Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Hello there! In my approach to therapy, I emphasize empathy and active listening, creating a compassionate environment where my clients feel heard and validated, fostering a safe space for exploration and growth. I also incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations, encouraging clients to build resilience and self-esteem. My communication style is characterized by warmth, active listening, and empathy. I foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. My compassionate approach combines encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping clients feel supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings.

Where the healing begins...takes personal courage. Often times, it is not easy to ask for help because our fears of being judged. No longer do you have to suffer alone or in silence from: trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, divorce or relationship difficulties. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience who will compassionately & effectively assist you through the counseling process. The "RDH Factor" of being able to Reveal, Deal, and Heal will provide empowerment. Working with clients to find relief & make changes towards freedom in making decisions & choices is a passion of mine. I assist individuals, couples, and families navigate the journey of life. My expertise is in: substance abuse, marital problems, divorce, childhood/sexual trauma, domestic violence, adoption & family conflict. I am Certified in EMDR, an evidenced based therapy that treats trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and pain to alliviate psychological distress. Do not stay stuck in undesirable thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are getting in the way of healing. I am here to help you today by offering a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any concerns you may have. The healing begins now...

Dr. Cawkwell is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Having been trained at several elite institutions including UPenn, NYU, Harvard/MGH, and Stanford, Dr. Cawkwell has a specific interest and expertise in ADD/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, and Early Psychosis (Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder).

Are you feeling overwhelmed by high-stakes exams or a university system not built for your brain? As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges so you can secure accommodations and move forward with confidence. I work with students struggling with ADHD, learning disorders like dyslexia or dysgraphia, autism, and anxiety. My approach uses telehealth evaluations to provide diagnostic clarity and documentation for college or exams like the LSAT, MCAT, and Bar. Clients say they feel relieved and capable of handling academic challenges after working together. You can expect to: • Gain clarity on how you learn and what's holding you back. • Receive actionable accommodation recommendations and necessary documentation. • Feel empowered: Here’s How It Works: Schedule a Call – Free consultation to discuss goals. Complete Testing – Intake and testing via telehealth. Gain Clarity – Receive a comprehensive report. You don’t have to face this alone. Let's work together—you deserve a level playing field to show what you know. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!

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I specialize in working with trauma, addiction, and neurodivergence (ADHD/Autism). I am EMDR- trained to reprocess traumatic memories and limiting beliefs that are holding you back, and I'm trained to provide comprehensive ADHD/Autism assessments designed for assessing high-masking adults.

Trade the academic panic for a space to just breathe. At Shore Crest Counseling we provide a warm and welcoming environment to help you process stressors in a calm and relaxing location and learn coping skills to deal with life's challenges. We also have loving therapy dogs and a coastal location in Carlsbad for walk and talk therapy. We provide in person and telehealth services.

I honor and respect the opportunity I have to help my clients recognize their worth, build trust in themselves and others, and empower them to be their authentic selves. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, seen and truly understood. I use a client centered approach while working to build rapport with clients. I use a mix of ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution focused and MI to assist clients in identifying their values, exploring how their thought and behavioral patterns are serving them, increase their distress tolerance, build mindfulness and relaxation skills to help them meet their goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Do you sometimes feel stressed, exhausted, unfulfilled, or disconnected? When triggered do you shut down, have unexpected emotions, or dissociate? Do you work hard to please others and be successful, but no matter what you do, it never feels like you are good enough? Therapy may be able to help you learn new coping skills, decrease painful emotions and negative thoughts about yourself related to past events, and become more resilient. My Background and Approach: I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings while also practicing new coping or communication skills (including how to set boundaries). With a doctorate in depth psychology and training in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma therapy, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work towards healing and growth. We can collaborate to explore the larger picture of what is bringing you to therapy and set goals. In order to help you feel safe and supported, we can balance talking about difficult topics with learning and practicing coping skills. We can explore your strengths while addressing the patterns you want to change. By exchanging feedback regularly, we can evaluate our progress and grow together. My Personal Beliefs and Interests: One of the reasons I became a therapist is because of my own recovery, which has allowed me to find joy and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. When I’m not parenting my two children or working, I enjoy reading, creative writing, and being outside. I make an effort to do something that brings me joy every day- even if it’s just by searching the night sky for the moon or talking to a friend on the phone.

I know how difficult it can be when lack of motivation, worry, or stress keeps you from living the life you want. That's why I use evidence-based techniques to help you bring the color back to life. I specialize in academic stress, life transitions (like entering college or getting ready to graduate), work-life balance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and perfectionism. I take an individualized approach to therapy by prioritizing client goals, celebrating client's unique cultural traditions, and integrating relevant diversity and contextual factors into treatment. Clients who work with me describe me as compassionate, validating, and a great accountability partner. As a queer identifying clinician, I have extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and have developed and led trainings in affirming care across the country. I also have specific expertise in gender issues, where I've helped clients unlearn unhelpful myths about gender and reimagine gender roles that no longer serve them. I strongly value a holistic approach to care which includes paying attention to often overlooked aspects of health such as sleep, chronic pain, and finding joyful ways of moving your body. I work from a health-at-every size perspective to help individuals learn to appreciate, love, and thrive in their own body.

Do you have endless energy for your hobbies, but find yourself putting off assignments? Do you write your best essays at the last minute, fueled by adrenaline? Do you get frustrated at yourself for doing these things and swear you’re gonna start that project early next time? Do you feel uncomfortable in social situations but you’re not sure why? I help people with neurodivergent brains understand themselves better and learn to be nicer to themselves. I most often work with Autistic and ADHD folks and welcome anyone questioning if they might be neurodivergent. My background is in educational psychology and psychotherapy because who can pick one career to do forever? (Hint: not me) I help folks with areas such as: executive functioning, emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, attention, sensory sensitivities, relationship issues, identity, sexuality, gender, and so much more! Check out my college late diagnosis group starting in March!

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

I understand that it can be nerve-racking to begin this process, and I commend you for taking your first steps in starting therapy! I'm a licensed therapist and I have been working in the field for over 20 years. I specialize in working with adults and teens, ages 15 and up. I am here to help you develop tools to cope, feel empowered and supported. Together, we can work towards improving your sleep, feeling less worried and anxious, improve self-esteem, and have healthier friendships and relationships. I utilize evidenced-based and strength-based interventions, including teaching mindfulness, that help people struggling with life adjustments, and issues such as women's health, school and work stress, anxiety, depression, and racial identity (such as helping multiracial people navigate stressors). While therapy can be challenging, we can still enjoy ourselves and even laugh in a safe and supportive space. I look forward to meeting you!

You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

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.

Hi, I’m Jessica Nava Orellana. I am a talk style therapist and I’m so glad you’re here… I am a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual and couples therapy/Relationship Therapy. I also support individuals who are exploring relationships, grief and loss, work-life/ School balance, job loss and other life transitions. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process whatever comes up in therapy, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re continuing your journey with a new therapist. We will work together to explore and tailor your goals at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about checking in on the highs and lows of the week; other times it’s about deeper reflection and growth. Together, we’ll create space for your inner strengths to emerge naturally. You don’t have to do this alone.

Are you juggling it all — school, practices, games, relationships, and everything else life throws your way? Some days, you’re in the zone and feel unstoppable. Other days, the pressure piles up — and you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or just not sure who to talk to. I’m Buffy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced training and certification in Sports Social Work. I work specifically with student-athletes like you, using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42181"></script> Whether you're navigating performance pressure, mental blocks, or life beyond the game, I’m here to help you better understand yourself, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build real, lasting tools for success — on and off the field.

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.

Let’s be honest, although change is inevitable, it can be really stressful. We all deserve to be seen, heard and loved. To know we are not alone. Together, we can work through your concerns so you can be the best version of yourself.