Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hello and warm welcome to you! I'm Leila and I believe that people are naturally resilient with the right support. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is at the heart of the healing process. This is why I work from a Humanistic framework, which is based in the belief that providing unconditional positive regard and empathy to clients cultivates a truly safe environment for them to look deeply within themselves and rediscover their potential and self-empowerment. I also believe that humor is vital to the human experience, and always welcome and encourage this within my sessions. I provide trauma-informed therapy with a focus in childhood attachment wounds, using a compassionate, client-centered approach; specializing in EMDR, chronic depression, anxiety, life-changes, stress, self-esteem issues, and inner-child/shadow work; utilizing somatic and eclectic methods. My clients walk away from therapy with me feeling a transformed sense of inner peace and self-worth, a regaining of control over their lives and decisions, and the empowerment to awaken their full potential. I strongly believe in making therapy as enjoyable as possible, and hold true to the statement of "come as you are." I have a laid-back, down-to-earth style and want my clients to feel seen, valued, and appreciated for sharing their journey with me.

Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California. My approach to therapy is client-centered; that is, I want to work on what you want to work on! You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer insight to help you meet your goals. My career has been focused on working with children, adolescents, and adults who have been mandated to therapy. At this time, I would like to work with and adults who are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. My typical therapeutic modalities are the Psychodynamic approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Problem Solving Therapy. In addition, I incorporate concepts of Trauma-Informed practices and Systems Theory to help meet the needs of the client. I have a professional, authentic style. I also have a dark sense of humor that helps some clients feel like our sessions are a judgment-free zone. I tend to follow the cues and needs of the clients to ensure I am not crossing any boundaries with which the client would not feel comfortable. Please contact me if you feel like this would we would be a good fit.

Navigating this world as a woman of color provides me with insight of a wide range of life experiences such as difficulty with change, inequalities, traumas, toxic relationships, workplace exploitation, managing a society that values binary labels and much more. Seeking therapy can be complex and multi-layered, so finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I believe in a working partnership with clients and strive to utilize client strengths to help with each intervention. Rather than work from any one theoretical orientation, I create interventions to match the specific needs of each unique individual, based on my years of accumulated knowledge and experience. The range of evidence based therapeutic modalities I utilize to help achieve goals include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, narrative, and psychoeducation. Allow me to join your journey of individual or group healing!

I applaud your courage and strength in taking the first step toward well-being. My approach is Holistic and Culturally sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness. I can appreciate clients who want to heal & improve their lives. They are willing to make the necessary changes to build inner strengths, increase feelings of empowerment, implement boundaries and learn to Trust vulnerabilities in healthy relationships.

I meet clients virtually to quiet negative self-talk and build resilience in their nervous systems using a patent pending somatic processing tool. With a stronger nervous system, it’s easier to not be overwhelmed, in fact your baseline becomes calm, less triggered, and more balanced. Clients routinely report resolution of panic attacks; resolving the underlying causes of the negative self talk; resolving the root causes of anxiety, depression, rage, and numbness; having better relationships; and understanding their emotions better. This transformative work addresses the nonverbal impact of stressful/traumatic experiences including feelings, sensations, emotions, muscle tension, numbness and dissociation; the areas where talking is not effective. Benefits typically begin with the first session. We use CBD, medical cannabis, or ketamine assisted virtual sessions to activate brain areas that facilitate safely processing emotions, and make new brain cell connections (associated with learning and working around blocks) among many other benefits. Many patients complain about the emotional numbness and other symptoms caused by their psych medications. Because I am a medical doctor, as patients improve I am able to help wean them off of their meds when appropriate. Insurance is not accepted, but sliding scale payments are. Learn more at: http://www.slipflowtherapy.com/patients

Are you ready to take your life back? Has it felt out of control with recent changes or continued stressors/triggers that you just can't figure out how to manage? Is this impacting your job, your ability to complete schoolwork, your relationships, or perhaps other aspects of your life that are important to you? Let's work on this together. Reaching out for help may feel scary but I can help you stand in your power.

I’m a licensed psychotherapist and consultant specializing in individual and couples therapy. My work focuses on helping people heal from trauma, childhood wounding, attachment injuries, and relational challenges. I believe therapy should be a safe, inclusive, and affirming space—one where every part of you is welcome. In our work together, we’ll gently explore the parts of you that feel difficult to access or understand. Over time, we’ll uncover the internal patterns and protective walls that may have once helped you survive—but are now holding you back from connection, growth, and ease. Many of the individuals I work with are navigating the ongoing effects of painful life experiences, or are beginning to notice how their resistance to vulnerability might be limiting deeper relationships. My goal is to help you feel supported in doing this brave work. Therapy can be challenging, but I strive to make it less overwhelming, more grounded, and deeply human. I draw from a blend of evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies to support healing and long-term change. These include: Internal Family Systems (IFS) – to help you connect with and care for your inner parts Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a research-supported method for processing trauma and distressing life experiences Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – to strengthen emotional bonds and resolve conflict in couples I tailor our work to your unique needs—whether you're seeking to recover from trauma, build more fulfilling relationships, or simply get to know yourself on a deeper level. If you’re ready to begin—or even just curious—I’d be honored to walk alongside you in this process. Call (408) 800-7305 to get started!

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I specialize in working with young adults, ages 16-30, including those still living with parents. I address issues such as relationships, work, finances, identity, school stress, and trauma. I have experience working with life transitions, including anxiety and depression related to college. Please feel free to reach out to see if we are a good fit.

I have had the privilege of working on school campuses and enjoy supporting students as they navigate family challenges, cultural identity, life transitions, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship concerns. Balancing academics, work, and personal life can often feel overwhelming. Therapy offers a space to slow down, organize your thoughts, and gain clarity about what matters most to you. My goal is to create a supportive and reflective environment where we can explore your experiences together and move toward the goals you have for your life. I believe that living authentically brings deeper meaning and purpose, and I would be honored to support you in discovering what that looks like for you.

Greetings, I am so glad you found my practice. Please check out my website for more details about my approach and services.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.

Laurén (she/her, they/them) supports people of all ages experiencing a variety of mental health concerns including eating issues & disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and problematic sexual behaviors.. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. In her work, she uses modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family based treatment (FBT), emotion focused therapy (EFT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Laurén believes the therapeutic relationship is essential to fostering change, and attends to this connection throughout treatment. She is gender affirming in all of her care, and personally identifies as queer. Professional Experience Laurén’s clinical experience extends across the lifespan, including children, young adults, adults, couples, and families. Laurén spent ten years working in eating disorder treatment centers and supporting eating disorder clinicians in private practice. She approaches therapy with appreciation for each individual’s innate strengths and a desire to partner with them to support attainment of their goals. As a social worker, she is uniquely trained to view the individual from a systems framework, meaning in treatment she accounts for the impact of being a part of their family, community, institution, etc. Laurén believes all people are doing their best with the tools they have. Laurén has a diverse background of work and life experience outside of clinical practice. She has experience as an eating disorder recovery coach which she weaves into her therapy practice when appropriate. She has also worked as a sex educator, which taught her much about the spectrum of sexual behaviors and identities, gender expression, communication and consent, and sexual challenges. Laurén identifies as queer and Health At Every Size aligned, providing an inclusive safe space for all bodies, foods, genders, relationships, and sexualities. In addition to professional background, her personal life has taught her much about resilience and effective coping in the face of adversity. When Laurén’s not working, she enjoys spending time at the beach, gardening, traveling, listening to live music, thrifting, and spending time with her family and pets. Services Provided Laurén provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families residing in California. Supervised my Theresa Chesnut LCSW

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.

Hello! I'm Liana Huang (she/her), and I’m a bilingual, bicultural (Cantonese and English speaking) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #119082). Growing up as the eldest daughter of Chinese immigrants who left their world in the Pearl River Delta to pursue a more abundant life for their descendants in San Francisco, I can relate to and understand the specific struggles of children of immigrants. It’s not easy navigating the unspoken pressure of repaying our parents for the sacrifices they made, the inevitable miscommunication and misunderstandings that arise as families bridge cultures and languages, and the persistent feeling of falling short of expectations. With a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma and family of origin attachment wounds, I offer a unique perspective to my clients as a therapist who has personally experienced the challenges of growing up with Asian immigrant parents. You won't have to explain what it's like to navigate cultural differences and complex family dynamics because I get it. I became a therapist because I recognize that cultural humility, while important, does not compare to the insights and empathy gained through lived experience. Together, we can work through your struggles and heal from the wounds of the past to create a brighter future. You're not alone in this journey towards healing and self-discovery.

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I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a passion for helping people grow into their most authentic selves while navigating the real challenges of everyday life. College can be an exciting yet difficult time. If you are needing support navigating new transitions at school, preparing for graduation or entering the job field I am ready to work alongside you. I work with clients who are managing big emotions, feeling stuck, or struggling in their relationships and sense of self. I use a blend of DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy to help you make sense of your past, understand your patterns, and build new ways of coping so you can feel more grounded, confident, and in control.

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps. Perhaps your relationships, career, or daily routines no longer feel fulfilling. You might notice a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over your own, or find yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and growth. It’s not always easy especially if you’ve spent years living according to others’ expectations but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy. If you’re curious about how therapy might support you, I invite you to reach out.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.