Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Do you sometimes feel stressed, exhausted, unfulfilled, or disconnected? When triggered do you shut down, have unexpected emotions, or dissociate? Do you work hard to please others and be successful, but no matter what you do, it never feels like you are good enough? Therapy may be able to help you learn new coping skills, decrease painful emotions and negative thoughts about yourself related to past events, and become more resilient. My Background and Approach: I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings while also practicing new coping or communication skills (including how to set boundaries). With a doctorate in depth psychology and training in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma therapy, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work towards healing and growth. We can collaborate to explore the larger picture of what is bringing you to therapy and set goals. In order to help you feel safe and supported, we can balance talking about difficult topics with learning and practicing coping skills. We can explore your strengths while addressing the patterns you want to change. By exchanging feedback regularly, we can evaluate our progress and grow together. My Personal Beliefs and Interests: One of the reasons I became a therapist is because of my own recovery, which has allowed me to find joy and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. When I’m not parenting my two children or working, I enjoy reading, creative writing, and being outside. I make an effort to do something that brings me joy every day- even if it’s just by searching the night sky for the moon or talking to a friend on the phone.

As a Licensed Psychologist with more than 13 years of clinical experience, I have developed a strong passion towards helping students recognize their capabilities and collaboratively creating positive changes in their lives through our work together. I am able to discuss and treat a variety of mental health concerns by providing treatment from a multicultural lens. My areas of specialization include grief and loss, resilience factors, trauma, faith and spirituality concerns, racial/ethnic identity development, self-exploration, relational patterns/interpersonal relatedness, family of origin issues, assertiveness training, disability related issues, self-esteem, and providing support for students with adjustment concerns, anxiety, and depression. I hope I can be of support to you and look forward to connecting!

Are you struggling in your current relationships? You’ve noticed you put other people’s needs first, are unable to say “no” even when it hurts, get attached too quickly and worry people will leave you. If this is you, together we can explore, understand, and navigate the challenges that you’re currently facing in your relationships. You will learn how to set boundaries and learn skills that will help improve your self-esteem. Know that you're not alone.

I was inspired to become a therapist because I feel we are living in an age that devalues deep listening and I decided I wanted to invest my life and my soul in creating safe spaces wherein people feel heard and held. I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others feel validated, understood, and truly empowered in their journey toward self-discovery. I think it’s important to give people the space and patience to gradually sift through their thoughts and emotions in order to better understand the core reasons why they want to change. My practice involves unconditional positive regard, active listening, and creating a consistent container of respect and curiosity toward my clients. Trust requires a consistent safe presence of curiosity and nonjudgment, both of which I provide and exhibit with my clients. Therapy is a space for both therapist and client to become connected with their inner curious nature, so as to better gain deeper perspectives on the process of thinking and the ways in which our thoughts and beings are influenced by a complex layer of factors. I hope to show that my therapeutic style is an open-minded and reflective container.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and know how much pressure comes with going to school in CA. I had mental health challenges that started in high school and continued through college. I was worried my self-worth, mood, and grades wouldn't recover, but working with a therapist helped a ton to get myself feeling like myself again. I offer an optimistic, collaborative approach to mental health. I believe you're the expert on your own life and experiences. I'm here to help you build confidence in your own intuitions and expand on what's possible from there. Like a sculptor carving out a work from stone, we start with the raw materials. In our case, it begins with unfiltered venting and time to feel. From there, we chisel away at the frustration and pain to find what these experiences are really telling you about your needs and who you are. Then, we make a plan to act with integrity. It's hard work, but it's empowering to remember the agency you have over your own life.

Healing and growth often begin with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual therapist fluent in both Vietnamese and English, I bring over 14 years of experience supporting individuals across multiple stages of life, with a special focus on older adults and young adults navigating life transitions, relationships, identity, grief, and emotional healing. Clients often appreciate that I’m not simply someone who nods and listens. I’m an active collaborator in the therapy process. Together, we explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck so you can gain deeper insight, heal at the root, and move toward the version of yourself you want to become. Some of the most meaningful feedback I’ve received from clients includes: “I’ve never thought of it that way before,” “I could hear your voice echoing in my head and I knew what I needed to do,” and “You’ve opened my mind to things I never realized before.” Those moments of realization, when clients uncover the root of a pattern, reconnect with themselves, or discover purpose within painful experiences, are some of the most fulfilling parts of the work I do. My greatest joy is witnessing a person’s transformation toward deeper self-love, stronger self-trust, and greater discernment in how they move through relationships, choices, and life itself. I believe healing is not about becoming someone entirely new, but about returning to yourself with more clarity, compassion, and intention. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a proud plant mom, an actively involved auntie to my adorable niece and nephew, and currently obsessed with perfecting homemade matcha lattes. Small rituals like these remind me how healing often lives in the everyday moments.

Michelle Kennedy Welcome. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. Hello, my name is Michelle Kennedy, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work with Couples. Have you been feeling uneasy around your partner? Do you feel like you're constantly on edge and moments from an argument? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid all conflicts in their relationships instead of dealing with them. This avoidance can lead to resentment between partners, which can cause more frequent fighting and lead to long-term problems.

Call 818-927-0478 for a same day intake appointment with our office and therapy appointment in as little as 3 days. We are professionally trained in evidenced based practices that will help you maximize your full potential. We will provide you with enthusiastic support, an objective perspective and the insight that you need to feel supported and the best you that you can be. Our Mission at Find Your Balance Center At Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change, our mission is simple but powerful: to create a world where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all. ​We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive — regardless of their background or financial circumstances. That’s why we proudly accept a variety of health plans, including Medi-Cal, ensuring that quality mental health care is not a privilege, but a right. ​​Because when care is accessible, communities grow stronger. When mental health is prioritized, lives transform. Together, we’re building a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength — not limitation. We have over 45 clinicians to choose from. www.findyourbalancecenter.com

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.

College is a massive transition, and it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, perfectionism, or the constant anxiety of trying to balance it all. If you are feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling with racing thoughts, you don’t have to navigate this alone. I am an LMFT practicing via telehealth in California. I specialize in helping college students and young adults manage anxiety, quiet their busy minds, and build practical tools for real relief. Rather than relying on traditional talk therapy, we will use active, evidence-based, and somatic tools tailored to how your brain and nervous system actually work: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): To help you break the cycle of chronic worry, mental loop-thinking, and OCD. EMDR and Brainspotting: Specialized, brain-body modalities to help process stress, reduce anxiety, and release the pressure of academic perfectionism. My Approach My style is warm and collaborative. I understand the unique high-pressure environments of schools and I design our sessions to give you practical, real-world tools. Format: 100% Telehealth (secure video sessions anywhere in California) Let's help you find some relief and get back to feeling like yourself. Reach out today for a free, low-pressure consultation call.

You’re the strong one — the responsible one — the one who learned early how to hold it together. You navigate different spaces, code-switching when needed, carrying family expectations while trying to build relationships that feel healthy and secure. You’re self-aware, but old attachment patterns still show up. You’re ready to understand what shaped you and create connection that feels safe, mutual, and authentic. I provide trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapy for Black and Brown Millennials and Gen Z adults and couples. Using EMDR and relational therapy, we process generational and relational wounds so you can shift patterns at their root — not just manage the symptoms. You don’t have to keep carrying everything alone. Many of your patterns were learned for survival — they make sense. Therapy offers space to unlearn what no longer serves you and build something healthier. If you’re ready for intentional, culturally responsive depth work, I invite you to reach out.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that has experience helping individuals with a variety of complications. I specialize in helping clients with , ADHD, Depression, Anxiety & self-esteem. I also have experience helping individuals with self-esteem, school/career, traumatic brain Injury & other life difficulties. Reaching out to a psychotherapist is a big step that you are taking even if it feels like a small achievement. We all want to be heard when something is bothering us. Having someone hear us when we are upset can mean a lot. It can also feel good to have someone to vent to when a day has been long I am here to listen. Sometimes you may need to share when life changes or need help processing what has happened. I want to be there for you even when the day is neither good or bad. I am here.

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

For as long as I can remember, I have been intrinsically motivated to help people understand themselves and how they interact with one another. I am inspired to do meaningful work in my life and human behavior and relationships have been at the forefront of that passion. I appreciate the uniqueness of each person. Therapist-client fit is essential for meaningful therapy and I encourage transparency and honest feedback and use a relational approach to develop trust. I draw from several therapeutic approaches to find what is most helpful for you. I create a safe space where you don’t feel judged and collaborate with you on your goals. I validate you and demonstrate a genuine understanding of your needs. I am sensitive to your cultural background.

I can help you cope with academic stress, anxiety, issues with parents, relationships, eating and body image, health problems, trauma, and friendships. I combine EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness. Ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. Online or in person sessions available.

Balancing the intense pressures of university life, personal growth, and relationships can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, or emotionally stuck. I provide a collaborative, secure, and entirely non-judgmental virtual space designed to help students and young adults step out of old, survival-mode loops and restore internal harmony. My approach combines the deep, transformative framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with the practical, everyday tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Instead of just analyzing what is wrong, we work together to understand the different 'parts' of who you are—like the inner critic that drives anxiety, or the defensive patterns that complicate relationships. I also specialize in relational work for couples looking to build safe, vulnerable communication. Whether you are managing difficult life transitions, coping with academic burn-out, or exploring issues of identity and belonging, our work will be practical, compassionate, and tailored to your unique history. Fully bilingual services are proudly available in both English and Spanish (Ofrezco psicoterapia en español). To view my real-time openings or instantly schedule an initial insurance consultation via Headway, please click the link to visit my website.

College was supposed to be fun, exciting, adventurous! All you seem to feel though is dread, lost, on edge and alone searching for your place in the world. College is the perfect time to work towards who you want to be for the rest of your life and I am here to help!

I specialize working with gender and sexuality, anyone struggling through life transitions and change, folks who identify as highly sensitive people. I also focus on using self compassion techniques and perspectives and provide trauma informed, social justice/feminist oriented, and culturally attuned care. I fully enjoy both of us benefiting from building a meaningful relationship together, because I see it as an honor to be a part of your journey towards self actualization and well-being. I’m personable, transparent, enjoy humor, connection and appreciate depth. I'd honestly love to hear from you!

I am here as a safe and inviting collaborator, let’s work together to address life difficulties nonjudgmentally. My role is to assist you in your process, supporting you in navigating your experiences and empowering you to apply the insights gained in therapy to your life. I am passionate about wellness and plan to join you with genuine curiosity and address any difficulties with mental health symptoms, shame and guilt, phases of life, relationships, grief, sense of self, disconnection, decision-making, anxiety, depression, and more. I offer sessions in-person in nature-based settings in Long Beach or via telehealth video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.

Being the first in your family to navigate college and professional settings is filled with excitement, growth, transition, and joy. It can also be lonely, confusing, and stressful. Do you feel caught between two worlds (family and work/school)? Do you underestimate your value or worth in places where you experience prejudice and discrimination? Are you struggling to define or accept who you are and what you value based on tensions with family or your culture? When you are First Gen, there are often challenges in both your professional and personal life that are hard to understand and cope with but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, we will be able to gain clarity on how your experiences are impacted by your personal and family history, your communities, and society as a whole. We will shine a spotlight on your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lean into how amazing you are. We will explore how to manage the sad, frustrating, uncomfortable, and anxious parts of your life in a way that builds you up and grounds you in your values. Existing in two worlds doesn’t have to mean separating your life. You can be your full self with anyone, anywhere. If you are ready to get started on the next stage of your First Gen journey, contact me today!