Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Having had the pleasure of working with college students at Santa Clara University, SJSU, and UCLA, I help people feel better by addressing the specific concerns that bring them to therapy. I aim to listen carefully and offer a safe space to explore what’s on your mind, with the goal of helping you get what you want from therapy and feel more like yourself again. My work often focuses on relieving emotional distress, deepening connection to one’s feelings, gaining insight into recurring challenges, and fostering a greater sense of self-alignment and vitality. I've had the opportunity to help folks address many challenges in therapy from anxiety, depression, loss, and relationship challenges to questions about one's identity, life transitions, and processing difficult experiences from childhood. This approach to therapy is called psychodynamic. In my approach, I incorporate many principles from AEDP and have also been trained in other modalities such as CBT, ACT, and DBT. I sometimes draw from these modalities when someone may want to develop coping skills to deal with life’s ups and downs as they work towards their goals for therapy. I also welcome people to bring up issues of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, pertinent political issues as well as any other aspects of their culture or themselves they wish to share, explore, or better understand in therapy.

I became a therapist because my own experiences in therapy as a client had been transformative and healing for me. I wanted to be a source of support and guidance for others to help them heal and grow. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I'm privileged to learn about you and your experiences. I approach our work from a place of openness and curiosity in order to help give you tools and perspective that will be genuine and helpful. I work very collaboratively with you! I view my role as one that walks alongside you through the therapeutic process to help you identify and accomplish goals that are meaningful to you. I'm very authentic in my relationships with clients, and bring my full self to our sessions.

Hi, I am Brandi, an empathetic and motivated therapist who seeks to provide support to those who are experiencing the stressors of college and building their future. Not only do I understand the pressure and expectations of being a college student, but I also understand what it takes to also be a student athlete. After years of playing sports and pursuing education, I understand the challenges that comes with doing what you love and working to create a future for yourself. My goal will be to work with you to utilize your resilience and strengths in all areas of your life.

I am seeing all patients by video and phone. You may contact me for a free initial consultation. I see psychotherapy as a psycho-educational experience where you learn about yourself. It is like taking a course in yourself. This counseling process of self-exploration leads to understanding self-defeating thinking and behaviors that may keep you from actualizing potential for successful relationships, success in school, business and career and from having a really happy life. During the 25+ years since I have been a licensed psychologist, I have had the privilege of helping many individuals and couples to achieve a happier, emotionally healthier, and financially successful life. My patients describe me as being a no nonsense person, while at the same time being warm and comfortable. My orientation is Psychodynamic and Cognitive. My thinking is based on psychoanalytic theory, but in practice I react and actively participate in the discussions. I don't just sit silently and nod. Cognitive/behaviorial methods are used as situations require. I have been the family's psychologist for multiple generations, when the participants are comfortable with this mode. Teletherapy - Phone and Video sessions are provided for patients who either cannot come to the office or when they have relocated to a distance too far to travel. During the COVID-19 Pandemic I am conducting all sessions by video and phone.

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

With 13 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, I enjoy the opportunity to create a safer space for people to explore personal growth, discover ways to thrive with unique challenges and give themselves permission to live at their own pace. I specialize in Trauma informed care, EMDR and Process arts. I come from a person centered approach. I enjoy helping people work through traumas such as auto accidents, sexual trauma, assaults, medical trauma and abuse. I help people find ways to manage and navigate bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, chronic pain and psychosis. I have specialized training and volunteer in spaces to support the LGBTQ, kinky, poly and disabled populations.

I do this work because I am committed to liberation for all people. I believe that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. I am a queer and nonbinary therapist who brings a queer and intersectional lens to my work. I specialize in holding space for life transitions and know how to act as a guide to your personal revelations. I prioritize trauma informed care, and I have been told that I know how to hold a strong container for clients to discover their own inner wisdom and knowing. As survivor of trauma and Intimate Partner Violence, I specialize in helping clients find and trust their own intuition. I have lived experience as a queer and nonbinary person who came out later in life. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and EMDR. I've been doing my own IFS work for 4 years and firmly believe that at the core of every human being is the desire to heal. Fat-friendly, kink and polyamory informed. You already know the way! You have innate wisdom born out of your experiences and intuition. I'm here to help you learn to trust yourself and to be a compassionate witness to your self-discovery. However you show up in session is ok: you don't have to mask or sit still. I meet clients where they are with warmth and curiosity.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I have been working in the mental health/social services field since 1996 in varying capacities. I was a social worker with the County of San Diego in Child Protective Services, first as a case manager, where I worked in a specialized unit with long-term foster children who had mental health diagnoses. I became a kind of “specialist” in attachment and bonding, and grief and loss issues, as well as issues with identity, be it racial, gender, or other identifications. After taking early retirement from the County in 2011, I decided to focus on the mental health side of social services. I took a job as a therapist and a discharge coordinator at a mental health crisis house, and then as a care manager for patients at inpatient psychiatric facilities for various insurance companies. In August 2013, I finally achieved a long-term dream and opened up my private practice where I continue to be delighted with the creativity and innovation, as well as the diversity of the people I meet every day.

Hi there, are you experiencing stress in your relationships or in a life transition? Are you feeling a lot of worry or doubt? I may be able to help. I have a compassionate approach to navigating these struggles and skills in regulating emotions. Feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult or if you have any questions

Hi, I'm Robin, a licensed therapist/clinician. I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and ADHD, to name a few. I have experience in working with children and adolescents, I have worked on a mobile crisis team in the field, and I am currently training first responders on mental health/illness. I have a master's degree in counseling psychology from Cal Baptist University and I have trained in crisis negotiation. When working with clients, I prefer to follow their lead. There is not one particular type of therapeutic modality that I prefer to follow. Just like people, there is not always a "one size fits all" solution, and being able to pull from different modalities is essential for me. As a clinician, I find it an honor to be on this journey with you. I would like to help you find your voice in order for us to set realistic goals for your sessions. I like to create an environment where you feel validated and safe to be open, as these sessions are for you.

I went through a very difficult with my mental health. I felt very low and hopeless at the time. What helped me was going to therapy for the first time. It started me on a journey to self-awareness and self-compassion that has carried throughout my life. Now I would like to help in inspiring similar journeys with my own work as a therapist. I enjoy learning about people and their unique thought processes. I ask questions, verify I understand what you’re saying and do not rest until I can understand where you are at and what your unique perspective on the world is. I am very straightforward when it comes to therapy. I am open about the modalities that I use and make sure you understand my process as we work together. I never force anything and am also willing to work from where your at and come up with solutions that are in line with your goals and personal interests.

I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.

Diaspora (dai·a·spr·uh) Therapy Group was founded by members of the BIPOC and QTPOC. We believe in authentic communication and living your truth. Our goal is to help you find your voice and take up space in a world that can be challenging to navigate. As individuals who have experienced these challenges firsthand, we're here to virtually "hold your hand" throughout your healing journey. Though we're based in San Diego, CA, we offer telehealth services throughout California and Arizona.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

Hi, I am Reina Baez, a bilingual (English /Spanish) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I believe that healing happens in connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the narratives we carry. I am licensed in California, Georgia, and Missouri. My work is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the belief that change is always possible, even when we feel stuck or without hope. It is my job to hold onto hope until you can feel hope for yourself. I work with individuals and couples, specializing in ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, and the parts of life that feel messy or overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where you can heal and create new, empowering narratives for your future. Therapy is a brave step and lasting change is possible.

Hi! My name is Dr. Archita Birla (she/her), and I am a Queer, South Asian American psychologist providing therapy services in Redwood City & throughout CA! I have experience working with teenagers and adults with Autism & ADHD, who are People of Color, and are Queer/LGBTQIA+ with various presenting concerns (anxiety, self-esteem concerns, emotion dysregulation). Particularly, I am passionate about working with BIPOC & Neurodivergent clients navigating self-diagnosis, self-accommodation, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. My own lived experience combined with my professional training in DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Feminist/Multicultural Therapies allow me to support clients using a person-centered approach. I support individuals through challenges - promoting clarity, healing, and values-driven change. I offer a safe and encouraging environment, where you are the expert of your lived experience. My therapeutic style is guided by curiosity, authenticity, and warmth. I recognize the vulnerability of showing up in therapy and commend you for seeking support in this journey. I firmly believe in the importance of a therapeutic relationship, and look forward to getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit!

FREE consultations! Are you feeling stuck in negative thoughts, intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don't serve your best interest? Are you hoping to build more meaning and joy in your life? You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to "have it all together". We're here to join you on this journey to discover healing and build a balanced life. Our goal is to help you find compassion for yourself, develop skills to help you navigate life stressors, identify how you can become the best version of yourself, and be confident in the resilient person you are. We work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image issues, life transitions, and trauma who want to build a better future. We have been told by clients our therapists are warm, caring, skilled, and authentic. We primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients achieve more skillful ways of coping. If you want to work towards positive change in mind and body wellness, we're ready when you are.

Do you find yourself struggling with intrusive, unwanted or “sticky” thoughts? Maybe your mind is constantly jumping to the worst case scenario, gets caught up in endless “what ifs,” or convinces you that you need to be 100% sure about something before you move on. You may have tried managing your anxiety or thoughts by avoiding certain people, places, or situations, reassuring yourself, mentally reviewing or rehearsing conversations, cleaning, saying a prayer, thinking a good thought to neutralize a bad thought, etc. You don't want to spend so much time engaging in these behaviors, but you feel like you can't stop — like you have to do them to stop something bad from happening, or to feel better. The relief you get from these behaviors is temporary, because the thoughts and feelings always come back, making you feel even more frustrated and hopeless. Over time you’ve noticed your world has started to shrink, and things have become difficult to manage. You struggle with paying attention in class, getting assignments in on time, procrastination, spending time with friends, or making decisions. You feel trapped, alone, and scared. If any of this resonates with you, I'm here to tell you that these experiences are common for those living with OCD and anxiety. The good news is that your life doesn't have to stay this way. With the right treatment, it’s possible to break free of OCD and anxiety and get back to the things that matter most to us. If you are interested in taking the next step please text, call, email, or fill out a form on my website to schedule a free 15 min consultation.

As a therapist I believe that all of use can benefit from the use of help at times in managing the struggles brought on by the stresses of daily living, work, or school, life transitions, grief, and past traumas. Therapy may also be the right choice when long-standing feelings of anxiety, unhappiness or shame have hindered you from living your best life. I focus on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, and spirituality. It is my goal to join with you and together work towards healing and a more meaningful life. The heart of my practice is to empower clients as they journey towards wholeness and health. I provide a safe, respectful, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment for clients to process and explore concerns that brought them to therapy. Am I a good fit to walk with you on your journey? The best way to find out is to begin with a free phone consultation.