Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Alia Montelongo
Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.
Lisa Robertson Veyssiere
My clinical experience specifically includes working with the families of individuals with a severe mental illness diagnosis, bereavement counseling (including situations of violent or traumatic loss), and infertility. I also work with individuals who are anticipating or experiencing stress related to high-conflict divorce. I work with clients who have generally crafted an intentional life, often one marked by good judgment, predictably optimistic outcomes, and plenty of agency. A life that works… right up until it doesn’t. I have a special place in my heart for clients who would rather be doing almost anything else with their time than go to therapy. If you are someone who has an aversion to dredging up slings and arrows, I can relate. My clinical orientation is psychodynamic and eclectic; some clients might want to engage in psychotherapy, which can be a longer-term process, but many clients, especially those experiencing grief, are relieved to learn that short-term and solution-focused counseling are often highly effective. 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.
Lisa Chester-Schyman
Hello, My name is Lisa Chester-Schyman and I'm an LMFT practicing in Los Angeles, California. I provide a safe and compassionate environment to support you in your life journey and its many challenges. Through our work together you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, which will allow you to navigate your life with more ease, manage stress, change and transitions, and live a life filled with meaning. Together we will explore your true nature and I will support you to find more comfort in your life by teaching you tools to overcome obstacles to your emotional well-being. Our collaboration will allow you to move through the more challenging times in your life with a greater sense of ease. I work with adults, teens, and adolescents. I specialize in grief and loss, relational issues, transition and trauma. I believe the relationship between a client and therapist is essential in creating personal healing. I nurture a trusting relationship where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without any judgment. From this safe place we will explore what coping mechanisms will best help you and I will help guide you through. I would love to help you on your journey especially during this very difficult time in life and the world. Looking forward to working with you.
Bridges Therapy Group
At Bridges Therapy Group, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or simply seeking personal growth, our dedicated team of over 30 experienced and compassionate mental health professionals is here to guide and support you on your path toward healing and happiness. Our practice uses a fully virtual model to offer affordable, accessible and effective mental health care for individuals across the state of California. We recognize the profound personal connection between a client and therapist and our dedicated client care team takes pride in understanding your individual needs and preferences ensuring a seamless connection with a client-centered therapeutic ally whose expertise and style aligns precisely with what you’re seeking. Are you ready to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier you? There is hope for a better future. Call or send us a message to speak to someone today. We look forward to being a part of your healing journey!
Ross Edward Farley III
I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional. The root cause of the distress is my focus because it demands such intricate and tactful navigation. When it comes to therapy, I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I also believe in client accountability and responsibility in the therapeutic process. When we address the things in life which are no longer working, we are making a conscious choice to do something different. If there is a desire to enact real change, and to work diligently to enact said change, then I am here and ready to work alongside. 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.
Stephanie Morris
I enjoy helping young adults learn more about who they are and what they want out of this life. Setting boundaries, developing more positive self-talk, problem-solving, improving communication skills, and being authentic are all important factors to feeling like your best self. I tend to have more of a conversational, laid-back style and believe a sense of humor and some foul language in sessions can be incredibly therapeutic! I strongly believe that the therapist-client relationship is the number one reason for success in a therapeutic relationship, so it is important to me that you feel like we are the right fit. 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.
Suzanne Benko
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Zachary Kilgore, LCSW
I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.
Kean Romanelli
I have over 9 years of experience in the mental health field, working with a wide variety of individuals and assisting them in overcoming their struggles. My topics of specialty are depression, anxiety, communication, relationships, and anger. I utilize different modalities depending on the person and situation, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Informed Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Making sure that a therapy plan is individualized is highly important to me, as no two individuals are the same. I hope to make you an active leading role in your own mental health, in order to create the kind of life that you want to live and find happiness in. 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.
Sally Millsap
I became a therapist to welcome everyone so they feel safe and can be heard without judgement. My goal is for my clients to feel supported, heard and feel connected to someone they trust. I ensure that clients feel they are heard and understood by helping them stay on track with their goals and life experiences. I invite feedback during our sessions so that their needs and concerns are addressed. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in remote therapy. My approach is to use humor, creativity and metaphors to help the clients connect. I want to make the process of therapy more engaging and meaningful. I enjoy family life. I run every day first thing in the morning to feel connected and balanced. I also enjoy watching college basketball – especially when my team wins.
Emily Chane
Many of the students I work with are the people others assume are "doing fine" because they're successful, responsible, and high-achieving. On the inside, though, they may be struggling with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, self-doubt, or feeling like they have to hide parts of themselves to fit in. I also work with students who are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, family stress, or discovering they may be neurodivergent later in life. Together, we'll work to better understand what's been keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and help you create a life that feels more authentic, balanced, and sustainable. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and never judged.
Verenice Torres
My practice focuses on treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transition, and trauma. I value mental health and believe in the importance of getting the necessary care to manage life stressors. In my practice, I utilize a strength-based approach, focused on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to build resilience and empower the BIPOC community. 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.
Jose Guerra
First, I want to honor that you being here is a huge step as you look to improve your emotional wellbeing. My trauma-informed approach provides short-term, solution-focused, and culturally responsive cognitive therapy. I enjoy working with students and understand the stressors of dealing with school, work, family, and other life events! My goal is to use effective techniques to help you achieve your goals. My practice aims to provide affirmative psychotherapy for the LGBTQI community. Being a first-generation college grad myself, I can relate to the frustrations and feelings of isolation that can come up. My goal is to guide you on strategies to manage anxiety, depression, life adjustments, trauma, acculturation, "imposter syndrome," and first-generation higher education adjustment. I look forward to working with you. ****All telehealth services can only be provided in the state of California.****
Jordan St. Pierre
I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing persistent and severe mental health disorders and substance use disorders. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, paranoia, relationship issues, couples issues, communication issues, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), grief and loss, substance use, and personality disorders. I have also helped many clients who have experienced physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. During my years of practice, I have identified the benefits of focusing on client's self-esteem in order to improve within themselves, specifically focusing on ""the here and now"". I am highly trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT) which I have utilized within individual, group, and family therapy sessions as as well as solution focused therapy and motivational therapy. My therapy style is warm and nonjudgmental as I want all of my clients to feel they are in a safe environment when working with me. I believe in treating everyone as an individual and meeting my clients where they are during sessions. I also work with my clients in identifying their individual goals and completing unique and specific treatment plans. 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.
Ashraf Hosseini
As a licensed psychotherapist I work individuals and couples. As an educator for over 25 years, I have also worked with colleges students, particularly international students, undocumented students, and the underserved population. I firmly believe that from childhood to adult years we face myriad of challenges, i.e relational, emotional, and life transitions. During these times if the right support is not available to us, we compensate by activating parts of our Self that may manifest themselves as anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, compulsive behaviors (e.g. gambling, substance abuse, internet addiction), etc. As a result, relationships with our others, as well as with ourselves, are affected. My goal is to guide you through healing these parts leading to a self who is more emotionally aware and connected. You will develop an awareness of your patterns, learn to live with more harmony in the present, and build stronger relationships.
Patricia Calhoun
Hi. If you have ended up here chances are you are questioning if you need help trying to figure something out in your life. Don't close the page...You are here and that is good. Being in college can be a really difficult transition and so much harder than you thought it was going to be. Classes, grades, friends, socializing, drugs, sex, identity, expression, first time independence, and feeling home sick. Perhaps you have dealt with mental health issues before now or maybe this is the first time you are noticing something feeling different. Whatever has brought you to deciding to seek help, know you are making a good choice. Please take a moment to look at my site, and if I am not the right one for you, then look at others. Find someone to talk to today.
Luis Espinoza
I am inspired to work in mental health to build rapport with members and to help members identify, process, and heal from mental health symptoms and trauma. I am inspired to help members harness their inner voice and help them to improve self-worth as well as to help them change their narratives to a positive outlook in life. I ensure members are heard by bringing in empathy, demonstrating unconditional positive regard, triaging and creating collaborate treatment goals that members are amenable to work on, employ active listening, and show reflective listening. I build trust with storytelling, to start where the member is at, to not judge member, and to ask clarifying questions to get their lived experiences. I implement miracle questions, Socratic questioning, and provide homework assignments for accountability.
Maria Sandoval
I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking clinician. My passion is to bring people healing, whether that is from a traumatic experience or one of life’s many stressors. My experience includes working with a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds and cultures, who are struggling with various mental health issues. I believe healing can come from both acceptance and change. Life is constantly changing, and therapy can provide individuals with the skills needed to cope with those challenges. My approach to treatment is straightforward and honest. I strive to work collaboratively with my clients to help them identify solutions to life stressors that will enhance their lives and relationships. I believe that vulnerability and collaboration in therapy helps people find and achieve their lives worth living. I like to integrate different techniques and modalities as they best fit each person, to help them reach their individual goals. 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.
Damien Terronez
The challenges you face day-to-day can feel overwhelming. Equally challenging is finding someone who is willing to listen and help you overcome the thoughts that occupy your mind longer than they should. As a licensed mental health clinician trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, I offer my clients the attention, skill, and planning to develop strategies to improve their lives. As a potential client, I welcome you to reach out and allow me to work collaboratively with you. 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.