Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I am passionate about teaching others how to access their deep knowing and watching people grow and learn in new and successful ways. I find the work of psychotherapy to be fulfilling and purposeful and I look forward to being on the journey of improving your mental health wellness with you. I use empathetic listening, curiosity, and my excitement for helping others in order to provide a sense of validation to my clients. I believe that we heal through meaning making and I help you do this in an supportive and understanding space. I also believe that being heard and acknowledged for who we are and what we feel is so important for the human experience and I work hard to offer this to my clients. I work to build a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients by creating a collaborative, compassionate and respectful therapeutic relationship. I offer a safe and supportive container for individuals to explore and strengthen their abilities. I am honored to help my clients and feel humbled to be trusted enough to be invited into the pain and experiences of those whom I get to work with.

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

Do you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Maybe you’re a people pleaser who defaults into putting other people’s feelings and needs first. Or you’re experiencing burnout from trying to uphold perfectionist standards. Or you’re a high-achiever on the emotional rollercoaster of tying all your worth to your school or work. Or you want to stop stressing about what you eat and how much you weigh, but the idea of letting go of control is terrifying. I'd love to help!

You may be trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, possibly for the first time. You are probably navigating big changes in relationships, whether that is making new friends, figuring out where you fit in, communicating with professors/advisors, or redefining relationships with family. It can be overwhelming. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, it is also full of possibility and growth. You don't have to figure it out alone - therapy can be a wonderful place where you can slow down and get the support you need and deserve. I absolutely love working with undergraduate and graduate students. Many people who work with me are navigating something invisible that makes them feel different - whether that is anxiety or depression, a chronic health condition, grief or trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, or parts of your identity that may be unseen. I am especially passionate about working with artists/creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who feel their emotions deeply. My style is empathetic, attentive, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I seek to create an affirming space where all parts of you that you wish to explore are welcomed. I bring careful listening and offer tools to help you feel more grounded, let go of unhelpful narratives, communicate effectively, and build better relationships with yourself and others.

If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you! We’ll shift your story so you'll see your sensitivity to others as a strength. You’ll be a boundaries badass who feels confident with your decisions. You’ll take your perfectionism head on and feel able to live in the present. And you’ll have action steps that feel good, because they’re finally in line with YOUR goals. I specialize in treating Highly Sensitive People and recovering perfectionists & people-pleasers. I see clients online through a convenient video platform, so that therapy can work seamlessly with your busy life. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if I’m the right therapist for you! I look forward to speaking with you!

Seeking out therapy is a sign of strength and you deserve a safe place for discovery. Ultimately therapy is a journey of exploration. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you genuinely feel understood, heard, and seen in a compassionate, non-judgmental space. Our work together can explore and navigate through your concerns to reach a more meaningful and fulfilling life while reaching your extraordinary potential.

Is that painful experience or worried thought stuck on repeat in your mind? Maybe it was a scary incident, negative comment, embarrassing moment or even a sports injury. Or maybe you feel incredibly nervous about exams or public speaking. Regardless, you're tired of it bothering you so much. And you're fed up with your fear stopping you from doing what you really want to do, including performing at your best. But you're ready to feel calm again. You're ready to perform without stumbling & questioning your self-worth again. And most of all, you want to perform with ease, reclaim joy and confidently move forward. I want to help you get there. I specialize in helping adults, including other therapists, who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, performance anxiety and burnout, and want to feel safe, confident and joyful again. Clients come to me looking for a non-traditional approach to help them heal profoundly. We'll work at your pace & you don't have to discuss details of your painful experience(s) if you choose. With 15 years of experience and as a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I can help you connect to your inner healing potential. I have been a client myself so I honor the courage it takes to start looking for a therapist. I can't wait to hear from you. Call/text/email today to schedule a free 15 min consult! (please don't include sensitive info in a text).

There's something magical about working with you, a student, that has your whole life ahead of you but yet you may feel like your not functioning at your best. I want to help you be the best version of you; whether it's alleviating anxiety, depression, trauma or OCD symptoms, you deserve that. I have 25 years of experience working with your age group and can't wait to get started. Have a look at my website that is based in trauma informed care ('cuz who doesn't have some kind of trauma that they've experienced in their lives)?

Having worked in hospitals, behavioral/mental health, and in the homes of the elderly and disabled for the past 21 years, I will bring a depth of knowledge and experience to your therapy journey. My friendly down to earth, and “strengths based” approach helps clients balance their goals, wishes and desires with options. I can help you find new ways to cope, to handle life’s challenges, to connect with others and have happy, secure friendships and relationships. It may not be easy, and it may not happen overnight, but I assure you that the ability to change and grow is within yourself!

I am a deep heart healer. Clients come to me to support in clearing and transforming the parts of them which are deeply wounded. I work with clients from an intuitive and trauma-informed perspective. My work extends beyond the mental and emotional into the energetic and spiritual realms. I believe we all carry trauma whether it is collective, individual, or ancestral. I connect with clients throughout the lifespan. Words are one source of healing, but healing can also occur without words. Through creativity, play, and energy psychology techniques, we can shift and heal. We can experience deep healing as a child, adolescent, and adult. Whatever you are holding, you do not need to hold it alone. Your whole self is welcome. Nature is my greatest teacher. I often find answers that inspire and guide the way I work and live in nature. Working with me, opens you to rest in your own truth, move through deep healing, and return to connection – internally and beyond. I would be grateful to walk with you during this part of your journey.

Hi I'm Ariel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with young adults struggling with relationship issues, perfectionism, body image, and trauma. I have a background in EMDR in order to support the processing of past trauma and aide in your recovery from past events. Take a look at my website and reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consult! Looking forward to hearing from you!

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who has worked several clinical specialties including the pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care unit, adult medical-surgical unit, telemetry unit, adult inpatient psychiatry unit, and postpartum unit as a registered nurse. I received my Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University in 2020. After graduation, I completed a one-year residency for the Veteran Affairs in Sacramento and worked with veterans with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I have provided psychotropic medication management in a mental health clinic, inpatient mental health units and providing psychiatric consults on medical units for two years. For the past year, I have been working at Foresight Mental Health and provided medication management while treating the whole person through a holistic mindset. I became inspired to work in the field of mental health care as I worked in several specialties of nursing and I naturally gravitated toward working with patients, who have mental health concerns. I learned the importance of listening to my patients first and then advocate for my patient’s wellbeing by partnering with them to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on improving their overall quality of life. I have learned how to implement active listening and supportive therapy to collaborate with patients to provide them with optimal mental health outcomes. Motivational interviewing skills are are utilized to identify areas of resistance toward previous treatment to offer holistic treatment options.

Whether you are coping with loss, relationship challenges, emotional neglect, abuse, or systemic stress, you do not have to navigate healing alone. I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients can build autonomy, strengthen coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. My goal is to help my clients better understand how chronic stress impacts emotional well-being and to develop the skills to create meaningful, lasting change. The part I love about this field is seeing my clients transform into the person they've fought hard to become. I have witnessed the impact of mental health needs within my community, therefore, I will support you no matter your class, population, or race. If you've made it this far, thank you for your time. I hope I am a good fit for you! Regards A. LCSW

My practice specialization is focused on women’s issues and perinatal mental health. In response to the recent changes in access to women's reproductive healthcare, many of us are feeling confused, scared, (and p*ssed off!). I provide a safe space for women to process whatever emotions they may be feeling as a result of their direct experiences or related to future concerns. I believe that the relationship between clinician & client is the foundation for a successful therapy experience. Please know that I realize how difficult it is to connect with a “stranger” when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very enlightening. It can also be light-hearted & fun. (I guarantee a few laughs during each session!) I utilize a variety of therapy techniques, which ultimately allows for flexibility in making sure that you get what you need in a way that works for you.

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

Do you always feel on edge? Did something traumatic happen? Trauma is a disruption to the nervous system that often creates patterns and loops that extend into many areas of a person's life. It can affect our bodies, our minds and the way we relate to other people. Sometimes the way people survive their trauma brings them more pain, adds to the chaos, and reinforces negative beliefs that perpetuate the cycle as well as causing other mental health issues grow- such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of various cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and know that trauma is non-discriminatory. Do you always feel on edge? Did something traumatic happen? Trauma is a disruption to the nervous system that often creates patterns and loops that extend into many areas of a person's life. It can affect our bodies, our minds and the way we relate to other people. Sometimes the way people survive their trauma brings them more pain, adds to the chaos, and reinforces negative beliefs that perpetuate the cycle as well as causing other mental health issues grow- such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of various cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and know that trauma is non-discriminatory. I work with clients to overcome their past, calm their bodies, and bring peace to their own lives. Therapy focuses on bolstering strengths so they can face their past and find new meaning in life. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as EMDR, grounding and meditation, somatic interventions, as well as talk therapy techniques such as CBT and DBT. I have over 10 years working with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse. I can hold space for your healing and teach you how to hold that space for yourself. Join me to learn ways to care for yourself and move past the trauma that has been haunting you. You are a survivor, and I can help you become a thriver. The website listed in this website is to book a 15 minute consultation. If you would like to read more about me and my practice, please go to Amygrovenlmft.com.

As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-lingual therapy; I worked as a licensed counselor in S. Korea, so you can speak only Korean, only English, or both languages in session. Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the United States. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience counseling first, second, and third-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using elements drawn from Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) or Solution-Focused therapy based on the nature of the issues or client’s needs. In therapy, I strive to create new understanding, provide corrective experiences, and promote changes. My clients have told me that they enjoyed their work with me because they loved the insight about them and their patterns that they got from our work, warm and consistent support from me, and changes that they were motivated to make throughout the course of the therapy.

Dr. Amanda Perry is a licensed psychologist with over ten years of experience, integrating various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as trauma-informed models like Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive-behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT). She provides individual, family therapy, parent training, and couples therapy. It takes an incredible amount of courage to admit our own insecurities and difficulties. To seek help through therapy requires even more determination and strength. Therefore, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment and work together collaboratively to achieve your mental health goals. My clinical training and personal experience as a first-generation immigrant have made me mindful of the numerous risk factors unique to ethnic minorities and recognize the importance of providing culturally-sensitive care. I also specialize in treatment for those who struggle with both psychological and medical illnesses.