Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University
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.
I meet clients virtually to quiet negative self-talk and build resilience in their nervous systems using a patent pending somatic processing tool. With a stronger nervous system, it’s easier to not be overwhelmed, in fact your baseline becomes calm, less triggered, and more balanced. Clients routinely report resolution of panic attacks; resolving the underlying causes of the negative self talk; resolving the root causes of anxiety, depression, rage, and numbness; having better relationships; and understanding their emotions better. This transformative work addresses the nonverbal impact of stressful/traumatic experiences including feelings, sensations, emotions, muscle tension, numbness and dissociation; the areas where talking is not effective. Benefits typically begin with the first session. We use CBD, medical cannabis, or ketamine assisted virtual sessions to activate brain areas that facilitate safely processing emotions, and make new brain cell connections (associated with learning and working around blocks) among many other benefits. Many patients complain about the emotional numbness and other symptoms caused by their psych medications. Because I am a medical doctor, as patients improve I am able to help wean them off of their meds when appropriate. Insurance is not accepted, but sliding scale payments are. Learn more at: http://www.slipflowtherapy.com/patients
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or stuck, I recognize the impact it can have on your relationships, goals, self-esteem and how you feel in your mind and body. If you find yourself affected by difficult events, grief, and trauma from your past, I understand how it can interfere with daily life making it difficult to focus mentally, relax physically, and enjoy the things you once loved. You do not have to go through this alone. I am committed to providing compassionate support and guidance as we work together to find clarity, joy and reclaim ease in your mind, body and spirit. Change is possible. Healing is possible. My specialty is working with those who are suffering emotionally & overwhelmed with their past and present. I work with individuals wanting to break out of co-dependency, self-sabotaging, and trauma which can show up as chronic emotional/physical pain and leave you feeling stuck and confused. You don't have to figure this out on your own. The focus of our work will be to understand the cause of your suffering and how it is affecting your mind and body in the present. This allows us to create new ways of thinking and feeling which lead to less suffering. As an MFT and SEP my approach is somatic and insight oriented to support you in finding relief and creating the life you want.
We all want to be happy, belong, and feel loved. Yet at some point in our lives we struggle, get bogged down, and feel stuck. Getting support can help you understand what is going on and help you discover new ways of thinking about yourself and your relationships. My goal is to help bridge the gap of where you currently are and where you want to be. I view my role as empowering you to make those changes in your life and supporting you to make healthy decisions, feel more at peace, and cultivate a happier and more confident self. I specialize working with Asian Americans in their twenties and thirties struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. I am especially interested in supporting individuals work through issues of identity, barriers in cross-cultural communication, and generational family of origin pain. I hope that I could be a support to you in your journey wherever you are. I would love to speak with you today to hear more about your situation and see if we are a good fit in working together.
Welcome! I’m Simone, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges. With over six years experience, I work with clients who are seeking support with relational struggles, parenting, life changes, depression, and anxiety. My approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration to help you gain insight, develop healthier coping strategies and achieve your goals. I believe in a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy. Therapy is a journey, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you gain clarity and work toward creating the life you want. if you are ready to take the first step I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation.
I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgment. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood by working collaboratively with them to stay on track with their goals. I invite regular feedback during sessions to ensure we are meeting their needs and addressing any concerns they may have. This ongoing communication helps me tailor the therapeutic process to their individual needs, fostering a sense of partnership and understanding. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in virtual therapy, free of judgment and shame. I use humor, creativity, and metaphors to help clients connect with deeper parts of themselves, making the process more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, I follow their lead and respect their pace when addressing difficult issues, which helps create a sense of safety, respect, and partnership in our work together. I’m a big believer in small, everyday rituals, whether that’s my morning coffee routine or my daily walk in nature. It often opens the door to conversations about balance, structure, and the importance of simple habits that support well-being.”
I specialize in sex therapy, which means that I enjoy working with individuals and couples (or people in poly relationships) who may be struggling with any sex-related issues. The types of issues that people tend to see me for include sexual dysfunctions (like problems with orgasm, erection, or sexual pain), intimate relationship concerns, sexual orientation or gender identity, and sexual trauma. I also see folks who are dealing with other issues, such as anxiety or depression. Some of the people I work with have a very specific goal for treatment, while others need more ongoing treatment for deeper, more lifelong concerns. A lot of people struggle with some aspect of their sexuality, but they may find it difficult to talk about their problems, fears, or concerns with anyone. I am very open to hearing whatever is going on in your life and I'm not afraid to talk about sex. As a sex therapist, I know a lot about sex and sexuality and I can use this knowledge to help! It can be really difficult reaching out for the first time, so it's great that you're already looking for professional support with whatever is bothering you in your life. Please reach out to me if you think that we might be a good fit in working together - I am here to hep whenever you're ready!
Psychiatrist with more than a decade of experience in psychiatry treating adults and adolescents with a combination of medications and therapy.
Our clients come from all walks of life, but tend to have one thing in common when they reach out to set up an initial appointment: they’ve realized they want more out of life. More joy, more freedom, greater emotional and relational health – in short, a more abundant life. In your first few sessions with us, it’s typical to breathe a sigh of relief – as you realize that there’s finally a space where you can be completely, authentically yourself. We start by processing your story – where you’ve been, where you are now, where you want to be. Stephen Covey writes that “to touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.” Being invited to be a witness to your story – in all the pains and triumphs and tragedies and victories – this is not an honor I take lightly. As our work together progresses, we unpack what hasn’t been working – self-defeating beliefs, unprocessed events and emotions, stale relational patterns… and we explore and process and practice new ways of being. Over time, the “ah ha” moments start to add up into the “I can’t believe how far I’ve come” moments as we reflect on your journey toward healing and abundance.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are hard to shift. Whether you're facing depression, relationship stress, family conflict, or painful thoughts that won’t let up, therapy offers a space to feel supported and understood. You don’t have to go through it alone. College life can bring its own unique pressures. Therapy provides a space to process what you're feeling, build coping tools, and find clarity in the middle of it all. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It’s a strong and meaningful step toward healing, growth, and creating the life you want.
I help clients work through anxiety, self-worth, and relationship challenges using CBT, Humanistic, and Solution-Focused approaches. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to grow, therapy with me is a space to feel seen, gain tools, and move forward. You're not alone-and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just ready for something to shift, I'm here to walk with you. If you're curious about working together, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to support your journey.
I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.
You don't want to be a burden on others, so you keep it all inside, even when you're overwhelmed. Everyone thinks you're fine, but there's part of your story you never say aloud and it feels like you're about to snap. You know you have so much privilege, but what are you supposed to DO with it except feel immobilized by shame? As a bookworm and psychotherapist, I know the power of stories, especially the ones we didn't choose: family secrets, relationship and sexual difficulties, alcohol use, faith transition and deconstruction, burnout in passion jobs, people-pleasing, anxiety, financial wealth, and privileged identities. You want to learn to speak up without it costing you everyone you love. You want to learn how to give without shame or fear of being found out that you have SO MUCH. You want to create in a world that wants you to monetize everything. I get it, and I've been there. Your story won't be the same as mine, but I've helped clients like you make changes that last. I can help you find more peace in your relationships and write your future story.
I am an athlete turned therapist who is passionate about helping other athletes navigate the world of overwhelming academic and athletic expectations. As a previous collegiate athlete, I understand the unique challenges athletes face including: sports performance, anxiety, injury and recovery, training schedules, and post-sports transition. As a therapist, I understand how the body and mind are interconnected and impacts our mental health. Working with athletes is very individualized and in my practice, I tailor to the nuances of athletes using strengths-based and cognitive therapy to promote emotional stability, acceptance, self-confidence, and perseverance with specific focus on teens and young adults. Athlete to athlete, let’s work together to overcome these difficult times!
Rui Dolen is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental trauma, and reactions to other stressful events in children and adults. Rui is a somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR), as well as parts work (ego states). Rui's approach is a holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based somatic approach, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice. Rui became passionate about parenting during her trauma work with children and families because she realized parenting is the prevention of trauma and we can all change the world through intentional parenting. After struggling with infertility, Rui now is a mother of a 28 weeks preemie baby who survived multiple surgeries and various feeding issues during the first year of her life. Embodying her own trauma practice, and with the support of her professional communities, she has been on her healing journey and grateful for her little miracle every day. Rui was born and raised in Beijing, China. With her eastern background, she is connected to mindfulness-based practice and life philosophies, personally and professionally. Growing up, Rui has seen her own family and the society in China suffering from different forms of trauma including generational trauma. Her innate curiosity and determination led her to study Psychology in the U.S. Rui holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Since then, along with founding her own private practice, The Wholistic Connection, Rui also is a part of the mental health team at AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Hollywood. Rui also has worked with Strength United, Pacific Clinics, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, and most recently the intensive outpatient program at Community West. In her free time, Rui is a yogi, major foodie, Airstreamer, and traveler. Her husband and she traveled around the world for a year in 2016. Her best getaway is to take her baby, four dogs, and drive their airstream to camp in nature.
I am a certified eating disorder specialist with over 10 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with their relationship with food, body image, and self. College can often be a time that increases these struggles with the demands of academics, sports performance for athletes, more independence and social pressures. My work is to help you create a better relationship with your body and food that can help lead to a more satisfaction in life. I also work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and the life transitions. Together we will create coping strategies to navigate through the mess and sometimes just to hold space to sit in the messiness that can be life. My work is collaborative. I am not here to tell you what to do but instead meet you where you are at and guide you to your goals that you want to meet in therapy. I bring warmth, compassion and of course some humor into our work together.
Growth and Change Counseling is a relationships oriented counseling practice that is passionate about helping people develop the relational intelligence to step out of their anxiety, depression, and addiction and to experience wholeness in their relationships and satisfaction in their life. All of our problems root back to the breakdown in our relationships and the of relational intelligence due to or the lack of relational intelligence (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorder). At the core of our being we all yearn to connect and at the center of our lives is the need for . Anxious, addicted, depressed people isolate because they are pulling away from relationship in pain. When you come to Growth and Change Counseling, we will help you learn to apply and integrate the healthy relationship principles that will empower you to thrive in your relationships (parent-child, couples, partners, friends, etc.). We treat everything. We are not afraid of your problems, and we will get in the trenches with you to help you Grow and Change!
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.
My clients enjoy the warm rapport they have with me. I approach each client from a unique perspective as each client is unique. I collaborate with them to understand their needs and goals, and from there I create a treatment plan that is special for them. I believe that each client has a story that can be retold in a new way, and a story that is still being written, so the middle and ending can change as the client transforms. The approaches I use are a blend of cognitive-behavioral, narrative and humanistic, as well as various techniques from other theories (as appropriate for the client). The first step towards healing and living a fulfilling and enriching life is to reach out to those who can support you, and I'm always honored to provide that support to my clients. I want my clients acquire practical tools to use in between sessions so they can learn to become their own healer with time. If you feel like I could be the person to help you, please don't hesitate to contact me. Throughout my career, I've worked in different settings with many populations, including providing treatment to clients with depression, anxiety, addiction, Autism and other developmental disorders, relationship and family issues, issues of confidence, self-esteem and motivation, and I specialize in working with clients that are looking to find their path and purpose in life. In addition to being an MFT, I'm a certified yoga teacher and I promote an overall program of wellness through mental, physical & spiritual health and nutrition. Together, my clients and I create magic!