Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

I identify as Xicano and was born and raised in Los Angeles (Tongva territory) by migrant parents from Michoacán (Purépecha territory), Mexico. I earned my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2012. I have worked in various settings as a therapist, lead clinician, supervisor and program manager prior to starting my private practice. These include Instituto Familiar de La Raza, La Familia Counseling Service, the Community Mental Health Certificate Program at City College of San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente. I am currently a member of the Council of 13 for the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and am a member of the Latinx Therapist Action Network. I also teach in the Department of Counseling at San Francisco State University. My work is culturally responsive, rooted in social justice, trauma-informed, strength-based and centered in re-indigenizing and liberation psychology. I utilize humor and focus deeply on the healing relationship. I incorporate multiple approaches including narrative processes and trauma healing modalities such as EMDR. ​ I honor and recognize my mentors and teachers along the way beginning with my mother and older sisters whom have taught me lessons in strength, resiliency and humility. As a therapist, my mentors include Maestra Concha Saucedo, Dr. Sal Nuñez and Tio Samuelin Martinez whom have all showed me what it's like to work from a place of authenticity and love. I have apprenticed with Dr. Sal Nuñez in Medicinal Drumming Praxis and have been trained in Chicanx Affimative Therapy, EMDR, and Somatics and Trauma from Generative Somatics. I am a Mexica Mitotiani and Huehuetero (Mexica Dancer and Drummer) with Calpulli Nanahuatzin. I am a husband and father to a young Huitzin (hummingbird).

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.

Therapy is a partnership between you and me. My desire is to help you achieve your goals, to find your life purpose, to resolve your issues, whatever they may be. Change comes from within you—and that’s where we focus—on your body and the traumas it holds—so with can release them through various techniques that can really create true change inside you. Whether you are an individual or a couple, whatever you bring into the therapy office can be transformed. I believe in movement—that together we will make changes in your life. Let's not dwell on the traumas of your past—instead, we can work on releasing them from your body and your soul. Specialties include couples counseling, divorce mediation, spiritual growth, and life transitions. If you are in a relationship that is stuck in some way, or it looks like it’s getting worse, couple’s counseling can be very helpful and supportive for both parties. If you are an individual, working with me can be very supportive and expansive.

Welcome! Please see my website or contact me for more information about my practice.

My training exposed me to a wide range of therapeutic approaches, and I have worked with clients with major psychiatric diagnoses (7 years working in a subacute facility) and those with common anxiety and depression (decades of work life). I have long experience with university students dealing with the challenges of adjusting to overwhelming work demands and learning to navigate unfamiliar social environments. Many clients have felt that they don't make friends easily or fit in with groups. And some clients are generally insecure about whether they can succeed at a nationally rated academic institution (impostor syndrome). I work to understand what issues are most important to my clients and help them learn ways to be more comfortable with themselves and to succeed in their personal, romantic, family, socioeconomic, and academic or work circumstances. Every person has their own background and their own challenges, so everyone needs an individualized treatment. Clients with Asperger syndrome often benefit from help in dealing with social interactions and with sometimes overwhelming anxiety. Immigrants (and also people coming from remote parts of the US) may find local customs and styles unfamiliar and find help with meeting new friends and colleagues. As an immigrant myself (from Sweden), I know well what it feels like to be an outsider and have learned ways to help people adjust to new environments and different expectations. This experience has also allowed me to help many with an LGBTQ background in their family, romantic, and work interactions. Too many in our world are dealing with the after-effects of trauma in its varied forms, and finding ways to move forward and to enjoy normal relationships can be lifesaving. As a background for many clients, home experiences with one's family of origin can set the stage for ongoing unhappiness and failed romantic relationships, and this should not be a permanent obstacle to a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Graduate school strains every internal system you have. The pressure to produce, the unspoken competition, the isolation, the feeling that everyone else is coping better than you—these are not small stressors. They shape how you see yourself, how you work, and how you relate to the people around you. Bay Psychology Group works with the parts of this experience that don’t show up on intake forms: the private self-doubt, the stalled motivation, the fear of failing publicly, the difficulty sustaining relationships while carrying a heavy intellectual load, the exhaustion of managing family expectations, cultural pressures, or the reality of being far from home. Our approach is slow, steady, and built for depth. We look closely at the patterns that keep you stuck—how you respond to stress, how you manage ambition, how you treat yourself internally—and we do this in a consistent therapeutic relationship where those patterns can actually shift. Many of our patients are international students, first-generation professionals, scientists, artists, doctors, and LGBTQIA students who carry layers of complexity no short-term model can address. We offer the kind of work that helps you understand why you feel the way you do, not just how to get through the next deadline. Therapy is available in English and Mandarin. In-person sessions take place in Oakland; telehealth is available throughout California.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Jungian Analyst, and Certified Sandplay Therapist in private practice in Berkeley, California. I work with adults facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, and questions of meaning and identity. My approach integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy, Jungian analysis, and sandplay therapy. I believe that emotional suffering often carries important psychological meaning and can become an opportunity for growth, self-understanding, and transformation. In addition to verbal dialogue, I attend to dreams, symbolic imagery, creativity, and the unconscious dimensions of experience. I strive to provide a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where individuals can explore their inner lives with greater depth, authenticity, and compassion.

My first priority is always a strong relationship because I know that the therapeutic process can only thrive when it’s built on authenticity, trust and connection. I draw upon humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive/skills-based theories, providing clients with support and tools they can use to move forward and make progress. The therapeutic work centers on navigating the client's present and managing behaviors and thoughts that may be standing in their way. We’ll also explore the arc of their past experiences for relevant information and collaborate on forward-facing goals to remain oriented toward progress.

I’m passionate about working with people who want a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. I specialize in gender identity, anxiety, and substance use - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, creatives, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, nonmonogamous, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined. Sound like you? Let's chat!

My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and action-oriented. I practice evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). CBT focuses on changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT provides skills for regulating emotions and behaviors and improving relationships. Cultivating compassion can help you learn to face the challenges in your life with courage, wisdom, and kindness. I can help you improve well-being and life satisfaction and establish more compassionate relationships with yourself and others. In therapy together, I will listen closely and without judgment, helping you to uncover and pursue what you value most. I will help you change ingrained, self-defeating patterns and replace them with new, healthier ways of meeting needs. And I will offer you tools, support, and therapeutic techniques with your personal needs and preferences in mind.

I enjoy having a positive impact on people’s lives. It is very rewarding to see or hear of the improvements that people have made in their mental health that in turn enhances and enriches other areas of their lives. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health care with the focus being on the whole person. I consider more than just the diagnosis or symptoms of the individual’s illness and thinking beyond medications by looking at other areas of their lives where changes or improvements can be made to influence their overall wellbeing. Although I enjoy working with a variety of clients, I’ve always enjoyed working with young adults. I believe the need to care for mental health at every stage of our lives is very underrated but to be able to offer young people these skills and education gives them a great advantage as they continue to navigate the transition to adulthood. 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, holistic approaches to psychiatry, optimizing mental health through lifestyle, grief, self harming (non-suicidal self injurious behavior), women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.), personality disorders

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

As a youth, I recall many instances when I experienced intense anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts, – but I did so in isolation, without adequate support. Mental health services were not available and not commonly accessed in my community. As a young woman I used dance and movement, and other forms of creative expression (such as writing and singing), as my means to manage emotions. I became a psychotherapist to ensure that I could be supportive to those in similar situations – to help support people in not feeling alone with the difficult aspects of life and relationships. No one should have to fight their mental health battles alone. The integration of somatic (body-focused) psychotherapy has allowed me to support others while giving them the gift that I have discovered through a life of movement – the gift of understanding the role of the body in allowing for healing. Through the use of the body in psychotherapy clients can learn how to find balance in their mind while finding peace in their emotional landscape. I believe I support clients in feeling heard and understood through using a deep curiosity to delve into each aspect of their lives. I use a collaborative approach to support clients from exactly where they are starting from. I listen intently for new ways of hearing the shared information, the client’s story. In this process, I ask questions to weave together the thread of their thoughts and concerns as it creates a path towards their progress and growth. I hold the larger picture of who they are to support the process of highlighting insights into ways of getting from where they are to where they want to be. In this way, I am deeply understanding their process of growth while empowering them to make changes in their life. I use a warm and engaging process of building connection with clients. I find it is important to face and embrace our emotional selves, allowing ourselves to be fully authentic to cultivate growth. I foster an environment that supports this authenticity and growth through using my own eccentric and eclectic approach. From within the safety of this relationship I am able to challenge clients with humor while creating space for depth. I am able to flow with what is relevant in the moment while holding their expanded story to support.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

I worked in the field as a mental health RN for 13 years before continuing my education to become a PMHNP. I believe that mental health plays a significant role in a person’s overall well-being including physical health, emotional health, and ability to navigate life’s often challenging hurdles that many silently face. I aspire to continue offering hope and support to anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being using the most up-to-date traditional and holistic practices tailored to meet my client’s needs. My core philosophy is based on a humanistic approach, which focuses on finding each person’s unique potential and ability to overcome their difficulties through positive personal growth. I use this patient-centered approach to help my clients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. I also encourage my clients to participate in therapy and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication management as this has proven to be the most effective method to long-term stability. I work closely with each client to ensure they can access any helpful resources that may benefit their treatment. I use a patient-centered care approach to help my patients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. 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, CBT-I, holistic approaches to psychiatry, trauma-informed care, eating disorders, first responders, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care. I can provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgery. I work well with folks who are self-aware but sometimes "to a fault." You find feelings hard but really want to work on "feel the feelings!" You are willing to take risks and be real when something is hard. You want a change but feel stuck, and are down to try both new and old things. You want to be a better person/friend/partner/coworker/child/etc. My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing. I know how hard it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of criticism with yourself and others. You may wonder why you can’t seem to change the things that bother you or improve your relationships. I believe that you can find ways to accept what you can’t control, and to change what you can. I would be honored to support you on this journey of growth and healing.

As an immigrant who identifies as Chinese/Chinese American, I understand the challenges and nuances of growing up bicultural and have helped individuals/families navigate these issues. I am committed to understanding each client’s unique experiences with various identities (e.g., culture, race, ethnicity, gender), as well as the intersectionality of these identities, family values, and belief systems. As a result, I view my clients as whole people, rather than just focusing on diagnoses and symptoms. I approach each client with curiosity and am committed to helping you connect with yourself and others, nourish your growth, and flourish in all areas of your life. My approach is warm, collaborative, direct, open, and honest. I have worked with the following: ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, academic stress, emotion regulation issues, life transitions, identity development, gender/racial/sexual identity, family conflict, and LGBTQ+ issues. I utilize an integrative approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based treatments when warranted.

My clients are vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and high-functioning people who sometimes face challenges with overthinking, self-esteem, emotional regulation, maintaining relationships, and self-compassion. People often reach out to me when they’re struggling to navigate a life transition, work or school-related stress, establishing boundaries and/or balance, or are seeking support in shifting patterns that are no longer serving them. I have worked with young adults, millennials, elders, tech professionals, non-profit professionals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as caregivers and people living with chronic pain. My approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. This allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to create a secure therapeutic relationship where you can freely explore all parts of yourself. In recognition of the importance of accessibility, I offer tele-health therapy sessions. This means you can receive support from the comfort of your own space, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for you. I understand that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I value the time and energy that you are putting into seeking the best support for you and would welcome an opportunity to speak in an initial free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a fit for working together.

Welcome! If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, life's uncertainties, grief, or struggling to find your footing in relationships and big decisions, then you're in the right place. I work with people who are carrying a lot and are ready for something to shift. This might also include busting through low self esteem or imposter syndrome and addressing childhood & trauma healing. Whether these struggles are long-standing or recently intensified, you don't have to navigate this alone.