Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Being a student can feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, work, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, it’s easy to feel anxious, burned out, or stuck. I want you to know that you don’t have to handle it alone. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and build tools that fit your life. It only takes a few sessions to feel more confident and in control. I specialize in strategies for coping with anxiety, panic and depression, as well as the management of ADHD. CBT strategies can be useful to resolve issues of procrastination or perfectionism. Together, we will decide which counseling approach and modality works best for you. I accept most insurance plans, including Cal-Optima/Medicaid. Depending on your particular insurance, I will guide you to schedule through the Headway or Octave platforms. All telehealth sessions are conducted in a private, HIPAA-compliant space.

If you are anxious, depressed, have been through a traumatic experience, or just feel stuck and hopeless, you need someone to understand you and provide the professional support and expertise to help you feel good again. Sometimes life can be difficult and we can get stuck in ways that keep us from achieving our full potential. Many people stay too long in a place of unhappiness and despair. I am trained in traditional, evidence-based methods, however, my goal is to provide personalized and customized care that will fit your particular needs. I believe that therapy is not a "one size fits all" approach. I will provide special attention to your areas of need to help you achieve your best self. 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 am duly certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. I became a RN in 2006 and a family nurse practitioner in 2012. After working in family medicine, I became very passionate about mental health. I felt called to serve those who were often overlooked. Therefore, I got my board certification in psychiatry/mental health in 2018 and pursued psychiatry full time. I have been working at Foresight Mental Health since 2021. I’m inspired to work in mental health because of how rewarding it is. Being able to help someone through a life transition and be part of that journey to help them navigate it is a privilege. I strive to treat my patients as my own friends and family, as they are putting their trust in me to help them navigate through life transitions. My approach is collaborative and supportive and I aim to provide health services that place emphasis on both care and cure. Mental health is such a big part of our overall health, therefore I strive to eliminate the gap between behavioral and physical health and focus on improving overall health & wellness. My focus is to help my patients be as healthy and happy as possible.

Do you wonder whether your experience may be neurodivergent or related to ADHD or autism? Do you want to better understand your mental and emotional experience? I specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations for adults seeking clarity around ADHD, autism, and other mental health or neurodivergence-related questions. Evaluations may include ADHD diagnostic evaluations (including Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations), autism assessment, cognitive testing, and broader mental health diagnostic evaluations. Comprehensive assessments provide diagnostic clarification and clinical recommendations. Each evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist specializing in adult psychological testing and differential diagnosis. Each evaluation includes an intake, testing, scoring, a written report, feedback, and recommendations when applicable. Evaluations may be completed via telehealth, hybrid format (telehealth combined with in-person testing), or fully in-person, depending on evaluation type and clinical needs. Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations are available. I serve adults throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, and the South Bay. Cognitive testing and some other assessments are conducted in-person only. Please contact me with any questions about evaluation format or recommendations.​ My goal is to help you better understand yourself and your experiences. Evaluations use a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach tailored to each individual. Evaluations are designed to be thorough, collaborative, and respectful of each individual’s lived experience. Fees vary by evaluation type and clinical complexity. Fee ranges are listed on my website (axeltesting.com). Telehealth services are available for adults throughout CA. My practice focuses specifically on adult diagnostic evaluation rather than ongoing therapy. You don't need to be certain about pursuing an evaluation to reach out. I am happy to answer questions and help you explore options. Contact me for a free consultation or questions.

Therapy is an important investment in you. A foundation to my approach is forming an impactful relationship committed to helping. I offer a safe space to help support you through the challenges you bring to session. My therapeutic style is from a positive place of encouragement and insight while providing support to align your goals. I work to find strength within to help you find happiness. I've worked in private practice as well as in outpatient treatment, community mental health, and partial hospitalization programs. 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.

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Our work will empower you to create a community outside of the therapy room. Mental health issues can cripple our ability to engage in relationships. We withdraw and become less present in relationships that matter to us. By healing your relationship with yourself, you will start to feel more confident about navigating mental health challenges that keep you isolated and fearful. We will focus on our relationship as a tool for healing and growth. We will use empathy, authenticity, and collaboration in our relationship to explore patterns of relating and address underlying issues affecting relationships both within and outside of therapy. I integrate relational work, body-based interventions, trauma-informed interventions, and mindfulness. Humor, play, movement, imagination, and story-telling, are also woven into the work. 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.

Is heavy stress and anxiety making it hard to feel steady, present, and focused as you move through the semester? You might get stuck in loops of overthinking about grades, deadlines, money, or the future, while your body stays tense and on edge. For some students, social anxiety can be its own grind, making you skip gatherings or spend too long replaying conversations afterward. Sometimes anxiety doesn’t just make you worry—it forecasts disaster and turns choices into landmines. Left running in the background, it can spill into perfectionism, stress-eating, zoning out, or leaning on weed or alcohol to take the edge off. You deserve support that helps you function and feel better. Not just pushing through, but building a foundation of well-being that lasts beyond the semester. In our work, we’ll address the anxiety and help you feel like yourself again with clearer thinking, a steadier mood, and more ease in your body. I’ve spent 13 years helping people with anxiety, and I know the unique pressures of college life. Together, we’ll find practical, compassionate ways to feel more grounded and zoned-in. My style is gentle and collaborative, yet active in guiding the work. You don’t have to power your way through alone. Take the first step toward change and book a free intro call on the calendar section of my website.

I specializes in providing individual and family therapy services. I offers a supportive and empathetic environment to help clients navigate through life's challenges and improve their mental well-being. I enjoy working with young adults as they learn and gain their understanding on their journey.

If you feel everything deeply, have been called “too sensitive,” or your mind never seems to turn off, you’re in the right place. You may have spent so much time understanding others and making sense of the world around you, but rarely feel that same care or depth of understanding reflected back to you. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand what it's like to experience the world this way. Our work will focus on helping you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface so you can better understand your emotions, trust your instincts, and move through life with more self-trust and clarity. I specialize in Highly Sensitive People, children, Gen Z (teens & young adults), and neurodivergence/ADHD. Together, we’ll explore patterns, past experiences, and the emotional landscape shaping your life. My approach is warm, deeply attuned, and insight-oriented, grounded in a strengths-based, emotionally-focused, and attachment-aware approach. Clients often say I have “big sister energy”: I notice what’s unspoken, help make sense of complicated emotions, and always have your back. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands your depth and can help you turn your sensitivity into a strength, I would be honored to support you. Book a consultation through my website today.

Hola-Welcome! My name is Prisma Martinez, I am a first-generation Mexican, daughter of Immigrants, and a Spanish speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My mission is to provide a compassionate space where teens, young adults, parents, and professionals can access culturally sensitive mental health support as they prepare for and navigate life. My work is inspired by curiosity, creativity, and courage to cultivate a world where each unique individual has the confidence, tools, and hope they need to break cycles, heal, and thrive without shame, blame, or doubt holding them back. I offer free consultations to explore the possibility of working together to help you Cultivate the life you deserve & overcome stressful life transitions such as Adolescence, College Life, Adulting, and Parenting. All services are provided virtual at the convenience of your comfort space.

I have been working with people that are negotiating changes in their lives for over 30 years. I believe that when people are at a crossroads in life, or suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, or a loss, it can feel very overwhelming. I believe it takes courage to reach out and seek support, and my goal is to create a safe space to help people open up and find ways to approach issues that are causing distress. My therapy approach is warm, interactive, and engaged. I utilize many different therapeutic modalities based on what works best for the person seeking therapy. I utilize evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I also use Mindfulness Training and values exploration in my work. 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 therapeutic style is tailored specifically to each individual I am working with. I tend to utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach as my foundation to address negative thoughts impacting specific behaviors for desired change. I also utilize a psychodynamic approach, which focuses on understanding the deeper meaning of emotions and how those emotions impact desired outcomes. I am client-centered and focused on your particular needs for the present moment. 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 ideal client feels overwhelmed by the "trial and error" of mental health treatment and seeks a grounded, scientific approach to relief. They may be struggling with persistent anxiety, mood instability, or burnout, feeling like their current strategies aren't enough. They need a provider who respects their autonomy and looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Their goal is to regain mental clarity and emotional resilience through a plan that balances clinical safety with their personal values for long-term health. I specialize in evidence-based medication management integrated with holistic values. By combining the latest clinical findings with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress resilience, I help you achieve optimal outcomes. I offer precise, data-driven care designed to minimize side effects while maximizing your quality of life and mental well-being. You deserve to feel supported by a provider who truly listens and views you as a partner in your own healing. Taking the first step can be daunting, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I invite you to reach out so we can discuss how a collaborative, science-backed approach can help you reclaim your balance and thrive.

Being the first in your family to navigate college and professional settings is filled with excitement, growth, transition, and joy. It can also be lonely, confusing, and stressful. Do you feel caught between two worlds (family and work/school)? Do you underestimate your value or worth in places where you experience prejudice and discrimination? Are you struggling to define or accept who you are and what you value based on tensions with family or your culture? When you are First Gen, there are often challenges in both your professional and personal life that are hard to understand and cope with but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, we will be able to gain clarity on how your experiences are impacted by your personal and family history, your communities, and society as a whole. We will shine a spotlight on your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lean into how amazing you are. We will explore how to manage the sad, frustrating, uncomfortable, and anxious parts of your life in a way that builds you up and grounds you in your values. Existing in two worlds doesn’t have to mean separating your life. You can be your full self with anyone, anywhere. If you are ready to get started on the next stage of your First Gen journey, contact me today!

As a compassionate, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my commitment to enhancing patient outcomes is at the forefront of my practice. By providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment, encouraging open communication, and individualizing care aimed to fit specific and unique needs and goals; my commitment to individuals is patient-centered and genuine. I have comprehensive experience with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and believe that creating a collaborative relationship while utilizing the most up to date, evidence-based research recommendations is what will propel individuals to attain a life of fulfillment. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, assisting a wide range of diverse populations across the lifespan. I have experience working with the underserved population, veterans and active duty military members. Helping others has always been deeply rooted into who I am as a person, as a mother, a wife, a friend, and now as a provider. Mental health was an area that I was initially drawn to after walking into a psychiatric hospital as an inexperienced nurse years ago. I was unsure of what to expect at the time, and to be frank; I was intimidated. What I saw walking through the hallways of this psychiatric hospital stayed with me and continued to influence the type of care, understanding, and at times companionship that I provided to individuals. What I saw was sadness in their faces, a loss of hope, limited resources and support, a lack of direction. However, it quickly became apparent that those same individuals just wanted the same things I did; fulfillment, a sense of purpose, meaningful relationships, happiness. My work in mental health is inspired by my innate need to inspire change, recovery, to instill hope, to build an alliance and assist clients who are struggling and ready to make a positive change. Mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible. I emphasize psychoeducation, ensuring that clients are well-informed to pursue treatment options that align with their priorities and goals. My philosophy is to always allow clients to make educated decisions regarding their care, communicating my professional recommendation, while still facilitating autonomy of care. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, BIPOC mental health issues, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, LGBTQIQ2s+ mental health, personality disorders, sexual dysfunction, addiction psychiatry/dual diagnosis, eating disorders, first responders, grief, men’s issues, sex-positive, kink allied, veterans care

Ideally, this process involves the development of insight into how one experiences blocks or challenges in the world outside our selves – in relationships, work, academics, or creative pursuits. In my opinion, any successful therapy relationship must first begin with an atmosphere of safety, trust, and mutual understanding of the challenges that lay ahead. Using this as a starting point, I view therapy as an opportunity for my clients to safely explore the self, which involves taking a closer, more intimate look at how one's experience of self impacts and is impacted by the world in which one lives. While I tend to understand clients through a psychodynamic lens, I also believe in the importance of tailoring therapy to fit the individual. Using individualized interventions, I focus on helping my clients not only gain insight into those aspects of themselves that are outside usual awareness but also to develop an understanding of how those insights can be harnessed in an action-oriented manner to manifest lasting, positive change. This can and often does involve setting achievable behavioral goals between sessions to encourage steady forward progress in those realms of functioning that are most critical to the client. 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.

Hi, I'm Katerina from Fire Poppy Therapy! I understand that we can't just "find 5 blue objects around me" to be able to deal with life's stressors, so let's work together to find some practical ways to process, cope, and thrive in the spaces you're in. I aim to make the therapy experience authentic and validating for those I work with. Believe it or not, you do know and have intuition of what's best for you, so we'll spend our time working to get the echoes of naysayers out of your head and amplifying the encouragement from yourself and others. The approach I take with our sessions is a more relaxed style and I use a variety of techniques to inform how I support you. I value practical self care and coping strategies, honoring your roots, and empowering my clients with knowledge about how their body and brain work. I also like to balance humor with reflection, encouragement with accountability. Check out my website for more info and/or send me an email if you'd like to set up a complimentary 15 minute Zoom meet-n-greet. Whether we work together or not, I hope you find what you need. [**side note for any clarification purposes] I'm firmly supportive of the following Communities in alpha order: Armenian, Congolese, Haitian, NHAAPI, Neurodiverse, Palestinian, PGM (People of the Global Majority), Pro-Liberation, Queer, Sudanese, SWANA.

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!

In my practice, I always make the effort to meet my clients where they're at in their lives in a non-judgmental and non-pathologizing manner as I assume that many of the behaviors people want to change may have served a really important purpose at some point in their history. Life is hard and we're all trying to navigate its challenges as best we can. Clients who tend to work well with me are often curious about their history and willing to explore how previous experiences contribute to the concerns they are wanting to address in the present. This information will be used to help clients reconnect with who they truly are so they can begin to live a life that is authentic and satisfying.