Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
We specialize in emerging adulthood because this developmental stage requires specific clinical expertise. You're constructing an adult identity, which means the strategies that worked in your family or in school often need updating. The ways you learned to get love, stay safe, or earn approval show up in adult relationships and sometimes constrain you in ways you can see but can't shift alone. Our therapists work psychodynamically to help you understand patterns you didn't consciously choose. We use EMDR to process past experiences that still shape your present, teach DBT skills for managing intense emotions, and apply attachment theory to understand how early relationships become blueprints for later ones. We understand the psychological tasks specific to this stage: becoming your own person while maintaining meaningful relationships, building intimacy based on reality rather than fantasy, tolerating the uncertainty inherent in creating an adult life, and developing a sense of self that can hold complexity. The therapeutic relationship becomes a space where patterns can surface, be examined, and eventually change. You get to practice being yourself without the adaptations you've relied on to get by.
While in therapy, it is crucial that clients develop an increased understanding about the working relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions. I enjoy helping clients learn to practice emotion regulation, develop healthy coping skills, and empower them to take an active role in their lives leading to positive outcomes outside of therapy. I recognize the difficulty in talking to a stranger about intimate and personal topics, and I acknowledge the strength that it takes to freely discuss these events in an open manner. I provide an open space, where clients feel at ease sharing their lives in a confidential setting. It is well researched that a successful therapy outcome is highly linked to a positive therapeutic rapport. I strive to make you feel safe, heard, respected, and valued. I am aware of the complexities life brings and the many paths it can take, both positive and negative, my hope is that while in my care, I provide you with a reliable safe space to further develop your personal growth.
I provide telehealth/video sessions in California, Colorado, and Utah. I have a special interest in working with college students and young adults. As an LCSW I have provided counseling and psychotherapy to adults for over 35 years. I am certified in treating complex trauma and my approach includes teaching coping tools, insight development, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience helping young adults, including healing from trauma, anxiety, stress management, and chronic & acute health conditions.
Clients I work with are typically struggling with perfectionism, eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with the college transition. I want to learn about your unique story so that we can create meaningful positive change in your life. As your therapist, I like to focus on staying in the present moment, finding skills to regulate emotions, and tapping into your mind/body/spirit. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with athletes, LGBTQ folks, People of Color, and trans-racial adoptees. I am located in Los Angeles and work with clients throughout California using a secure Telehealth platform, Simple Practice.
When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.
Ombu Counseling specializes in helping those facing new challenges in life, those in the process of negotiating their place in an adoptive environment, and those seeking to assert themselves in relationships, groups and/or families in which conflicting values, beliefs and expectations prevail. Major life transitions are challenging, especially when they provoke questions about one’s identity, culture, core-values and sense of belonging. Trying to figure this out can result in feelings of confusion and emotional exhaustion. Counseling offers a process for reflecting on such questions and space for containing the emotions they produce.
My journey into the field of mental health began with a deep seated passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. Through my exposure to stories of resilience and recovery shared by individuals who had benefited from therapy and my own personal journey into healing, I became inspired to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy, where I could make a tangible impact on people’s lives by helping them to navigate complex emotional and interpersonal issues. The opportunity to facilitate positive change and foster healthy relationships is what ultimately inspires and motivates me every day and for the past decade that I have been helping individuals and couples. Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with diverse populations and have built an earnest interest to the importance of cultural sensitivities. To ensure that you feel heard and understood, I prioritize creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely. Active listening is at the core of my practice-I pay close attention to verbal and no-verbal cues, which allows me to grasp the nuances of your experiences. I strive to maintain an open dialogue to help you remain encouraged to communicate openly about your thoughts and feelings. By showing empathy and providing feedback tailored to your specific situations, I can align my therapeutic approach to fit your unique needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative, blending evidence-based practices such as DBT, Attachment-based, EFT, Trauma-informed, Schema Therapy, Somatic psychotherapy, Humanistic, Existential and Narrative. Building trust and a solid therapeutic alliance is fundamental to successful therapy. I begin by establishing rapport from the very first session, showing genuine care and concern for your well-being. Transparency is key-I clearly outline the therapy process and encourage questions, which helps demystify what therapy entails and sets mutual expectations. consistency, reliability and collaboration in our interactions further reinforce trust in the process. By maintaining confidentiality and showing respect for boundaries we can cultivate a confidential and supportive environment. I aspire to involve you in setting therapy goals and developing strategies while reinforcing your agency in our journey together. Through consistency, empathy, and active collaboration, I aim to build a lasting partnership that supports your healing journey. Lic # 132196
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.****
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I have a special focus on athletes, performers, and creatives hitting walls, performance blocks, creative freezes, and the trauma quietly running the show from backstage. If you know you're capable of more but something keeps getting in the way, that's exactly where we dig in. I'm mindfulness-based, DBT-informed, and solution-focused, and certified in Brainspotting and Play Therapy. These two approaches reach places that talk therapy alone sometimes can't. Think of them as secret passageways to what's already inside you. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and completely tailored to you: no therapy-speak, just honest conversation, real tools, and a little humor when it helps. Whatever you're carrying, we'll figure out together, building on your strengths at your pace.
I believe whole heartedly in the healing power of therapy because I’ve seen first hand how it has improved the lives of those I’ve worked with and how it has improved my life personally. I’m passionate about supporting my clients, aiding them in their healing journeys, and helping them live more fulfilling lives. I view my clients as experts in their own lives and work alongside them to uncover their inherent strengths, helping to build resilience and create the life they envision. I believe that gaining awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors fosters personal insight and motivation, promoting mental well-being. I draw on evidence-based, person centered, trauma-informed methods, integrating techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoanalytical approaches, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to equip clients with the tools needed for healthy functioning and overall wellness.
My academic study of transpersonal psychology and my own personal healing journey introduced me to therapists who inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Our partnership thrives on clear communication. I prioritize active listening and regular check-ins to ensure you feel understood and satisfied at every stage of our work. I work with clients to build trust and therapeutic alliance through supportive non-judgment, genuineness, and teamwork.
I am passionate about helping college students navigate life's challenges with empathy and understanding. Let's work together to create positive change.
Are you struggling with non-stop worry about all the things that feel out of your control? Or maybe you find yourself terrified of embarrassment, consumed by doubt, or suddenly overwhelmed by dread for no apparent reason. I would love to give you the tools to ease your anxiety, take back your life, and truly be yourself. The never-ending worries and intense physical discomfort of anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to manage a course load! As your therapist, we would work together to identify what is driving your anxiety and then find the most effective strategies for you so that you don’t have to feel powerless anymore.
Are you tired of the same old patterns and anxiety holding you back in life? Perhaps you know what your goals are and you would like to gain some more insight and coping skills as you work towards them. You've been putting a lot of pressure on yourself and now you're wanting support as you figure things out. You’re realizing it’s time to take care of you. You are motivated and ready for a change. I'm here to help - I do my best to understand you and support you along your journey of living intentionally and wholeheartedly. I get that you want to feel confident about yourself and your decisions. You want to let go of unhealthy patterns, regain a sense of control and have some balance in your life. You’re ready to find love, peace, and acceptance, not only with others but with yourself. You want to reconnect with your partner and form an even stronger bond and relationship. I offer a nonjudgmental and safe space to help you work through life’s challenges and achieve your goals. I am passionate about my work in helping individuals and couples. I believe we all have the potential to heal and live our best lives. Reach out for a free phone consultation today- I look forward to hearing from you.
Are you looking to make a change in your life? Feeling stuck with behaviors that used to serve you and now seem to weigh you down? Do you have plans and dreams that you never quite get around to enacting? You are not alone. We have all been there at one time or another. I know I have been. In fact, by some estimates, at any given time 80% of people are feeling ambivalent about a significant decision or change they want to make in their lives. It was with this in mind that Time for Change, Psychotherapy Services was born. I offer an approach that is respectful, compassionate and hopeful. I believe you will find me easy to talk to and a place where you can find courage, take risks and be vulnerable. I am humbled and honored when people trust enough to share their personal stories and together we can seek to find a way forward.
I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.
Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.
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.
Dr. Brandon Heimberg is a licensed clinical psychologist in California. He specializes in the clinical and forensic neuropsychological assessment of traumatic brain injury, medical conditions and psychiatric conditions. Aside from comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Heimberg provides evidence-based psychological treatment and cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with attention, memory, other cognitive challenges, and other medical conditions. Dr. Heimberg earned his Master of Science degree in clinical psychology, followed by his Doctorate of Psychology at California Lutheran University. He received advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) under a grant-funded DBT training collaboration between Dr. Jamie Bedics and the creator of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Heimberg further honed these skills in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in his externship at Ventura County Behavioral Health, treating and assessing complex psychiatric conditions and leading skills training groups using DBT principles. Dr. Heimberg completed an advanced clinical practica in neuropsychological assessment at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he saw both geriatric and neurooncology patients. Dr. Heimberg then completed a neuropsychology internship at the VA Illiana Healthcare System (APA-Accredited, Division 40), emphasizing outpatient and inpatient neuropsychological assessment and treatment of Vietnam-era Veterans. He returned to UCLA to complete a two-year clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, performing neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive rehabilitation for post 9-11 era Veterans for UCLA Operation Mend, as well as complex medical and psychiatric, neuropsychological evaluations in the Medical Psychology Assessment Center (MPAC). Dr. Heimberg has been on various research teams at UCLA within the departments of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuro-oncology, where he has co-authored papers featured in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Oxford Press Society for NeuroOncology. Additionally, Dr. Heimberg co-authored the cognitive training manual for UCLA Operation Mend's Balanced Recovery And Integrated Neuroscience (BRAIN) and Substance Abuse intensive treatment programs.