Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Hello, fellow human! Are you struggling with finding love, social anxiety, or a rocky relationship? You want love and acceptance, but finding and keeping human connections is hard. You know you need tools, a plan, and confidence to use them. Where can you find reliable advice? The Relationship Center can help. We help socially anxious professionals, singles seeking loving relationships, and couples adjusting to major life transitions. We offer online therapy, dating coaching, and couples counseling in the Bay Area and across California. At the Relationship Center, our relationship therapists have supported countless individuals and couples just like you to better understand themselves and discover the tools they need to find happiness. Ready to build confidence and find companionship? Apply for a free 30-minute consultation today!

I work with adults of all ages, couples, and adolescents. I offer virtual and in-person sessions at my office in the Castro. I have extensive experience working with college students and graduate students. I can help with a wide range of issues including: anxiety and stress, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, identity issues, transitions, ADHD/neurodivergence, difficulties with regulating alcohol use, gender and sexuality, loneliness, and more.

Empowering Individuals to Overcome Life's Challenges and Build a Stronger Future With over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's toughest challenges, from loneliness and insecurities to trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues. As a Licensed Clinician (LCPC, LPC, LPCC, LMHC) licensed in multiple states, including AZ, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, NJ, SC, and TX, I offer a wealth of expertise in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. My goal is to guide you in building self-confidence, restoring your sense of worth, and breaking free from the stigma that often surrounds mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered, no matter their struggles. I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to healing and growth, creating a safe and supportive space where you can express yourself openly without fear of judgment. My counseling style is built on empathy, active listening, and unwavering support, providing you with practical strategies and direct feedback that fosters self-awareness and personal transformation. Together, we’ll work through the obstacles holding you back and create a roadmap for a brighter, more fulfilling future. I am dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey toward wellness. Let’s tackle the challenges together and build the life you deserve—one step at a time. Take the first step and schedule an appointment to get started.

I have always found it easy to be in tune with emotions and I feel like I can provide a non-anxious presence that can help guide. I believe two of my biggest strengths are being an empathetic and understanding person, and as cheesy as it sounds, I truly take pleasure in knowing that I can utilize these strengths to offer support to my future clients during some of their most challenging times. I also have experience working with many different people in different settings and that has allowed me to widen my understanding and it has positively impacted how I practice. I make sure to be visibly engaged through validating thoughts and feelings as well as utilizing reflective listening skills. I recognize I am human and if I do not understand something I am courageous enough to ask questions and gain insight on my client’s perspective, background, culture, faith, etc. It is not lost on me that it is a privilege to work with people at such a vulnerable level. I always aim to provide a safe, empowering, yet warm environment for all of my clients. And I am also not afraid of big emotions, on the contrary I welcome them. I believe the hour we have together is your time to be able to freely express your most inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

ADHD is more than just "having difficulty focusing," and no, not "everyone has a little bit of ADHD" as many people claim nowadays. The impact of ADHD is pervasive and can keep you from reaching your goals, connecting with others, maintaining a routine despite knowing that it would be helpful, and constantly "masking" for fear that you will not be accepted as you are. Life administrative tasks feel daunting and get postponed repeatedly, and the negative self-talk that ensues as a result takes a further toll and increases avoidance. I can help you understand the brain science of ADHD, incorporate aspects of mindfulness, somatic work, and other modalities to overcome these challenges, and regain your mental energy. You'll learn to work with your neurodivergence, NOT against it. I work from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, lens and am mindful about how culture, immigration journeys and systemic racism play a role in how someone compensates for their ADHD.

We’re here to help anyone struggling with mental health to accelerate the healing process through music. Our founder Marlys Woods spent years using music to identify her emotions, but as she learned more about therapy, she realized that the one thing she relied on most to help her, was also keeping her stuck in unproductive, negative emotional states. Our mission is to teach everyone struggling with mental health how to stop using this powerful tool on a surface level, and start using music to create healthy life changes. We're working towards a society where we all know how to feel and face emotions and get to a place of freedom. ​

My name is Terry Alcántar Nelson and I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing counseling for over 25 years. After all this time, I still love my work and am passionate about helping people heal. Every day is a new opportunity for me to join with clients in healing past hurts, traumas, and relationships, and addressing current life stressors and painful experiences. I am privileged to do this work and hope to be doing it for many years to come. I am trained and have expertise in the following modalities: -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- a type of therapy that helps to examine negative thinking and long held beliefs which make us feel bad and stuck; it is modality that is particularly helpful for depression and anxiety -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on improving relationships by increasing emotional safety with loved ones, and takes into account past attachment injuries originating in childhood and current and/or past relationships -Mindfulness, which works on increasing our focus on the present by using breath, body and grounding techniques -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses eye movements and other types of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences and memories I see my role as a mental health provider as a guide to clients who are looking for a path to wholeness and healing. Working with with a therapist should be a collaborative process in which the client feels empowered with every session. I consider successful therapy to be one in which clients says that they feels shifts in behavior, feelings, and life circumstances. I am a proud Latina woman who was born and raised in a small town, but was transplanted many years ago to a big city and I can see the value in both experiences. I have worked with a vast array of ethnicities and cultures and feel comfortable with diversity. I am unique in that I am bicultural, bilingual and come to every client session ready to hold big emotions in compassionate ways. I know trauma and relationship injuries can make us feel very vulnerable and I want my clients to feel safe and emotionally held so that the work of healing brings peace and restorative experiences in all areas of life.

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.

A willingness to seek support is a sign of strength. As an empathic and experienced professional, I provide support with compassion and understanding. I work to help you achieve your personal, relational, and professional goals through a strength-based approach using CBT and EFT. To further support you, I have additional training in Gottman’s Couples Therapy (Levels I & II) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. I am also a certified grief informed professional and certified in EMDR.

APPROACH As a psychotherapist, I am committed to helping you realize what you most want from life: fulfilling relationships, relief from self-defeating cycles, and self confidence. Working with me brings the clarity, guidance, and support you need to overcome barriers to contentment. My style is candid and astute, coupled with warmth and humor. I listen deeply and creatively so I can offer a new lens and insight to patterns that have been keeping you stuck. I help you maintain motivation and hope, even in the face of challenge. EXPERIENCE I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20+ years experience working individuals, couples, and families. I use well-founded as well as innovative psychotherapeutic strategies including cognitive-behavioral techniques and psychodynamic approaches. In addition, I provide consultation and supervision to mental health providers.

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

Therapist Kal Zeryihun values helping individuals identify and shift patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior that keep them stuck so they can live more meaningful lives based on their values. She uses a mind and body-integrated approach to healing, such as increasing awareness of the gut-brain connection and incorporating mindfulness practices along with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Link to schedule a consultation https://CreateWellness.as.me/

Growing up, you learned early on that trusting others could be dangerous. You were taught to rely only on yourself, and that self-reliance has served you well. You’ve achieved so much—your degree, your job, and a comfortable life. Yet, despite these accomplishments, your mind still feels like it’s in survival mode. The nights are restless, your emotions seem unpredictable, and you’ve tried filling the void with drinking, partying, and casual relationships, but it never quite works. You’ve felt frustrated as your emotions are often labeled as angry or aggressive, leaving you feeling misunderstood and isolated. Trusting only yourself has taken you far, but it’s not enough to bring the peace and fulfillment you crave. I recognize how these experiences have shaped your life, affecting your relationships and overall well-being. Together, we’ll work on building trust, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to identify and name your emotions. Let's challenge and unlearn the limiting belief that you’re destined to succumb to the hardships you may face due to your upbringing, gender, or skin color. My goal is to create a space where you can address and work through the tough conversations often avoided in your past, fostering deeper healing and growth.

Are you stuck? Your journey towards empowerment and freedom starts now. You will build the skills to overcome your personal struggles and with those you love. Everyone has capacity for positive growth. You will be provided with a genuine, empathic, and safe space to allow you to tap into your innate power for growth and development. Our early childhood experiences and attachment styles shape our personality and behavior. Working on your past relationships will help you gain insight into your current situation, then use that insight to reduce daily stress and find your way. My experience includes working with a diverse group of children, adults, and adolescents in the areas of relationships, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, coping skills, and emotional regulation. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a very effective way to heal from traumatic memories or events.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. I help clients create healthier patterns in life and improve relationships. My areas of emphasis include abuse, trauma, anxiety, academic stress, depression, divorce, grief, self-esteem, and personal growth. I am also trained in EMDR. My approach is warm, respectful and caring. I work collaboratively to create a safe, accepting environment for expression to help empower clients to create more balance, meaning and joy in their lives.

Dr. Vargas specializes in the treatment of depression, emotion dysregulation, trauma, and anxiety among teens and adults. She provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. She works with people experiencing the consequences of minoritization, including racial trauma, acculturative, and minority stress. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. Provee terapia en español. Dr. Vargas completed her postdoctoral training at UCLA and predoctoral clinical internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. She received her PhD and MPH from the University of Southern California and her BA from McGill University.

We specialize in Resiliency informed care. We believe that with the right environment and support from a healthy community of peers we can see radical change! It’s amazing when we discover our capacity and potential to heal. Our resilience is our superpower. We are here to support your journey and are happy to help in any way we can.

I’ve been in private practice for almost 20 years. Something that sets me apart from a lot of other therapists is my strong commitment to having a good match between therapist and client. If I’m not the right match, I will try and help you find someone who is. I work collaboratively with my clients to form a relationship that feels supportive, while at the same time, helping to stretch their capacity in whatever area(s) they may be wanting to work on. I am warm and kind and non-judgmental, and also very honest and real.