craft the fulfilling life they aspire to achieve. With a profound understanding of the human condition and genuine compassion, Claudia is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journey toward self-discovery and empowerment, ultimately helping them realize their full potential.

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Spark All Wellness
Group practice
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

Get the healing you need to let your best self shine. Spark All Wellness is a private therapy practice in San Francisco specializing in psychotherapy services for children, teens, families, young adults & mothers. We strive to help people through difficult life situations, trauma, and the challenges of life transitions– specializing in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy & Trauma-Informed Yoga and offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.

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Patty Jaime
Licensed Professional Counselor
Irvine, CA
Accepting new clients

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.

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Shantall Prado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Surfside, CA
Accepting new clients

Have you ever found yourself juggling a million tasks while speeding through life, or that happiness is just a fleeting emotion? Maybe you've developed some bad habits like drinking too much, and it's impacting your fullest potential. I’ve been there before, and that’s what drives me to help people find peace of mind and improve their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I encourage honest reflection, application of change and skills, and fostering new understanding. My specialties include, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy. The goal is to help people figure out why they do what they do, what they need to fix it, and how to live a happier and healthier life through a change in perspective and application. Together, we can explore what hurts the most and find resolution around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be. Times might be difficult and situations may be trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live a happy life. Together we can find new ways of navigating the world that work best for you! Let's journey together, one step at a time.

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Forest Benedict
Marriage & Family Therapist
Olympia, WA
Accepting new clients

Do you feel lost, unsure what to do with your life? Do you struggle with managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, or shame? Are you tired of feeling stuck in patterns that harm your relationships with others and with yourself? Is your unhealed childhood trauma or religious trauma impacting you negatively? Do you have a relentless inner critic that takes the joy out of life? If so, I am here to help. I provide compassionate, evidence-based support to aid in healing trauma, managing difficult emotions, and decreasing sexual shame. I guide people in compassionately reconnecting with themselves, helping them heal whatever is in the way of them living their most authentic life. My approach is warm and non-pathologizing. IFS is the primary modality I use to guide clients into deep healing. While religious trauma, sexual shame, and CPTSD are my primary focus, I support people experiencing an array of challenges. I am Level 1 & 2 trained in IFS and working on a certification in Religious Trauma Studies. I provide both individual and group therapy online throughout California. I aim to create a space of safety and gentleness. With the right tools and support, healing is possible. We can create lives that are authentic, safe, and free.

Photo of Dreme McLennan-- Healing Arts Counseling Center
Dreme McLennan-- Healing Arts Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Columbus, OH
Accepting new clients

Looking for a fresh approach to therapy? Student life is beyond stressful, and sometimes words are not enough. My approach is collaborative and creative. We step outside traditional talk therapy by incorporating drama therapy and other creative arts to imagine new possibilities, gain practical tools, and reawaken joy. Healing Arts Counseling Center specializes in depression, anxiety, life and cultural transitions, chronic illness/disability and neurodivergence.

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Sunset Cordero
Marriage & Family Therapist
Eugene, OR
Accepting new clients

Life can be overwhelming and bring challenges that seem bigger than ourselves. This can lead us down rocky terrain. If you find yourself exhausted, unmotivated, anxious, depressed, feeling helpless or hopeless, know that it is okay to seek help. You can change your path. As a therapist it is my goal to meet my clients where they are on their path, to assist them in learning how to access their inner strengths, to practice self-compassion, and learn to overcome harmful narratives developed from past traumas. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals and live a more fulfilled life. Change can be uncomfortable but with a strong therapeutic relationship and support it can feel more manageable, empowering, and exciting. The core of my practice is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, self compassion work, and mindfulness. I am also a registered art therapist allowing for therapeutic exploration through art for clients who are interested.

Photo of Chloe Demisch, LCSW-Oakland Therapist
Chloe Demisch, LCSW-Oakland Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oakland, CA
Accepting new clients

When you need someone to talk to who isn't your mom or your best friend, Chloe Demisch, LCSW is here to help. Get support and clarity while also learning tools to help you cope difficulties better. Chloe is a licensed psychotherapist in Oakland offering both in-person as well as virtual sessions. Specializing in anxiety and depression treatment, Chloe offers a warm, validating approach to help get your life moving in the right direction. She also works with low self esteem, burnout, parenting, infertility, relationship problems, work issues, and navigating the dating world. Chloe has expert knowledge in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to help you learn how to observe your thinking and not be ruled by emotions when they're unhelpful. Chloe offers professional expertise to guide you through tough feelings and thoughts that can weigh you down. She will provide you with an objective viewpoint and open your eyes to new perspectives that can change how you operate in your day to day life. Chloe has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field to help you understand your feelings and find what motivates you. If you're ready for a change, please reach out to book a free 10 minute consultation today!

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