Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

You might be feeling stuck: disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or the kind of life you want to be living. Maybe you're navigating stress from high expectations or caregiving roles, or struggling to feel close to others even when you crave connection. You may carry pain from earlier experiences or feel like you've had to hide parts of yourself just to get by. Whatever brings you here, you're considering the brave and vulnerable work of change, and that is huge. I work with people who are ready to feel more grounded, more connected, and more like themselves. I bring a particular focus on working with LGBTQ+ and multiply marginalized clients navigating the emotional toll of invisibility, hypervisibility, or living in systems not built for them, but enjoy working with clients of all identities who may be feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. I am neurodiversity-affirming, use an attachment-based lens, and provide letters for gender-affirming medical services. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to explain your existence before we can get to the heart of things. In addition to individual therapy, I offer CNM-inclusive relationship therapy. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy and an attachment-based lens to help partners feel safer, more seen, and more emotionally connected. We focus on shifting out of reactive cycles and into more secure, responsive ways of relating. I bring a warm, relational, trauma-informed approach that honors your wisdom and your goals. Together, we can explore what’s getting in the way, deepen your emotional insight, and create space for more authenticity, clarity, and intimacy in your life. When you feel safe and seen, amazing things can happen.

My name is Diadra Smith. I am an licensed clinical therapist and I use she/her pronouns. I am a clinician who identifies as black, queer, and neurodivergent. I believe all of these intersections has given me the opportunity to see myself in these communities who are often overlooked and underserved in the field of mental health. Why I got into this field was to create a space that is safe, brave, and encourages you to help find your most authentic self. I believe in abolishing and decolonizing what therapy is “supposed” to look like and who it is "supposed" to be for. I view relationships with my clients as a collaboration, asking you for your expertise on your life while I provide guidance through empowerment and advocacy. I am drawn to working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for working with BIPOC, neurodivergent folx, and LGBTQIA+ communities. My mission is to help to heal complex traumas, environmental inequities, and address intersections of identity unique to our experiences. If reaching out for help feels scary or shameful, I’d like to offer the idea that you are on the verge of change. Acknowledging what isn’t working today is a big first step to making the changes you'd like to see tomorrow. You’re coming at just the right time. However you found your way here, I am honored to be considered to walk with you on your journey.

I offer in-person sessions in two locations: Employed by Havenly Counseling Collective in Los Gatos, CA Supervised by Melinda Olsen, LMFT 111165 Employed by Leela Mental Health in Palo Alto, CA Supervised by Moitreyee Chowdhury, LMFT 121934, LPCC 9238 I also offer teletherapy throughout California. I support those who are looking to understand both themselves and their relationship to the world and others more deeply. I am a queer, Chinese American woman with Hong Kong roots living with a chronic health condition in a world shaped by many systems that create barriers for people like me. My mission is to challenge those systems and empower my clients to do so as well by helping them discover their individual needs and find meaning along the way. I believe healing is not linear, and I aim to support you in finding comfort within discomfort by exploring creative approaches that align with your unique needs. I want to do therapy with you. The therapist-client relationship can feel new and vulnerable and I recognize that safety is ultimately co-created. Together, let’s discover ways we can gently bring back genuine, meaningful play and color into life again. I emphasize the present moment, always through a multicultural, feminist, and queer-affirmative lens. I also bring my diverse background in nonprofit museums and education to my practice, integrating creative and science-backed perspectives.

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Many students struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges while trying to balance school, work, and personal life. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what’s going on and feel heard. Together, we can work on practical strategies to help you manage stress, improve relationships, and feel more confident navigating this stage of your life. Reaching out for support can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

Dr. Bruett provides warm, compassionate, collaborative care that is backed by science, and loves working with college and graduate students. She has specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, exposure and response prevention, emotion focused family therapy, and other evidence-based practices. She provides care to individual of all backgrounds and identities. She is licensed in Massachusetts and California.

Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Erlynn and I have a MSW, concentration in Individuals, Families and Groups from SFSU. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California since 2015. I received a BA in Psychology, emphasis in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from UCSC. I have 20 plus years of post-grad work experience in the mental health field, working with people who are from the LGBTQ+ community, have Stress and Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, ASD, Depression, Relationship Issues, and Coping with Life Changes. My specialties include: Trauma and PTSD, Separation and Loss, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Anger Management, Mood Disorders and Eating Disorders. I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positivity. My purpose is to provide a safe zone and a non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here to support you.

Something happened, and you've carried it ever since. Maybe it was one event, or maybe it was the slow accumulation of things nobody around you wanted to talk about, or maybe it's the stress of homework and deadlines. You might be stressed about fast-paced campus life. You're showing up, doing what's expected, but underneath that there's a weight that doesn't lift. I work with people who are tired of that weight: People who grew up learning that asking for help is weakness; families fractured by conflict, grief, or addiction; individuals caught in patterns of anxiety, depression, or substance use they can't seem to shake on their own. I work with individuals, couples, families, and teens in person and virtually. Sessions are real conversations. I'm not silent, waiting for you to figure it out. I listen carefully, reflect what I'm hearing, offer a direct perspective when it's useful, and challenge you when that helps. The pace is yours. If you need concrete tools right now, we build them. If you want to understand the deeper patterns, we go there. I know reaching out is the hard part. You don't need to have the right words or a clear plan for what you want to work on. My first session is yours to use however you need it. Show up, and we'll figure out the next step together. I'm glad you're here.

Adolescence and young adulthood are times of great potential filled with major developmental tasks. At times those tasks can feel overwhelming. I'm Mindy and I am passionate about offering hope and unconditional positive regard to support those working through the time of life from pre-teen through young adulthood. A safe and supportive environment, recognizing patterns that no longer serve the client, and an increased self-awareness can help clients to grow into their full potential.

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.

Melanie invites you to explore and embrace all the parts of who you are, recognizing that your intersecting identities shape your experiences and the way you interact with the world. She takes a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and at times, direct approach that blends working toward meaningful goals with staying present. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of humor, she creates a space where you feel safe enough to risk vulnerability. You might benefit from working with Melanie if: - You're facing a big change, like a breakup, a move, a new job, or a loss, and feeling untethered. - You've achieved a lot, but continue to be plagued by anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt. - You're an athlete, artist, or high performer, whose inner life doesn't match your outer success. - You're processing trauma or childhood experiences that still impact you today. - You want support managing stress, emotion dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. - You're tired and frustrated by not getting what you want out of your relationships. - You wish you could set appropriate boundaries, find the words to articulate the internal workings of your mind, and have the confidence to express your needs.​

If you are a student anywhere in California, who is having a hard time and you're open to working online, I could be a good fit for you. If there's something you're struggling with internally like adjusting to being in California, or you're having relationship issues with a partner, family or others, I aim to create a safe place for you to gain clarity and find a positive way forward. This could include developing more tools and better coping skills.

HOPE; Healthy Outcomes for Personal Enrichment Counseling Center is defined as a community based non-profit counseling center and training institute that offers a wide variety of professional counseling related services for families, couples, and individuals that are affordable using a flexible fee structure. The HOPE Counseling Center combines contemporary psychotherapy with transpersonal values that promote social, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. HOPE Counseling Center training institute provides innovative clinical training and support to Associate Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates, Licensed Professional Counseling Associates, and Marriage and Family Trainees.

Welcome to my profile! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have worked with clients for almost a decade in both county behavioral health agencies and private companies. I work with adults and adolescence that are looking for support with anxiety, depression, OCD, school issues, and relationship concerns. My approach to therapy is a blended approach in which I Incorporate cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I want clients to have a warm, positive experience where they feel listened to and heard.

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here. You are so not alone in what you're carrying and you don't have to have it all figured out to move forward; this is exactly where we start. Being in college can be a huge adjustment, one that often comes with anxiety, loneliness, major academic pressure, and figuring out how to build authentic community. Whether you're navigating academic pressure, relationships, family stress, sexuality, gender exploration, or just the uncertainty of what comes next, I want to be in that space with you. Together we'll find insight using creative expression, mind-body connection, and shedding the internalized ideas of who we think we’re supposed to be. This is a place where everything is process over product and where we are actively seeking the imperfect. My approach is rooted in deep empathy, expressive arts, somatic practices, social justice lenses, and whole-person centered frameworks. I specialize in working with identity exploration, neurodiversity, queer folks, as well as young adults navigating the internal and external complexities of college life. We will start our work together with meeting right where you are and will walk together the rest of the way. My goal is to help you find more empowered, centered, and become more connected to yourself and others. Through our time together, however long that might be, my hope is that you're able to explore the many wonderful, scary, and magical layers that we hold. You can find me in my virtual office space or in-person at my Hayes Valley office. When I’m not sitting in the therapist chair, I’m usually guiding expressive arts workshops, working with queer & trans youth, reading multiple books at one time, out enjoying nature, or spending lots of time adventuring. I hope we get to meet soon! "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Jung

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.

A major inspiration for me was my five years as a Director of Programs for a Los Angeles nonprofit, where I supported youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as those recovering from trafficking situations. Through that work, I saw how powerful it is when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I was especially drawn to helping young people and families navigate complex emotions and relationships. That experience led me to become a therapist so I could continue supporting children, families, and couples in building stronger connections, healing, and growth. My approach is very client-centered, which means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to be yourself. I listen closely, reflect back what I’m hearing, and check in often to make sure I’m understanding your experience accurately. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I make sure each person feels included, valued, and supported. I also integrate creativity and flexibility into sessions, because not everyone expresses themselves best through words alone. Working together is collaborative—you are the expert on your life. My role is to support and guide you. With couples and families, that often means helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a deeper understanding of one another. With children, I may incorporate play, art, or creative activities to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Trust is built over time through consistency, openness, and respect. I show up authentically, follow through, and create a nonjudgmental space where you can share at your own pace. I also invite feedback so we can adjust our work together in a way that feels most helpful to you. I love incorporating creativity into my own life—I’m always exploring new art activities or creative projects. I often bring that energy into sessions, especially with kids and families, because it can make the process feel more engaging and even a little fun at times.

Is heavy stress and anxiety making it hard to feel steady, present, and focused as you move through the semester? You might get stuck in loops of overthinking about grades, deadlines, money, or the future, while your body stays tense and on edge. For some students, social anxiety can be its own grind, making you skip gatherings or spend too long replaying conversations afterward. Sometimes anxiety doesn’t just make you worry—it forecasts disaster and turns choices into landmines. Left running in the background, it can spill into perfectionism, stress-eating, zoning out, or leaning on weed or alcohol to take the edge off. You deserve support that helps you function and feel better. Not just pushing through, but building a foundation of well-being that lasts beyond the semester. In our work, we’ll address the anxiety and help you feel like yourself again with clearer thinking, a steadier mood, and more ease in your body. I’ve spent 13 years helping people with anxiety, and I know the unique pressures of college life. Together, we’ll find practical, compassionate ways to feel more grounded and zoned-in. My style is gentle and collaborative, yet active in guiding the work. You don’t have to power your way through alone. Take the first step toward change and book a free intro call on the calendar section of my website.

I am a Latino psychologist who is originally from Los Angeles and have relocated to northern California to Roseville California. I speak English and Spanish and have provided extensive psychological services in Spanish. I am a US Army Veteran. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology in 2008 and have been licensed in the state of California since 2010. I have worked in school, hospitals, universities, jails and various organizations in the public and private sector as a staff member, supervisor and manager. I use my 17 years of experience to help people through various therapeutic interventions. I give people tangible skills to implement in their lives to make their circumstance healthier. I work from a Humanistic orientation understanding and believing that with the appropriate structure and support there is little we cannot achieve. I also recognize the importance of providing clients with space and perspective so they can find solutions and relief on their own. I seek to work with individuals: Men of color in leadership positions Veterans People who have experienced loss Young adults in college Parents of special needs children People looking to change a specific behavior <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=46689"></script>

Hello, and welcome! I specialize in working with individuals, complex relationship issues (sexual dysfunction, intimacy, infidelity), and the impacts of Narcissistic Personality Disorder on relationships. I work closely with individuals struggling with different forms of mental disorders and help my clients forge a new path forward toward healing and wholeness. My passion is in therapy, and I am humbled and grateful when people invite me to play a meaningful role in their lives. I view relationships as the source of people's greatest joys and pains. I want all clients to have the experience of being treated with honesty, respect, and care. Trust in the therapeutic alliance is of the upmost importance to me, and I will always do my best to establish a setting you feel comfortable sharing your most vulnerable moments. Through passionate discussion, we can begin by making the first steps toward positive change and chart a new path of hope for your life. I believe that therapy should be emotional, creative, lively, and intense, and I promise to bring my full heart to the relationship we build.