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Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

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Andrew Tessmer Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Denver, CO
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience providing quality mental health care and career counseling services. I value supporting clients and the communities I serve by providing individual therapy for LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, body image concerns & disordered eating, ADHD, and career development concerns. My approach focuses on exploring what makes each individual thrive, providing empathy and understanding, free from judgment and societal expectations.

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Dr. Anissa York
Psychologist
Laguna Niguel, CA
Accepting new clients

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!

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Susana Salgado
Psychologist
Lake Forest, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, I am passionate about supporting BIPOC students, particularly first-gen college students who are navigating daily life struggles along with the complexities of intersecting identities, navigating systemic oppressions and college/career stressors. I work from a decolonial-Liberation, mujersita framework and utilize my training and experience to support and challenge you to grow in the direction you choose. I have vast experience working with college students. The first part of my career I worked in college counseling centers in both universities and community colleges. I also supervise students in training to be therapists.

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WALTZ Trauma Care and Therapy
Group practice
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.

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Marina Duarte Pulido
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

Hello, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. I have an academic foundation in child development and psychology. I earned my Master’s degree in nursing with a focus on clinical nurse leadership. I am driven by my passion for mental health and committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support individuals on their journey toward improved mental well-being. After working inpatient/acute care medical floors for several years, I became inspired to work within the field of psychiatry and providing care to those who struggle with mental health issues related to chronic conditions and helping people through difficult stages in their lives. My goal is to meet each patient at whichever stage they are and deliver care that will provide them safety and lead them to a more stable, healthier life. I strive to give each person their best chance at achieving success. Each patient is provided an individualized plan of care. We collaborate to reach the safest and best treatment options for you, including education and appropriate follow-up care.

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Mary Kocman
Marriage & Family Therapist
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi! My name is Mary and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner based in Southern California. Are you struggling with your emotions in a chaotic world? Unsure of how to support yourself through a life transition? Or just wanting support to find your full potential? Let me meet you where you are at in your journey to help you understand how to support yourself through difficult and complex times. I work with individuals of all ages in the therapy space. If you are searching for the best version of yourself, no matter your background, you are supported in this space to make that discovery. I have a special focus on women's issues and how mental health and physical health go hand in hand to find a balance. My journey to becoming a therapist started many years ago with an introduction to Jungian psychology and working with my own dreams to understand who I was becoming as a person. It has inspired me to be a more curious individual and to impart that knowledge to my clients in the therapy space.

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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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Alma Morales Risse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Whittier, CA
Accepting new clients

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

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Colleen Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

I've worked with parents in the Sacramento area for 2 decades now, but as my own children have grown into young adults I have also made a shift into working with college students of any age. I'm not sure whether it's an openness to learning that extends to person growth, my ability to relate to the challenges of academia, or what exactly makes the relationship so successful, but I have found it to be mutually beneficial to the students I work with. I use an eclectic approach of mindfulness, psychodynamic, and CBT to balance short term immediate benefits with long term personal growth.

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Dr. Carrie Talesfore
Psychologist
San Jose, CA
Accepting new clients

Hello! Thank you for taking the first steps in finding a therapist who will be a good fit for you. Making changes can be difficult (and scary!), and my job is to help support you on that journey. I view therapy as a collaborative endeavor in which the client and therapist are partners working towards a common goal. As the process unfolds, clients develop skills and learn strategies that they can apply not only to their current challenges, but to future difficulties that might present. Eventually, therapy is no longer needed, because clients have the tools they need to move forward on their own. I look forward to meeting you, and I hope that I can help you improve your life in the ways that you are seeking.

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Merrie Sennett
Marriage & Family Therapist
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help individuals heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Witnessing people transform—whether overcoming trauma, managing stress, feeling better about oneself, or improving relationships—gives me a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles and gain the tools to thrive. The resilience in each of us and the power of healing inspire me daily, and drive me to continually refine my approach and use effective methods like EMDR and mindfulness to support lasting change and well-being. Since 1992 I have worked in private practice, agencies, and hospital settings with a wide range of people who seek help in handling stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, transition, stage of life issues, relationship concerns, body image concerns, compulsive eating, and crises. A main specialty is recovery from trauma and abuse and I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)–a very effective tool–as well as techniques from other trauma therapies. I have an integrative approach and use tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress management and skill-building; cognitive-behavioral elements; parts work; focusing on strengths; and psycho-education. I am warm and approachable and my clients say that I make them feel safe and accepted. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. To ensure clients feel heard and understood, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where active listening is central. I validate their feelings, reflect back their words and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration. I regularly check in with clients for feedback on our work together, ensuring our approach is collaborative and aligned with their needs and goals. By integrating various therapeutic tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I offer a personalized approach that fosters trust and empathy, which helps clients feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and heard. I demonstrate empathy, consistency, and respect, which helps people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I am warm and compassionate and clients sense this. I honor each person’s experience and story. I am very comfortable with emotions and the truth of one’s experience, which helps clients be comfortable with their truth and sharing that with me. I actively listen and validate the emotions, while also being transparent about the therapeutic process. By tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and using techniques like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I foster collaboration and a sense of empowerment. Regular check-ins and feedback ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the client’s goals, reinforcing the trust and partnership essential to effective healing.

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Gail Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Long Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

In these challenging times, I am inspired by helping clients find their strengths and provide a safe space for healing to achieve their mental health goals. I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being, personal growth, and life balance. As a Filipino American Therapist, I aim to understand unique challenges and different cultural perspectives, providing compassion and culturally affirming space for clients of all backgrounds. I approach each session with warmth, understanding, and respect to all clients, while establishing clear boundaries and allowing clients to open up at their own pace.

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Taylor Chaffin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to create a space where patients feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely heard. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, which has given me a strong foundation in caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns. I also hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, and other major life transitions. My approach is focused on helping people feel more confident and seen in their day-to-day lives. I was drawn to psychiatry because I’ve always been interested in the connection between mental health, overall well-being, and how deeply our experiences shape us. Working in mental health settings early in my career showed me how important it is for people to feel truly seen, supported, and understood during vulnerable moments. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a psychiatric provider and continue helping people navigate challenges with compassion, education, and practical support. I would describe my approach as collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I believe treatment works best when patients feel comfortable being open and involved in the decision-making process, so I focus on creating a nonjudgmental environment where people feel heard and understood. When working with me, patients can expect thoughtful conversations, education about treatment options, and a balance of compassion and practicality as we work toward goals that feel realistic and meaningful for their everyday life. Outside of work, my favorite role is being a mom. Motherhood has taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and giving myself grace during different seasons of life, which I think naturally carries over into how I connect with patients. I also love spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, and finding little ways to recharge and stay balanced outside of work. I think those moments of connection and normalcy are such an important part of overall mental health.

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Jennifer Bearden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bend, OR
Accepting new clients

College is a time of huge transitions, and it’s easy to feel anxious, stressed, or unsure where you stand. If you're struggling with overwhelming worry (anxiety), feeling stuck after a tough transition (like starting school or a breakup), grappling with past trauma, or just trying to figure out challenging relationships, you've come to the right place. Your Therapy, Your Tools My practice is built on the belief that you already have what you need within you (though it may not feel like it, right now) —we just need to clear out all the noise and find and focus on what actually works for you. We'll ease your mind: We use practical, science-backed strategies to help you unhook from negative thought spirals and calm that constant feeling of being "on edge." We'll discover and heal the root causes : We'll gently explore the "parts" of you that are feeling anxious, unclear, or worn out, and use powerful processing methods to reduce the intensity of recent or past trauma or fear (like EMDR and IFS). We'll help you adjust: Whether you're dealing with the stress of major life transitions or trying to set healthier boundaries in relationships, we'll create space for you to process the change and build a stronger sense of self. We'll get you grounded: I integrate the calming power of nature-based tools (in or out of the office) to help your nervous system slow down, allowing you to find a peaceful space even when deadlines are looming. We’ll work together, at your own pace, to move you from feeling overwhelmed to thriving on campus and beyond. Ready to take a breath and start building a college experience that feels authentic and manageable? Let's connect.

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Dr. Crystal Sanchez, LMFT
Counselor
Newport Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

Welcome. Taking the first step to getting help can feel daunting. Thank you for being here. Sometimes, life can feel like a whirlwind of unexpected events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and empty inside. Whatever it is that you have experienced, know that you have the right to find peace and tranquility. Encountering trauma is scary, but know that you are not alone. Know that YOU are valuable and worthy of living a peaceful life with meaning. Naturally, I incorporate a spiritually holistic approach and strive to connect people to what feels good to their soul. Overall, my approach is mostly centered around your distinct needs. I believe individuals need a warm, safe, and sacred space to begin the healing process. Your experience is important to me and my hope is to maintain a sacred space to help you explore challenges and find some understanding. My role is to be your anchor as we walk through difficult moments. My goal is to be your guide and provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to find clarity. I strongly believe every person has natural strengths that make them resilient and my hope is to find these within you. It would be an honor to sit with you. If there is anything that resonates with you here. Let’s connect.

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Togetherness Therapy
Group practice
Santa Monica, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Dr. Sayeh Ghazi
Psychologist
Irvine, CA
Accepting new clients

I specialize in working with college students and adults who are navigating anxiety, breakups, low self-esteem, stress, ADHD, life transitions, and grief. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’d like to work on, and what you hope to get out of our time together. I’ll also ask some questions about your history, current challenges, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. We will create your treatment plan based on your goals for therapy. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, challenge unhelpful patterns, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful self-improvement, grounded in the belief that we have power over our minds and the freedom to live authentically. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Schema Therapy to help you understand patterns, build new skills, and create lasting shifts in your thinking and behavior. I tailor each session to your unique needs.

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Healing Trails Therapy
Group practice
Long Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

We are a group of therapists who share the vision of providing mental health services to our community, that are inclusive and affirming. Collectively, we have a variety of cultural backgrounds, education, training, areas of expertise, and life experiences that we bring to the work with our clients. We are bilingual and bicultural. We provide services in English and Spanish and provide services to ALL including the Spanish-Speaking and Latinx/e community. Hablamos Español! Please see our website, call or e-mail us for any questions you may have, we are here to help!

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Sara Reynolds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

I enjoy having a positive impact on people’s lives. It is very rewarding to see or hear of the improvements that people have made in their mental health that in turn enhances and enriches other areas of their lives. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health care with the focus being on the whole person. I consider more than just the diagnosis or symptoms of the individual’s illness and thinking beyond medications by looking at other areas of their lives where changes or improvements can be made to influence their overall wellbeing. Although I enjoy working with a variety of clients, I’ve always enjoyed working with young adults. I believe the need to care for mental health at every stage of our lives is very underrated but to be able to offer young people these skills and education gives them a great advantage as they continue to navigate the transition to adulthood. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, holistic approaches to psychiatry, optimizing mental health through lifestyle, grief, self harming (non-suicidal self injurious behavior), women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.), personality disorders

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Lisa Twilling
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed psychologist with 30yrs. experience in general practice. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are struggling with health issues(e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.

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