Therapists for college students near 94132
Melissa Craven
Medical training can be deeply meaningful—and relentless. High expectations, long hours, constant evaluation, and responsibility for others can make it difficult to maintain perspective, extend yourself the same compassion you offer patients, or stay connected to the people and parts of life that matter to you. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with extensive experience integrating the arts into psychotherapy. Expressive arts practices offer a way to step outside habitual thinking, gain perspective, and reconnect with creativity, self-compassion, and balance. No artistic experience is needed. Together, we can address perfectionism and self-criticism, anxiety or low mood, relationship challenges, or simply the difficulty of feeling like yourself within a demanding environment. I spent fourteen years at UCSF, where I integrated creative approaches into treatment for people experiencing moderate to severe mood symptoms. I also hold a credential in perinatal mental health. I offer online psychotherapy throughout California and walk-and-talk sessions in San Francisco parks. My goal is to help you find some space around what feels difficult, reconnect with what matters to you, and enjoy more of the life you’re working so hard to build.
Marla Leigh Caplan MFT
I am a licensed psychotherapist in San Francisco, California. I bring my creativity and intellectual curiosity to a psychodynamic approach to clinical psychology rooted in the tradition of psychoanalysis. My approach as a therapist is honest and direct. I am actively engaged in the process of exploration, listening for the unconscious - for what is said and what is not said. I aspire to collaborate with you to rediscover your authentic self and a renewed sense of aliveness by accessing and reflecting on your own inner wisdom from multiple perspectives. I work with artists, creators, writers and thinkers; highly sensitive people who are deeply affected by the world and whose sensitivities are both their greatest asset and most daunting challenge. Wherever you find yourself in the infinitely varied spectrum of culture, gender, race, sex and religious identity, you are welcome here with me. It is my privilege to join you on this journey. I am here to help you see that everything is possible.
Paul Thomas
You have the innate ability to uncover, identify, explore, and ultimately change unwanted or problematic thoughts or behaviors. My style is personal, collaborative, and responsive to your needs. I start from the premise that you are the expert on yourself. Therapy is a safe and empowering space to pursue the best version of yourself. I walk alongside you throughout the process, lending support, offering validation, teaching skills, and providing accountability. 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.
Kurt Vaillancourt
Some of the areas I have provided treatment for include substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and adjustment disorders due to life transitions. For nearly 20 years, I have worked with adults, families, and couples both individually and in group settings. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and obtained a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) in 2005. I relocated to the Bay Area in 2020 from Los Angeles. I have worked in numerous medical center settings including Cedars-Sinai, Century City, and Kaiser Permanente just to name a few. My clients often describe me as supportive, ethical, passionate, and energetic. 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.
Geoffrey Fletcher
I became a therapist after working for many years in business and finance. I was fortunate to then complete a master's and subsequently a doctoral program in Psychology. This professional and academic experience supports the therapy I've been providing for over a decade. By connecting academic theories with my clients' real-life situations and an empathic and thoughtful style, I seek to help clients understand themselves better while supporting their movement forward in positive directions. In addition to working as a therapist, I have written about long-term success for couples and workplace stress and have led therapy groups on these topics as well as anxiety and depression. I specialize in these areas working with couples and individuals. 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.
Marissza Cavin
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I gravitate toward using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Gottman methods in my approach to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict. My therapeutic style is a balance of building trust through understanding and asking intentional questions to get to the heart of the issue. My approach integrates processing unaddressed emotions, challenging unhelpful narratives, and building new strategies to manage life stressors in its many stages. 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.
Dennis Padla
Dr. Padla was born in New Jersey and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After this, he received a Master’s Degree at Virginia Tech before attending medical school at Rutger’s Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. He then did his psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Institute of Living in Hartford Connecticut. During his years of private practice he has specialized in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, pain management and obesity medicine. He has trained physician’s assistants while being an adjunct professor in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University. He retired in 2017 after being Chief of Psychiatry at Doctor’s Hospitals of Indiana. After a brief retirement of six months, he was lured out of retirement and became the psychiatrist at the Sacramento Native American Health Center where he currently still works. Dennis Padla, MD Experience (background and professional journey) Time with APA (how long you’ve been part of the team) Personal note (2–3 lines about yourself outside of work) Certificates & licenses (list of credentials) Specialization (your focus areas in psychiatry/mental health) Title (your professional title as you’d like it to appear) Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, Forensic, Psychiatry, Pain Management and Obesity Medicine
Channing Richmond
My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in strengths-based, collaborative, empowering, and respectful techniques. I am seeking to support clients being seen in a world that does not always validate one's existence. I hope to be a helpful guide in the journey of life to help clients notice the innate wisdom that already exists within themselves. 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.
Pablo Padilla
A person is complete when the whole self, (emotions, thoughts, and actions) all harmoniously unite. With the guidance of CBT, Narrative, Relational, Couples Counseling, etc. we can make headways into restoring the whole self so that we can be complete and live a life to the full. My goal is to empower you to be the author of your life so that you can have the final say of each chapter. My role will be to be your editor to ensure your desires are accomplished and protected. When we arrive at the whole self, you will be an unstoppable force. 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.
Olajumoke Adeyemi
Hi, I’m Olajumoke Adeyemi, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C). I offer integrated mental health care, combining talk therapy, medication management, and compassionate support. I work with women, adults, and young adults facing emotional pain, life transitions, trauma, and identity challenges. My goal is to help you feel supported and empowered to rediscover your voice and capacity to thrive. I address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. I also offer Christian counseling. I have a relational, integrative, and trauma-informed approach, meeting you where you are and collaborating on your goals. My therapy style is warm and down-to-earth, blending modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. I also provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a comprehensive approach to your care. In our sessions, you can expect an honest, gentle, and safe space to unpack what's weighing on you. We'll explore root causes, develop coping tools, and gain clarity for a more connected and authentic life. I am passionate about human connection and healing, and my own experiences shape my approach. I advocate for accessible, culturally affirming mental health care. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk the path alone. If this resonates, please reach out. I’d be honored to support you.
Roxanne Polk
I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sexual abuse and trauma, relationship issues, codependency, substance abuse and addiction. I am 12-Step friendly and for those who are interested in incorporating spirituality, I offer faith-based counseling as well. Connection, trust, and vulnerability are foundational to a therapeutic relationship. Therefore, as your therapist I seek to establish a warm, confidential, and compassionate atmosphere where you feel seen and heard for who you are and where you are on your path to healing and personal growth. My approach is to encourage and support you as we work collaboratively toward your goals. Using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), I will help you identify and break away from maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behavior while incorporating mindfulness practices such as breathing and meditation exercises to help you develop and strengthen your internal resources. I am also EMDR certified, a modality I implement to help with internal resourcing for panic, anxiety, stress management, and trauma. 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.
Isaac Ozobiani LCSW
Isaac has a Ph.D., PsyD, degree in Health Service Management and in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University and California Southern University respectively. He is licensed in the states of CA and Florida as an LCSW. He has over 25 years of experience in the provision of mental health care to individuals and families across a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient community mental health, dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient inpatient detox, and transitional housing facilities. His present and past clientele includes those with behavioral and/or substance issues including anxiety, depression, grief, life transition issues, and anger management. He collaborates with clients on how to get from where they are in their lives currently to where they want to be. He uses cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques to work with clients.
Path to Growth Marriage & Family Counseling
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
Shay L. Groenewold, Ph.D. Psychological Services
As a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical training and experience, I have had the great fortune of supporting individuals from all walks of life who are working to make peace with their past, to connect with their present, and to build hope about their future. I work with adults of all backgrounds and orientations. My Approach… I strive to provide tailored support for my clients as they address issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, past trauma, communication issues, anger management, symptoms of serious mental illness, adjustment and decision-making issues, and relationship problems. Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, clarifying values, and identifying goals for improving coping, fulfillment, and self-concept.
Ami Patel
My clients often appreciate how we can create a safe space where they can comfortably share their experiences. Clients typically enjoy learning and developing practical tools in order to create an improved lifestyle. In building a deeper connection, we can explore the tools you currently use, and collectively figure out the ones that work for you, as well as those that may need to be updated. I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic lens as I believe that our thoughts are connected to our behavior, mood, and engagement in life (school, work, relationships), therefore building a healthier mindset is key to transformation. I also incorporate the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to build upon a "toolbox" of coping skills to learn how to manage mood, relationships, and stress successfully. Together, we will identify patterns throughout your life, create a plan of action, and come to a place where you feel stronger, confident, and capable of significant change. If you feel that you are ready to take charge of your life, and create a new path that invites in strength, tranquility, and pleasure...whatever it is you may be looking for, I'm here to support you through this journey. 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.
Tina Ahmed
I work to help clients change stuck patterns and feel empowered in their lives, as well to teach skills for managing mental health symptoms and overwhelming life experiences. Empowerment, safety, and wholeheartedness. These are the values that drive my work. I use a holistic approach to focus on individual strengths and needs. 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.
Manveen Chahal
Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and choosing to start is an act of strength. I offer a supportive, welcoming space for people of all genders who are ready to explore growth and healing. I have extensive experience working with men, especially men of color, who may be new to therapy and navigating stigma. Using evidence based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, along with training in nutrition and mental health, I help clients understand the roots of their concerns and build practical tools for change. My goal is to create relaxed, trusting sessions grounded in collaboration and understanding. 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.
Maria Lopez
As a first-generation immigrant, I understand the complexities of intersecting cultures firsthand. I specialize in life transitions, women's issues, and trauma. Know you will have a safe space to explore all issues. Helping clients work through traumatic experiences is a passion of mine. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing to help alleviate distress with traumatic memories. I am particularly interested in providing services to marginalized groups, specifically to the Asian American and Filipino communities. 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.
Karyn Galindo
You don’t have to carry this alone. If anxiety, depression, or people-pleasing—trying to make others happy—take over, I’m here: open, steady, ready to help. I work with adults facing life transitions, work stress, family conflict, and low confidence. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. We’ll make sense of what’s happening and build practical skills. Using CBT and DBT, we’ll calm your nervous system, set boundaries, and move forward with clarity. You’ll be met with respect, curiosity, and a plan that fits you. Ready? Reach out—we’ll start where you are. 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.
Shobha George
I have experience working with all demographics but mostly with adults that struggle with a variety of issues, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychotic disorders, stress management, family conflicts, relationship, behavioral and other mental health problems. My approach to you as a client is simple, meet you where you are. I use an eclectic theoretical approach that fits your needs, and one that makes you feel the most comfortable. I believe while seeking help you have goals to attain and it is my job to help you get there. It is my honor to use my expertise, skills, and knowledge to support you in that journey. 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.