Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Let’s be real. Therapy isn’t just for when everything’s falling apart, it’s for when you’re tired of pretending you’re fine. I work with students who overthink, feel all over the place, or feel disconnected from themselves. We cut through the noise and get to what’s actually going on, using tools like CBT and a grounded, real-talk approach. I specialize in supporting first-gen and international students navigating culture shifts, identity questions, and the pressure to keep it all together. You don’t have to do it alone, and yes, we’ll probably laugh along the way.

If you were looking for a sign to try therapy, consider this that sign. Life feels hard, and everyone and everything feels overwhelming. You just want to feel better but don't even know where to begin. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. So let's talk. Even better, let's collaborate. I have a relaxed style based on science but led by empathy and humor. I commonly help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions, or even just a case of the "blahs." Our work together will be as unique as you are to pinpoint and address your personal goals. I commonly I pull from evidence-based treatments including cognitive and psychodynamic therapies geared to target unhelpful thoughts, build up your coping skills or work through past and current patterns. During our sessions, you can expect to feel safe, seen, and fully embraced- just as you are. I look forward to connecting with you to learn how we can enhance your well-being, alleviate the stress and pain you may be experiencing and find your joy again.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Whether you’re starting fresh, returning to school, or trying to find your footing again, support is needed. I’ve been there myself, and I understand how demanding and overwhelming this stage of life can feel. Your schedule is constantly changing, relationships can feel uncertain, and even when this is “supposed” to be the best time of your life, it can still feel like too much. Many of the students and young adults I work with come to therapy carrying pressure from school, family expectations, relationships, work, or simply trying to keep up with life. My goal is not to add to that pressure, but to create a space where you can slow down, process what you’re carrying, and build practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and life transitions. Together, we work on building coping skills, managing stress and anxiety, improving self-understanding, and finding healthier ways to navigate the demands of everyday life. I support college students, young adults, and returning students in creating more balance while still making space for who they are outside of school, work, and expectations.

Many of the people I work with describe feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about what comes next. On the surface, they may seem to have it all together, yet inside they are struggling with anxiety, depression, or the pressure to keep going when they are running on empty. You might find yourself juggling work, relationships, and personal growth while quietly wondering why it all feels so heavy. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of what is happening beneath the surface, and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels honest and sustainable. I will meet you with curiosity and care, not judgment. Together we will explore patterns, emotions, and experiences that have shaped you while building practical tools to manage stress and create balance. You do not have to have everything figured out to start. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with what truly matters, at a pace that feels safe and supportive for where you are right now.

Thank you for connecting with The Mind Institute Psychotherapy, Inc. We offer a warm, open and compassionate setting where you can process your challenges in a safe space. We have helped thousands of clients live happier and more functional lives.

Hi there, I'm Marianna! My name is Marianna Birdsong. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with the adult population and specialize in anxiety, stress, and life changes, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

Hello. My name is Theresa. Thank you for visiting my profile. People seek out a therapist for many reasons. Perhaps you are weary of struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, need support with increasing your self esteem, academic stress, or are struggling with relationships in your life. Maybe you’ve recently received a new medical diagnosis, are struggling to live with a chronic illness, or a challenging mental health diagnosis. Whatever your reason for seeking help, I will greet you with warmth, genuine interest, and a commitment to working collaboratively throughout the process of healing, and finding greater happiness and peace. I wish you well as you sift thru all of the profiles of therapists to find the best fit for you. I know that it may feel overwhelming, especially when you are feeling desperate for help. I assure you that should you reach out to me, you will feel an easy sense of connection and emotional safety. I look forward to hearing from you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My passion is utilizing the powerful benefits of EMDR with creative people, performers and survivors of trauma who are ready to live without anxiety, depression, dissociation, phobias, addiction, and post-traumatic stress. By providing relationally-focused EMDR along with advanced training in psychotherapy methods (e.g. complex developmental trauma, attachment theory, neuroscience, Polyvagal theory, CBT, ego states, psychodynamic, object relations & “parts work”) we work together to: ✦ Discover the origins of limiting beliefs in order to update old narratives about how you get to show up in the world, who you are, and what you deserve. ✦ Alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms through a positive, growth-oriented process grounded in the philosophy that everyone is seeking wholeness. I have more than 25 years' experience in private practice specializing in trauma and creativity, and I am committed to continued learning and growth as a way of life. Having led thousands of EMDR sessions since 2010, I’m also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant teaching other EMDR Clinicians best practices through case consultations and presentations, and speak internationally about creativity, post-traumatic growth, creative artist issues and the benefits of EMDR therapy at conferences, on podcasts, as a TEDx speaker, and on TV. For more information about my training and experience please visit www.askdrcheryl.com

Welcome! I’m a therapist committed to helping adults tackle anxiety, stress, panic, and overwhelm. Life can feel intense with school, work, relationships, and the added layer of cultural expectations. If you’re stuck in cycles of worry or feeling drained, know that you’re not alone. We’ll explore the roots of your struggles and tap into your strengths to find coping strategies that feel right for you. We all face moments where worry, stress, and self-doubt creep in, impacting focus, connection, and enjoyment. Adjusting to new roles, handling responsibilities, and dealing with imposter syndrome can make things feel even heavier. That’s why I’m here—to offer a safe, inclusive space where you can express yourself without judgment. Let’s work together to break through barriers and create a more empowered, authentic version of you. Together, we’ll challenge unhelpful thought patterns, manage anxiety, build healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care. You deserve to feel in control of your mental health and embrace who you are. Let’s start this journey together, centering your experiences, values, and strengths every step of the way.

Life transitions can be overwhelming, especially during the college years when so much is changing at once. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, chronic health concerns, or trauma from the past, you don’t have to face it alone. I help students build confidence, balance, and emotional resilience through compassionate and evidence-based therapy. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, heal from what’s holding you back, and move forward with a stronger sense of peace and purpose.

I help young adults manage the overwhelming stress of expectations, pressure, change and anxiety that can feel paralyzing. I come with no judgment, help you learn ways to manage this and feel better. I am here to help you and this is one big step to feeling better.

My name is Casandra, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee who is motivated and ready to help you embark on your journey in therapy! Whether you are new to therapy or have previously attended therapy sessions before, please know that I am eager to work with you and help you to the best of my ability. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to explore and process varying emotions, experiences, and stages of your life.

Growth and Change Counseling is a relationships oriented counseling practice that is passionate about helping people develop the relational intelligence to step out of their anxiety, depression, and addiction and to experience wholeness in their relationships and satisfaction in their life. All of our problems root back to the breakdown in our relationships and the of relational intelligence due to or the lack of relational intelligence (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorder). At the core of our being we all yearn to connect and at the center of our lives is the need for . Anxious, addicted, depressed people isolate because they are pulling away from relationship in pain. When you come to Growth and Change Counseling, we will help you learn to apply and integrate the healthy relationship principles that will empower you to thrive in your relationships (parent-child, couples, partners, friends, etc.). We treat everything. We are not afraid of your problems, and we will get in the trenches with you to help you Grow and Change!

Jamie’s greatest passion and inspiration in life is walking alongside someone during their journey. Jamie carries a deep commitment to learning about everyone she works with and their needs, which helps Jamie better understand each client’s motivation for change and want for a better future. With that understanding, Jamie and her clients are able to craft a therapeutic journey that is warm, fulfilling, and empowering.

Therapy is truly an odd place. It is a social, emotional, and mental experience unlike any other. You are plucked from your life and placed in a room or screen where the process and conversations revolve around you and your life. This can be daunting and debilitating, but also transformative, fascinating, and full of wonder and opportunity. Sometimes our lives ask that we be machines like everyone else, regurgitating what everyone else is doing. We are conditioned to disconnect from ourselves in order to function in this society. We are told there’s only one version of ourselves that is acceptable. My attempt will be in accompanying on your journey of building your individual unique identity and vitality. I have had multiple years of experience working with students that are navigating feelings of inadequacy, shame, and loneliness. I also have worked extensively with supporting students in highly competitive environments with pressure to conform, while building their authenticity and their voice. My practice is catered towards building a space for the client and their individual needs.

Hi there. I’m glad you’re looking into getting support. I specialize in Somatic, Expressive Arts, and Inner Parts Work therapy. With me as your therapist, we will ground and regulate the body, as we invite different parts of you to be heard and to integrate. I am especially drawn to work with artists of all kinds, as I am one myself. This means we will invite creative techniques into the therapy space, such as dramatic role-play, movement, music, poetry and more to help to free your inner artist. I specialize in working with young adults as well, supporting individuation and community-building at this transformative time of life. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities. I am a queer-affirming therapist. Please feel free to read more about what our work together will entail, and contact me to book a consultation. I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you for being here—I'm really glad you're considering taking this step. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious about how therapy might support your growth, this could be a meaningful time to explore things more deeply. In our work together, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be fully heard and supported. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique goals, whether that's managing anxiety, working through past experiences, improving relationships, or simply understanding yourself better. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating room to ask the right questions. If we decide to work together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Taking the first step can be difficult. If you have any concerns I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the process. Please feel free to reach out when you're ready.

If you are a young adult who is considering college, in college or existing and navigating the real-world, I am here for you. I provide a candid and non-judgmental space for college-aged youth to explore who you are and who you are becoming; to be true to self while navigating external pressures. My work is a combination of therapy, coaching, and mentorship to help you increase self-awareness, identify blind spots, practice communication and conflict resolution skills and negotiate external pressures. I support you to ultimately trust yourself while staying connected to peers, and to feel more effective in navigating all of life’s decisions, big and small. I support you with stressors associated with a high academic load, sexual experimentation and sexual pressures, social pressures, individuation from parents, major and career confusion and questions about identity and purpose. I am direct, genuine and collaborative, and bring a natural curiosity and empathy to my work with clients. I use a relational and somatic depth-oriented therapeutic approach with a focus on present moment bodily and emotional experience to help you work through hard places, release emotional blocks and feel more creative and free in your life.