Therapists for college students near 90089
Judith Bordeaux
My therapeutic approach is person-centered, where I utilize empathy, authenticity, acceptance, and trust in welcoming my clientele into a safe space. These principles have been the driving force of my practice for nearly 14 years. My approach allows my clients the opportunity to find their authentic selves. These therapeutic principles fit well with my other personal values and qualities of compassion, integrity, courage, gentleness, curiosity, and reflection. You can expect to interact with those pieces of me throughout our sessions, along with my humor, creativity, playfulness, preparedness to sit with emotions, and interest in living a more fulfilled, enjoyable life. In my practice, I have been fortunate enough to gain training in many modalities. I have acquired my skills with a more in-depth understanding and approach through running CBT, DBT, Body image, Emotional Awareness, and Authentic Self groups. This rich exposure to many different interventions has prepared me to utilize my eclectic approach with my mindfulness guidance in all of my sessions with my clients. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Mark Stelzner
Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.
Shawneece Rivera
You’ve taken the first step towards healing, which is often one of the most difficult. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing me into your space. The world changed, and so did all of us…and that is okay! I am here to partner with children, teens, young adults, adults, and couples towards achieving healing and fulfilment, however that may look to you. My You-Centered approach places you at the helm of your journey, as we use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System, and other mindfulness management strategies to transform this moment. Together, we will combine these theories when discussing matters concerning goals/aspirations, relationships, interpersonal struggles, depression, self-esteem, executive functioning, stress management, phobias and fears, and substance use concerns.
Deniss Pleiner
I specialize in working with individuals who are ready to go deep: people tired of surface-level solutions and hungry for real, lasting change. I help clients struggling with anxiety, burnout, boundary-setting, inner child healing, intergenerational trauma, and the work of finding their way back to themselves after years of people-pleasing or disconnection. If you're someone who wants to understand why you struggle, not just how to cope better, we'll likely be a good fit.
Michael Eisenhauer
I believe in our ability and power to transform, heal, and thrive. I discovered this through my own lifelong personal journey as well as my genuine interest and care for the stories and life experiences of others. I pursued education and now two decades of mental health work experience to work alongside you. You are not alone in this process. I will meet you where you are at and we will make goals and set a vision of where you want to be, who you want to become, and/or how you want to change. My priority is that you feel safe, respected, and seen throughout our work together. You have made it this far to even browse our profiles and look for the right fit for you. I already see your strength in making it to this step. Our working relationship is essential to your success in therapy. We carry HEAVY things within us and I’m capable of holding these heavy things with you. With this in mind, I take care and attention to what helps you feel supported. It’s time to make the changes you want and I’m here to help get you there!
Katherine Pica
Helping you get unstuck from Anxiety, OCD and Trauma and learn to live a more fulfilled life. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck obsessing? There is hope and you are not alone. ERP, CBT, EMDR and Mindfulness Skills are treatment methods used to help you live a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you get freedom over issues that are holding you back from your true potential and goals in life. With over 14 years of experience I can help and guide you to learn to break free from old patterns and negative thoughts to tune into our true resilience.
Jennifer Kulka
Hi, I'm Jennifer. I help my clients feel like themselves again after trauma, specifically sexual trauma or relationship violence. You’ve tried to get past it, forget about it, told yourself it “wasn’t a big deal”, but you’re in pain. Maybe you notice feeling scared and mistrusting of others, having mood swings, or feeling down about yourself. Trauma can take many different forms, so often we don’t realize what we’ve gone through until we unpack it with someone safe. I can be that person for you.
Blair Ibarra
Whether it be substance abuse, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, anger or something else, I believe that with the right tools we can grow from these experiences and learn to cope. I strongly believe that everyone wants, can, and has the right, to be a healthy, happy individual who can grow and be successful. However, sometimes life gives us circumstances or unexpected events that make us feel this goal is out of our reach. I feel that therapy is most successful when it is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. I bring education and a variety of techniques while providing a safe and respectful yet challenging environment. You bring your authentic experiences and motivation to get better. Together, we work to figure out which areas could use improvement, what skills work for you, and the best ways to work towards your goals. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Natalie Arballo
I have over 18 years of experience in a variety of mental health settings with diverse populations. I am versed in treatments that have recorded evidence of being effective evidence-based approaches. I believe that change happens when people are given the guidance and support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Therefore, I believe that attaining and maintaining mental health is a collaborative process between you, your support network, and your provider. You are the expert on your own life experiences, symptoms, and what has worked well for you in the past. I would like to thank you in advance for allowing me to be a part of bringing a greater sense of well-being to your life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Kristen Kinsfogel, PhD
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Joni Smith
My inspiration of becoming a therapist started at a young age in recognition of the desire to help people in a capacity that was natural and enjoyable to me. I have naturally been a compassionate person that can listen to any person regardless of differences and similarities in dynamics and backgrounds. I practice a warm and welcoming approach when discussing mental health with clients. I support the client to gain successful emotional wellbeing to establish a fuller and more joyous relationship with others and the environment around them. I specialize in supporting individuals who experience a range of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, healthy coping skills, trauma, grief, anger, stress management, relationship issues and healthy conflict skill building. I am guided by primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory while considering the cultural, social and emotional context of the client. I help clients build on their strengths while addressing the concerns and goals. I have professional Social Work clinical experience working in outpatient clinical settings supporting children, adolescents, teens, military veterans and adults within my professional Social Work experience. I follow the lead of the client to develop trust, rapport, support, and empathy for all clients. I create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to ensure each individual client feels comfortable sharing their lived experiences without judgement. I am patient with each client and take an individualize approach to meet the client where they are.
Erica Chavez
As a therapist, my goal is to collaboratively work with you and empower you to overcome personal obstacles and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. I offer a safe space allowing you to openly address your concerns and develop insight and new ways to cope. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Julie Plutt LPCC
Do you find yourself struggling with intrusive, unwanted or “sticky” thoughts? Maybe your mind is constantly jumping to the worst case scenario, gets caught up in endless “what ifs,” or convinces you that you need to be 100% sure about something before you move on. You may have tried managing your anxiety or thoughts by avoiding certain people, places, or situations, reassuring yourself, mentally reviewing or rehearsing conversations, cleaning, saying a prayer, thinking a good thought to neutralize a bad thought, etc. You don't want to spend so much time engaging in these behaviors, but you feel like you can't stop — like you have to do them to stop something bad from happening, or to feel better. The relief you get from these behaviors is temporary, because the thoughts and feelings always come back, making you feel even more frustrated and hopeless. Over time you’ve noticed your world has started to shrink, and things have become difficult to manage. You struggle with paying attention in class, getting assignments in on time, procrastination, spending time with friends, or making decisions. You feel trapped, alone, and scared. If any of this resonates with you, I'm here to tell you that these experiences are common for those living with OCD and anxiety. The good news is that your life doesn't have to stay this way. With the right treatment, it’s possible to break free of OCD and anxiety and get back to the things that matter most to us. If you are interested in taking the next step please text, call, email, or fill out a form on my website to schedule a free 15 min consultation.
Donna Louis
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience working with individuals and families who have dealt with a variety of difficulties ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and much more. I welcome the uniqueness that each person brings into the counseling relationship. When working with my clients, I am ultimately headed towards creating a trusting environment that is conducive to exploring and decreasing emotional distress, maladaptive behaviors and increasing personal emotional wellness. I embrace cultural competency, and I am committed to understanding the importance of my client's worldview, which I believe is vital to the therapeutic process. I also believe the instillation of hope is fundamental in order to acquire the motivation needed to make change.
Carolyn Mcclung
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.
Allison Johnson-Gierth, LMFT, LPCC
Hello! I love supporting young adults navigate the stressors of college and life changes! If you are feeling the effects of depression, anxiety, coping with chronic medical conditions, difficulties in relationships, trauma, fear, anger, guilt, grief or loss, we will work as a team to explore your concerns and work towards making positive changes in your life. Beginning or continuing your therapeutic growth and journey does not need to be an intimidating process, but one in which ultimate support, healing and connection is found. It is my goal to provide a collaborative experience of working together to create growth and change in a safe and supportive environment to help you meet your goals, discover your inner strengths and lead a more fulfilling life. If you are in a season of searching, self-exploration, and in need of brainstorming new solutions, you have already taken the bravest step! I am here to help you explore, heal, and work towards finding the meaning that you seek. The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most crucial elements for the success of therapy. It is SO important to find someone that feels right for your needs and who understands you! Don't hesitate to contact me for a free 15- 20 minute phone consultation where we can discuss and explore your personal needs and goals for therapy.
Sarah Wilson
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).
Dr. Ashley Cares
Your path to a calmer, happier life starts here. I am ready to support you at your own pace, providing flexible appointments and personalized care. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple looking to strengthen your connection, or a family aiming to foster harmony, I am here to help. Let’s work together to address anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a healthier path forward for yourself, your relationships, and your family.
Alexandria Leedy, PsyD
You and your life isn’t one note. You are multifaceted and the demands you face happen to be as well – particularly when you are a student. Currently, the sound-track of your life has moved away from the sounds of a harmonious symphony -or maybe from an upbeat pop song- to something more unnerving and stressful (like the alarm you use to wake up to in the morning or the background music in a horror film—building tension, bracing yourself from some known or unknown threat). It makes sense that life has been overwhelming -increased responsibilities and life demands alone would contribute to this feeling. Add fears about the future, a recent breakup, challenging relationship dynamics with family, and/or other stressors and you might find yourself tipping the scales of your emotional bandwidth. I help students focus on the unique aspects of their lives that are no longer serving them – with empathy, tools, problem-solving, and emotional healing and growth. I believe you can have a richer and higher-quality of life– free from the overwhelming influence of your current life demands, harmful past experiences, poor modeling, and environmental toxicities (psychological). Call me to schedule an initial consultation (415) 356-9897 or fill out contact form https://www.alexandrialeedy.com/take-action.
Teresa Trias
You don't have to feel alone in any of this anymore. Whether it's everyday life stressors, relationship problems, a loss of something or someone important, either a positive or negative life transition, feeling signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety, or just simply feeling overwhelmed and confused; participating in therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to address, unveil, and tackle any and all of these things that we experience in our lives from time to time. I have specialized training in helping people make health behavior changes, learn the tools and skills needed to increase stress management, and recover from difficult or traumatic past experiences. My hope is to create an empathic and supportive space to allow you to feel the courage to process and work on those things buried deep down that can cause pain and heartache. By doing so, the power and control that those things have had on you can begin to lift and lessen.