Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Are you feeling stressed out over having to do too much and not enough time to do it? Are you finding some of your closest relationships changing? Are you finding that you are having mental blocks from stress? Would you like to learn creative, evidence-based practical skills that can facilitate lasting positive change? As an active psychotherapist, musician and counselor for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I work with talented, intelligent and motivated clients who want to obtain greater self compassion and productive strategies to assist in establishing a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives.

Are you someone who feels like they’re always “on”? Your mind rarely rests; constantly replays moments, worries about what’s next, or wondering if you're doing enough? For some, this shows up as anxiety and overthinking that keeps them feeling disconnected from themselves. For others, it’s the exhaustion that comes with work, school, parenting — wanting to be patient and present, but feeling triggered or stretched too thin. Underneath it all, you desire to feel calm and grounded. You want to understand why you react the way you do, how your past experiences influence your emotions today, and how to begin responding differently. My work helps you move from self-criticism to self-understanding, and from constant reactivity to clarity and connection — within yourself and your relationships. I create a space that feels safe, supportive, and curious — one where you can learn to regulate your nervous system, reconnect to your needs, and build a sense of trust in yourself.

You give a lot — to your work, your relationships, your community — and you've started to feel the cost of that. Maybe you're carrying grief that hasn't had space to breathe, navigating your identity in a world that doesn't always make room for you, or stuck in patterns you understand but can't seem to move. My clients are thoughtful, deeply feeling, and are ready for therapy that goes beneath the surface. Together, we work toward something more than coping. We work towards change, compassion, and confidence.

It’s never too late to create the life you’ve been longing for, free from the past that is holding you back! I love to work in an empowering, collaborative way with individuals of all ages and in relationships of all configurations. I also enjoy working together with those discovering their gender and sexual identities. If you want to look forward to a healthier you, creating healthier relationships, and putting yourself on the path to healing, I can help! I provide treatment for those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I work with couples, families, and people in any relationship configuration and support them in building effective communication, setting boundaries, and working together to create a healthy partnership. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavior therapy, mindfulness, emotionally focused therapy, and trauma. I take a diverse approach to treatment and will meet you where you are with techniques that we discover work for you. My personal style is one of openness and straight talk, so if this feels right to you, you’re in the right place! Contact me for a free 15 minute consultation.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. I help students navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions in a supportive, judgment-free space. We’ll work together to build coping skills and find strategies that fit your unique needs. Whether you’re adjusting to campus life, managing academic pressure, or looking for someone to talk things through with, I’m here to support you.

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.

Hello, I'm Dr. Manuel Manotas, a licensed psychologist offering online therapy services across California. Fluent in English and Spanish, I'm dedicated to providing accessible and personalized mental health support from the coast to the Sierras. I specialize in helping clients who are navigating the often turbulent waters of anxiety and healing from past trauma. We all know that these issues can feel overwhelming, like an endless loop of thoughts such as "I'm not good enough," "Happiness only comes with wealth," or "My imperfections make me unlikable." But remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we'll face these thought patterns, unravel their origins, and discover hands-on techniques to manage anxiety. Our journey isn't about amplifying self-doubt, but uncovering the strength that exists in embracing our vulnerabilities. A unique feature of my approach is Somatic Psychotherapy, which recognizes that our minds and bodies are intrinsically linked. I'll guide you to connect with your physical responses to emotional states, teaching you effective practices like deep breathing and visualization to channel your body's energy in a healthier way. I hold a PsyD from the California Institute of Integral Studies and am certified by the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. This combination of experience and education equips me to support you effectively as you strive to overcome anxiety and heal from trauma. Together, we'll embark on a journey towards a more peaceful and resilient self.

When you're struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression, the idea of opening up and trusting another person can be HARD. I know that you've likely heard so many messages throughout your life about what you should do and who you should be, but I don't think that "shoulds" have a place in therapy. Who do you WANT to be? How do you WANT to feel? That is way more important than any shoulds, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you start to find answers to these questions over time. Together, we can unravel those expectations - what you've been told it means to be healthy or successful or fill in the blank - and get to the heart of what really matters to you and what you need. Being a human is messy, and as your therapist, I'll be right there in that space with you as a human first, therapist second. Let's explore what it means to be humans in a world that expects perfection (which doesn't exist!) and pushes you to grind until you're too burned out to do the things you actually want to do. Whether you realize it today or not, you deserve peace. I have many tools in my toolbox to support you, but to me the most important thing I can do is to provide you a safe space to explore your experience in its entirety at your own pace - to build a connection that is strong enough for you to know that I won't judge you or make you bad or wrong for how you are feeling or for using certain behaviors to cope. It's what you've known to do up to this point, so let's put our heads together and find the ways that this has made sense so we can look at it from a place of compassion instead of judgment. This is a shame-free space! I hold a special place in my heart for those who are working towards eating disorder recovery who feel like they aren't sick enough because their body size, race, sexuality, or gender identity don't match what they are seeing on social media under the eating disorder hashtags. All identities are welcome here, and no matter what your circumstances, your concerns are valid, you ARE sick enough, and you deserve compassionate, equitable care. If anything I've said here makes you think "I like her vibe," please don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to chat further about what it would look like for us to work together.

Most days you can pretend that everything is ok--that you don’t need therapy for anxiety—especially if you keep busy. Then there are these moments of panic where all of your emotions hit you and you can’t find a way to feel better. Maybe you drag yourself out of bed to go to work and have anxiety attacks where you cry in the bathroom stall. You try to keep pushing the thoughts or memories that overwhelm you away, to no avail. It doesn’t happen all the time so you can usually tell yourself and everyone else things are fine. But if you stopped for a minute and looked at reality you would notice how unhappy you are with yourself and who you are. Every move you make seems like a reminder of something you did wrong or could do better. It feels like these moments happen OUT OF NOWHERE and a part of you feels like you are going to have to live your life with these intense feelings and memories coming up unexpectedly and just having to grin and bear it until the feeling passes. Or maybe these overwhelming feelings of anxiety and dread only come up when you are dating or when you are close friends with someone. You are usually confident and happy in your life but anxiety eats away at you when you get close to someone. t doesn’t have to be this way. You can reclaim your life. Your body was MADE to feel and EXPRESS emotions. And, if you don't learn how to identify, respond to, and express those emotions regularly- they will come out- in ways that often feel out of control. My name is Lisa Manca and I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, dating anxiety, and online therapy. My approach will help you learn how to deeply connect with your body, identify what is happening, and move through it with more ease and grace so your body has to send you those big signals less and less. We won't just TALK about what is happening or what has happened to you, we will create new routines, patterns, and strategies that feel GOOD in your body and that work in your life. Our sessions will get you moving through life with more ease (literally), dancing (sometimes), and getting really clear on creating a new way of moving through life and relationships. Through therapy with me, you will find a deep sense of safety and connection to yourself and your body. Your emotions will no longer be the enemy and you will accept who you are and be able to give compassion to yourself. You will connect with yourself, live in your body and FEEL the emotions you were once so afraid to face. Please call (415) 212-8780 to schedule your free therapy consultation now and learn how to live in your body in a way that life has more ease and less panic.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am very passionate about meeting people where they are at. I truly believe that each individual is doing their best with what they have and what resources are available to them. The compassion that I have for others has led to me to invest in groups that are near and dear to me personally. I am committed to serving those that have felt out of place, are underrepresented, and those that experience prejudice due to various elements of their identity. I believe that all individuals have the ability to seek growth, connect to their values, and are generally trying to do their best with the cards that life has dealt them. My hope as a therapist is that I can provide you with a genuine, authentic, and safe connection that provides a space for you to tap into your ability to heal and live a life that is fulfilling. I will be an ally from a non judgmental stance and respect your own individual sense of agency. I will also collaborate with you on your journey to wholeness no matter what stage of the journey you are on. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and holistic therapy that takes into consideration one’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self.

Welcome to The Feeling Space! My name is Danielle Golan, M.A., LMFT #134068 and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist that specializes in anxiety, trauma (PTSD and C-PTSD), and relationship issues. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting, two somatic modalities that help process trauma and experiences on a brain and body level. I often also use psychodynamic theory (Carl Jung), mindfulness, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist that works with individuals, couples, and families. I also have incredible associates that specialize in life transitions, career anxiety, perfectionism, parenting, athletes, neurodivergence, poly/enm relationships, gender-affirming care.

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!

My name is Mayra Almanza, owner and founder of Contigo Counseling Inc. I've been in the mental health field for over 10 years. My goal is to provide equitable and accessible service for all. My focus is working with BIPOC individuals who would benefit from being with a therapist that may be able to understand their experience based on that shared identity.

College can feel overwhelming — even when you “look” like you’re handling it. I work with students who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, relationship stress, academic pressure, and big identity questions. You might find yourself comparing, replaying conversations at night, or feeling disconnected from who you used to be. I also specialize in perinatal mental health and support young women navigating fertility stress, pregnancy, postpartum changes, and major life transitions. In therapy, you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll slow things down, understand your patterns, and help you feel more grounded and confident in yourself. I offer virtual therapy for students across California.

Hi there, I'm Marianna! My name is Marianna Birdsong. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with the adult population and specialize in anxiety, stress, and life changes, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

College can be a time of major change - new pressures, big decisions, and lots of uncertainty. If you're feeling stuck or in transition, we’ll work together to clarify what you want, what’s getting in the way, and how to build more self-trust. You'll learn to feel more grounded, even when things in school or life feel unclear or in-between.

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, and I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to reach out. Whether you’re feeling stuck, navigating a difficult transition, or simply needing someone to talk to, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works with adolescents, adults, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict, and major life transitions. I have extensive experience helping individuals strengthen communication, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthier, more adaptive patterns

We all come into therapy for our own reasons. Whatever may have brought you into the room, you will find a compassion based space for growth, self discovery and inner work. Therapy is a collaborative act, where we can explore both who you are and why. I utilize a non-oppressive and non-judgmental approach. I see the therapeutic relationship as a microcosm of your relationships in other areas. We will discuss the therapeutic relationship, examine rupture, and identify patterns in the therapeutic space. I am engaging, intuitive and open to discuss the latest episode of Love is Blind or True Detective.

I was inspired to become a therapist through my genuine interest in understanding people and supporting them during difficult moments in their lives. I’ve always believed that with the right support, insight, and compassion, people are capable of growth and meaningful change. Being a therapist allows me to walk alongside others as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely listened to. I do this through active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting back what I hear to ensure I understand your experiences accurately. I also check in regularly to make sure our work feels helpful and aligned with your goals. Therapy is collaborative, and your voice guides the process. My role is to support you with curiosity, compassion, and consistency so you feel heard and understood throughout our work together. Working together looks collaborative, supportive, and paced to your comfort level. We start by building trust through consistency, transparency, and respect, making sure you understand the process and feel safe asking questions or sharing feedback. I work to create a nonjudgmental space where your experiences are honored, and we move at a pace that feels right for you. Over time, trust grows as you feel heard, supported, and see our work align with your goals and needs.