Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Many young adults are emerging from the direct and constant influence of parents or guardians, into a space where they have more control and responsibility for their own lives. In this stage of life, we are discovering who we are independent of those early influences and developing our own personal worldview. We are exploring new relationships and new interests as we prepare to launch into the workforce and set ourselves up for the future. With everything that is going on, you might be feeling intense stress or pressure. Maybe you feel like you’ve taken a wrong turn, are uncertain about next steps, or need a place to explore your possibilities. Many young people realize that they’ve been impacted by something in their past that they feel ready to explore or find freedom from. Perhaps you’ve discovered something about yourself in relationships with others that you’d like to understand better or change. Whatever your goals are, therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to work through your experiences, discover your personal strengths and learn to choose a future that feels exciting for you.

I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s health, trauma, and anxiety. I have several years experience working in university counseling and am passionate about college mental health. My approach is warm and collaborative with a focus on fostering confidence, balance, and self compassion.

My approach centers on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where we can explore your concerns and goals together. I understand the unique pressures that come with balancing school, work, and self-care and work to empower you with strategies for mental and emotional wellness. My specialty is working with both mono-lingual and bi-lingual Spanish/English Speaking individuals navigating working with clients in the Latino/BIPOC communities, students struggling with academic stress or cultural identity, and first-generation students and children of immigrants navigating cultural expectations and identity development.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC I AM OFFERING VIDEO SESSIONS. I have worked collaboratively with UCSF medical students, doctors, interns, residents, nurses and dental students for over 20 years in both individual and couples therapy. I understand the milieu that you practice and study in. I am an active and collaborative therapist and strive to build developmentally appropriate interventions to meet the needs of clients throughout the lifecycle. About half my practice is dedicated to couples work and half to individuals assisting in all aspects of communication, sexuality, reproductive challenges, parenting and work/life balance. I have expertise in trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, grief and relational issues. Send an email or call for a free 15 minute consultation.

I work with young adults who are searching for their true calling on this planet, while working through their doubts, fears, and anxiety. I help them recognize and utilize their full power, their divinity, and support them every step of the way. I use a variety of mindful, mystical, and metaphysical tools to help clients get un-stuck and shift their minds, hearts, and actions into alignment. Many of my clients are creative POCs who are invested in artistic healing service, and making the world a more harmonious place.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve spent much of your life being strong for others. I specialize in working with members of the Latino community across generations, including immigrants, first- and second-generation individuals, and monolingual Spanish speakers. Many of my clients are navigating family expectations, identity exploration, acculturation stress, and the challenge of balancing multiple cultural worlds while managing anxiety, depression, relationship stress, parenting concerns, or major life transitions. I provide a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space using a behavioral and systemic approach. As a bilingual Latina therapist, I help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, navigate immigration and adjustment stress, and explore how culture and family shape their experiences. Evening, Saturday, and limited sliding scale spots available. I understand the deep importance of culture, family, and identity, and I am passionate about helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that honor their lived experiences. You deserve a space where you can show up fully, heal at your own pace, and begin creating meaningful change.

I am passionate about creating a supportive and affirming space where you can explore your story and begin your journey toward healing and growth. I specialize in working with teens, adults, couples, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders, and sexual health concerns. I am dedicated to providing culturally competent and identity-affirming care.

Hi there! I am Janna Spiegel, an LCSW with over 5 years of experience supporting college-aged women like you navigate life's twists and turns. Whether you're adjusting to campus life, facing relationship hurdles, grappling with the pressure of future choices, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and stress – I'm here to help you find your footing and thrive. I use a warm, empathetic approach, creating a safe space where you can explore your challenges without judgment. We will work together to understand your unique experiences and develop practical solutions that empower you to take control. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies and a client-centered approach, tailoring each session to your specific needs and goals. We'll work on building resilience, managing stress, navigating relationships, and making choices that align with your values and goals. Whether you are navigating through homesickness, academic pressures, career dilemmas, or relationship challenges, I offer a non-judgmental space, where you will have the opportunity to delve into your experiences without reservation. I am here to serve as your guide, be your biggest supporter, and your collaborator on your journey towards a rewarding college experience and a promising future.

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.

Therapy can be Fun, Freeing, and Inspiring. (I get back to everyone within 12 hours.) You're hesitant since it's your first time in therapy; perhaps you have given up hope. You feel empty, hopeless, and lost. Every day is a struggle due to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Maybe you have past family trauma that you haven't dealt with. Maybe there are cultural confines that have left you or your child feeling frustrated and hurt. I help people who are dealing with depression and anxiety experience a sense purpose by helping them find the voice that they never knew they had so that they can be more self-supportive. My goal is to empower you to take control of your life by dealing with the issues that have not been resolved or those that you fail to be aware of. It could be scary and uncomfortable but growth happens when we are in an uncomfortable state. I can promise you that I will be your ally during this journey of growth and discovery (and have some laughs too).

I am a registered associate marriage and family therapist and associate professional clinical counselor who offers in in person (Los Angeles) and virtual psychotherapy (California). I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders and their underlying emotional experiences, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, identity and sexuality exploration, life stressors and transitions, acculturation, neurodivergence, and self-esteem. College can be an overwhelming time, but you don't have to be all alone. Through collaboration and support, I aim to create a warm, supportive space for clients to take a moment for themselves, explore their experiences, and deepen self-understanding. My practice is specifically tailored to each client's needs and goals. I utilize trauma-aware, systemic perspectives with skill-based teachings of CBT and DBT. My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care.

My name is Christine Minakakis and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges and stress as well as challenges specific to immigrants or adult children of immigrants around issues of cultural identity and belonging. Whether you were diagnosed as a child, just last week, or are contemplating ADHD for the first time, our work together can help you understand, embrace, and celebrate your neurodivergent mind. If I were to define my approach to therapy in three words it would be: collaborative, solutions-focused, and supportive. I see my role as your therapist as helping you clarify your goals, values, and priorities and for me to provide the catalyst for insight and skills-building to help you achieve those goals. My clients often tell me that they feel much better even after one session! You’ll leave our first session feeling heard, supported, and cared for - and probably a little bit lighter. I’ll ask many question to begin to get to know you, but we’ll go at a pace and a depth that feels safe and comfortable for you each step of the way.

Currently prioritizing preteen, teen, and couple referrals! I believe that everyone has a story and that you are an expert of your lived experience. I enjoy working with preteens, teens, adults, and couples by helping them navigate the complexities of relational distress, trauma, and anxiety. I use trauma-informed approaches, including narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy (IFS), eye-motor desensitization therapy (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Gottman, and exposure response prevention (ERP). Every client that I work with is provided collaborative and trauma-informed therapy, and each session is tailored to their specific preferences. In my work with couples, I use EFT and Gottman interventions to help partners better understand each other, reduce unhelpful cycles, and build skills that support a stronger, more connected relationship. With each of my clients, I prioritize providing safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapy tailored to their needs as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we explore patterns, emotions, and experiences in a way that feels mindful and supportive of your pace. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Hello! I am Dr. Georgiana Spradling. I have been practicing Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Relationship Coaching for over 25 years. I am a specialist on Emotional Intelligence. I will teach you Anger Management techniques, as well as communication, negotiation and Conflict resolution, help you use strategy in your decisions and achieve your goals. I will tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear, while moving you forward with kindness.

Wellspring Family Therapy is a group of therapists dedicated to helping college students improve and maintain their emotional health and psychological well being. We provide support for teens and adults experincing anxiety, depression and other life stressors. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi I'm Sara a LCSW in both CA and CT. I became a therapist because of a genuine desire to help others thrive. I believe that therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space—one where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to motivate you towards the changes and self-discovery that you want for your life while also gaining a deeper understanding of self.

I'm a licensed psychotherapist based in California. I am first generation Mexican American and have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I am a bilingual, Spanish/English, speaking therapist; although I gravitate towards speaking Spanglish. I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from USC. I received my B.S. in Sociology and Criminology from Mount St. Mary’s University. I have been working as a therapist for the past six years; where I have supported others in their mental health journey. Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked serving low income communities and minorities in the public mental health sector. I have experience working with individuals struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, mania, and psychosis. I am passionate about working with adults navigating life transitions who feel overwhelmed and confused when thinking about their future. They often question that they are “not good enough” or worry about living up to other people’s expectations. We can work together in finding your identity, self confidence, motivation, and drive to face your challenges.