Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
Hi, I'm Dr. Monica. I know that life can sometimes feel overwhelming – whether it's the weight of anxiety, navigating grief, or dealing with the unexpected. With over 25 years of clinical experience, I offer compassionate, direct, and unstuffy support to help you feel more grounded and less stuck. I specialize in anxiety, pet loss and grief, and trauma, but also work with clients on relationship challenges, stress, and major life transitions. Therapy with me feels like having a real conversation – no judgment, just understanding. Together, we’ll untangle the thoughts that keep you up at night and work toward finding more calm, clarity, and even a little humor along the way. If you’re unsure about starting therapy, I offer a brief 15-minute consultation to help you decide if I’m the right fit for you. You're not alone in this, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you. I am authorized to provide virtual therapy in CA, TX and all PSYPACT participating states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in trauma, adoption, and challenging life experiences, my approach is relational and integrative. I work exclusively online with teens and adults in California who have had significant adverse childhood experiences or recent stressful or traumatic events. Life transitions can trigger old emotional wounds, contributing to anxiety or depression in adulthood. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from symptoms of past trauma is EMDR therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can provide lasting relief from disturbing memories, reactivity, anxiety, excessive worries, and other emotional distress stemming from adverse experiences in the past. This evidence-based integrative brief psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective. Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as an effective trauma treatment; the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense placed EMDR therapy in the "A" category as "strongly recommended" for trauma.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, emotional numbness, or sense of self; my primary goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic inner self. I aim to provide a space of growth & connection through a decolonized lens. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, emotional numbness, or sense of self; my primary goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic inner self. I aim to provide a space of growth & connection through a decolonized lens. I empower folkx to reconnect with their inner self; reconnect with their core values so that they feel empowered to live their authentic self. I use a holistic approach where I embody mind, body, and spirit. I also incorporate indigenous forms of healing in addition to Western Psychology to help you develop a sense of self that is whole. During our first session together, we will establish a baseline of what is working and build off that. My primary goal is help you develop compassion and grace for yourself; it is from this space where radical growth and healing can be cultivated.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Our clients come from all walks of life, but tend to have one thing in common when they reach out to set up an initial appointment: they’ve realized they want more out of life. More joy, more freedom, greater emotional and relational health – in short, a more abundant life. In your first few sessions with us, it’s typical to breathe a sigh of relief – as you realize that there’s finally a space where you can be completely, authentically yourself. We start by processing your story – where you’ve been, where you are now, where you want to be. Stephen Covey writes that “to touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.” Being invited to be a witness to your story – in all the pains and triumphs and tragedies and victories – this is not an honor I take lightly. As our work together progresses, we unpack what hasn’t been working – self-defeating beliefs, unprocessed events and emotions, stale relational patterns… and we explore and process and practice new ways of being. Over time, the “ah ha” moments start to add up into the “I can’t believe how far I’ve come” moments as we reflect on your journey toward healing and abundance.
My clients struggle as you do. Despite being kind, highly driven, and expert problem-solvers, life is hard. When they first come in, they are anxious and burned out from helping, fixing, caretaking, and peacekeeping. They’re acutely perceptive of others’ needs, but struggle to put themselves first. They usually feel overly responsible for others' feelings and needs, trying to control what is outside their control. They have abandoned themselves and grapple with the feeling that their only worth is in caretaking for others. They are exhausted from constantly walking on eggshells with others, worrying about what they say and do. They are paralyzed by self-criticism, perfectionism, and people-pleasing as they try to prove their self-worth and earn others’ love and approval. They feel they’ve lost themselves. All these years of self-sacrifice and making themselves small for others has left them wondering, “Who am I if I'm not taking care of everyone else?” Their desire to fix and hold everyone else’s pain gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the kind of person they want to be. They feel like they’re failing as a partner, friend, and family member. And their confidence at work is tanking. Before they came to see me, they thought they could never say “no” and would go on doing everything for everyone while feeling empty inside. They worried they would never be the person they wanted to be. And they were pretty certain they would live with constant fear of never being “good enough.” Like my clients, you deserve to know that you are “enough” just as you are. Your worth is not predicated on caretaking for others. You want to step into the vibrant person you know you are and can be. Reclaiming yourself and discovering who you truly are is not out of your reach. If you want to stop feeling small and not feel terrified to be your authentic self, I’d love to help you get there. You don’t have to suffer. I can help. Give me a call to start our conversation.
At the Heart is a community counseling center whose goal is to bridge the gap that exists in access to services and to help heal our community, families, and individuals. All members of our community need respect and acceptance. Our counselors provide a caring and non-judgemental environment for clients to get the support and encouragement they need, when they need it. We provide both traditional/secular counseling and Christian based counseling, determined by a client's preference. We meet our clients where they are at and work collaboratively to help each client achieve their individual goals. We have several different kinds of providers. We have a Peer or Lay Counseling Division which is an every day person that is passionate and has a heart for helping others, life experience, and has completed a 13 week (40 hour) counseling course through At the Heart. The course addresses depression, trauma, anxiety, suicidality, grief/loss, child abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and mindfulness. These providers could be nurses, teachers, stay at home parents, retirees, and so on. They have an open heart and a willingness to listen and encourage. We have a Professional Division which involves Trainees, Associates/Interns, and Pastors. Trainees are Graduate/Doctoral school students in the field of counseling that need to acquire hours towards graduation and licensure. Associate and Interns are Post-Masters/Doctoral Graduates that are accruing hours towards licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or Professional Clinical Counseling. All of our counseling staff receive weekly case consultation and supervision by a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has special training in supervising non-licensed clinicians. Be assured, you will be provided with quality care and support. It is a team approach. Contact us today to speak with a scheduler who will match you with a counselor who is best suited to meet your needs.
We’re here to help anyone struggling with mental health to accelerate the healing process through music. Our founder Marlys Woods spent years using music to identify her emotions, but as she learned more about therapy, she realized that the one thing she relied on most to help her, was also keeping her stuck in unproductive, negative emotional states. Our mission is to teach everyone struggling with mental health how to stop using this powerful tool on a surface level, and start using music to create healthy life changes. We're working towards a society where we all know how to feel and face emotions and get to a place of freedom.
My name is Cameo (she/her) and I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) since 2016. I provide Cantonese-bilingual therapy and am located in San Francisco, CA. I am able to provide telehealth throughout California, Massachusetts and New York. My clinical practice is informed by a mix of psychoanalysis, solution-focused, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. I provide support, guidance and reflection to the entire life spectrum (children, youth, adults, families and couples) as they face life difficulties, transitions, pain and suffering. My work with you is to utilize insights to create awareness, change, healing and restoration towards emotional wellness. My clinical experiences include: primary care, outpatient community mental health, geriatric home visits, early intervention, early childhood consultation, elementary and middle school settings, pregnancy counseling and private practice.
Do you struggle with chronic dieting, food restriction and negative body image? Can you imagine being free of all the headspace that dieting, restricting, and counting takes up in your life? I can help you step by step, get out of the this negative cycle and be restored to having balance in your life, so you can pursue a more fulfilling life.
We are trained and practice a variety of models that support you in being your own therapist. We want what we do in the room to translate well into your life. If you are investing in yourself to feel better, then we want you to feel good for the long term. We take you through a process that allows you to understand and decide what changes you want in your mood, relationship, or pesty habit. Then we support you in supporting yourself towards change. We practice TEAM CBT, DBT, EMDR, and ACT. We are well versed in working with various lifestyles, beliefs, and complexions.
Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
From a young age, I've always loved and been curious about people. I've always felt connected to and interested in others and their experiences. It is a calling for me. After having both positive and negative experiences with therapists in high school, I was confident that this is what I wanted to do - what I was meant to do! I will actively listen to what they're sharing and ask clarifying questions as needed. I will be fully present with them in session, with the intention of understanding as much as possible their emotional experience, inner thoughts, etc. I may summarize and/or reflect back what I heard and ask if it feels accurate for them or if there are things I missed, misunderstood, etc. And lastly, I would simply ask them, "what makes you feel heard and understood? Is there anything that makes you feel misunderstood? How might I be able to tell if you're feeling misunderstood (outside of being told as much)? I see the therapy as a collaborative process, one where I walk alongside the client, not in front or above them. I may not have all the answers, but I am committed to helping in any way that I can. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance takes time, but I am patient. I will not rush the process or force you to share something you're not comfortable sharing (now or ever). Trust is build over time and the process will look different for each person, so it is important to consider individual differences, past experiences, interests, preferences, etc. when building the foundational trust and rapport. Lastly, it is imperative to me that I do what I say I will do, keep any promises I make, and if I make a mistake, I will apologize and do whatever I can to rectify it and facilitate repair.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
If you've found this page, life has likely taken an unexpected turn. You’re realizing that the way you've gone through life is not working for you anymore, and you don’t know why. Maybe it’s hard to describe how you feel, but you know that you need to make some changes. I help individuals and couples unpack and release unhelpful beliefs or burdens that keep them stuck. People come to me seeking someone who is highly trained, kind, and honest—someone who's done their own work and can help compassionately guide them through theirs. I switched careers to become a psychologist because therapy has been so transformative for me. You CAN create peace, authenticity, and a life that you are proud of. My expertise is in addiction issues, relationship challenges, childhood trauma, depression, and burnout. I also provide Christian counseling for clients who want that form of help. In our sessions, you can expect to feel safe, understood, and free to show up as your true self. If any of this resonates with you, I am so glad that you're here. Taking this step towards seeking help is a courageous and kind choice and it is my passion to help you on this journey. Schedule a free consultation today.
I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps. Perhaps your relationships, career, or daily routines no longer feel fulfilling. You might notice a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over your own, or find yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and growth. It’s not always easy especially if you’ve spent years living according to others’ expectations but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy. If you’re curious about how therapy might support you, I invite you to reach out.
My practice is grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, which means that you, as the individual, are at the heart of our therapeutic work. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, gender identity exploration, queer-related issues, and the impact of race trauma. I understand that each person's experience is unique, and I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where your voice is heard and valued. In our work together, we'll focus on processing your thoughts and emotions, helping you gain clarity and understanding. Whether you're dealing with complex challenges, seeking to understand yourself better, or in need of support, my role is to provide the guidance and tools that align with your unique journey. I hope to create a space where you can explore and grow at your own pace. I'm here to support you as you navigate your path, offering insights and strategies to help meet to your individual needs.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker currently practicing in Los Angeles. I am able to work with clients in California and Connecticut. I have had the privilege of working with teens, adults, parents and families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and beyond. My heart lies in providing care that's not just effective, but deeply compassionate. As a mother of two and experience working in residential treatment for adolescents, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that parents face from pregnancy, toddlerhood, and adolescence. My priority is to create a safe space for exploration and growth by making you feel seen, heard, and understood. Through the use of empathy, non-judgement, compassion, and curiosity, I support my clients in exploring challenges, patterns, and transitions in their lives allowing them to gain a deeper awareness of who they are and who they strive to be. Collaboratively identifying goals with my clients allows for a personalized approach tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Together we will explore and address underlying sources of distress, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and fostering healthy connections and boundaries in relationships. I am passionate about empowering my clients to take proactive steps toward enhancing their well-being and achieving greater fulfillment in their lives.