Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here. You are so not alone in what you're carrying and you don't have to have it all figured out to move forward; this is exactly where we start. Being in college can be a huge adjustment, one that often comes with anxiety, loneliness, major academic pressure, and figuring out how to build authentic community. Whether you're navigating academic pressure, relationships, family stress, sexuality, gender exploration, or just the uncertainty of what comes next, I want to be in that space with you. Together we'll find insight using creative expression, mind-body connection, and shedding the internalized ideas of who we think we’re supposed to be. This is a place where everything is process over product and where we are actively seeking the imperfect. My approach is rooted in deep empathy, expressive arts, somatic practices, social justice lenses, and whole-person centered frameworks. I specialize in working with identity exploration, neurodiversity, queer folks, as well as young adults navigating the internal and external complexities of college life. We will start our work together with meeting right where you are and will walk together the rest of the way. My goal is to help you find more empowered, centered, and become more connected to yourself and others. Through our time together, however long that might be, my hope is that you're able to explore the many wonderful, scary, and magical layers that we hold. You can find me in my virtual office space or in-person at my Hayes Valley office. When I’m not sitting in the therapist chair, I’m usually guiding expressive arts workshops, working with queer & trans youth, reading multiple books at one time, out enjoying nature, or spending lots of time adventuring. I hope we get to meet soon! "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Jung

As a therapist, I am driven by the desire to help individuals rediscover their voices—whether they feel they have lost it or have never had it in the first place. My therapeutic approach primarily incorporates Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, CBT, and holistic methods, emphasizing the treatment of the whole self. With over 12 years of experience as a social worker, I have advocated for families and children and focused on mental health across clinical, community, and hospital settings. I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting the LBTIQ+ community and other marginalized groups.

If you’re feeling stretched thin as a parent, trying to adjust to a new culture, carrying trauma, or facing grief or a major life transition, this space is for you. I believe in the power of continuous growth—both for myself and for the people I work with. My hope is to support you on your journey of self-discovery as you work toward greater balance, healing, and fulfillment in your life. As a child of an immigrant family and a parent to three multicultural, multiracial children, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. I understand firsthand the complexities of identity, belonging, and navigating multiple cultural worlds, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My lived experience as a BIPOC individual in a multicultural community informs my work and allows me to offer a space that offers cultural humility, empathy and openness. It takes courage to explore your story, and I honor that by creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. While my work is guided by proven methods like Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing, what that really means for you is a personalized experience focused on healing and resilience; we’ll work on gaining insight and building skills. I also believe in the healing power of a shared laugh; I often use humor to help us navigate the heavy moments with a bit more grace and perspective. My goal is to help you find lasting change and a deeper kindness toward yourself. I believe finding a community is essential for navigating life’s challenges. For me, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been that vital mental health anchor for 13 years. Although training and coaching has been important, fostering the social connection and personal grit needed to stay mentally healthy has helped me through different life transitions.

As a bilingual therapist with over a decade of experience, I'm dedicated to guiding individuals through challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and conflict, as well as helping them process daily stressors. My approach is client-centered, believing you're the expert on your own life; I act as a coach, helping you achieve your goals. Our sessions are comfortable yet effective, integrating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness to help you find clarity, peace, and lasting positive change. 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.

Aloha! If you’re finding yourself here, you’re most likely living within my favorite demographic to work with: transitioning age youth or “TAY!” And if you’re not, I work with folks throughout the lifespan, later into adulthood too! Whether it’s a more acute seasonal life stressor, or more chronic disability, I can be just one part of your journey towards achieving whatever optimal wellness means to you (not to society)!

Hi, I'm Brandi Walker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of B.O.L.D.L.Y. Therapy. I provide psychotherapy services to California and Oregon residents. I work to help clients obtain and retain quality mental health by providing useful psychotherapy services delivered with empathy, authenticity, flexibility, and professionalism. I provide clients with a safe confidential therapeutic space to discuss concerns, feel valued, and supported.​ I provide supportive psychotherapy services using a solution-focused approach that targets client's immediate needs, while highlighting client's strengths and resources, in efforts to alleviate mental problems and improve their overall life. I will work together with clients to improve their mental health in hopes to create opportunities for clients to learn and grow into the person they want to be. You can learn more about me at my website www.boldlytherapy.com

As a psychologist at Stella Nova Psychology, I support women and LGBTQIA+ students to feel better, and show up in their lives as the people they want to be. My clients learn to build confidence, address negative patterns that are holding them back, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. I see my role as equal parts collaborator, support, and guide for the journey. I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety and stress management, immigration and acculturation issues, all types of relationships concerns. I love working with students, and have previous experience working in university counseling at USF. Many of my clients struggle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or a harsh inner critic. I'm trained to help my clients heal and move forward after trauma, whether in childhood or more recently. You're looking for a goal-oriented therapist who can help you understand how a problem got started, what’s keeping you stuck now, and — most importantly — guide you towards new skills and frameworks for moving forward. Let's talk about what your goals and needs are, and how I can help you get there.

Hi there! Feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of transitions, anxieties, and "what ifs" that come with this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, chapter of life? You're not alone. I'm Ronna, an LCSW with 18+ years of experience supporting women like you through the ups and downs of adjusting to college life. From homesickness and relationship hiccups to career-path stress and future worries, I've seen it all, and I'm here to help you navigate it with confidence and clarity. ✨ My approach is all about you and your unique journey. We will work together to identify your strengths, understand your challenges, and develop personalized strategies for managing stress, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and making confident decisions about your future. My solution-focused style empowers you to identify practical coping skills and strategies that actually work, paving the way for the positive change you can see and feel. I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. I am here to be your guide, your cheerleader, and your partner in progress as you navigate towards a fulfilling college experience and a bright future. Remember, you've got this, and I'm here to help. Reach out today and let’s start building your brighter future together! My areas of expertise include: • Adjustment to college life • Stress management and anxiety reduction • Building healthy relationships • Managing academic pressures and career exploration • Fostering self-compassion and resilience

Hi, I am passionate about supporting BIPOC students, particularly first-gen college students who are navigating daily life struggles along with the complexities of intersecting identities, navigating systemic oppressions and college/career stressors. I work from a decolonial-Liberation, mujersita framework and utilize my training and experience to support and challenge you to grow in the direction you choose. I have vast experience working with college students. The first part of my career I worked in college counseling centers in both universities and community colleges. I also supervise students in training to be therapists.

As a mental health provider, I am driven to provide quality care for patients. I hope my previous knowledge and experience, along with my desire to learn and grow, can help people meet their treatment goals. I enjoy meeting clients where they are in life, building rapport, and providing support. I hope to help patients bolster insight and awareness along with skills building “homework” to help enhance the therapeutic experience. My main approaches derive from DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic theories. I enjoy working with many populations and communities. My background working with active-duty, veterans, lgbtq+, children, couples, families, and individuals has provided me with a variety of experience. I am a transracial adoptee who lived in several countries growing up, which helped formulate some of my life views and goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in and reflecting on experiences with adoptees. I have thoroughly enjoyed every organization that I have worked for because they have all helped me learn and grow. Words cannot describe the joy and admiration I feel toward our active-duty servicemembers and veterans. I am forever grateful that I was able to provide services on a military base and out at sea. Individuals, couples, children, and families have helped me gain insight and awareness into different systems. I respect and appreciate every patient and wish everyone successful treatment.

One of the bravest things we can do is work to understand our own stories. While we are a product of our family, ancestors, environment, and society, we don't have to stay stuck in patterns that no longer serve us. We all have the ability to change and live a more balanced, meaningful life. You might be feeling stuck juggling school/work, other's expectations, and conflicts with family, or you might be struggling to find meaning as you go through life transitions, immigration, work and relationships. I am here to support you as we create a safe space for you to explore your journey and goals. I practice from a compassionate, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach. I offer a mix of Somatic, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness skills to assist you to connect with your body, identify your thinking patterns, be more aware of your feelings, develop better coping and communication skills, and find your own solutions. Taking the first step and starting therapy can be scary. I am so glad you are ready to embark on this journey towards change. I offer services in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and welcome clients of any ethnicity, gender and sexual identity. Let's schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can find out if we are a good fit.

In therapy, I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities and specialize in family therapy, couples therapy, addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of each client. My goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship where trust, vulnerability, and safety can be experienced, allowing each client to grow at their level of comfort. 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 a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides support for individuals and families. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, identity, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, stress management, trauma, and life transitions. I am passionate about creating a collaborative relationship to support and empower people to achieve their goals and strengthen their innate resilience. I understand the importance of creating a space where you feel safe and heard. My style is interactive, experiential, and adaptable; guided by the following post graduate trainings/certifications: ACT, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. I work collaboratively with you and support you in finding a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. You’ll be met with warmth and curiosity. I intend to get to know you - your story, your hopes, your needs, and your goals. It takes courage to seek therapy, and I look forward to supporting you.

My style is an honest approach to a client-centered model that allows for the client to guide the direction with my support. Together we can navigate through some of today’s hurdles and stress such as depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication issues, loss/grief/bereavement, and family conflict. With the mutual understanding that we may not be able to change certain aspects of our life, I am here to help you process, adjust expectations, cope, improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen your resilience. My skillset utilizes Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and a Strength-Based approach. My goal is to help clients identify and remove barriers that may be hindering a healthier and improved life by working to increase optimism, self-awareness, and maintenance for a strong sense of 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 work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that clients want to change, are the experts in their own desires and goals, and have the resources and inner strengths to overcome their mental health issues. My goal is to assist clients to move towards a future that they want by successfully addressing any issues that they might be facing or having difficulty resolving. 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 a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience providing quality mental health care and career counseling services. I value supporting clients and the communities I serve by providing individual therapy for LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, body image concerns & disordered eating, ADHD, and career development concerns. My approach focuses on exploring what makes each individual thrive, providing empathy and understanding, free from judgment and societal expectations.

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.

I love being able to combine my passions for helping others, creativity, and understanding why people think, feel, and behave as they do! I believe therapy should be a collaborative relationship where we are working together on an issue, rather than me being The Expert. Instead, you are the expert on what it is like to be you in your life. I may share my perspective on what I believe may be going on and ask you to reflect on its accuracy and relevance to your experience. I take my job in the helping profession seriously. Consistent studies on why psychotherapy works indicate that the therapeutic relationship is the most important variable determining therapeutic outcomes. I relate to you as a regular person with education, training, and experience that I am eager to share with you to help you feel safe and understood. I occasionally will share relevant experiences either from past anonymous clients or from personal experience to normalize, validate, and help you feel that you are not alone in your pain.

Meitri Collaborative is a psychiatric and psychotherapy practice in San Francisco, CA. We believe in warm, excellent, and personalized care. We want to help you live the life you desire and address the obstacles in your way.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.