Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

​Hi there, and welcome. The choice to begin the therapeutic process is a powerful step in the direction of growth, healing, and a deeper source of empathy for oneself. I view therapy as a foundation of support with moving through whatever hardships may come your way, whether that means navigating grief, trauma, or the struggles of daily life. My approach to therapy can be described as casual, warm, and engaging with a sprinkle of my own personality and sense of humor. I prioritize supporting clients with accessing validation for themselves that they might allow for others and emphasize internal acceptance while challenging thoughts that may prevent folks from moving forward. My hope is for sessions to feel like a space to settle in, collaborate, and investigate together how your past influences your present. I have over eight years of experience working within the mental health community and have been providing therapy for over five years. I work with a variety of issues such as day-to-day stressors, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I have also received extensive training on crisis intervention and deescalation as well as interventions for passive suicidal ideation, superficial self-harm, and struggles with substance abuse. ​ Therapeutic modalities that I utilize in treatment include: Narrative Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Attachment Therapy Humanistic Therapy Feminist Therapy ​ In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my cats, gardening, camping, doing yoga, needle pointing, and playing video games.

Have you or a loved one struggled with drug or alcohol dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel

I’m a counselor with a deep commitment to helping people navigate the complex, often painful moments that life can bring. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined. Struggles like anxiety, addiction, or simply feeling stuck can leave us overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. If you’re experiencing that, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you uncover what might be holding you back—whether it’s unresolved trauma, the stress of change, or a buildup of emotional weight that’s become too heavy to carry on your own. My therapeutic approach draws from depth psychology, with a strong emphasis on emotional processing and attachment. Together, we’ll work toward building a more compassionate relationship with yourself—one that creates room for healing, growth, and renewed possibility. I hold two Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology—one from the University of Kansas and another from Pacifica Graduate Institute—and my approach is grounded in both academic training and a genuine passion for this work. I believe that meaningful therapy starts with feeling safe, seen, and supported. The process of change can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be something you face alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as we gently explore the patterns and experiences that have shaped your life—and to help you move toward the life you want to create. If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone. It’s a chance for us to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

I am so glad you have an interest in counseling. What we learn about ourselves has lasting and exponential effects. My dedication is to help you achieve emotional wellness, strengthen relationships, and reach personal goals. My approach is highly collaborative. I recognize you are the expert in your life, while I bring expertise in the field. You will not receive any cookie cutter recommendations with me everything is tailored to your personality and the nuances and circumstances of your life. Together, we will explore and cultivate your yet-to-be-discovered strengths and skills for your highest good. some clients are looking for a single intensive session while others are looking for ongoing support. I'm experienced in brief therapy modalities and also enjoying singular intensive sessions, when people are looking for a reboot in life. The client chooses what is right for them at this time. I'm here to serve and support you. I look forward to our session!

Looking for a therapist can feel frightening and overwhelming. This is especially true if you are one of those individuals who have it all put together, yet often worry about what others may think. Do you struggle with feelings of loneliness, fear, guilt, shame, anger, difficulties trusting others and difficulties feeling joy. Therapy is a transformational process and I certainly understand being anxious or even fearful of change. Through my personal experience in psychotherapy and work with clients, I have witnessed the healing and change the therapeutic process offers. My approach is warm and welcoming. I strive to establish a peaceful and safe environment. I truly believe beauty and healing are often a result of allowing light shine to our darkest places. With the right space and support, you can achieve the things you want to achieve as well as heal from past hurts. I hold the same belief when completing psychological evaluations for Immigration. I also offer the opportunity of telehealth- video conference sessions in order to expand my ability to offer safe therapeutic support. Looking forward to hearing from you and being part of your journey

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in the mental health field since 2008. I have had my own private practice since 2019. My goal is always to meet clients where they are and to be as helpful as possible in the process. I work with children, teens, adults, parents, and couples using practical, evidence-based approaches. I focus on individual, family, and community-based strengths in order to create a foundation for lasting change. I also have specialized experience in treating young children with behavior problems, as well as individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, sexual identity, and trauma-related issues. I aim to help my clients feel supported and validated, but also feel a sense of trust and belonging when they are in a session with me. My general philosophy is to meet clients where they are and go from there in terms of how I can be the most helpful.

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Dr. Janelle van der Linde offers online trauma informed therapy and remote counseling to adults across California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, and Los Angeles. Her work supports adult clients managing issues related to relationship issues, marriage, parenting, child development, infertility, adoption, life stress and transitions. Through personalized virtual therapy, Dr. van der Linde focuses on inner awareness, stress management, resilience building, and improvement in overall mental health. While providing evidence-based culturally responsive care, she is particularly known for her warm, collaborative approach. Before becoming a therapist, Dr. van der Linde led a clinical research operations organization (100+) in Silicon Valley, contributing to breakthrough biologic treatments now standard care in cancer and immunology. Married and raising two children, she balanced a demanding career, gaining insight into many pressures faced by high-achieving professionals. The daughter of an Ecuadorian immigrant and a first-generation American, who transitioned into clinical psychology as a second career, Dr. van der Linde understands each person’s journey is unique. She is dedicated to collaboratively fostering self-awareness and purposeful change, along with trauma informed, culturally responsive care. Specialities: Depression & Anxiety Stress Relationship Issues Parenting Marital/Interpersonal/Family Conflict Career and Life Transitions Infertility & Family Planning Post-Partum Depression Grief & Loss Adoption Career Counseling Divorce Infertility Men's Issues Women's Issues

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in practice for 7 years. I have been in practice at Forward Focus Counseling Huntington Beach for 4 years. I work with individuals, couples, and families offering remote tele-health based video services. I graduated from LMU with a Masters in counseling with a focus of working with diverse populations. My outlook is to help provide support with an empathic, compassionate, accepting, and non-judgmental approach. It is important to me that my clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and to strengthen the tools they have to eventually work through whatever they experience. My goal is to make a positive difference and impact on the lives of others.

Welcome to my page! My approach is flexible and depends on your needs, values, and goals. I work best with clients who want a warm, compassionate, and direct space to process their experiences, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build practical skills for everyday life and relationships. I strive to create a comfortable space where authenticity (yours and mine) is central. I'll always come to session with warmth, curiosity, and a little silliness. My work is rooted in relationships, community, and attachment. I blend mindfulness, creative approaches, and evidence-based talk therapies to support clients navigating political stress, sadness and worry, identity exploration, relationships, life transitions, and feelings of disconnection or burnout. I especially enjoy working with young adults to strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and reconnect with themselves and others during periods of change and uncertainty. Everyone deserves to experience more of the good things in life and less of the bad. Individual and collective healing is a radical act toward experiencing and creating more of life's good things. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, explore what matters most to you, and work toward creating more ease, connection, and meaning in your life. If this sounds like a good fit, I’d love to connect.

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My training is in both medical and clinical mental health settings where I have gained an expertise in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep concerns and insomnia, chronic pain and other chronic illness adjustment difficulties. I also have a passion for working with mothers and women who are pregnant or postpartum and are looking for support through these critical life stages.

Life can feel overwhelming, and these days it’s easier than ever to feel lost. Know that you are not alone. Whether you’re working toward personal goals, trying to break old patterns or hoping to find some peace, I’m here to offer a supportive space where we can figure things out together. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, and religious trauma and life transitions, including those navigating the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion. My style is warm and client-centered. I often draw from evidence-based techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness to help you manage stress, develop healthier coping strategies and meet your goals.

I am a marriage and family therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. With training in ACT, EMDR, CBT, and the Gottman Method I create a warm, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their own treatment goals - sometimes with a bit of humor along the way. My goal is to make therapy feel both effective and deeply human. My approach My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices like ACT, EMDR, and CBT. I work to create a space where you feel safe, truly heard and understood - where we can explore what's going on beneath the surface at your own pace. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or other life challenges, we'll work together to clarify your goals and move toward meaningful change. My focus I work well with Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, People navigating relationship challenges (romantic, family, or interpersonal), Adults who want to feel more understood, supported, and empowered, Clients who value authenticity, warmth, and a therapist who keeps things real. My communication style In our sessions, I aim to create an open and comfortable space where you feel truly heard. I communicate warmth, honesty, and care, always focused on meeting you where you are. My approach is collaborative, so we'll work together to understand your challenges and set realistic goals. I believe in being direct, but I also understand that this work can be difficult, so I try to bring humor into the mix when appropriate, because therapy doesn't always have to be serious to be effective. My goal is for you to feel supported, empowered, and safe throughout our time together. My journey to mental healthcare My journey to becoming a therapist started early- my mom was a therapist, so I grew up surrounded by conversations about psychology and what it means to support others. But it wasn't until I faced my own challenges and sought therapy as a young adult that I truly felt the power of this work. That experience lit a fire in my to help others the way I had been helped. I've always been fascinated by human dynamics -what makes us grow, what gives life meaning, and how we can create fulfilling connections. Training in EMDR was a turning point in my career as I got to witness people heal in powerful ways from things they'd carried for so long but didn't know how to move through. That deepened my passion even more. I continue to be inspired by voices like Brene Brown, Dr. Gabor Mate, and Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who remind me of the importance of compassion-both for ourselves and each other. That's the energy I bring into therapy: curiosity, care, and a deep belief in your capacity to heal and grow. My goals for you In our first sessions, I take time to understand your story and what changes you're hoping for. We'll set meaningful goals together using evidence-based practices, balancing structure with flexibility so we can move at your pace. I check in on progress regularly and adapt goals as needed, always working collaboratively to overcome any barriers. My hope is that as you grow, you'll learn to create the life you want. My first session with you Your first session with me is all about getting to know you and creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and judgement-free. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, explore a bit of your background, and start identifying what you'd like to focus on. There's no pressure to have it all figured out-this is a time for us to slow down, connect, and begin building a relationship that supports your goals. I'll also answer any questions you have about the therapy process and what our work together might look like. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling seen, supported, and a little more hopeful about what's ahead.

Are you looking for a way to find peace in the midst of pain? Ready to heal your wounds and come through stronger than before? I help adults with depression, anxiety, or trauma to reconnect with themselves and develop resilience, even when they feel they have already tried everything. Clients have described me as warm, compassionate, and genuine. I create a space where you can feel safe and understood, but also feel empowered to take risks and sometimes stretch beyond your comfort zone. I believe in every person’s ability to create the life they envision. I am a licensed clinical therapist specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety; and early attachment/relationship problems. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as other client-centered approaches to help my clients build psychological flexibility and become more in touch with their values. I am fluent in English, Tagalog, and Visayan/Cebuano. As a Filipino American, I am sensitive to immigrant and multicultural issues. I understand the emotional struggles and complexities of immigrating to a new country. My office in downtown Vallejo is accessible to disabled clients and can be reached by bus or car, with ample parking.

Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.

Are you feeling unhappy, isolated, stressed, stuck, or like nothing ever goes right? Do you want to improve your relationships with friends, family, or partners? I strongly believe everyone can benefit from a safe space to process their emotions and struggles weekly with someone outside your immediate support system. It’s daunting to find a therapist who is right for you. I will meet you where you’re at - whether that’s helping you find the words to express yourself or finding the right goals and motivations to move yourself to the next phase of life. I provide psychotherapy services to teens, young adults, and adults of all ages, but I especially enjoy working with college students. I approach therapy from a person-centered and strengths-based perspective. That means I believe you are the expert on yourself; and that with support and guidance, you have the ability to make the changes you want. I believe I can help you to improve your self-awareness, understand and accept patterns from your past, and learn new skills and healthier ways of engaging in the world. Prioritizing healing, growth, and change are lifelong practices that often need a tune-up. I believe transformation requires time, space, patience, and self-compassion. In therapy, I offer a safe and caring relationship that supports you in doing this life-changing work. If you are experiencing depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, grief and loss, life changes, trauma, low self-worth, self-criticism, communication, identifying needs, and boundary issues, please reach out today! ​Registered Associate MFT #118406 ​Registered Associate PCC #7659 Supervised by Dr. Joy L. Johnson, Psy.D. (PSY28452)

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

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Are you looking for a therapist who is sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-friendly, and kink-knowledgeable? I am a sex-positive, kink/BDSM-knowledgeable therapist who specializes in working with adults in polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships; queer, trans, and non-binary individuals. I am trained in EMDR, sex therapy, EFT couples therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness and somatic techniques to help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and other challenges. I also have a background in the arts, and love working with people in filmmaking, visual arts, and other creative fields. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and warm but direct. Laughter, tears, swearing, dark humor, movie references, and stories about your pets are all welcome in sessions with me!