Therapists for college students near 94132

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

Reaching out for help is often the most difficult step. We may think “Why wasn’t I strong enough to deal with this on my own?” or “What is wrong with me?”. We may even downplay our experiences, thinking “There are others who have it worse” or “I’m just being dramatic.” It’s okay to have these thoughts, and it’s okay to realize that we can’t do it all on our own. As your therapist, I am here to support you in all aspects of the human experience – especially the ones that make us question ourselves. Whether it be feelings of shame, grief, inadequacy, or something else that is challenging to name, I will be there to guide you gently through. I utilize empathy, compassion, and gentle curiosity in the therapy room. As a collaborator in your process, I will help you to explore and discover while always allowing you to set the pace for your own journey. As a companion, I will be by your side when difficult emotions arise – guiding you through coping mechanisms, providing resources, and strengthening support systems. I believe that everyone has within themselves exactly what they need to live their most satisfying life. My role is to help you uncover that which is already within. In this way, I utilize a Solution-Focused approach to highlight strengths and identify small steps towards healing and change. I also integrate techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and IFS in order to tailor therapy specifically to each person’s needs. As a Latina and descendent of immigrants myself, I am passionate about intergenerational healing and breaking cycles. I take an inclusive approach to therapy, taking into account social, political, cultural, and economic contexts when considering family stories and histories. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples navigating the stressors associated with living in different cultures and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Reaching out for help is an act of courage. I am glad you are here.

I'm so glad you're here! I’m a clinical therapist in California, where I help women like you cultivate confidence and become the best version of yourself. I primarily work with young women who are struggling with: overwhelming worry, sadness, people pleasing, feeling unlovable or like you're not enough, the pattern of being attracted to emotionally unavailable people, or challenges related to relationships or family. I also have specialized clinical training in treating complex trauma, grief or loss, and sexual abuse. In our initial sessions, you can expect a warm, supportive exploration of your story, where we’ll build trust and collaborate on a healing plan that's tailored to your particular needs and goals. By combining evidence-based therapy practices with creativity, intuition, and a little humor, we'll shift the patterns holding you back so you can experience the kind of life and relationships you've always dreamed about. I know it can be a challenging process to find a new therapist, but I am here to support you and make it as easy as possible. You can reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation by emailing me or clicking on my website link to schedule. If for any reason I'm not the right fit for you, I'll help you find someone wonderful who is because I want you to receive the best possible care.

At our practice, we understand that navigating university life while balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity can feel like a lot to carry. We specifically specialize in supporting Hispanic and Latin students, providing a culturally affirming space where your background is celebrated and understood. Our team of therapists helps students navigate anxiety, academic pressure, life transitions, and generational differences. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in our community and offer a warm, bilingual, and judgment-free space where you can feel seen and heard.

I am warm & straight forward. I will ask you questions to help you find your own authentic answers. I work with adults & couples from a variety of communities who feel stuck, who want to understand themselves, heal & grow. I find importance in childhood wounds that affect our present day. I will help you reframe perspectives so you can look at things in a way which serve you better while connecting to parts of yourself you may have kept hidden. Boundaries are good for everyone. Establishing boundaries might feel uncomfortable, you may not even know you are entitled to have them or fear abandonment if you did, we can work on that. I speak plainly and provide a non-judgmental, safe environment where we can explore what's going on in your world at your pace using traditional talk therapy and/ or EMDR. I use an eclectic approach drawing on multiple theoretical orientations in order to tailor the most effective treatment for you to develop self love, learn new coping skills, heal and grow.Whether you are navigating relationship issues, life transitions or trying to understand why you are in pain, it is healing to be seen, heard & accepted.This is what I strive to create in our therapeutic relationship while you learn to break repetitive destructive patterns &develop a compassionate understanding of yourself. I am interested to learn about you

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that has experience helping individuals with a variety of complications. I specialize in helping clients with , ADHD, Depression, Anxiety & self-esteem. I also have experience helping individuals with self-esteem, school/career, traumatic brain Injury & other life difficulties. Reaching out to a psychotherapist is a big step that you are taking even if it feels like a small achievement. We all want to be heard when something is bothering us. Having someone hear us when we are upset can mean a lot. It can also feel good to have someone to vent to when a day has been long I am here to listen. Sometimes you may need to share when life changes or need help processing what has happened. I want to be there for you even when the day is neither good or bad. I am here.

Hello there! In my approach to therapy, I emphasize empathy and active listening, creating a compassionate environment where my clients feel heard and validated, fostering a safe space for exploration and growth. I also incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations, encouraging clients to build resilience and self-esteem. My communication style is characterized by warmth, active listening, and empathy. I foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. My compassionate approach combines encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping clients feel supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

I help people learn how to take care of themselves. ​​ ​ In our sessions, you will develop the skills to navigate family dynamics, understand your needs, communicate boundaries, and build self-trust and self-esteem. ​ So, whether you identify as a conflict avoider, people pleaser, overachiever, perfectionist, or anxious attacher, I can help you figure out who you are, what you want, and who you want to be.

As a clinician with a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a doctorate in clinical psychology, I bring a thoughtful, integrative, and person-centered approach to therapy. My work is grounded in a humanistic theoretical orientation, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with warmth, respect, and curiosity. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported in making sense of their experiences, in their own words. While I prioritize a person-centered lens, I also draw from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. I am deeply committed to multicultural awareness, equity, and advocacy in clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S, and first-gen. My approach is affirming, identity-conscious, and culturally responsive, with an emphasis on honoring the complexity and intersectionality of each client’s lived experience. In addition to English, I am fluent in Mandarin and Shanghainese, and I welcome clients who may benefit from therapy in their native language. It is an honor and a privilege to support individuals in navigating life transitions, identity development, and emotional well-being with care, openness, and collaboration. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I was inspired to be a therapist because of my own experience in therapy. I saw the benefits from my own sessions and worked with my therapist to work towards my goal of getting into graduate school. Now I want to help people the same way my first therapist helped me find what I was passionate in and also help those who might also feel stuck too. My style is one of collaboration and brainstorming together to figure out what solutions will help your unique situation. I always respect that you’re the expert of your life and I am here to help you figure out what clicks. I treat my therapy sessions as a casual conversation space and I use humor and analogies to get my examples and points across. Also as a video game enjoyer I use a lot of examples from that area of my life in creative ways to help emphasize or get certain points across in a different way. I’m a huge nerd so I love all things related to gaming, anime, superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons and card games. I’m a big enjoyer of fantasy and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series that got me hooked into that genre. Currently enjoying Frieren and slowly finishing season 2.

Hi, I am Rafael Cazares, LMFT. As a bicultural professional, the son of immigrants, and the first in my family to graduate from college, my practice is deeply dedicated to Latino/a/x mental health and student wellbeing. I understand firsthand what it is like to navigate two distinct worlds at once, balancing deep cultural roots and family sacrifices with the heavy, relentless pressures of higher education. Before transitioning into mental health, my first career was in Information Technology (IT), which heavily shapes how I view therapy today. I borrow some of that mindset to look at you as a whole person. I do not look at your academic stress, chronic anxiety, or life transitions in isolation. Instead, we look at how your history, your course load, your family dynamics, and your routines all connect. I mostly work with driven, first and second generation students, path changers, and overthinkers who find themselves running on empty. My clients are often students who know they want to excel, but they currently feel completely stuck, paralyzed by procrastination, or constantly living on default high alert. This mental friction usually happens when the intense desire to honor your family sacrifices collides with an unceasing inner critic and a mind that refuses to shift out of high gear. Whether you are carrying the heavy weight of everyone else expectations or trying to find your footing in an environment that was never modeled for you growing up, you belong here. My practice is a fully welcoming, identity affirming space where you can finally drop the academic armor and examine your story without an ounce of judgment. Combining intentional behavioral science like ACT with advanced trauma processing like EMDR, we focus on identifying the exact loops keeping you stuck, processing the stuckness, and developing life long skills. We move past empty venting to focus on concrete strategies to quiet the background noise of your thoughts, lock in your focus, and manage the intense emotional fatigue of higher education. Balancing my own life as a stay at home father during the day, I intentionally structure my practice with late evening and Saturday slots. This allows me to meet you online during the quiet hours when your classes, labs, and study shifts are completely done for the day. You do not have to carry the immense weight of these academic and cultural expectations all on your own. Let us connect today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation call and start building a clear roadmap toward a future that is truly your own.

Hello and Welcome! I am an SCU alumni and currently have a fully remote and in-person practice (In person on Thursdays only). Ultimately, we all hit bumps in the road associated with being human and making our way through LIFE. But you don't have to struggle and suffer alone. There is support, and I'm happy to help. I enjoy helping people work through issues around stress, addiction, codependency, anxiety, substance abuse, boundaries, family issues, relationship issues, and issues around life transitions. "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional..." -Haruki Murakami

Clients who have experienced trauma, substance abuse and family issues. Struggling with depression and anxiety. Career and college challenges are all important to process. I use various research-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) . I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotions and traumatic experiences. I consider all aspects of an individual and implement a bio-psycho-social-spiritual, culturally-sensitive and client-centered approach with individuals, couples, and families.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

You may be feeling tired of the world as it is—overstimulated, uncertain, and emotionally demanding. Whether you appear strong and capable or feel overwhelmed, many people are carrying fear, exhaustion, and a longing for something steady to hold onto. The people I work with often feel worn down by repeating patterns like people-pleasing or overextending, or feel stuck and disconnected when life feels unstable. I provide a grounded, safe environment where you can truly slow down and breathe. My approach bridges the gap between traditional clinical expertise and alternative ways of healing. I offer evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, MBCT and Narrative Therapy. In addition to this, I also integrate somatic-based practices, Buddhism psychology, Akashic Record reading, and other spiritual healing practices into our work together. I work with self-identity, relationships, burnout, boundaries, and life transitions—especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to help you develop an inner anchor you can return to when life feels chaotic, and to support you in moving toward a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

California Prime Recovery is a substance use and mental health PHP/IOP/OP located in Orange County, CA. We offer in-person and virtual group and individual therapy, psychiatry and case management. Hours range from 6 hours per day to 1 hour per day, depending on the needs of the individual.

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.

If you are sensitive, creative, trying to do it all for yourself and for others, but lonely and stuck about how to resolve the paradox, my practice is for you. Does the following sound familiar? "I will just do everything myself. I can want others, but I mustn’t truly need them…or upset them.” I do my best work with those who can want deeper human contacts in life but who feel uncertainty or conflict about opening up fully and about serving themselves. Your gifts might include: sensory, aesthetic, and emotional sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, desire for fairness and justice, creative and spiritual / philosophical interests, teaching / writing, having ideals, enthusiasm (when interested), and a good first impression (when you feel safe and well). Still, you may have slipped into people-pleasing, social anxiety or reluctance, uncertainty about dependency and safety, disappointed or resentful exhaustion, under-assertion, quiet envy / jealousy, variable or confused boundaries, withdrawal after setbacks, perfectionism, procrastination, or unexplained body symptoms If the above sounds like what you have been feeling and trying to cope with, get in touch with me for some knowledgeable, understanding help in a safe-yet-engaging environment. I am patient, intently listening, insightful about subtleties, and gently persistent. I have faith you can develop a healthy interdependence with life and others. I am here to hang in with you as you make the time to digest help and faith and then make some new moves. It will be worth it!