Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you really are? College can be exciting—but it can also feel like too much. Maybe you’ve always been the one who holds it all together, gets straight A’s, and never lets anyone see you struggle. But now, you're anxious all the time, you're exhausted from trying to be “on” 24/7, and even small things feel like a big deal. You might feel pressure to meet expectations—yours or your family’s—and you’re starting to wonder if any of it really feels like you. Maybe you feel like you’re constantly performing. Like you can’t ever fully relax. Or maybe you’re starting to ask big questions about your identity, your future, your values—and it’s scary to realize you don’t have all the answers yet. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with college students who are high achievers, perfectionists, and deep thinkers—especially those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, burnout, or questions around identity and family dynamics. In therapy, you can slow down, breathe, and start untangling the pressure from what you really want. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, more like yourself, and more in control of your life. Sessions are confidential, affirming, and tailored to who you are—not who others expect you to be. I provide inclusive and affirming care and create a space where you don’t have to explain or defend your experiences. Online sessions available for students in CA & WA. In-person sessions available in Santa Monica, CA. If this sounds like what you need, reach out. Things can be different—and therapy is a good place to start.

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help individuals heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Witnessing people transform—whether overcoming trauma, managing stress, feeling better about oneself, or improving relationships—gives me a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles and gain the tools to thrive. The resilience in each of us and the power of healing inspire me daily, and drive me to continually refine my approach and use effective methods like EMDR and mindfulness to support lasting change and well-being. Since 1992 I have worked in private practice, agencies, and hospital settings with a wide range of people who seek help in handling stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, transition, stage of life issues, relationship concerns, body image concerns, compulsive eating, and crises. A main specialty is recovery from trauma and abuse and I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)–a very effective tool–as well as techniques from other trauma therapies. I have an integrative approach and use tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress management and skill-building; cognitive-behavioral elements; parts work; focusing on strengths; and psycho-education. I am warm and approachable and my clients say that I make them feel safe and accepted. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. To ensure clients feel heard and understood, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where active listening is central. I validate their feelings, reflect back their words and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration. I regularly check in with clients for feedback on our work together, ensuring our approach is collaborative and aligned with their needs and goals. By integrating various therapeutic tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I offer a personalized approach that fosters trust and empathy, which helps clients feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and heard. I demonstrate empathy, consistency, and respect, which helps people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I am warm and compassionate and clients sense this. I honor each person’s experience and story. I am very comfortable with emotions and the truth of one’s experience, which helps clients be comfortable with their truth and sharing that with me. I actively listen and validate the emotions, while also being transparent about the therapeutic process. By tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and using techniques like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I foster collaboration and a sense of empowerment. Regular check-ins and feedback ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the client’s goals, reinforcing the trust and partnership essential to effective healing.

Providing thoughtful psychiatry for children, adolescents, and adults.

I am passionate about joining others on their journey towards healing and growth. Through my own experiences overcoming adversity and managing personal struggles, I became dedicated to pursuing a career as a therapist so that I can help others navigate their own difficulties. My goal is to create a non-judgmental and safe atmosphere in which you will feel comfortable exploring your own thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. I use a multi-model holistic approach, uniquely tailored to each individual. I am skilled in helping people cope with issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and adjustment to life stressors. I have experience working with clients from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. As a therapist, I prioritize your own personal goals and needs as you choose to express and address them. I have the utmost respect for the right of one’s self-determination. I provide undivided attention, thoughtful feedback, and hold a safe space for you to process whatever you would like to address. I am constantly aiming to ensure you feel empowered and comfortable to openly express your thoughts and emotions. This includes any changes that you would like from me and/or treatment. I consider rapport and therapeutic alliance as possibly the most important aspect of therapy and its effectiveness. I will meet you where you are at and proceed at your own pace. I am also transparent and welcome questions. I am open-minded, genuine, accepting, and deeply empathetic. I read each individual and explore whether you want to be challenged, given suggestions and ways to cope, or simply heard and validated. Therapy is an interactive experience in which you are the leader.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Hola, and welcome! As a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where college and university students can openly share their experiences and focus on their mental health. Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, life transitions, relationships, or feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps—especially as a student balancing so much—so I want to recognize the courage it takes to be here. Over the past 13 years, I’ve worked in community mental health supporting young people and adults through life’s challenges. My goal is to meet you where you are and work alongside you so you can feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout your journey—in school and beyond.

I specialize in addiction and recovery, I have many clients I have helped navigate anxiety, codependency or toxic relationships, the transition into college life, and recovery from trauma. I am available in person in my office in Hermosa Beach, or via tele-health. I pride myself of being very casual, down to earth and having authentic conversations. I don't shy away from sarcasm, profanity or humor (therapy doesn't have to be all intense). And the best compliments I receive are hearing "I didn't think I was a therapy person... until I started therapy with you".

Hello and welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker with 14 years of experience working with children and adults struggling with the impact of trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues. I always work from a strength based perspective. I believe that therapy can be a place were a person can feel safe and work through life's challenges. I take a humanistic approach to therapy. I like to have a good understanding of who a person is and how things impact them day today so we can work together to fins solutions or relief to whatever may be going on.

From the outside, it may look like you have everything under control. You're responsible, capable, and driven. But beneath the accomplishments, your mind rarely slows down. You're constantly thinking about what's next, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or feeling guilty when you try to rest. I specialize in working with driven young adults and professionals struggling with chronic anxiety, perfectionism, and self-imposed pressure. Many of my clients feel exhausted by overthinking, overwhelmed by expectations, and frustrated that success hasn't brought the peace or confidence they hoped for. Together, we'll work to quiet the constant mental noise, build self-trust, and create a healthier relationship with stress and achievement. Therapy is about helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and developing practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming. Many clients begin therapy feeling overwhelmed by pressure and responsibility. Over time, they often find themselves carrying less emotional weight, responding to challenges with greater confidence, and creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you're ready to stop carrying it all alone, I'd be honored to connect.

Starting college can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Many students I work with struggle with the transition to greater independence, academic pressures, and the challenge of building new friendships and relationships. It’s common to feel anxious, down, or unsure of how to balance it all. In our sessions, I create a supportive space where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Together, we’ll work on understanding and managing stress, easing anxiety and depression, and navigating the ups and downs of college life. Whether it’s handling the workload, dealing with homesickness, or managing new romantic and social experiences, my goal is to help you feel grounded, confident, and better equipped for this chapter in your life.

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.

College is often a time of growth, transition, pressure, and uncertainty — and at times, it can feel overwhelming trying to manage everything on your plate. Trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, work, social life, and your own mental health can feel like a lot. You may be feeling more anxious than usual, struggling in relationships, finding it harder to stay motivated, or feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. Maybe things don’t feel as okay as they look from the outside. Sometimes having a space to talk openly and make sense of what you’re feeling can make a meaningful difference. Therapy can offer a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. At Lumenate, we offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can better understand what you’re experiencing and feel supported in the process. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity questions, stress, or life transitions, therapy can help you feel more grounded, connected, and confident in yourself and your relationships.

We’re Here For You Together Family Counseling is a collective of compassionate, licensed, and pre-licensed therapists dedicated to serving the mental healthcare needs of all California residents. With expertise in various therapeutic modalities, we specialize in supporting individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and adults facing a wide range of challenges. Our team is committed to tailoring personalized treatment plans that address concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, stress management, and more. We offer in-person appointments at our welcoming Covina offices, and we provide convenient telehealth services for clients throughout the state of California. We understand that life’s demands can sometimes make it challenging to attend in-person sessions, and our telehealth option ensures access to high-quality care from the comfort of your own home. We are proud to work with various insurance providers, and for those without insurance or out-of-network coverage, we offer various payment options. Your well-being is our priority, and we strive to make our services accessible by reviewing your insurance plan and if needed, explaining your benefits in plain English in order to help you understand your costs, if any. At Together Family Counseling, we believe in the transformative power of therapy and the strength of human resilience. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth, and thriving relationships. Together, let’s embark on a path of healing, resilience, and lasting positive change.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.

I was drawn to the field of therapy because I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and resilience. Over time, I witnessed how meaningful it can be for people to have a space where they feel truly heard and supported through life’s most difficult moments. I am inspired by the strength individuals show in facing their challenges, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. Seeking therapy is an important step toward growth and healing, and I am committed to providing a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. My clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues related to self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and attachment-focused work. I work with clients to not only address current symptoms but also to identify and process underlying patterns that may be contributing to ongoing distress. With experience in both treatment facility and private practice settings, I bring a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical presentations. I am dedicated to helping clients develop insight, build effective coping strategies, and foster lasting personal growth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful work in therapy. From the very beginning, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. I approach each client with genuine curiosity, empathy, and non-judgment, allowing us to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Through open communication, collaboration, and consistency, we work together to create a partnership where you feel supported in exploring difficult emotions and experiences. I am committed to honoring your unique story while helping you gain new insight and develop effective tools to support your growth. Working together will be a collaborative process where we move at a pace that feels right for you. In the beginning, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, learning about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and what feels important to you. Building trust takes time, and I truly respect that.

Hello, my name is Dayna Hunt and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the State of California. I was born and raised in Northern California, specifically Marin County. I have lived in Southern California and also Seattle, Washington. I have traveled across the United States as well as to Europe and lived a short time in Australia. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, spending time in nature and with family. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, CA and my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University in San Rafael, Calif. I have always enjoyed listening to people's stories and problem solving. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at a very young age and began pursuing psychology early in life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we are here to create a therapeutic environment that fosters real positive changes. It is our goal to assist you in becoming your best and most authentic self. Because of the uniqueness of the human experience we don't believe in a one size fits all model of therapy, therefore we tailor treatment specifically designed to meet your own unique goals and challenges.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of work experience across a variety of treatment settings including community based agencies, schools and medical facilities, with individuals and groups across the life span. Prior to becoming a licensed therapist, I worked for over a decade as a Medical Social Worker providing therapeutic interventions to patients with chronic illness who were dealing with the challenges of everyday life compounded by the weight of their illness. It was with this experience that I discovered my passion in helping clients struggling with depression and anxiety and that which propelled me into clinical practice. My therapy style is client-centered and strengths-based as well as collaborative and experimental. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Psycho-education in my approach with clients. I look forward to partnering with you to help you through the difficult transitions in your life.

I do this work because I am committed to liberation for all people. I believe that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. I am a queer and nonbinary therapist who brings a queer and intersectional lens to my work. I specialize in holding space for life transitions and know how to act as a guide to your personal revelations. I prioritize trauma informed care, and I have been told that I know how to hold a strong container for clients to discover their own inner wisdom and knowing. As survivor of trauma and Intimate Partner Violence, I specialize in helping clients find and trust their own intuition. I have lived experience as a queer and nonbinary person who came out later in life. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and EMDR. I've been doing my own IFS work for 4 years and firmly believe that at the core of every human being is the desire to heal. Fat-friendly, kink and polyamory informed. You already know the way! You have innate wisdom born out of your experiences and intuition. I'm here to help you learn to trust yourself and to be a compassionate witness to your self-discovery. However you show up in session is ok: you don't have to mask or sit still. I meet clients where they are with warmth and curiosity.