Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. My professional background includes extensive experience working with adolescents in school-based settings, where I have supported young people through various challenges such as social anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues following parental separation or divorce. In my work, I prioritize Cultural Humility and Competence, ensuring that my approach is respectful and inclusive of diverse identities and backgrounds. I have worked with clients from the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals of color, and people from various religious traditions. This commitment helps me to provide a therapeutic environment that is sensitive to the unique experiences of each client. I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your needs. My practice incorporates Gestalt methods, such as the empty chair technique, which focuses on present-moment experiences to facilitate healing from past issues. Additionally, I employ person-centered therapy to create a supportive and empathetic space where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings. My sessions also integrate art, play, and sand tray techniques, which can offer creative and engaging ways to work through your challenges. I am enthusiastic about supporting you on your journey through life. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or identity-based issues, I am here to help you explore your strengths and apply them to real-life situations. I look forward to the meaningful work we will do together and the insightful conversations we will have. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together—I’m excited to see the progress we can achieve.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Brief, solution-focused therapy in San Francisco.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Everlight Teens, Adults & Family Therapy with over a decade of experience supporting diverse communities. I’ve had the privilege of working with teens, adults, and adolescents, helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. As an Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (ICBT), I help clients understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we’ll identify unhelpful patterns and develop practical strategies to build healthier coping skills and create lasting, positive change. I specialize in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have extensive experience working with individuals from underserved and diverse backgrounds, those who have faced complex trauma, homelessness, and substance use challenges. My focus is to help each person build resilience, foster healing, and find fulfillment. I bring kindness, compassion, and respect to every session. I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together toward your goals. My approach is transparent and supportive. I aim to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you and set meaningful, realistic goals that reflect your strengths and values. My goal-setting approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you create lasting growth and positive change. My passion for this work began with a deep desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of those who choose to seek help, and I feel honored to be part of that healing process. Our first session is about understanding your challenges and what you hope to change. Together, we’ll set the pace, identify obstacles, and create a clear growth plan, so you feel confident and supported throughout your journey.

Hello! I’m Robin Paredes (she/ella), a 1st generation Mexican-American, Bilingual, LCSW & Reiki Practitioner. I accept Aetna & Optum/Optum EAP insurance & offer self-pay services at $145 on a weekly or biweekly basis (in-person in Covina, CA or virtually throughout CA). Short-term sliding scale available. I support 1st generation/BIPOC in pushing against misaligned cultural norms (often showing up as anxiety & depression) to develop a deeper sense of identity by teaching mindfulness skills, practicing self-compassion, improving communication skills, defining needs/boundaries & connecting to their inner knowing for a more embodied & fulfilling life. I incorporate a somatic, holistic, and culturally responsive approach to create a nurturing space where compassionate self-inquiry & healing can take place.

Sunlight Psychological Services is a boutique private practice nestled in the foothills of the Old Agoura community. We offer psychological evaluations and science-based relational therapy for kids, young adults, and families. Our mission is to cultivate relational wellness in the whole family. Our psychologists have a variety of specialties which can meet the needs of a diverse client base. We believe in science-based therapy methods implemented with warmth, authenticity, and meaningful connection.

Hi! I'm Laura. I work with folks from all walks of life who are looking to build (or re-build) their connection to themselves and others. My clients tend to struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, self-worth, perfectionism, exploring their identities, attachment trauma, and relationship issues. I work within an intersectional perspective to cultivate a space that is inclusive and welcoming to all so my clients can feel safe to embrace vulnerability and explore themselves deeply. If you decide to work with me, we'll examine parts of your past, challenges in the present, and hopes for the future while honoring your intersecting identities and natural strengths. I'll hold space for you to cry, vent, make jokes, or swear — while helping you to deconstruct unhelpful patterns, dismantle perfectionism, set healthier boundaries, heal past wounds, and embrace your most authentic self. My approach is modern and eclectic, integrating EMDR, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and narrative techniques with psychodynamic, feminist, existential, and humanistic theories. This means I draw from multiple modalities to personalize your care based on your needs. Through both research-based techniques and being a real + approachable human, my goal is to help you find clarity and healing while creating meaningful and sustainable change.

I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.

My approach to therapy is warm, integrative and non-judgmental. I use a variety of healing modalities centered in mindfulness, tracking behavioral changes and building new narratives to support you in creating meaningful change. My areas of expertise are grief, relationship issues, anxiety, depression and life transitions. I specialize in guiding young adults as they discover their inner light and cultivate contentment within themselves

We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered. My experience working with young and emerging adults has allowed me to effectively support people in finding both a work-life balance and relief from stress. My areas of interest and specialization include working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relationship issues, grief, family-of-origin concerns, disordered eating, trauma, and self-acceptance. I'm committed to providing therapy to people of all races, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and nationality. I work with adolescents and adults. I provide psychological assessments and individual or couples therapy in-person in San Francisco or online anywhere in California.

Living is so much more than simply breathing, eating, and sleeping—it’s about thriving. Are you truly living? Do you wake each day with a sense of purpose and hope, yet find yourself wanting support in setting goals or creating a plan for change? Are you struggling to understand who you are at your core or how to navigate an ever-changing, demanding world? What does living your life really mean to you—and are you growing, adapting, and responding in ways that feel healthy and harmonious? If not, I can help. I provide therapy, parenting support, and clinical supervision for individuals, couples, and families. My clients range from young children (as early as 18 months) to adults at all stages of life. I specialize in working with military families, divorce and infidelity, parent-child relationships, severe mental illness, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger’s, complex medical conditions, and career transitions. Life is multifaceted—each part influences the others. Together, we’ll explore how these facets affect your wellbeing, relationships, productivity, and happiness. My approach is strengths-based, supportive, and collaborative. We begin wherever you are, working at your pace to build insight, resilience, and growth. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to help you not just live, but thrive.

I believe in the power of genuine connection and shared humor in therapy. My goal is to collaborate with you to create a path toward not only a better understanding of yourself but also greater self-compassion. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, meaning I view well-being as deeply connected to our relationships, past experiences and cultural identities. I also believe that everything you have done that has led you to this moment has been an attempt to take care of yourself, whether or not it has yielded the results you hoped for. I enjoy supporting clients as they explore, gain insights, and create a more authentic sense of self. My clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and the complexities of identity and multiculturalism. If you seek a collaborative partner to understand how your past shapes your present and how to intentionally write your future, I invite you to connect with me.

Life happens. Everything is running smoothly in our lives and then something occurs that throws us off balance: a relationship breakup, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce, or a trauma. Instead of a single event, it can also be the buildup of stress or the accumulation of various life experiences. Sometimes we just want to learn more about ourselves. It can even be a wound from our past from which we have difficulty healing. All of us experience obstacles in our lives that can become overwhelming. With whatever difficulties you may be facing, we can work together to achieve your therapeutic goals, whether they be to lessen the experience of unpleasant feelings or to better understand what you are going through. It is my goal that you feel more empowered so that you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Psychology Today Profile https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/120300

We are a nonprofit agency that provides mental health and educational services in English and Spanish. Our services include therapy and assessments for learning and psychological challenges. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are often able to provide several free and lost cost services to the community. Currently, we have a promotion for 15 FREE virtual therapy sessions. Visit our website or give us a call today!

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support people in a wide range of settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, residential programs, and homeless shelters. These experiences have allowed me to work closely with individuals facing many different challenges and life circumstances. Working across these environments has helped me develop a flexible, compassionate approach to care. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are—whether they’re in crisis, navigating major life transitions, or working toward long-term healing and stability. My background has shaped my ability to provide thoughtful, personalized support that is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the complexities people face. I specialize in general mental health, anxiety/depression, substance abuse, and Christian centered psychotherapy. Therapy is a space for growth through trust, curiosity, and reflection. I use humor, metaphor, and insight to guide exploration with compassion, seeing vulnerability not as weakness but as fertile ground for healing, self-awareness, and resilience. Together, we'll explore root causes and develop a practical plan for change. Many notice symptom relief within weeks and continue to make steady progress, gaining a stronger sense of control and connection in their lives. Together, we'll explore your unique path toward well-being.

When people ask me what my ideal client I actually wonder what's people's ideal therapists? I think this is important when thinking about an ideal client and therapists because I see it as a collaborative work. I'm not here to force you what I think is best for you, therapy is something both the client and therapist figure out together to meet the clients' needs and goals. I find it important to keep in mind intersectionalities and how society and culture play an important role. I enjoy working with different diversities such as LGBTQ+, culture, and etc. I also work with trauma using informal exposure, art therapy, teen therapy, and couples therapy. I also love doing work involving aspects of DBT therapy such as mindfulness. I know the therapy process is hard, but I want to try to make anyone feel they can be themselves (sometimes I use humor when appropriate). Searching for the right therapist is hard so whether it's me or not I encourage you to keep looking and find who's right for you out there. Feel free to reach out for a phone consult or email!

Navigating college life can be a lot! Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, juggling academics and social life, dealing with anxiety or depression, or facing the unique challenges of being a student mom or pregnant/postpartum, it's okay to ask for support. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore these challenges and develop coping strategies. My approach is tailored to your individual needs, drawing from person-centered therapy to ensure you feel heard and understood, interpersonal therapy to help you navigate relationship dynamics, and cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thought patterns. I'm here to support you in building resilience, improving your well-being, and achieving your goals during this important chapter of your life.

Hi. If you have ended up here chances are you are questioning if you need help trying to figure something out in your life. Don't close the page...You are here and that is good. Being in college can be a really difficult transition and so much harder than you thought it was going to be. Classes, grades, friends, socializing, drugs, sex, identity, expression, first time independence, and feeling home sick. Perhaps you have dealt with mental health issues before now or maybe this is the first time you are noticing something feeling different. Whatever has brought you to deciding to seek help, know you are making a good choice. Please take a moment to look at my site, and if I am not the right one for you, then look at others. Find someone to talk to today.

Living with intense and debilitating feelings may leave you with a sense of overwhelm, hopelessness, and anger. You may have conflicts in your relationships, hold resentments, or try your best to manage with unsuccessful ways of coping. Do you have a hard time feeling safe or heard in your relationships, or trusting your intuition? You deserve a safe and supportive relationship to heal the impact of life. I help highly emotional and high conflict persons manage their intense emotional experiences, understand the causes, and learn alternative ways to cope so they can navigate life and relationships with greater satisfaction. My work is uniquely tailored to you and infuses aspects of evidence-based therapies with genuine feedback to help you gain awareness of patterns that keep you stuck and assist in moving you from surviving to thriving. As we connect, we may walk through the mud together, identify practical skills to manage the chaos of life, discover and develop your sense of inner wisdom, and navigate what keeps you stuck and why. We might even share a few laughs together. Whatever you find yourself struggling with, I invite you to no longer suffer alone.