Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

My goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your resilience, and help you move toward the life you want. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

My work is collaborative, conversational and client-centered. Your goals are my goals, and understanding the values beneath those goals often drives my curiosity. Sometimes it can feel like different parts of us want different things or are even in conflict with each other. Understanding how to negotiate with these different parts - and to honor how and why they came to be - can help us find the agency to live lives of integrity, freedom, meaning, and connection.

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.

We are here to help you cope through stressors of social life, academic pressures, adjusting to new place and culture, anxiety of majors, careers, peer pressures, sexual identity and feeling lost and lonely. You really do not have to do this alone.

College can feel overwhelming when stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship issues, or life changes start piling up. You may look like you’re managing on the outside while feeling stuck, exhausted, or alone on the inside. I offer a warm, supportive space to help you better understand what’s going on, build healthy coping skills, and move forward with more clarity and confidence.

Are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from school, work, extracurriculars, finances, and everything else? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping college women manage stress and heal from trauma with compassionate, evidence-based care. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, I bring experience from residential treatment centers, school-based programs, and nonprofit organizations. I provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Faith-Based Therapy for clients seeking a spiritual lens. I’m also trained in EMDR therapy for clients looking to process and heal from traumatic experiences.

Call 818-927-0478 for a same day intake appointment with our office and therapy appointment in as little as 3 days. We are professionally trained in evidenced based practices that will help you maximize your full potential. We will provide you with enthusiastic support, an objective perspective and the insight that you need to feel supported and the best you that you can be. Our Mission at Find Your Balance Center At Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change, our mission is simple but powerful: to create a world where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all. ​We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive — regardless of their background or financial circumstances. That’s why we proudly accept a variety of health plans, including Medi-Cal, ensuring that quality mental health care is not a privilege, but a right. ​​Because when care is accessible, communities grow stronger. When mental health is prioritized, lives transform. Together, we’re building a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength — not limitation. We have over 45 clinicians to choose from. www.findyourbalancecenter.com

Our Mission is to provide accessible, culturally responsive mental health care that empowers historically and systemically marginalized individuals, families, and communities to heal, grow, and thrive! As a community-focused agency, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where clients and employees can show up as their full, authentic selves. Through compassionate, holistic, and collaborative treatment, we strive to increase access to high-quality, consistent, and effective mental health services that honor each person's unique experiences and needs.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a degree in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado. Mindfulness informs all aspects of my work, including my emphasis on creating a space of compassion and curiosity in which we can explore, experiment, and journey together. You can't do anything "wrong" in therapy; everything that happens can be mined for wisdom. I have primarily worked with people to address issues related to anxiety, depression, self-concept, and life transitions. I see therapy sessions as a balance between processing and skill-building, in which there is enough open space to explore and also enough direction to come away with concrete action steps to create the desired change. In addition to mindfulness, I have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I frequently guide my clients in getting to know and work with "parts" of themselves. I bring a trauma-informed approach to all sessions, in which safety, empowerment, and self-compassion are held paramount. For trauma-specific work, I utilize my training in EMDR therapy to provide targeted interventions designed to desensitize and reprocess traumatic experiences in the brain. Above all else, I hold a steadfast hope for the ability of each and every person to heal and grow. It is truly an honor and privilege to join my clients in that journey.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or having trouble coping with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. You may be struggling to find balance in your life, or noticing that attachment and trauma from childhood is impacting you presently. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one, are navigating a new chapter of life that has you feeling anxious, or just feel like you are stuck in a rut and need someone to talk to. I work with adults and teens/adolescents on addressing anxiety and depression, unpacking past experiences, improving emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries with loved ones, healthy self-esteem, and more. As a therapist, I provide a challenge-support environment where I encourage you to reflect and explore your values while providing empathy, warmth, and humor. Therapy can be scary because we are asked to go outside our comfort zones, but growth stems from change. I utilize a myriad of theoretical approaches to find a style that works best for you. For LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, I provide gender and sexuality affirming therapy and can work with you on identity exploration, navigating queer relationships, or coping with the impact of stigma, discrimination, and bias. My therapy office is an accepting and safe space for queer folk.

I am and have always been inspired to work in the mental health field because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be happy and free from hindering and sometimes debilitating mental health symptoms. I started my adult life working in the corporate world and not too many years later realized that it was not my calling or my passion. It was then that I pursued furthering my education in order to be in a position to help others find their purpose, freedom, serenity, and happiness. Being a good listener is an extremely important skill and I believe a gift of mine. I believe that individuals are the experts in their own lives and therefore have a wealth of information to transmit. This is why listening is a major key in the therapeutic process. I am one to guide, not to dictate instructions for your life. I believe in being a partner in the process of recovery, healing, and well-being. A strong therapeutic alliance begins with the therapist’s ability to listen and empathize. It builds upon mutual respect and open-mindedness. A non-judgmental presence that exudes a sort of transparency and authenticity is vital in this process as well. Being flexible and modifying therapeutic modalities to fit the client’s needs are essential.

I’ve always been drawn to understanding people’s stories and helping them navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to create a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I’m passionate about helping individuals recognize their own strengths, build resilience, and feel empowered in their journey. Ensuring that individuals feel heard and understood is a core principle of effective therapy. This involves creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, using reflective listening, and applying evidence based approaches to accurately understand and respond to each person’s experiences. Ongoing feedback and open communication are essential in maintaining a therapeutic environment that supports growth and clarity. Everyone has their own pace and process, and part of building a strong working relationship is honoring that. Trust develops over time through consistency, openness, and respect. The focus is on creating a space where someone can show up as they are, without pressure or judgment, and feel supported in a way that fits their needs and goals. It’s about meeting people where they are and moving forward together from there.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Ben’s professional training is as a Depth Psychotherapist, which means that his approach to helping others through difficult times always takes Soul into consideration when addressing the issues that his clients bring to their sessions. His work with others is also strongly influenced by his 36 years of meditation practice, which has developed into an ability to work with others with depth and wisdom.

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.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

I am passionate about healing and deeply committed to helping you cultivate a sense of inner freedom, safety, wholeness, and connection with yourself. I view challenging emotions and experiences as powerful portals for self-exploration, healing, and growth and it’s my joy and privilege to help you navigate them. I bring warmth, curiosity, openness, compassion, and deep trust to my work with clients. Through thoughtful inquiry, consistent engagement, and a focus on your needs, I strive to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where true growth and self-discovery can flourish. I welcome all of you into the session including parts that hurt or can be hard to be with alone and really work to support you in navigating these parts in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where we work together to craft a plan with strategies to help you meet your goals and navigate the complex territory of being human. I believe in the transformative power of therapy, not just for the individual, but also for the relationships and communities we touch and show up for differently by choosing to heal and grow. I’m a big believer in making space for joy, connection, and beauty in our lives as ways to resource ourselves. I find this a lot in nature and am an avid hiker and lover of national parks.

Erin Addams <mft.erin2@gmail.com> Fri, Jan 10, 5:35 PM to Leah With over 10 years of experience in mental health, Erin is dedicated to providing compassionate and insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families. As a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Erin combines evidence-based practices with a deeply empathetic approach to support clients on their journey towards mental wellness. Through humor and direct communication, Erin still manages to create a safe and nurturing space, empowering clients to explore their inner worlds, develop effective coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections. Erin specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, and trauma, and she is passionate about helping clients build resilience and lead fulfilling lives.