Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Welcome! I’m glad you are here. Are you struggling with worries, fears, relationships? Is stress keeping you awake at night, difficulty concentrating and getting stuff done--or maybe just wondering what is the point of it all? You want to feel happy and enjoy life, but issues with your self-esteem make it hard to feel secure. You want to be more successful in managing where to control and when to let go, but feel held back with anxiety, depression, and stress. If you feel out of balance, down, dealing with life craziness, or bad relationship cycles – I’m here for you. With over 24 years experience, I can help you feel better and make better choices. You are not alone. Using therapy tailored specifically to you, you can learn skills to set better boundaries, manage anxiety and panic, and quickly rebound from negative cycles. My style is warm, honest, and interactive. I value getting to know you and supporting you through all the stages in your life. I'm a licensed long time therapist in private practice and I have taught many college psych classes. I'm also a mom of 2 teens and a little ShihTzu dog.

Dr. Johnson offers a supportive and approachable therapy experience that blends real-world strategies with expert care. Her warm, down-to-earth style helps students feel comfortable while working through challenges like anxiety, stress, and depression. With over 15 years of experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dr. Johnson focuses on practical tools and personalized support to help each student build confidence, manage emotions, and navigate college life more effectively.

Many of the students I work with are navigating a big transition — moving away from home, balancing demanding coursework, managing finances, and figuring out who they are and what they want. It’s a lot to carry, and it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out trying to keep up. Some students come to me struggling with focus or motivation; others notice changes in their sleep, appetite, or mood and aren’t sure why. I work best with students who are ready to understand themselves better and take small, meaningful steps toward feeling balanced again. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, or just the stress of college life, my goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. Together, we explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and find strategies — including medication management and lifestyle support — that fit your goals and your life. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out — we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your mental health.

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

Anxiety is taking up more space in your life than you’d like. On the outside, things look successful—people rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your mind replays conversations late at night. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away, difficulty truly relaxing, or moments when your reactions feel stronger than they should. You understand your patterns—you may have even done therapy before—but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling—not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

Have you ever felt that life has to be okay all the time? Change is a normal part of life that we do not always know how to navigate. Therapy can be the safe space needed to start your journey towards processing these emotions and exploring your personal goals. My goal as a therapist is to provide a non-judgmental environment where my clients feel heard. I use an integrated approach to help my clients explore their personal needs and goals. I have experience working with individuals who are walking through different life transitions. Life has its ups and downs but you do not have to go through it alone. I am here to help you find the tools and support needed along the way.

My approach is helping you identify your strengths and help you become aware of new ways of thinking and navigating issues. I believe in practicing new skills that will reinforce your desired goals. Our sessions will be a space that is safe and unique to you. Congratulations on seeking help at this challenging moment. Your space; your journey.

You may be feeling tired of the world as it is—overstimulated, uncertain, and emotionally demanding. Whether you appear strong and capable or feel overwhelmed, many people are carrying fear, exhaustion, and a longing for something steady to hold onto. The people I work with often feel worn down by repeating patterns like people-pleasing or overextending, or feel stuck and disconnected when life feels unstable. I provide a grounded, safe environment where you can truly slow down and breathe. My approach bridges the gap between traditional clinical expertise and alternative ways of healing. I offer evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, MBCT and Narrative Therapy. In addition to this, I also integrate somatic-based practices, Buddhism psychology, Akashic Record reading, and other spiritual healing practices into our work together. I work with self-identity, relationships, burnout, boundaries, and life transitions—especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to help you develop an inner anchor you can return to when life feels chaotic, and to support you in moving toward a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

Welcome to my practice! If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. I offer telepsychiatric medication management services to adult patients (ages 18 years+) who reside in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington state. Specialties include treating members of Sexual and Gender Minorities / 2SLGBTQIA+, emerging/young adult populations, creative professionals, and educators. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering my patients kind, affirming, personalized psychiatric care. I do not prescribe controlled substances. The practice is in-network with select insurance companies in CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA. I also accept self-pay patients from CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA who may be able to collect reimbursement from their insurance companies, if they have out-of-network benefits.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Are you struggling to feel connected to an authentic and confidence sense of self? Do you often feel lonely, bored, or empty even though you have things in your life that should be bringing you fulfillment? Do you feel paralyzed by uncertainty or having to make decisions in your life? Maybe it seems that all areas of your life are being impacted by the internal chaos you are experiencing? I believe that happiness shouldn't be this hard, that there is a reason that you are struggling. Understanding the underlying reasons for your current symptoms, and the beliefs that formed them, can help you to make changes to your current life. I have 10+ yrs of experience as a trauma-informed expert in eating disorders and body image issues. I have extensive experience with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA+, infertility, trauma, grief, etc. I am certified in ERP for OCD and Lifespan Integration Therapy for Trauma. My approach is based primarily on CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioral therapy), and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). I utilize attachment based theory to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present. "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama

I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.

Many of the students I work best with feel pressure to "have it all together" on the outside—yet inside, they're overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or past trauma. They may be high-achieving, creative, or deeply caring individuals who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. In our work together, I provide a warm, grounded space to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. I use practical, body-based tools along with talk therapy to help you feel more empowered, connected, and aligned with who you truly are. Therapy doesn’t have to be about fixing what’s “wrong”—it can be about reconnecting with your inner strength and learning new ways to care for yourself.

https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics/church-street-integral-counseling-center Church Street ICC offers low-fee counseling in many languages for adults, couples, families, seniors, adolescents, and children from across the San Francisco Bay Area. The sliding-fee scale is structured to accommodate people of all income levels and life situations. The caring, professional therapists at Church Street Integral Counseling Center take an integral approach to healing that connects the mind, body, and spirit, and honors the uniqueness of each person. Church Street is the country's only university-affiliated Gestalt/existential therapy center. Therapists are trained to focus on themes of difference and inclusion, offer a social justice perspective, and stress the importance of choice and awareness.

I'm Brooke Sundin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the owner of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, a private practice based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults adjusting to new responsibilities and the growing pressures of adulthood. The clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem struggles, and the life transitions that come with this stage: starting or finishing college, moving to a new city, figuring out relationships, choosing a path, or grieving the version of life you thought you'd have by now. Some of what we work on is symptom-focused. A lot of it is bigger than that, like building a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Therapy can be a vulnerable space to step into, and I'm here to cheer you on along the way. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what you actually need. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I'm also certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) through the Yale Child Study Center, which I use when parents want to be part of the support system. I'm licensed in California, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and I see all clients via secure telehealth, which tends to work well for college students juggling class schedules, internships, and a life that doesn't sit still. Reaching out for support is one of the hardest steps, so thank you for considering me. If it seems like we could be a good fit, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and welcome you to the Light Minds family.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, trained with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. During my healthcare career, I have worked with diverse patient populations including oncology, pediatrics, telemetry, and patients with extensive medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. I am inspired by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with their mental health by helping them navigate mental health challenges. I know that everyone has a unique story and challenges, and because of this, I work together with clients to make a care plan individualized for them. My goal is to help you achieve your goals.

Other than helping others create change and learn to love themselves because they deserve to, I want to help others understand themselves on a deeper level. In my professional experience, I see how much clarity and knowledge about ourselves can foster our relationships within ourselves and with others. I ensure that my client feel heard and understood by providing an affirming, open minded, and empathetic approach. I find it important to actively listen to my clients and paraphrase or summarize what they had said to make sure I heard them right. I create a non-judgmental and encouraging space that allows for my clients to open up and express themselves authentically.

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.