Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

You find yourself overwhelmed and unable to do anything, even though you know what you should be doing. Your thoughts are causing you to spiral and you find yourself remembering every bad thing that's ever happened to you. What I want to do is bring you back to the present moment and find the way forward to give you the future you are wanting. Whether that is coping skills to help you relax, or changing your perspective to better deal with what's going on, we will find a way to help you out.

Life can feel like a lot sometimes. Maybe you're anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, stuck in your head, or putting so much pressure on yourself that it's hard to enjoy anything anymore. You don't have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. I'm a down-to-earth therapist who believes you don't need to be fixed. You need a space where you can be real. We can laugh, be honest about what's not working, and get to the root of what's keeping you stuck. I'll support you, challenge you when it's helpful, and we'll focus on practical changes that actually make a difference in your daily life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationships, stress, self-esteem, trauma, or just trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, we'll work together to help you feel more grounded, confident, and like yourself again. We'll do real work that creates real change.

I specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.

Working with individuals who feel they need some extra support to tackle challenges that life throws at them is my passion. I believe that through the relationship and work between client and therapist, behaviors can be adjusted, relationships can be mended, unhealthy coping skills can be identified and reworked, and healthy change can occur. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where individuals can succeed in making positive growth in their lives. Taking a straightforward, honest, relaxed and empathetic approach to supporting clients frees clients to open up, discover their strengths and make the most of therapy.

Online therapy appointments available and easily scheduled through www.parheliawellness.com to make the process of getting help easier. You are the expert of you. As such, collaboration and trust are key parts to helping you guide treatment to suit your needs and meet your goals. In our first appointment, I hope to work with you to help you decide your next steps. To schedule an online appointment, click on the "website" button where you can click on "request appointment." A bit about me. I have a strong affection for anything outdoors where I can run, climb, hike, ski, and explore with my family and friends. My personal and professional experiences have prompted me to use advocacy as a tool to contribute to positive meaningful change working towards a more equitable, inclusive and just world. This is reflected in my work as a clinician, researcher, and community service member. For this reason, I am committed to lifelong experiential learning and growth to hone my capacity for cultural humility. I welcome adults of all ages, abilities, genders, orientations, ethnicities, and spiritual beliefs to reach out for care.

Brenda Valenzuela is a dedicated therapist who places building trust and engagement at the core of her practice. She takes a humanistic approach, focusing on understanding each individual's unique perspective and experiences. Brenda strives to create an environment rooted in empathy, respect, and authenticity, ensuring clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. Her warm, inclusive style centers on meeting clients where they are, using thoughtful questions to tailor each session to their needs. Brenda is committed to fostering genuine connections, celebrating progress, and guiding clients through growth and healing. Outside of her professional life, Brenda is a mom, who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including her goldendoodle and fiancé, a firefighter in Southern California. She values family time, walks, farmers markets, and library visits, bringing the same warmth and authenticity to her personal life as she does to her work.

I work well with a wide variety of psychoemotional problems such as anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and relationship difficulties with family, friendships, the self, or your love life. I provide holistic psychotherapy to help you create a more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling life. As a therapist, my broader goal is in helping you experience higher states of fulfillment, joy, and peace of mind - rather than simply helping you decrease the symptoms you're having. It's about happiness and each person's unique recipe for that. The backbone of my therapy approach is collaborative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also bring in elements from mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy and narrative therapy. I have years of experience working in addiction treatment which has allowed me to work with an incredibly diverse population of all backgrounds. 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.

Hello, I am a psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. I have a couple of openings this spring/summer! My experience has allowed me to bring a deeper perspective to situations, and I know the value of giving that feedback to my clients. Do you want help with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss & grief, life transitions, cultural/racial issues, health problems and substance use? Send me a message and I'd be glad to do a free consult call with you. If I'm not the right therapist for you, I'm happy to give you some names of colleagues. I use a variety of approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic and Existential therapies. I'm licensed in Colorado, California and 42 other states through PsyPact. That means when you go home for the summer/breaks and it's likely I'll be licensed in your home state!

Our approach is one of compassion, providing a non-judgmental place to help you safely explore life's challenges and strengthen your connection to yourself; fostering lasting emotional well-being. We offer a wide range of specialties and interventions styles. Reach out and we will set you up with a therapist that best suites your needs and therapeutic style

I work with clients of all ages, including students using a variety of modalities including cognitive-based strategies, somatic therapeutics and EMDR trauma reprocessing. I've worked in student affairs, was a clinical supervisor for graduate students for 10 years and now have a private practice where I love supporting students. I have a sliding fee scale to make therapy more affordable. I specialize in supporting LGBTQI+ students, reducing anxiety, supporting those managing illness or illness with a loved one, and when it fits, incorporating yoga, meditation and somatics. I'm a mix of east-coast-straightforwardness with California-anything-is-possible. My style is approachable, down to earth, and solutions-focused.

My years of specialized training and experience have equipped me with skills in various therapeutic approaches. I have a background in treating co-occurring disorders (substance abuse treatment and mental health). I customize my approach to meet the needs and presenting problems of my clients and direct their treatment to establish a therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate the bridge to health. I continuously strive to maintain an engaging spirit and good humor; I am able to engage clients from various backgrounds in their quest to learn, improve and emerge as more effective human beings. I am able to see and appreciate my clients personal power, unique gifts and assist them in seeing the light out of the darkness. 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.

My approach to therapy is respectful, warm, direct, reflective, present and strength-based. My therapeutic style is eclectic to meet the needs of each individual, their culture, and their 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.

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

Dr. Thomas G Letourneau, MD, brings kindness and clinical expertise to the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar disorders, relationship problems, and life transitions. He believes truly caring about his patients and showing them kindness and compassion is the first step in healing. He is an experienced psychopharmacologist who specializes in medication management. He stays on the cutting edge of the most current research and treatment methodologies in order to manage various psychiatric conditions in the most effective way possible. A skilled diagnostician with over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Letourneau provides compassionate, evidence-based care, engaging patients in collaborative treatment planning within a welcoming, reassuring environment.

The Lotus Collaborative provides eating disorder PHP and IOP, primary mental health IOP, and dual-diagnosis treatment when clinically indicated. We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Kaiser Permanente, and also work with Medi-Cal referrals. For clients with other insurance plans, we can explore Single Case Agreements (SCAs) and have had a high success rate obtaining them. We also offer a free, in-person eating disorder recovery support group open to the community.

Hello there, Feeling stuck? Feeling stressed out about all the things that are competing for your attention? Wanting to change your relationship with yourself, so you can spread your wings and soar? I'm Stefan (he/him) and I want to be there on your journey. Starting therapy can feel scary, even if you've been in therapy before! To lower that intensity a bit, I want you to give you an idea of how I show up to sessions: - I get to know you - your family, friends, hobbies, shows, loves, fears, passions. - I celebrate and hype you up when you do the hard thing. - I ask questions to get you curious about patterns in your life, and point out when you might not be aware of them. - I offer compassion when your mind creates judgments about yourself. - I welcome and ask for feedback, knowing some things will land and others will not. - I laugh with you and value humor. - I tear up when you feel hurt or uncover a tender spot (while also holding space for you to feel). - I'll tell you I'm proud of you. - I nerd out about mental health, skills, approaches, and explain concepts in a way you'll understand. - I slow down and speed up based on your cues, and I give you choice in how we go about sessions. - I'm always working on our relationship, so there's trust and security when we get to difficult things. - I acknowledge the bigger systems of oppression that affect your life and lives of your loved ones. - I'm active and dynamic in sessions - sometimes asking questions, leading an activity, listening and reflecting, interrupting to highlight something you said, and synthesizing information and summarizing it back to you. All of this "I" is the effort I put into helping you get to "you": what you want, what you care about, your goals, dreams, your emotions, stressors, internal talk, and who you want to become and how you want to show up in life. Specialties: queer and trans identities and lived experiences, anxiety and depression, perfectionism, substance use, navigating family dynamics, healing trauma, couples and relationship work, career discernment Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; trauma approach), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method (for relationship work), mindfulness and somatic interventions I'm an associate counselor, seeing clients through telehealth in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California. My typical availability is 8am-5pm EST, although I sometimes see clients earlier in the morning or early evening. I have in-person availability in Northampton, MA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please reach out with any questions! I accept the following insurances: - United/Optum/UMR/UHC in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California - Sutter Health and Kaiser (through Carelon) in California - Harvard Pilgrim in Massachusetts Private pay rates are: Individual - $125-$175 Couples/Relationships/Family - $145-$195

Becoming the parent of a child with autism was a catalyst that fundamentally reshaped my world. Initially, I attempted to navigate the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child in isolation, drowning in a sea of anxiety, grief, and anger. It wasn’t until I sought therapy and connected with a community of parents on the same emotional rollercoaster that the fog lifted. Therapy — and the support of others who understood — changed everything. That experience led me to this work. From the moment you log on for your telehealth appointment, the space belongs entirely to you. It is a place where you can cry, laugh, and share your highs and lows without fear of judgment. You don’t need to have a plan or know exactly where to start; just being here is the beginning of discovery. You will be seen, you will be heard, and we will take this first step together. I believe therapy works best when we walk the path together. My approach is built on your strengths and tailored to your unique needs. You will always be met with acceptance, empathy, and respect—never judgment. Rather than giving you answers, I am here to help you uncover your own truth and take the lead in your healing. I want you to leave our time together feeling deeply seen, supported, and ready to move forward with confidence. I’ve recently discovered a quiet peace in making soap and candles. There is something beautiful about the way we must melt down solid wax to reshape it, or how we must wait patiently for soap to cure before it is ready. It reminds me so much of therapy. We need time to soften, space to be molded, and patience to let our new insights settle. It has taught me that healing is a craft—one that simply cannot be rushed.

I am passionate about empowering individuals around their health and healing process. I help my clients using a holistic approach focusing on the importance and role of self-care. As a professional helper and healer, I have had the remarkable opportunity to be a witness to people’s stories and to guide their journeys. Over the last few years, my approach has evolved beyond exploring thoughts and feelings because those that seek mental health services want to feel better and not just manage their symptoms. I utilize mind-body skills, activities (mindfulness, meditation, yoga, etc.) and one’s own strengths to guide goals of mental wellness and personal growth. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. 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.

Sometimes it's really hard for us to ask for help-especially when you're a strong, independent woman. Therapy is a great way to reach out, learn more about yourself, and grow through any challenges you might be facing. I help women who want to change their relationship with food and their bodies. I work with women in individual, group, & virtual therapy. I have a holistic approach that covers a wide range of symptoms & issues, but I enjoy helping clients who have struggled with their weight make peace with food. I love working with college women who are graduating & seeking support for the transition, and specialize in those women experiencing a "quarter life crisis". I also have a lot of experience helping women with recovering from sexual trauma. I love working with women who may have experienced an unplanned pregnancy or abortion as well, and offer an non-judgemental, pro-choice arena to explore emotions. Starting therapy can seem scary, but its brave to get some help! Make the decision to feel better today. I am an Out of Network insurance provider-contact your insurance to see if you qualify for these benefits. Flexible spending and HSA accepted as payment. Learn more on my website https://www.jessicafoley.com/