Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and know how much pressure comes with going to school in CA. I had mental health challenges that started in high school and continued through college. I was worried my self-worth, mood, and grades wouldn't recover, but working with a therapist helped a ton to get myself feeling like myself again. I offer an optimistic, collaborative approach to mental health. I believe you're the expert on your own life and experiences. I'm here to help you build confidence in your own intuitions and expand on what's possible from there. Like a sculptor carving out a work from stone, we start with the raw materials. In our case, it begins with unfiltered venting and time to feel. From there, we chisel away at the frustration and pain to find what these experiences are really telling you about your needs and who you are. Then, we make a plan to act with integrity. It's hard work, but it's empowering to remember the agency you have over your own life.

Maybe you are experiencing a lot of anxiety or feeling pretty low with depression. Some days feel like you are barely hanging on. Being in school and going through these emotional hardships is not easy. If you are looking for help I am here to walk with you and help you address your anxiety, depression, or past trauma. You are very brave to seek help and I would love to get connected with you. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good match. You can call/text me or schedule a consultation directly on my website. I am looking forward to connecting.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! I’m Jen, a therapist living & working in Santa Monica, CA. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for teens, adults, and couples, with a special focus on supporting college students navigating life’s big transitions. College can feel like a constant pressure to have it all figured out, like keeping up with classes, planning your future, maintaining relationships, becoming independent. It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss the internal struggles happening under the surface. In our work together, we’ll take a closer look at the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping how you move through the world - not with judgment, but with curiosity. That might mean noticing how the past shows up in the present, tuning into what actually feels good (which often gets overlooked), or learning how to ask for what you need with more confidence and empathy. I know firsthand what it’s like to seem “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. My own experiences navigating high-pressure environments, family dynamics, and personal growth have shown me how powerful it is to have a space for reflection, connection, and honest support. My approach is insight-driven, relational, and strength-based. This means we'll work on understanding why you do what you do, not to label it, but to learn from it, and build on the strengths you already bring to the table. The relationship we build in therapy becomes a space to practice things like vulnerability, setting boundaries, and getting your needs met, so that over time, the changes you make here can ripple into your everyday life — in classes, friendships, dating, and beyond.

I help people learn how to take care of themselves. ​​ ​ In our sessions, you will develop the skills to navigate family dynamics, understand your needs, communicate boundaries, and build self-trust and self-esteem. ​ So, whether you identify as a conflict avoider, people pleaser, overachiever, perfectionist, or anxious attacher, I can help you figure out who you are, what you want, and who you want to be.

Between the 2:00 AM study sessions, the constant pressure to have your life figured out, and the exhaustion of keeping up a 'perfect' digital presence, it’s a lot. If you’re feeling like you’re just vibrating with anxiety or running on manual mode, I see you. I’m Dr. Tinai James, and I help students navigate the messy, non-linear transition of college. My office (and my screen) is a zero-judgment zone where we ditch the clinical "therapist-speak." Whether you're dealing with burnout, relationship drama, or just trying to figure out who you actually are outside of your GPA, let's figure it out together. No couch required—just real talk and actual tools.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, trained with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. During my healthcare career, I have worked with diverse patient populations including oncology, pediatrics, telemetry, and patients with extensive medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. I am inspired by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with their mental health by helping them navigate mental health challenges. I know that everyone has a unique story and challenges, and because of this, I work together with clients to make a care plan individualized for them. My goal is to help you achieve your goals.

I’ve always had a deep interest in understanding people and their experiences. I was often the friend or family member that people would turn to for support, over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than just offer advice—I wanted to truly guide people on their personal journeys toward healing and growth. I was inspired by the idea of providing a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and the idea that through therapy, people can find clarity, strength, and lasting change. I believe the most important thing is creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly. I listen closely to your words, but also pay attention to the emotions and body language that might not be as obvious. I want to really understand your perspective—what you’re going through, how you’re feeling, and what you need. My goal is for you to feel that you’re not just being listened to, but truly understood in a way that’s supportive and non-judgmental. Everyone’s experience is unique, so I try to adapt my approach to what works best for you, ensuring that you always feel seen and valued throughout our work together. Working together is a process, and it’s built on open communication, respect, and collaboration. I believe trust is something that grows over time, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Trust is something I prioritize, and that comes from being consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I’ll always meet you where you’re at, and we’ll work together to set a pace and approach that feels right for you.

I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals who are seeking healing and change. Anxiety, panic, depression, conflict, stress and overwhelm, impact of transitions, OCD, and communication challenges are all areas where I can be most effective working with my patients. My specialty is TEAM-CBT, a form of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I find that using this approach with my clients makes it possible to reach their desired outcome rapidly and effectively and empowers them with methods they can apply to maintain their progress moving forward. Embarking on a journey of self-exploration and self-improvement through the process of therapy is a profound experience. I am honored to have an opportunity to work together with you to help you meet your personal goals for change.

While therapy can be challenging to face, I try to make the process as easy as possible, hopefully even enjoyable. I enjoy working with adult individuals and couples who are curious about themselves, introspective/reflective and interested in personal growth and identity development. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 19 years of experience working with individuals/couples/families. My training has been heavily focused on helping people work through relationship issues and overcome feelings of anxiety, depression and grief/loss. I have also worked extensively w/individuals working through addiction recovery. Because I believe it is important to utilize the quickest yet most effective treatment, the treatment modalities I use are tailored to the individual and their unique needs. I like to see patients experience relief, empowerment, and personal growth as quickly as possible, yet without compromising the therapeutic process. It is important to me that individuals can easily and conveniently obtain the help they need in order to maintain continuity of care. For this reason, I am available to meet via secure video conferencing platforms if needed.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in depression, navigating the weight of grief, or carrying the invisible wounds of military service, therapy can help you find stability, clarity, and relief. I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. I also have extensive experience supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans and as a veteran myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with military life, whether it’s the stress of deployment, reintegration into civilian life, or managing trauma and loss. My approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I create a space where you’re heard without judgment and supported in making meaningful change. Together, we’ll work at your pace to understand what’s holding you back and build the tools to move forward with strength and resilience. I work from an eclectic approach including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic concepts. I also offer EMDR therapy, which is particularly effective for those impacted by traumatic experiences. Providing client-centered therapy and allowing my clients to feel seen and heard is something that I’m passionate about. I offer support with finding the best strategies to help you cope with feelings of anxiety and depression and feel more prepared to take on life’s stressors. Reach out today and let’s work together to find your path forward.

Michelle Kennedy Welcome. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. Hello, my name is Michelle Kennedy, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work with Couples. Have you been feeling uneasy around your partner? Do you feel like you're constantly on edge and moments from an argument? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid all conflicts in their relationships instead of dealing with them. This avoidance can lead to resentment between partners, which can cause more frequent fighting and lead to long-term problems.

My name is Wendy Silva, I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering Teletherapy in the State of California. I work with individuals who may be going through difficult times and may be struggling with managing their responses. You may be noticing patterns that continue to perpetuate thoughts and emotions that can be difficult to understand. In therapy, we can work together in identifying and understanding the “origen” of our patterns and work towards embracing growth, healing, and change. I believe therapy should be a safe space to process your emotions and thoughts without feeling judge and I aim to create a safe and trusting therapeutic space to facilitate growth and healing. I utilized an eclectic approach, utilizing therapeutic approaches and interventions that tailor to my clients needs. With that being said, I mostly work from a psychodynamic therapeutic approach and my focus is to support the client with self-reflection, self-examination and explore the source of your challenges. I will support you with identifying and implementing effective coping skills to live a healthy emotional lifestyle.

We all need support to get through difficult times in our lives. Beginning with identifying your goals and areas of focus in therapy, we will work together at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you are struggling with feelings of depression, overwhelm, anxiety, grief or trauma, therapy can create space for transformation and healing. Whether you are looking for a sounding board when facing tough decisions about family, relationships, work or life transition, or you recognize a need for change, the therapeutic process can support you in making the changes you want to see in your life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified therapist with 15 years of counseling and psychotherapy experience, I provide short and long-term therapy to adults, adolescents, and families. My approach is individualized, and uses a combination of insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as EMDR. I believe therapy should move at your pace, with a focus identified by you. In a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere, we will work together to access your strengths and supports to find the most effective ways to cope.

I have been a therapist since 2004 working in both private and group practice with adults and children before joining with Kaiser Permanente psychiatry in 2012, recently returned to sole private practice in 2021. I earned my clinical social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, which was awarded a top 5 ranking in the field. I additionally have completed post-graduate studies at University of Virginia Mary Ainsworth Clinic and American School of Clinical Psychology in Washington DC. While I enjoy use of various therapy methods, including CBT and ACT to treat anxiety and depression, I have a particular passion in the use of EMDR for trauma and stress disorders. I consider myself very privileged to have trained with and sought consultation with Andrew Leeds, who is an EMDRIA board member and foundational researcher in the field. .Many of my clients have reported this technique to be a fast and highly effective treatment that they wish they had considered sooner. Please feel free to look over the links regarding the high-effectiveness of EMDR and to reach me with any questions. Additionally, I have extensive expertise in the area of dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) another great therapy style that I can strongly recommend, I was very fortunate to be part of a 2012 Ben Hudnell Grant to develop a DBT program for Kaiser Permanente’s Psychiatry Department, initially at the Washington DC clinic and then later heading the program for KP Psychiatry in Pleasanton, CA; running these programs from 2015-2021. I find the coping skills taught in DBT to be essential, not only for reducing suffering and problem behaviors, but for helping to create a life worth living. While DBT was initially developed to assist those with Borderline Personality Disordered traits, it has broadened to include helping those looking to manage with mood swings, anger, relationship problems, binge eating, bipolar disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as assisting those is continuing recovery from addictions. I especially recommend DBT for those who struggle with anger or shutting down, as relationship dynamics are really where difficult can present. I teach both basic DBT and advanced practice, whether your new to process or experienced I am happy to support your process in session. There is the hope to include group education and process, in the future, pandemic needs permitting. I see my clients online via secure telehealth on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are available for in-person for those full-vaccinated and without COVID exposure concerns. You may schedule a free 20-minute telehealth consult via website below.

Dr. Johnson offers a supportive and approachable therapy experience that blends real-world strategies with expert care. Her warm, down-to-earth style helps students feel comfortable while working through challenges like anxiety, stress, and depression. With over 15 years of experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dr. Johnson focuses on practical tools and personalized support to help each student build confidence, manage emotions, and navigate college life more effectively.

I care about others and want to help people better understand the power of their emotions as an empowering tool to live a better life, for themselves and others in society and the communities we may be from. Mental health stigma is apparent in society, it is a mission statement for me to support in breaking stigma. I come from a multicultural immigrant and BIPOC/API background; serving this populations and the mental health challenges they may be facing in America is meaningful work to me. I understand how it feels to struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, complicated family dynamics, academic stress, racism, systemic oppression, religious trauma, chronic/rare illnesses sexual orientation discrimination, gender identity challenges; I focus my scope of practice & clinical skills towards serving these issues. I work in a client centered strength based and collaborative approach, where I work alongside clients as professional partners in treatment to focus on goals they care about and we both agree are appropriate and achievable in this treatment services setting. I ask open ended questions and take time and patience with clients to support them in feeling safe and comfortable enough to open up over time. I value constructive feedback, as the therapy space should be known that is is two humans working together towards clients’ goals, hopes, and wellness.

My educational, professional, and personal experiences, combined with a profound desire to help people heal and grow, are the foundation of my work as a psychotherapist. I provide a space where you are free to explore and share yourself. I strive to create an environment that allows you to safely discuss, reflect, uncover, and change. My ability to help people feel safe, accepted and welcome has been the cornerstone of my success as a psychotherapist. You may come as you are to address the things that are affecting you today.

I am a southern California native, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist under the Board of Behavioral Sciences of California. She is also an Out-of-State Telehealth Provider - Marriage and Family Therapist with the state of Florida Department of Health. I provide virtual services throughout the state of California and Florida. I also provide coaching services nationally through services. Furthermore, I have in person sessions in West Los Angeles. I earned her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy, after completing her undergrad in Psychology from Missouri Valley College with a minor in Drug and Alcohol Studies. I am certified clinical trauma professional, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and Certified EMDR therapist. I focus on trauma informed, compassionate based, holistic practices. I work collaboratively with clients such as Athletes, Performers, Artists, Professionals, & Students to provide evidenced based mental and emotional skills to help manage pressures as well as cultivate professional, academic or athletic success. Furthermore, I help support individuals mental health issues that impact an Athletes, Performers, Artists, Professionals, & Students ability to show up as they wish. I always provide affirming, inclusive and anti-racist care to LGBTQIA2s+ & BIPOC folx. I use an individualized approach and focus on strength based collaboration to develop practical and attainable goals w/my clients. I help build resiliency, emotional intelligence and mental capabilities to improve how individuals can show up. I provide Wellness, Empowerment Mental Coaching along with psychotherapy services. I also offer concierge services. I utilize process based therapy & eclectic approach to as this allows me to address everyones needs individually. I lean on practices such as EMDR, Integrative practices, Narrative Therapy, DBT, CBT, mindfulness & IFS practices. I will implement skill development through the use of evident based practices to improve performance and individual treatment plan focused on goal directed behaviors.

You want to be a better person than what you grew up with. You want to provide the love and support that always felt conditional to you. Growing up, you learned to believe the other shoe would drop at any moment and you had to be ready. It was only a matter of time. Instead of being made to feel like you were the problem, you wish you could have grown up to trust in yourself, to feel all of the feelings without shame or judgment, to have healthy relationships. You want this, but just because you know in your head that there is a better way doesn't mean you know how to recognize it, trust in it, or believe in your heart that you deserve it. I enjoy providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to come and just be. We'll work together to identify the unhelpful patterns you've learned, to build a sense of safety, and your ability to trust in yourself. We'll build up the compassionate self you wished you got when you were young, and build in skills and supports to lean on along the way. I help adults who feel like they are always on edge, ready for someone to make you the problem and say it's your fault. Here's the truth: You are allowed to be different, to take up space, to feel all the feelings, that doesn't make you 'the problem.' We'll work together to help your brain believe it and keep you safe. Hi, I'm Allyson! I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #136508) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #12918) under the supervision of Elizabeth McGinnis, LPCC 8285. I received my Master’s from California Baptist University in Counseling Psychology and my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Biola University. In my career as a therapist, I’ve worked with children and adults of all ages. From preschool through adulthood, I’ve worked alongside my clients to process through their challenges and create patterns of relating that are most true and helpful for them. To find out more about me, check out https://empsychotherapy.net/therapists/allyson/