Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers warm, trauma-informed support to college students, emerging adults, women, teens, children, and the perinatal community. Reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure where to turn. I see that step as an act of courage, and I feel honored to hold space for each client’s story. I am originally from the U.K. and later moved to California, where I earned my MSW and began my work as a therapist. Like many college students and young adults, I have experienced major life transitions, identity shifts, and grief. Those experiences shape how I work and allow me to meet clients with steadiness, empathy, and genuine care. My work is rooted in attachment-focused therapy. I support college students and young adults who feel stuck in relationship patterns, struggle with anxiety or self-doubt, or feel disconnected from themselves or others. I specialize in helping clients process trauma that has gone unprocessed and is now showing up in the way they see themselves, relate to others, and move through the world. Many of the clients I work with learned early on to adapt, stay strong, or put others first, and now find themselves feeling overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or unsure how to ask for support. In therapy, we focus on building safety, understanding how past relationships shape the present, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I provide affirming care to LGBTQ+ clients and take an empowering, decolonizing approach that honors each person’s lived experience and identity. I draw from attachment-based therapy, parts work, somatic approaches, CBT, and EMDR to support healing that feels safe, collaborative, and meaningful. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside students and young adults during this stage of life, offering consistent, compassionate support as they build deeper self-trust and more connected relationships.

I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.

Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply looking for growth, therapy can help. My hope is to accompany you as you move toward healing, wholeness, and flourishing. In therapy, I seek to embody a nonjudgmental, honest, and compassionate presence. You will find an environment where you can share freely and work on what’s most important to you. You will be equipped with tools and skills that will enable you to reach your goals. I have training in multiple modes of research-backed therapy, and I consistently pursue ongoing training. I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I use methods from CBT, DBT, ACT, family systems, and mindfulness. I believe in your capacity to heal, change, and grow. It can be hard, but we can do hard things–we've done it before. Call or email me today for a free consultation.

Hi, I’m Mojdeh. I am an Iranian-American therapist and a child of immigrant parents. I witnessed my parents experiencing their feelings of grief as they lived far from family, friends, and their native country. As a bicultural kid, I faced challenges integrating both of my cultures and experienced racism as I navigated the world. As an Iranian woman, I deeply understand the experience of not being seen, heard, or included. I am aware of the under-representation of BIPOC clients and therapists in the therapy room. This has led me to want to connect with clients who have been historically oppressed. In our work together, we can begin the process of examining systemic issues, advocating for social change and healing ancestral & intergenerational trauma.

I specialize in addiction and recovery, I have many clients I have helped navigate anxiety, codependency or toxic relationships, the transition into college life, and recovery from trauma. I am available in person in my office in Hermosa Beach, or via tele-health. I pride myself of being very casual, down to earth and having authentic conversations. I don't shy away from sarcasm, profanity or humor (therapy doesn't have to be all intense). And the best compliments I receive are hearing "I didn't think I was a therapy person... until I started therapy with you".

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

Hi! I’m Kari, a therapist specializing in providing support to LGBTQIA+ adults (18+) and allies. My approach to therapy is designed to meet you where you are, with care and understanding. I provide a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement. For some, this means unpacking feelings of self-doubt, guilt, or overwhelm. For others, it involves addressing challenges like setting boundaries in relationships, coping with major life changes, or reflecting on unhealthy coping mechanisms. I work from an anti-oppressive, intersectional, and trauma-informed framework. My goal is to help you uncover your strengths, find relief from your symptoms, and build resilience, self-acceptance, and a sense of belonging. For queer and trans folks, navigating the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and potential discrimination adds layers of challenge. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and work toward them using a personalized blend of therapeutic approaches. You are the expert in your own life, and I am here to guide and support you as we go on this journey together.

Hi, I'm Pak P., LMFT. In my practice, I provide therapy for individuals and couples navigating stress, relationships, and emotional challenges, with a specialized focus on men’s mental health, high-performing professionals, and culturally informed care. For couples, whether you're dating, engaged, or already married, I focus on building support and improving communication. My goal is to identify areas of growth for you as a couple working collaboratively toward positive change. The therapy journey is about connecting with yourself, gaining the confidence to navigate life's changes, and making positive steps toward the life you desire. In my therapeutic approach, I create a unique treatment plan just for you based on the foundations of psychodynamic theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This creates a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience designed for you. Psychodynamic theory helps us to explore your unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the impact they have on your present behaviors and emotions. It provides a rich understanding of the underlying dynamics that influence your thoughts and actions. EFT focuses on the emotional bonds within relationships, emphasizing the importance of creating secure connections and emotional responsiveness. In both individual and couples therapy, psychodynamic theory allows you to better understand the roots of deep-seated patterns. This can help you recognize and address unresolved issues that may be influencing your current struggles. For example, if you are grappling with recurrent relationship difficulties, psychodynamic exploration can help you uncover patterns established in childhood that affect your perception of intimacy and closeness. It’s pretty powerful! For couples counseling, EFT focuses on the emotional dynamics between you and your partner. It helps you identify and reshape negative patterns of interaction. For instance, if you are stuck in a cycle of blame and withdrawal you might learn to express vulnerable emotions and needs breaking the continuous cycle. By integrating psychodynamic theory and EFT, therapy becomes a dynamic and holistic journey. This can help you break free from unhealthy patterns and enter into a new stage of life. Seeking assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes. I look forward to providing you with the support you need in this journey

Trade the academic panic for a space to just breathe. At Shore Crest Counseling we provide a warm and welcoming environment to help you process stressors in a calm and relaxing location and learn coping skills to deal with life's challenges. We also have loving therapy dogs and a coastal location in Carlsbad for walk and talk therapy. We provide in person and telehealth services.

Our approach is one of compassion, providing a non-judgmental place to help you safely explore life's challenges and strengthen your connection to yourself; fostering lasting emotional well-being. We offer a wide range of specialties and interventions styles. Reach out and we will set you up with a therapist that best suites your needs and therapeutic style

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgement. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. With over 15 years of experience in health care settings, I work best with individuals who are motivated and ready to engage actively in their therapeutic journey. My ideal clients are open to partnering in therapy to learn practical skills for managing distress, improving emotional well-being, and enhancing daily functioning. They are eager to explore new strategies, reflect on their experiences, and take actionable steps towards personal growth. My approach integrates mindfulness practices, supportive therapy, somatic techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies. Whether you’re navigating burnout, grief, life transitions, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I provide a compassionate, structured space, where meaningful change can happen. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or deepening your self-exploration, I look forward to offering you supportive space to help you navigate the path ahead. Let’s connect and see if we’re a good fit!

Hello! We are so grateful that you've embarked on this journey of self-discovery, growth, & healing. We are a group practice based out of California and collectively, we have over a decade of experience in the helping profession, assisting children, teens, and adults. Our approach involves viewing situations through a multicultural lens, enabling us to comprehend your unique needs through active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental perspective. We specialize in EMDR, CBT, Brainspotting, Solution-Focused Treatment, & Mindfulness. We bring extensive expertise in treating trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, mindfulness, and grief. Our EMDR-based approach focuses on desensitizing and reprocessing negative beliefs, allowing for deep healing without the need for unnecessary re-traumatization.This process involves sharing minimal details while still creating lasting, transformative change. We are a team of EMDR trauma therapists committed to reducing barriers to mental health care. To support this mission, our practice operates entirely online via a HIPAA-secure video platform, allowing us to create a strong therapeutic relationship while focusing on both your short-term and long-term goals in each session.

I identify as Xicano and was born and raised in Los Angeles (Tongva territory) by migrant parents from Michoacán (Purépecha territory), Mexico. I earned my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2012. I have worked in various settings as a therapist, lead clinician, supervisor and program manager prior to starting my private practice. These include Instituto Familiar de La Raza, La Familia Counseling Service, the Community Mental Health Certificate Program at City College of San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente. I am currently a member of the Council of 13 for the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and am a member of the Latinx Therapist Action Network. I also teach in the Department of Counseling at San Francisco State University. My work is culturally responsive, rooted in social justice, trauma-informed, strength-based and centered in re-indigenizing and liberation psychology. I utilize humor and focus deeply on the healing relationship. I incorporate multiple approaches including narrative processes and trauma healing modalities such as EMDR. ​ I honor and recognize my mentors and teachers along the way beginning with my mother and older sisters whom have taught me lessons in strength, resiliency and humility. As a therapist, my mentors include Maestra Concha Saucedo, Dr. Sal Nuñez and Tio Samuelin Martinez whom have all showed me what it's like to work from a place of authenticity and love. I have apprenticed with Dr. Sal Nuñez in Medicinal Drumming Praxis and have been trained in Chicanx Affimative Therapy, EMDR, and Somatics and Trauma from Generative Somatics. I am a Mexica Mitotiani and Huehuetero (Mexica Dancer and Drummer) with Calpulli Nanahuatzin. I am a husband and father to a young Huitzin (hummingbird).

I recognize asking for help is no simple task and respect your curiosity in exploring this step. I view therapy as an invitation to delve deeper into your current concerns, personal history, conditioning and defenses in order to reconnect with your true self and experience growth and wellness in your life. Therapy is a unique experience for every person, with the potential to be transformational. I'm licensed in New York and California and specialize in treating anxiety, childhood trauma, medical trauma, depression, substance use, grief, chronic illness, life transitions and relational concerns. I am a certified Kripalu yoga instructor with specialized training in therapeutic yoga and weave mindfulness and somatic-based techniques into clinical work. I view therapy as a collaboration. I believe you bring your own unique set of strengths to the table and together we’ll explore which modalities best suit you and your current goals and concerns. I will meet you where you’re at in your process with compassion and respect, and offer a safe space to explore concerns openly and honestly.

I specialize in therapy for neurodivergent adults — particularly those with ADHD or autism diagnosed later in life — who are navigating burnout, confusion about how their mind works, repeating relationship patterns, or substance use that once helped but now contributes to stress. I also work with trauma, mood concerns, and co-occurring challenges that intersect with neurodivergence. My approach is assessment-informed and collaborative, combining insight with practical tools to help you understand yourself more deeply and build meaningful, sustainable change.

As your clinical psychologist, with over 30 years experience, I am committed to creating an environment where you feel safe and understood. I will assist you in addressing and exploring the challenging issues that have kept you from living the life you would prefer. Originally from SoCal, I have lived in Athens for a total of ten years, have two adult children, and have worked extensively with college students, at both UGA and CSUN. Although it needs to be challenging at times, my goal is to make therapy a very positive, fun, and productive experience for you. I work together with you,utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, with an emphasis on solution-based therapy. Having spent almost nine years post-grad (3.5 years Masters, 5 years Doctorate), I personally know the challenges of being a student. I personalize my approach to be the one that is most effective for " you." We will work to find healthy changes that are important in assisting you to be happier, less anxious or depressed, and more fulfilled.

College can feel like a lot. Classes, deadlines, money, relationships, family pressure, and trying to figure out who you are all at once. When the stress keeps stacking up, it can feel hard to focus, sleep, or even slow your thoughts down. If your head feels like it’s constantly spinning, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to power through it by yourself. I work best with college students and young adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or stuck. That might look like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or just feeling off and not sure why. I offer virtual therapy for students in Illinois and California, with a focus on helping you feel more grounded, more in control, and more like yourself again. Therapy with me is practical, supportive, and collaborative. We focus on what’s actually getting in your way right now and what will help you feel better moving forward. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. If you’re ready for some relief and want support that meets you where you are, I’d be glad to work with you. When you’re ready, you can reach out by email or schedule a first session through therapywithmicah.com.

The Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program is for individuals with moderate to severe levels of anxiety whose needs have not been effectively met through weekly individual or group therapy sessions. It is also for individuals whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities such as work, school and relationships, which can result in isolation and depression. Clients work individually with a behavioral specialist so that each person’s unique needs are addressed. This level of service we offer is highly rare and unique as you will find that most facilities offer limited one-on-one treatment and focus more on a group based approach.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.