Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
Ananda Williams
I’ve always cared deeply about people, especially those who feel misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up, I saw how much it meant when someone took the time to listen without judgment. That stuck with me. Over time, I realized I wanted to be that kind of support for others, someone who helps people feel safe, heard, and valued. Becoming a therapist felt like the most natural path for me, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their inner strength. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and free to be yourself. I’ll listen not just to what you say, but also to the feelings and experiences behind your words. I want to understand what truly matters to you, and I’ll check in often to make sure I’m hearing you the way you want to be heard. This space is yours, as we work through what’s most meaningful to you. Building trust is a process that occurs over time, and I view it as a two-way interaction. In our work together, I’ll show up consistently, be honest with you, and create a space where you can speak freely without fear of being judged. I’ll go at your pace, and we’ll talk about what feels helpful to you. I’ll also ensure our work feels safe and supportive. I want you to feel heard, respected, and genuinely understood as we work together toward your therapy goals.
Hasti Afkhami
I am a heart-and soul-centered therapist who is passionate about helping clients let go of unhealthy patterns connected to trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions. Do you ever feel like you are stuck in the past or plagued by negative thoughts of the future? Have you ever had times when you felt like you were a prisoner of your own mind? If you are looking to gain tools to heal from the past or present, I would be honored to support you in your journey. I'm certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and incorporate IFS (Internal Family Systems), somatic and attachment work to promote the gentle release of trauma from the mind and body. Navigating the ups and downs of life alone can be challenging. I welcome the opportunity to work alongside you in an inclusive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space so you feel fully supported in your journey. I hope to help your experience in therapy be something you look forward to so that you can live the peaceful and present life you deserve. 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.
Katherine Stromska, LMFT of Vibrant Oak Counseling
Are you a chronic "people pleaser," feeling stuck in your relationships, or just wishing that things in your life could be different? I help adults learn to be more in control of their thoughts, feelings, and moods so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. I'll help you find new ways of understanding and coping to get you feeling better and more able to handle life's ups and downs. No matter if your stresses are recent or longstanding, together we will work on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so you are free to live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with young adults who are dealing with self-esteem issues, perfectionism, difficulty setting and holding boundaries in relationships, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have training to help those in painful relationships feel validated, learn to recognize harmful patterns, and develop skills to create healthier connections. We'll work best together if you are driven to improve your mood and relationships through hard work and humor. I absolutely love teaching others skills and gaining a different perspective about the world. If you're ready to grow, change, and laugh a lot, contact me today for a free consultation and find out how I can help you build a life that makes your heart sing.
Deborah Cook
With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.
Lauren Cardoso
I specialize in depression, anxiety, panic, and relationships. I have a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families to help them navigate life's transitions and develop skills to thrive. I have with experience working in community-based and outpatient mental health settings. I have past experience working with young children, teens, and adults utilizing an integrated approach to tailor therapy to each person's unique needs and preferences. 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.
Weaving Clarity
Weaving Clarity therapists specialize in trauma-focused care with a background in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). We help treat social anxiety and finding your authentic identity. We aid in facing relationship difficulties such as fear of commitment or being abandoned. We also assist in healing feelings of "I'm not enough and I'm too much." We help with finding a balance within the relationship dance of feeling the loss of autonomy and the fear of truly being seen.
Madeline berg
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Ruby Johnstone
As a therapist grounded in Depth Psychology, I offer a compassionate and collaborative space for you to explore the layers of your experience. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, or relational challenges, I work with you to make meaning out of struggle and to reconnect with your own inner wisdom. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed, with deep respect for your individual journey. I’m especially attuned to how unconscious patterns, family systems, and early experiences shape who we are—and how we heal. I also welcome dreamwork, myth, and imagination into the room when appropriate. I work with adults and teens, and I’m particularly passionate about supporting those who feel stuck, sensitive, or like they don’t quite fit the mold. You're not too much—and you're not alone. Therapy with me is not about quick fixes; it’s about building an authentic relationship where transformation becomes possible. If you’re ready to begin or continue this work, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Cecilia Spero
I’m a therapist with an overall strength-based perspective, certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe people function and perform their best when they learn to identify, value, and utilize their natural strengths as part of a plan towards overcoming barriers in life. While I typically draw from a variety of research-based modalities, depending on each client’s unique situation, I find CBT to be a very empowering form of therapy for clients that are motivated to take a proactive role in their treatment. As a therapist, my own biggest strengths are my education & training in evidence-based practice, paired with a creative mindset, from which I draw some unique perspectives & strategies to offer my clients. I have genuine respect for people seeking help for themselves and I truly enjoy working with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. 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.
Nathan Villarante
I have a background in crisis counseling in a hospital setting as well as with working professionals in the community for several years, working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use issues, chronic stress/burnout, relationship issues, and trauma. I help clients to learn skills oriented towards reducing the impact and influence their difficult situations are holding over their lives. Do you find yourself uncontrollably spiraling with your thoughts at the most inconvenient times? Does it feel like you are completely at the mercy of overwhelming emotions due to a difficult situation? Our work together will involve reducing the impact and influence these difficult experiences are holding over you while learning how to hold steady in the midst of an emotional storm. There is an inherent amount of pain and difficulty that comes with life: a strained relationship, a stressful job, or the loss of a loved one for instance. How we respond to that pain and difficulty is where much of our work is. We look at ways that you might be artificially increasing that pain by identifying and changing unhelpful behaviors. The aim isn't necessarily to make the unwanted experience go away per se. Together we will identify behaviors and practice skills that set you on a values-driven path towards a rich and meaningful life. 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.
PsychServes
We try to make scheduling as convenient as possible for our clients. The quickest and easiest way is to register as a new client under "schedule today" from our website www.psychserves.com. Once, you're in your patient, then you'd be able to send an appointment request to your preferred therapist. If there's any questions, email us at info@psychserves.com or call us as 213-373-6647. We look forwarding to helping you!
Dan Safavi
Being a man in the modern world can be tough, especially if you’re carrying the added burden of anxiety, OCD, trauma, or related issues, or if you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent man. Maybe you’re struggling with constant rumination, which keeps your mind and body on overdrive, draining you of your precious energy. Activities you once enjoyed may feel like chores. Self-doubt might rear its ugly head in the form of harsh self-criticism, over-cautiousness, perfectionism, or an excessive fear of failure. Relationships may become strained, leading you to excessively seek others’ approval, hide behind a mask to avoid taking social risks, or withdraw from others altogether. Left untreated, anxiety, OCD, and related disorders may lead to: • Mental symptoms such as worry, shame, and a lack of concentration. • Physical symptoms such as exhaustion, digestive issues, and muscle tension. • A lack of clarity around your purpose and direction in life. • Problems in your social life such as loneliness, social anxiety, and a lack of assertiveness. Life doesn’t have to feel this overwhelming. Change is possible. Imagine waking up with greater clarity, making decisions with confidence, and having the freedom to pursue what truly matters to you. Therapy can also help you build more authentic relationships, express yourself more confidently, and make choices based on your values rather than fear. As someone who has faced many of these struggles myself, I understand first-hand how exhausting they can be, and I have applied many of the principles I teach in my own life. Since 2016, I have specialized in helping men overcome anxiety, OCD, and trauma, while also helping neurodivergent men better understand themselves, harness their strengths, and navigate life’s challenges. I draw from both practical approaches such as CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention, while also integrating experiential approaches including mindfulness, somatic therapy, parts work, and hypnosis. If you’re struggling and you want to transform your problems into power, contact me for a free consultation.
Terese Weaver
I’ve always had a deep interest in understanding people and their experiences. I was often the friend or family member that people would turn to for support, over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than just offer advice—I wanted to truly guide people on their personal journeys toward healing and growth. I was inspired by the idea of providing a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and the idea that through therapy, people can find clarity, strength, and lasting change. I believe the most important thing is creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly. I listen closely to your words, but also pay attention to the emotions and body language that might not be as obvious. I want to really understand your perspective—what you’re going through, how you’re feeling, and what you need. My goal is for you to feel that you’re not just being listened to, but truly understood in a way that’s supportive and non-judgmental. Everyone’s experience is unique, so I try to adapt my approach to what works best for you, ensuring that you always feel seen and valued throughout our work together. Working together is a process, and it’s built on open communication, respect, and collaboration. I believe trust is something that grows over time, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Trust is something I prioritize, and that comes from being consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I’ll always meet you where you’re at, and we’ll work together to set a pace and approach that feels right for you.
Marianna Arens
Allowing others to feel heard, understood, and valued is very important to me. I feel everyone deserves to be met with compassion and empathy, especially when seeking support. While it’s not my place to give advice, I will always ensure that the therapy space is safe to explore thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a way that feels supportive and non-judgmental. I will push and challenge when needed, as a way to support growth and positive change. I’ll follow you and want you want to work on. I’ll provide direction as needed, but ultimately you’re the one that decides what therapy is about, given it falls within my scope of practice. My style will fluctuate based on your needs; I’m a bit “loosey-goosey”, but I’ve found that it helps me work with lots of different people and meet a variety of needs!
Shantall Prado
Have you ever found yourself juggling a million tasks while speeding through life, or that happiness is just a fleeting emotion? Maybe you've developed some bad habits like drinking too much, and it's impacting your fullest potential. I’ve been there before, and that’s what drives me to help people find peace of mind and improve their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I encourage honest reflection, application of change and skills, and fostering new understanding. My specialties include, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy. The goal is to help people figure out why they do what they do, what they need to fix it, and how to live a happier and healthier life through a change in perspective and application. Together, we can explore what hurts the most and find resolution around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be. Times might be difficult and situations may be trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live a happy life. Together we can find new ways of navigating the world that work best for you! Let's journey together, one step at a time.
Primavera Counseling
Hello! We provide culturally competent individual therapy and couples counseling. Our focus is to provide you with a space where you feel safe to engage in the therapeutic process. The types of therapy and services we provide include EMDR therapy, therapy for Latin/x/e and BIPOC, therapy for LGBTQ+, therapy for depression and anxiety, and therapy to address relationship issues.
Karen Aubrey
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.
Callie Palmer
Witnessing my clients feel empowered to work towards meaningful change inspires me everyday. Asking for help is a difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to our mental health. My position allows me to support folks who’ve taken the first step (often for the first time) to focus on improving their coping skills, confidence, self-compassion, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I aim to highlight strengths and utilize my client’s interests and passions to help facilitate positive changes. Supporting folks through life challenges, trauma, and grief is also an important part of my practice. Many of my clients are choosing therapy for the first time, and I am honored to be a part of their journey. One of the most important aspects of the therapeutic process is feeling heard and understood. By staying open, curious, collaborative, and compassionate, I hope to make the therapeutic process as welcoming as possible. It is important to me that all my clients feel safe and welcome in my (virtual) space. By creating an environment that is warm and authentic, I aim to develop trust so my clients feel comfortable bringing any topic to the table. My practice is supportive for folks who identify as neurodivergent, nerdy, LGBTQIA+, and people in non-monogamous relationship structures.
Dr. Akasa Tseng
During my clinical training at a college counseling center, I worked closely with students navigating anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, trauma, academic pressures, and major life transitions. I also currently serve as a clinical supervisor for doctoral trainees in a graduate psychology program. As a contributing author in a Cambridge Scholars Publishing volume exploring the transcultural unconscious, I am especially attentive to the ways psychological suffering can emerge across emotional, relational, somatic, cultural, ancestral, and intergenerational layers—particularly for individuals navigating between multiple cultural worlds, identities, or systems of meaning. In addition to my clinical work, I draw insight from four decades of lived experience across business, music, holistic practices, and cross-cultural traditions, which continue to inform my understanding of psychological resilience, creativity, identity, and the complexity of human experience. Many of the individuals I work with appear highly capable on the outside while privately struggling with a persistent sense of disconnection from themselves or uncertainty about who they are beyond achievement and external expectations. If you are trying to meet academic, familial, cultural, or social demands while also struggling with questions of identity, self-worth, meaning, or belonging, therapy can offer a space where your inner life is approached with greater curiosity and depth rather than reduced to productivity or performance. Therapy may also help you develop the psychological flexibility to hold the tension between external expectations and your own emerging questions about identity, meaning, and authenticity without forcing one side of yourself to disappear. I work particularly well with students and young adults who are psychologically curious and interested in understanding the deeper patterns shaping their emotional lives. This may especially resonate if you tend to organize your inner life and external world primarily through thinking, analysis, and intellectual understanding. The capacity to reflect, reason, and make meaning from complexity can be a profound strength that supports resilience, creativity, and achievement. At the same time, thinking can sometimes become a way of creating distance from emotional or somatic experience, especially when vulnerability or relational life once felt difficult to navigate. You may genuinely enjoy ideas, self-reflection, and intellectual exploration, while also sensing that certain emotional experiences remain difficult to access, articulate, or fully feel. Together, we may explore how early relational experiences, unconscious dynamics, cultural and family histories, and internalized expectations influence your self-esteem, relationships, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and sense of meaning or purpose. My approach is psychodynamic and depth-oriented while also integrating evidence-based trauma treatment, including EMDR. Therapy is not only focused on symptom reduction, but also on helping you develop a more reflective and compassionate relationship with yourself. I value both the importance of making practical progress in daily life and the longer process of psychological development that unfolds as your inner and outer worlds begin to come into deeper dialogue. For many young adults, this stage of life involves more than adapting to social expectations—it can also become an important period of questioning, identity formation, and emotional integration. Therapy can provide a space for you to think deeply, process difficult experiences, and cultivate a more grounded and genuine sense of self.
Dianna Linares, LCSW
I specialize in trauma informed therapy with an emphasis on Post traumatic stress disorder as a result of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, family violence and other gender/power and community-based harm. I am passionate about building awareness of our self-healing abilities and building wellness within communities of color. My approach is trauma informed, collaborative with an emphasis on improving resiliency and exploring how to thrive. My clinical experience includes serving clients in university counseling and community-based counseling.