Therapists for college students near Deer Creek Colony, CA

Hi, I’m Ellie, and I’m so excited to meet you! :) College can be a time of growth and excitement—but also stress, pressure, and uncertainty. Maybe you’re feeling anxious in social settings, overwhelmed by academic expectations, unsure about your future, or stuck in a loop of perfectionistic thinking. You might be on the edge of burnout—constantly doing but never feeling like it’s enough. Or perhaps you’re navigating challenges in your relationships—feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or unsure how to communicate what you need. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it on your own. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping preteens, teens, college students and young adults navigate generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance-based anxiety, perfectionism, relationship stress, and academic/career or life transitions. Together, we’ll create space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build strategies to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. My approach is warm, relational, and collaborative. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and make practical, meaningful shifts. I also integrate techniques from mindfulness, attachment-based, and relational approaches so therapy feels personalized to you. In our first few sessions, I’ll take time to get to know you and understand what’s bringing you in. You can expect a calm, supportive space where you’re free to be real—no judgment, no pressure. We’ll move at your pace, and I’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy is meeting your needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, that’s okay. Reaching out is a strong first step—and I’d be honored to support you from here. Feel free to call/text me at (949)490-2819 or email me at ellie.mourey@gmail.com. You can also schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation directly through my website, whatever feels easiest for you :)

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

I work best with college students who are starting to notice how perfectionism, people-pleasing, or pressure to achieve affects their mental health. Many grew up feeling like they had to be “the strong one” or keep the peace at home, and now those same patterns show up in school, relationships, or self-worth. They’re ready to understand themselves better, heal from the past, and feel more grounded in who they are.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2010, I’ve been treating adults and adolescents experiencing life challenges which sometimes leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance use. I believe we are all unique and our life experiences shape how we see the world. I work with the individual to find a path that facilitates self-growth and clarity. I graduated from the University of Southern California in 2007 and am licensed in the state of Nevada and California. I provide service in office and/or Telehealth.

Deep within, I believe everyone holds the keys to a life of profound meaning and joy. By discerning their dreams and charting their personal journeys, my clients unlock doors to lives they cherish all the more. In the wise words of Carl Jung, 'Man's task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.

Hi there! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in San Diego, California. I offer individual mental health therapy to Young Adults and Teens virtually across California, specializing in work with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma related to relationships and life transitions. Relationships can be complex. Whether you are looking for support with managing feelings about your family or romantic relationships, setting boundaries, addressing your people pleasing behaviors, or navigating new independence, I'm here to support! It is my hope that I can provide you with a safe space to be heard, navigate these emotions and challenges, and feel empowered both independently and within your relationships. My approach to therapy is an encouraging, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with humor and creativity that ideally allows space for you to explore emotions, feel encouraged, and develop new insights. In my free time, I enjoy running along the beach at sunrise or sunset, having a cozy day in, spontaneous picnics in the park, and am currently on the hunt for the best matcha latte in San Diego! You're welcome to reach out for a free 15 minute call to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

You may be carrying generations of stories in your bones. You might be the first in your lineage to pause, to rest, to ask: What would it mean to live differently? Whether you’re unlearning survival patterns, tending to old wounds, or simply trying to hear your own voice beneath the noise. I want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. As a queer, first-generation Mexican-American therapist and a daughter of immigrants, my approach is rooted in cultural humility, relational depth, and embodied compassion. I offer a space that honors all the parts of you— your strength, your softness, and your truth. My world is shaped by music, movement, language, and story, and I bring that spirit into our work together. I will witness you fiercely and gently. I will reflect back the person I see in front of me—resilient, intuitive, capable, and deserving of care that meets you where you are. Holding space for QTBIPOC clients, especially those navigating layered identities, is not only a privilege, but a responsibility I carry with reverence. I strive to offer a practice that is consistently affirming, culturally attuned, and radically safe. My work is for those who: Are first-generation or multi-generational cycle-breakers, seeking to redefine connection, boundaries, and belonging Hold intersecting identities with nuance Feel exhausted from performing, pleasing, or holding everything for everyone else Are healing from quiet trauma: emotional neglect, attachment wounds, chronic invisibility Long for a relational and soulful approach to therapy Values and Approach I hold a deep commitment to practicing therapy that is inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and rooted in accessibility and transparency. These aren’t just values—they are living principles that guide every aspect of how I show up in the room with you. I believe that every story holds weight, and that it’s a sacred thing to be witnessed in your truth. Yet so many of us have never had the chance, or the safety, to be truly vulnerable. In our work together, I strive to create the kind of space where you can exhale. A space where we explore the roots of your experiences with curiosity and care, where old narratives are gently questioned, and where your body and mind are invited into healing through deep compassion. It is devastating when I hear that individuals have not had safe and productive experiences in therapy. This is not your fault. Many people, especially BIPOC and queer folks, have felt misunderstood, pathologized, or minimized by past providers. I’m passionate about offering reparative, empowering therapy to help you reclaim your voice and your worth and to provide a truly transformational experience for first-time therapygoers. We’ll make room for grief and joy, for dismantling what no longer serves you, and for building a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself. When you start, I simply ask you to arrive as you are and begin from where you presently stand. When not in session, I am reading in my local coffeeshop or moving my body through yoga and dance. I hope you don't mind that my two cats, Finnegan and Chaos, will occasionally make an appearance in our sessions. I can't wait to hold space for you!

I am and have always been inspired to work in the mental health field because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be happy and free from hindering and sometimes debilitating mental health symptoms. I started my adult life working in the corporate world and not too many years later realized that it was not my calling or my passion. It was then that I pursued furthering my education in order to be in a position to help others find their purpose, freedom, serenity, and happiness. Being a good listener is an extremely important skill and I believe a gift of mine. I believe that individuals are the experts in their own lives and therefore have a wealth of information to transmit. This is why listening is a major key in the therapeutic process. I am one to guide, not to dictate instructions for your life. I believe in being a partner in the process of recovery, healing, and well-being. A strong therapeutic alliance begins with the therapist’s ability to listen and empathize. It builds upon mutual respect and open-mindedness. A non-judgmental presence that exudes a sort of transparency and authenticity is vital in this process as well. Being flexible and modifying therapeutic modalities to fit the client’s needs are essential.

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi I'm Maddi and I'd love to help you figure out college and all this adulting stuff. Let's face it, adulting is tough. It can feel so overwhelming trying to balance all the things like school, family, friends, errands, chores, work, self-care... Oh ya, and don't forget to make time to eat, sleep, call your mom, and figure out your future. (No pressure or anything!!) I know what it's like to feel like you have to put on a brave face for everyone and pretend that you're doing OK, while deep inside you are freaking out and on the verge of a breakdown. (It's fine, I'm fine, everything's fine...) I know what it's like to feel like you spend all your free time overthinking things, replaying interactions, and worrying that someone is mad at you. (Spoiler alert, they're not!) I want to help you do more than just survive college! Let's work together to help you break free from the self-doubt, stress, and overthinking that keeps you up at night and leaves you feeling exhausted and stuck at the end of the day. Together we can talk through things to make sense of them and find realistic solutions. This way you can leave therapy with an understanding of what's going on, and what you can do to make it better. We got this!! Reach out today and let's schedule a free phone consultation so we can see if I'm the right therapist for you. You can reach me by email or text message.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you're looking for a kind and compassionate yet smart and straightforward counselor, give me a call. I specialize in teenagers and young adults with anxiety and depression, especially with estrangement issues such as conflict with parents, divorced and/or deployed parents, as well as career planning. I am a Christian and can offer help from a biblical perspective if desired. My other specialties are older adults and military/veterans. My previous career was as a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

I am direct and respectful in my professional approach to every person I treat. I view our work as a collaborative effort and will do my best to meet you where you are at. Together we will create a treatment plan that will best meet your needs. I specialize in working with patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss and grief. I also have expertise studying the emotional strain associated with immigration and growing up the child of immigrants.

Evidence-based therapy for young adults with OCD, trauma, anxiety, or insomnia. Are you having difficulty with worries or fears that just won't go away? Do you feel tense and wish you could just slow down and enjoy life more? You’ve tried to address your anxiety but it just won't budge. You’re really ready for more freedom from the pattern you feel stuck in. I am here to help you break that pattern. My years of specialized experience and use of research-backed techniques help people like you regain control over your anxiety. The therapy I offer is strongly rooted in research while at the same time tailored to your unique needs and goals. Visit my website to learn more about the specialized help I offer!

I gladly provide support to students/young adults navigating college stressors while also exploring who they are, how their family has impacted them, their relationships with others, and where they want to go in life. We might explore things like anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, relationship health/skills, sexuality, spirituality, stress, trauma, racial identity, home/belonging - just to name a few areas. If you need support, please reach out for a free consultation!

My work is grounded in supporting individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and grief and loss. I also have a strong passion for working with women navigating life transitions, including academic stressors, body | self-esteem issues, shifts in identity, and intimacy-related concerns. These experiences can feel so isolating, and I strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and not alone.

My path to becoming a therapist grew out of my experience working in crisis settings, including emergency mental health and trauma care. I had the privilege of supporting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and I saw firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone who listens without judgment and helps make sense of overwhelming experiences. Those experiences inspired me to continue this work in a way that allows for deeper healing and long-term growth. I believe that change and self-discovery go hand in hand, and I’m passionate about helping people find relief, build resilience, and create meaningful lives that align with who they are. Feeling heard begins with taking the time to truly understand your story. I prioritize empathic attunement, meaning I listen carefully not only to what you’re saying but also to how your experiences, relationships, and environment have shaped your perspective. Rather than making assumptions or rushing toward solutions, I work collaboratively with you to understand what your experiences mean to you. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe bringing your thoughts, emotions, and questions without fear of judgment. As we build that understanding together, we can begin exploring new perspectives and identify changes that feel authentic and meaningful. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help guide the process with curiosity, compassion, and clinical experience. I draw from Gestalt therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help increase awareness, strengthen insight, and support practical changes that fit your unique goals. Building trust takes consistency, honesty, and mutual respect. I’ll check in regularly about how therapy is feeling for you, welcome your feedback, and adjust our work together as your needs evolve. My hope is that our therapeutic relationship becomes a place where you feel accepted, challenged when appropriate, and supported as you grow. One thing I enjoy sharing is that I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a hike, exploring a new trail, or simply getting outside to reset, I find that nature helps me stay grounded and present. It’s a reminder that taking small moments to recharge can make a big difference, and I encourage clients to discover what helps them reconnect with themselves in their own lives.

I strive to foster personal growth and understanding in order to heal from past wounds and resolve current psychological distress. I do this by providing a safe and non-judgmental space where people of all different backgrounds can feel comfortable sharing their struggles. It is a privilege to walk alongside you during difficult times and see you overcome your current obstacles. I seek understanding of your experience through questions, exploration, and taking on a learner’s perspective. Although I am well versed in mental health disorders and treatment, I see you as the expert of yourself. This is your life and your story. I want to collaborate with you to find the best solutions for you. I will offer tools, strategies, and skills. Most importantly, I offer a place for you to be heard and understood. Together we will learn what works best for you. My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling confident in trusting yourself and your ability to handle what life presents.