Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

My name is Diadra Smith. I am an licensed clinical therapist and I use she/her pronouns. I am a clinician who identifies as black, queer, and neurodivergent. I believe all of these intersections has given me the opportunity to see myself in these communities who are often overlooked and underserved in the field of mental health. Why I got into this field was to create a space that is safe, brave, and encourages you to help find your most authentic self. I believe in abolishing and decolonizing what therapy is “supposed” to look like and who it is "supposed" to be for. I view relationships with my clients as a collaboration, asking you for your expertise on your life while I provide guidance through empowerment and advocacy. I am drawn to working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for working with BIPOC, neurodivergent folx, and LGBTQIA+ communities. My mission is to help to heal complex traumas, environmental inequities, and address intersections of identity unique to our experiences. If reaching out for help feels scary or shameful, I’d like to offer the idea that you are on the verge of change. Acknowledging what isn’t working today is a big first step to making the changes you'd like to see tomorrow. You’re coming at just the right time. However you found your way here, I am honored to be considered to walk with you on your journey.

Promoting a healthy mental health in society is what inspires me. As a proud Latina Clinical Social Worker, I bring my cultural heritage and professional expertise to empower individuals in their healing journey ensuring they feel seen, understood, and supported. I strive to provide a supportive and affirming environment. I understand that every individual has unique needs. I ensure to assess and explore which modalities and treatment would serve most effective. I believe healing is not linear, but living a life with a better quality can be possible with the right support and direction. Creating a strong therapeutic alliance is of the upmost importance in therapy. Having a strong alliance is like having a strong foundation in a house, with a strong foundation any strong house can be built. I develop trust, rapport, connection and unconditional support striving to be the best therapist for my clients.

Gather and Grow OC is a safe space to play, explore and grow together! We believe in high quality, knowledgeable therapy that honors the individual. We believe in sharing tools and education about healing. We believe that we’re all innately inclined to joy and growth, and we’re interested in connecting with other healers and truth seekers that believe the same!

Having a comfortable and relaxed partnership with your therapist is so important when exploring the raw parts of ourselves. We often keep these tender sides hidden and experience shame that we don’t “have it all together.” In order to feel ready to illuminate issues that need attention, we must be able to deeply trust the person doing that work by our side. I’m compassionate, non-judgmental, real and a little messy – like all humans! I’ve been there too! While I’m learning about what makes you unique, I’ll draw upon evidence-based therapeutic modalities that have been proven to be effective in lessening suffering and formulating new habits. When we have healthier ways of interpreting emotions and behavior patterns, our relationships improve, not only with others but also with ourselves. 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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I believe healing and growth are possible for any person at any age. As we begin the therapeutic journey together I like to develop a meaningful relationship with my clients and allow them to have the space for connection and growth. I use different approaches depending on each client's needs. 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.

We are a practice that specializes in trauma, grief & loss and anxiety. All clinicians are EMDR trained and utilize this modality to get to the core root of issues. We utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to treatment. This is expressed during sessions in our ability to understand the difference between the words a client may express and what they really mean to help clients get to the core root of the problem. Simultaneously, we also utilize solution-focused therapy to aide clients in reaching the next step of life.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues. I have experience working with veterans, children, families, adolescents, and adults struggling with substance abuse. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a safe therapeutic environment with a focus on developing lifelong skills. Working together, we will formulate attainable goals and strive towards greater self-acceptance. I will invite you to work with a kind curiosity on the journey of self-discovery. My theoretical orientation is primarily through a humanistic lens using strength-based and solution-focused interventions. I believe every individual has specific needs that can be tailored in a collaborative process through treatment. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into my treatment plan, as well as aspects of Psychodynamic Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Mindfulness. 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 believe that the core of successful psychotherapy lies in creating a safe place for you to talk about things that are truly important in your life. I am currently an online psychotherapist with over 21 years of clinical experience. I draw from various evidence-based approaches to provide personalized therapy that meets your unique needs. While we cannot always avoid the challenges that arise in our life, we do have a choice how to address them. I believe that there is much to learn from these struggles and that by facing them we create opportunity for making enduring changes in our life.

In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power? My approach is person-centered and strengths-based. You are the expert of your life, and we will work together to identify and use your strengths to create healthier relationships, increase self-esteem, and build resilience. Transforming into your most joyful self requires dedication and hard work, and I am here to support you every step of the way. As a Black and Latinx psychologist, I am passionate about healing and uplifting his communities. You deserve not to just survive, but thrive! I believe this work has the ability to help you find the confidence in your voice, and feel empowered in your daily life. If this resonates with you, come through, get settled in, and let’s get to work.

I always felt that I was called to help others. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I developed a sense of culture and community amongst Black and Brown people as well as a respect for the struggle. I grew up around artists, musicians, poets, leaders, givers, and eccentrics from all walks of life. During this time, I discovered how much I enjoyed listening to people, problem-solving, and motivating others to succeed and explore their authentic selves. I started off as a mentor in undergrad, inspiring other young people of color to attend college and think outside of the box in regards to their futures. I continued working with children, teens, and adults with special needs until I landed a position as an intern at a non-profit mental health agency in South Los Angeles. After I obtained my license as a marriage and family therapist, I continued to grow as a clinician, supervisor, and manager at the nonprofit while also taking on teen and adult clients in the private practice setting. My intake process is a free-flowing conversation where I provide a warm environment for you to feel comfortable opening up about yourself and what brings you to therapy. I used a standard intake questionnaire that can be filled out online and reviewed during the first session in order to assist with goal-setting and creating our therapy journey together. Progress is something that we agree upon collaboratively. I do give assignments as appropriate and depending on the goals we have established together. These assignments are not designed to feel like work but rather stepping stones to help you along on your quest for inner healing and positive change. I enjoy working with clients who want to grow and learn about themselves while tackling life's challenges.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to create a space where patients feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely heard. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, which has given me a strong foundation in caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns. I also hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, and other major life transitions. My approach is focused on helping people feel more confident and seen in their day-to-day lives. I was drawn to psychiatry because I’ve always been interested in the connection between mental health, overall well-being, and how deeply our experiences shape us. Working in mental health settings early in my career showed me how important it is for people to feel truly seen, supported, and understood during vulnerable moments. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a psychiatric provider and continue helping people navigate challenges with compassion, education, and practical support. I would describe my approach as collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I believe treatment works best when patients feel comfortable being open and involved in the decision-making process, so I focus on creating a nonjudgmental environment where people feel heard and understood. When working with me, patients can expect thoughtful conversations, education about treatment options, and a balance of compassion and practicality as we work toward goals that feel realistic and meaningful for their everyday life. Outside of work, my favorite role is being a mom. Motherhood has taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and giving myself grace during different seasons of life, which I think naturally carries over into how I connect with patients. I also love spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, and finding little ways to recharge and stay balanced outside of work. I think those moments of connection and normalcy are such an important part of overall mental health.

I have extensive experience working to reduce challenging behaviors related to ADHD, ASD, and other special needs. I believe true healing is an integrative approach that begins at the quantum level and then transcends perceptions, updates belief systems, and aligns more fully with the authentic self. My service in mental health is to challenge an individual to reach their optimal potential but also meet them where they are today. I integrate foundational principles of Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). 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.

If you want to see the universe laugh, tell it your plans.” In my 30 years of practicing psychology, this is perhaps one of my most favorite client quotes. Life is a meandering, unpredictable adventure with fulfilling, joyous times and also some unexpected and difficult challenges included. It’s not always easy to create the life and relationships that will bring fulfillment and happiness. Sometimes it’s difficult to even imagine your goals, understand what’s going wrong and think of solutions to overwhelming problems. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-worth or just a general sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, therapy can help you gain insight into your feelings, clarify your life’s direction and help you create a life worth living by maximizing your true potential. I strive to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where we can collaboratively explore, understand and clarify your feelings as well as find more adaptive ways to cope and problem solve the issues in your life. I believe that you can’t really understand someone’s present world without understanding their past experiences and how that is negatively or positively impacting their life now. In therapy I can help you break out of old patterns that are not serving you well anymore, improve coping alternatives and psychological flexibility while concurrently providing you concrete strategies for managing overwhelming feelings in the moment and the support and empathy you need to move forward. Life is hard for everyone at some point, but in considering therapy now, you have demonstrated the courage to strive for more and take the first step towards healing and growth. Together we will create the life you’ve always wanted by exploring what is holding you back, getting in your way and answering the questions you were previously too afraid to consider. I have been practicing psychology/therapy for the past 30 years since receiving my PhD in 1993 from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I recently retired from my job of 21 years in university counseling so that I could start my own private practice and better serve the clients with whom I work. I am a “true generalist” in every sense of the word and have experience and comfort in working with many different types of individuals, couples and issues. Some of my areas of expertise are: *Transitional aged youth ages 18-35, * Relationship and Interpersonal issues * Rape/Sexual assault *Relationship Abuse *Depression *Anxiety *Couples Therapy *Sports Psychology/Performance Enhancement *Processing Childhood Emotional and Physical Abuse. *Life Transitions *Parenting Issues I am eager to join you on your journey towards happiness and fulfillment so please reach out for a free consultation and take the first step toward a better and more powerful you. I offer Telemental Health Treatment to all of California.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

In network telehealth psychiatry for Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California. We know college can be overwhelming, but the right support can make all the difference. At Iroko Psychiatry, we specialize in helping college and graduate students thrive, with particular expertise in ADHD, including comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and practical strategies to improve focus, organization, time management, and academic performance. We also provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, sleep difficulties, and life transitions that commonly affect students. Founded by Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Henry Onyeaka, our practice offers personalized, measurement-based treatment through convenient virtual appointments, making it easier to get expert mental health care that fits your busy academic schedule. Our goal isn't just to help you feel better. We are here to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond.

I have been a therapist for 6 years and have worked with many populations, including the forensic population, both incarcerated individuals, those on probation, as well as first responders and their families, which includes spouses, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and enjoy working with individuals. I not only have a Masters in Clinical Counseling but also a Masters in Forensic Psychology. I am also currently working on my dissertation for a PhD. I enjoy helping my clients process and grow and teach them how to come to their own solutions for past and present life stressors. 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 mission is to help you find ways to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression by helping you find the hidden problem that is keeping you from feeling better. I utilize a direct and compassionate style when working with clients. I tailor my approach to therapy based on the unique needs of each person. I focus on addressing how our thoughts can impact our mood (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ways of regulating and tolerating strong emotions (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). With therapy, we can collaboratively work on balancing your thoughts, improve your ability to be mindful, regulate your emotions, tolerate stress, and improve your relationships. The goal is to gain self-confidence and awareness to make the necessary shifts in your life. 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.

Do you feel like life's obstacles have become too overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. I can help you overcome such obstacles. Through psychotherapy, I help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Breaking through your obstacles begins with you. Contact me and we start your journey toward wellness. I see individuals dealing with a wide variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety and trauma to trouble with relationships, multicultural issues and difficult life transitions. Even if don't see your particular issue listed, let's discuss your needs and goals for therapy, and I can refer if necessary.

Navigating life’s challenges can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about making difficult choices. If you seek to regain balance, find direction, build resiliency, make meaningful change, and find deep self-connection, then I'm glad you’re here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in supporting BIPOC and Latinx individuals and families to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship and parenting struggles. I will guide you through the therapy process and support you in finding solutions, inner peace, and new connections within yourself and with others. My approach combines empathy, mindfulness, and somatic practices to support healing and growth. I am trauma-informed and incorporate mindfulness-based techniques, Brainspotting, Trauma Resiliency Model, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Together, we’ll strengthen your mind-body connection and empower you with tools to build resilience and thrive. Therapy is a space for authenticity, safety, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll explore challenges and create strategies to support your growth. If you’re ready to step into healing with warmth and compassion, I’m here to guide you. Let’s embark on this journey toward your empowered and grounded self. Let's connect!