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Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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Cassandra Pentzien, PhD
Psychologist
Irvine, CA
Accepting new clients

Are you feeling stuck, struggling to identify or make progress toward goals, or constantly fighting with critical self-talk? Are difficulties with executive functioning, motivation, or attention keeping you from reaching your potential and showing up in the way you want to with others? Are anxious thoughts or feelings getting in the way of the life you want for yourself? I help clients identify what matters most to them and support them along their path toward making intentional and meaningful changes. My therapy approach aims to help you better understand yourself, build skills for success, and develop greater confidence and self-compassion. I use an evidence-based, strengths focused approach to support clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, relationships, boundary setting, body image concerns, OCD, depression, and life transitions. I also provide psychoeducational and psychological testing for ADHD, Learning Disorders, executive functioning challenges, and emotional concerns. Reaching out for support can be a big step and I look forward to helping make the process as easy and personalized as possible.

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Helen Bass
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Arcadia, CA
Accepting new clients

✨ Therapy where you can let go of the “I have to be perfect, successful, and okay 24/7” act Helen Bass - Asian girlies & interracial couples — 🤍 you don’t have to hold onto invisible pressures, frustration, or resentment by yourself. I’m here to walk with you as you heal and reconnect with the life that feels true to you.

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Marc Steinmetz
Psychologist
New Rochelle, NY
Accepting new clients

I work mainly with young adults (18-40) who may be dealing with mental health challenges that include ADHD, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients face a build-up of stress related to identity, relationships, school or career. I help clients build positive and healthy mental health practices into their lives. Please visit my profiles on Headway.

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Ethan Gerendas
Marriage & Family Therapist
Corona, CA
Accepting new clients

I believe whole heartedly in the healing power of therapy because I’ve seen first hand how it has improved the lives of those I’ve worked with and how it has improved my life personally. I’m passionate about supporting my clients, aiding them in their healing journeys, and helping them live more fulfilling lives. I view my clients as experts in their own lives and work alongside them to uncover their inherent strengths, helping to build resilience and create the life they envision. I believe that gaining awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors fosters personal insight and motivation, promoting mental well-being. I draw on evidence-based, person centered, trauma-informed methods, integrating techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoanalytical approaches, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to equip clients with the tools needed for healthy functioning and overall wellness.

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Alyssa Lemus
Pre-Licensed Professional
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new clients

I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.

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Amy La
Psychologist
Cerritos, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Catherine Lucey, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Encinitas, CA
Accepting new clients

"Commit to loving yourself completely. It's the most radical thing you will do in your lifetime" - Andrea Gibson I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals through transition and personal growth. After growing up in Colorado and graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, my professional journey started with a passionate commitment to community building, leadership development, and health and wellness advocacy. I embarked on a profound exploration of autonomy and a deepening understanding of myself through working with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Mexico and then as a Director of an Environmental Educational program in Hawaii. Following my move to the Bay Area, my deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on individual lives motivated me to pursue and successfully earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. Throughout my mental health professional journey, I have worked as a psychotherapist, consultant, supervisor, counselor and Founding Director of a New Parent Support Center, each contributing to my diverse skill set and holistic approach to well-being. With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals with their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. My integrative approach utilizes my extensive training in research-based interventions as well as clinically efficacious modalities such as developmental psychology, attachment theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy. By combining these methods, I provide a tailored and holistic therapeutic experience while recognizing each individual as the expert of their own life. I am certified in Parent-Based Treatment for Childhood Anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center, a certified Gottman Educator, a certified Parent Coach as well as a Girls Leadership educator. I have completed trainings in Surf Therapy, Somatic Experiencing as well as Nature-Informed therapy. I enjoy surfing, hiking and exploring the outdoors and live with my husband and two teenagers in Encinitas, CA. Lic# MFT 51396 “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Jon Kabat-Zinn Specialties College Students Women's Issues Identity Development Life Transitions Stress Management Relationship Concerns Anxiety and Worry Depression Attachment Theory Mindfulness and Somatic Based Therapy Parts Work

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Rising Lanterns Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Pomona, CA
Accepting new clients

Hello there! My name is Baochau (I go by Bao). I am a Vietnamese American therapist who is based in Southern California. I primarily work with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in treating clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, generational & family trauma, Asian American & BIPOC issues, and identity & cultural stress. I like to use various therapeutic approaches to tailor to each client’s individual needs, but some of the approaches I like to use in my practice stem from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. More importantly, my goal is to help you feel seen and heard in your experiences as we work together towards your growth and healing. In addition to working with clients from different ages and mental health backgrounds, I also provide therapy for clients from diverse populations, particularly those who are from Asian American and BIPOC communities. As a therapist who is also a woman of color, I strive to provide culturally sensitive and affirming care for my clients.

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Liveconscious Therapy Inc
Group practice
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

Mission Statement Live-Conscious.com: Having grown up with a biological mother who's been affected by depression and a health condition type 2 diabete propelled to create a telepsychology delivery services for people to have access to care in remote settings to make mental health service available even for people with any other limitations. Mental health or relational therapy services are critical matters to support families and individuals that are at-risk or compromised state to perform and fulfill daily self-caring and other household and job related tasks. The main reason for the remote therapy services is to provide care even to the people located in distant locations that weekly traveling to an office that is located in a different city is not feasible, for example. Another factor is the protection of both the clients and therapists from cross contamination from viral infections that we are familiar with ever since the Covid breakout in 2020 and thereafter. Ideal Client Type: The clientele best suited for this type of therapy are those who can consent to therapy, understand and communicate in English, including a bilingual in Korean, and being in the age group of between 13 and older. The person may contact the office directly by submitting the email inquiry through the Contact page on the company website, live-conscious.com or to support@live-conscious.com. Licensed Therapist(s): The therapist(s) at LiveConscious Therapy are usually trained in various areas to help clients to manage their mood symptoms, provide diagnostic explanations and treatment recommendations. It is recommended to send a message to the office directly if you are in need of a therapist's support. Fees: As a private organization, all clients must be able to pay their agreed fees as in terms listed on Informed Consent form(s) that a new client will sign. If you have a health insurance and want to know more about your options, you can contact the office directly. Upon receiving the inquiry, the payment options can be explained in more detail. For your reference, the access to the care may be still possible even if your health insurance is not listed as an accepting insurance company at LiveConscious Therapy.

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Jason Wu
Psychologist
San Jose, CA
Accepting new clients

I have been described by clients and colleagues as non-judgmental, warm (but direct), validating, and compassionate - I'd like to think that's true, but who am I to say? In any case, my hope is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, heal past wounds or trauma that continue to cause pain today, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves and our "flaws", the freer we are to make meaningful changes in our lives. I work with adults, couples, and sometimes groups. I work with all types of issues, but my specialties include adult children of narcissistic and/or abusive parents, trauma-related disorders, couples therapy, men and masculinity, managing anger, self compassion/acceptance, depression/anxiety, substance use/addiction, and cultural issues (family conflict, intergenerational trauma, issues of identity, etc.). Having been on the other side, I know it's sometimes hard to know what you need, so I offer free phone consultations to help get you started on your path. My website also has resources for self-help - feel free to browse through that as well. And I usually respond quicker to email, so please feel free to message me anytime and we can schedule a time to chat!

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The Happy Byrd
Marriage & Family Therapist
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new clients

Therapy for college students and young adults navigating identity, stress, and life transitions, with a focus on those in creative and performance-driven environments. As a therapist with a background in entertainment and training from a performing arts college, I understand the unique pressures of balancing artistic passion with academic and personal demands. My approach is solution-focused and practical, helping clients build coping skills, strengthen self-awareness, and create sustainable balance in both their creative and everyday lives.

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Dr Ayelet Hirshfeld, PhD
Psychologist
Los Gatos, CA
Accepting new clients

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Lacanian Psychoanalyst, an EMDR therapist, and a Psychotraumatologist. I also have served as a founder and advisor of mental/health & software companies. Further, I am a health and trauma consultant to international organizations. I specialize in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy for young adults, adults, couples & families; PTSD, trauma, burnout & secondary stress; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions. I authored manuscripts in the areas of child psychoanalysis, psychosomatic conditions, trauma & secondary stress & co-authored & implemented a Brief Lacanian Treatment Model & a "Lacanian Approach" model to the organization and its individuals. I have completed a postdoc fellowship @ Stanford Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS); completed psychoanalytic formation at the Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP); conducted extensive research @ PTSD Research Program, SFVA/UCSF; was a consultant to the Brief Lacanian Analysis Project @ MMH; served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty @ CIIS & as Faculty & VP @ Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP), & as a founder in Tech.

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Kristine Tye
Marriage & Family Therapist
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new clients

Specializing in anxiety, trauma, OCD, and life transitions. Providing talk therapy, EMDR, solution-focused, client-centered approaches for mental health treatment.

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Ellis Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cambridge, MA
Accepting new clients

My work is relationally based, and I additionally integrate the approaches of Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which are both mind/body modalities. These approaches have been transformational for myself and many clients I have witnessed because they offer an orientation of radical openness and compassionate inquiry about all parts of your experience.

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John Liptak
Pre-Licensed Professional
Long Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

I became a therapist because I want to help people become their best selves. I always want to help you feel understood, safe, and supported, in a completely non-judgmental space, especially if these things are already lacking in your life. You should know that you can talk to me without fear of judgement and that I care about you, and all of my clients. I have experience with both children and adults. All ages are welcome! I make an effort to meet clients where they are and ask what they hope to gain from their time with me. I try to build trust by taking a nonjudgmental approach of positive regard for all my clients. I will tailor my approach to the situation and to what the client wants. For some that will mean more empathetic listening, for others it may mean more praise, positive feedback, coping skills, increasing awareness, reframing a situation or a certain level of coaching. I find that everyone is different and has different needs, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you soon!

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Smart Talk Marriage and Family Therapy Inc.
Group practice
Newport Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

We are a group of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) here to help you feel better. Here is a brief overview of what we do. LMFTs: Our LMFTs focus on support women through their motherhood journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. We focus on helping smart, high achieving women navigate the stressors of starting a family while maintaining their career goals. We use a compassionate electric approach to therapy pulling interventions from different theoretical orientations and customizing our care plan to fit each individual woman's unique needs. AMFTs: Our AMFTs focus on working with young adults (16-24 years old) and supporting them in their transition into adulthood. It is hard to navigate what type of career you want to have, who you want to become, and what kind of friend you want to be. Our AMFTs are here to help you figure it out and support you as you find your path in life.

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Therapy with Elisa
Marriage & Family Therapist
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new clients

Are you tired of the same old patterns and anxiety holding you back in life? Perhaps you know what your goals are and you would like to gain some more insight and coping skills as you work towards them. You've been putting a lot of pressure on yourself and now you're wanting support as you figure things out. You’re realizing it’s time to take care of you. You are motivated and ready for a change. I'm here to help - I do my best to understand you and support you along your journey of living intentionally and wholeheartedly. I get that you want to feel confident about yourself and your decisions. You want to let go of unhealthy patterns, regain a sense of control and have some balance in your life. You’re ready to find love, peace, and acceptance, not only with others but with yourself. You want to reconnect with your partner and form an even stronger bond and relationship. I offer a nonjudgmental and safe space to help you work through life’s challenges and achieve your goals. I am passionate about my work in helping individuals and couples. I believe we all have the potential to heal and live our best lives. Reach out for a free phone consultation today- I look forward to hearing from you.

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Ned Klein
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

I work primarily with adolescent and adult men who feel stuck and want more from life. Whether you're facing social difficulties, academic pressures, anxiety, family transitions, or adjusting to life away from home, I can help. Being a young adult is hard. Therapy is a safe place to discuss the things that are difficult to talk about with your family or friends.

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Nathan Armstrong
Pre-Licensed Professional
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

I became a therapist because I’ve always been passionate about helping people discover their strengths and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Throughout my career working with children, adolescents, and adults in behavioral health, I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone has a safe, supportive space to process their experiences without judgment. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely understood and empowered to build on their own strengths. My goal is to help clients develop practical skills, increase self-awareness, and create lasting change that extends beyond our sessions. I believe the most effective therapy is collaborative. I make it a priority to listen carefully to each client’s experiences, understand what matters most to them, and work together to create goals that feel meaningful and achievable. I regularly check in to make sure our sessions are meeting their needs and encourage honest feedback throughout the process. Every client is different, so I tailor my approach to fit their unique personality, strengths, and preferences while creating a space where they can be open, ask questions, and feel respected every step of the way. Building trust starts with creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients know they don’t have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. I approach each person with curiosity, compassion, and respect, allowing them to move at a pace that feels comfortable while gently encouraging growth. I enjoy using practical tools, relatable examples, humor when appropriate, and evidence-based strategies to help clients better understand themselves and develop skills they can use in everyday life. My goal is for therapy to feel like a partnership where we celebrate progress, learn from setbacks, and work together toward the life they want to build. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors, and playing strategy and adventure video games. I also enjoy exploring new places and finding opportunities to recharge in nature. These hobbies remind me of the importance of balance, curiosity, and making time for activities that help us manage stress and stay connected to what we enjoy—something I often encourage clients to prioritize in their own lives.

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Halleh Akhbari
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing virtual psychotherapy to clients throughout California. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, perfectionism, self-esteem, identity exploration, depressive symptoms, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based therapies including CBT, EFT, ACT, mindfulness, and Gottman Method-informed couples therapy to help clients feel supported, understood, and empowered.

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