Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

My mission on earth is to help people live authentic, fulfilling lives. There are many things holding us back from this way of being: patterns of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us, fear, depression, anxiety, shame, loneliness. In the virtual world we are more connected than ever, and we are also in a time of profound disconnection - from our body, ourself, others. Therapy is a great way to get connected. To start living the life you dream of. Perhaps to begin dreaming that a better life is possible. I'm here to walk with you on your journey every step of the way. Together, we will discover who you are and make a plan to get you where you want to be. Self-knowledge, acceptance, compassion, forgiveness, and change are not easy. But the end result is more freedom, possibility, and love. I'm ready to walk your journey with you. Are you ready? "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." ~Morpheus, "The Matrix"

My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, I believe that mental health treatment needs to be personalized so that individuals in need of help are provided with unstigmatized care, to be heard, validated, and treated like human beings. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I diagnose and treat significant depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine.

There is always HOPE! When you walk out of my office my hope is that you leave with tangible skills, suggestions and a plan to try in real life. While the therapy session is a time of opening up and finding some answers, the real work is done out side of your sessions! My aim is that you walk out feeling supported, equipped and hopeful that change is possible. I never want people to feel stuck in therapy either, my goal is to work with you until you feel ready to tackle life on your own, I feel it's my job to work myself out of a job :) I always remain available after we've completed therapy for check in's or for email exchanges, but I want you to start therapy with the end goal in mind!!!! Please reach out to discuss your particular needs.

Hi! I'm Justine Short, MS, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. For over 10 years, I continue to have a passion for helping people in finding their inner strength in order to make positive and lasting life changes. I view my role as a therapist to walk alongside and guide others to reach their full potential. My desire is to help others become self-aware, feel confident, and reach for hope so that they can thrive in their everyday lives.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, hopeless, or always on edge, you’re not alone. You may experience worries that keep you up at night, or keep you from enjoying your life. Or you may feel like your life will never be the same again after experiencing something traumatic. You might also be feeling hesitant to ask for help because no one else in your life seems to feel the way you do, and can’t understand your struggle. I see you and understand your struggle. I will help you feel comfortable in sharing your worries, your concerns, your problems, your challenges. I use a gentle and personal approach to build a warm and trusting relationship, and ensure that your autonomy is preserved in treatment decisions. You can expect a collaborative relationship from day one. I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach in therapy, and rely on evidence based strategies to help you reach your goals. I will help you to strengthen your ability to cope with and manage challenges, teach you how to communicate with others, and help you to build confidence and self-esteem. Therapy won’t solve all your problems, but I can help you in building the skills you need to face those problems.

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps. Perhaps your relationships, career, or daily routines no longer feel fulfilling. You might notice a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over your own, or find yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and growth. It’s not always easy especially if you’ve spent years living according to others’ expectations but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy. If you’re curious about how therapy might support you, I invite you to reach out.

Hi! I’m Jenny, and I help individuals and couples like you: ones that have it within them to put themselves back in the driver seat, but just need the support to get there. I help my clients find peace and acceptance by equipping them with the tools they need to give voice to their experience, while building their community of support. I am dedicated to helping people feeling supported during what can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming chapter in their lives. My training in perinatal therapy means I have the expertise you need and deserve during your familihood transition - no matter what stage you are in. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a person struggling with this season of life, right? I get it because I lived many of the challenges of this time in my own journey to becoming a mother. As I faced these challenges and became a parent, I dedicated much of my career to working with other women and couples facing similar challenges. I know that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone in this journey. So when we work together, you won’t just get an experienced therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

As a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical training and experience, I have had the great fortune of supporting individuals from all walks of life who are working to make peace with their past, to connect with their present, and to build hope about their future. I work with adults of all backgrounds and orientations. My Approach… I strive to provide tailored support for my clients as they address issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, past trauma, communication issues, anger management, symptoms of serious mental illness, adjustment and decision-making issues, and relationship problems. Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, clarifying values, and identifying goals for improving coping, fulfillment, and self-concept.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Social Work. I work with clients looking to overcome stress, anxiety, sadness, or trauma. We cultivate self-love, optimism, insight, and empathy while learning practical tools for lasting change. In our work together, we’ll focus on raising your self-awareness and nurturing your inner child with compassion and understanding. Whether your challenges stem from relationships, family dynamics, work or school stress, or personal struggles, I’ll help you create a clear, actionable plan to become the best version of you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I believe the therapy process involves forming a relationship with someone who you can share with and trust. A third party who wont judge you, or share/gossip your most intimate secrets or life struggles with others. It's nice having friends and or family to share with, but that isn't always an option, nor is it always safe. I provide my clients with an environment free from judgement where you can let your guard down, vent, share and just be you. Therapy doesn't mean there's something wrong with you, it means you're ready to grow and better understand yourself, others and hopefully life. Isn't that what we're all striving for?

Reframe Counseling The world may be a chaotic place, but it doesn't have to be. Counseling is a way for you to become your best self and to find answers inside of you. Jenna's job is to walk alongside you, ensuring you maximize your potential. When we get "stuck" in life, we can begin to feel lost and confused. Jenna's goal is to help you figure out what is making you feel "stuck," and collaboratively help you to make the necessary adjustments in your life to get "unstuck." Together, you will walk the path toward your new future. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative. Jenna utilizes various treatment modalities in her practice, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy. Jenna believes that the therapeutic relationship and rapport building are vital in helping clients get the most out of their counseling experience. Her role is to help support her clients in creating attainable goals that they can succeed in accomplishing. Cambridge Dictionary defines “reframe” as a way “to change the way something is expressed or considered.” Simply speaking, a reframe is a different way to look at a situation. The goal of Jenna's work with her clients is to challenge oneself to identify negative thought patterns, validate and accept those thoughts and feelings, and begin to learn tools and coping skills in order to view those thoughts in a new, more positive light. Reframe Counseling describes the process of reworking one’s negative thought into a more healing and positive frame of mind.

I am here to help college students who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, relationship/roommate/friend/family issues or just want help with improving their study habits and study-life balance. I have worked with many, many college students across the country. I am available weekends, all day and evenings on different days to accommodate your busy academic and social life. Feel better and enjoy your college years!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! Sometimes adulting is hard and even more complicated with life, family, relationships or other issues. I invite you to a safe haven for self-discovery and the opportunity to address the issues that have been lingering or bothering you. I understand that taking this step might be confusing, scary or a bit difficult. I am here to support and guide you towards reaching whatever goals you set. You are welcome to email, call or text for a free consultation. From there I can determine how I can best help.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Foresight. I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from the University of Montana. I have experience working in Community-Based Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) settings. I have a passion for working with young and older adults to help them develop and utilize the necessary coping skills to manage and thrive during difficult times, life transitions, and needed change. My specialty areas include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and stress management. I approach therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). In psychotherapy, one might explore feelings and assumptions or beliefs about oneself, others, and the world around them, learning how such beliefs can alter mood and interfere with emotional well-being. Originally having grown up in Japan and then moving to the U.S. over twenty years ago, I was excited to have the opportunity to work in the mental health field, as mental health is a highly stigmatized subject in Japan. I now work with individuals who struggle with cultural adjustments, their family systems, and most recently, anxiety and OCD. I understand how culture and mental health are closely intertwined and aim to assist clients in making peace with both.

Hi! I am a MFT licensed in California. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. My specialities are stress and depression management. I am someone that will confront you on the things you do not see (or may not want to see). I will teach you how to manage stress. I will teach you how to live with depression. I advocate for you and I PUSH YOU. If we do not end up being a good fit, I will refer you. All sessions are virtual or over the phone! Accepting clients in CA only. Availability: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings and midday. IMPORTANT: I can only work with you if you create a profile on growtherapy.com. This is where I will bill for sessions. Please confirm I accept your insurance.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed — by anxiety, school, grief, trauma, or just trying to hold it together — I want you to know you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone trying to support a loved one, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. I’m a social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. My path has taken me through schools, nonprofit organizations, and community-based programs, where I’ve worked with people facing a wide range of challenges. Most recently, I’ve been providing therapy and social-emotional support to high school students with IEPs—helping them work through anxiety, school refusal, complex trauma, and the everyday pressures of growing up. I have also worked with their parents to plan and implement optimal care. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Northridge in 2017. During that time, I had the opportunity to develop an animal-assisted therapy program at a juvenile detention center, which really deepened my belief in creative, holistic approaches to healing. My background also includes working closely with survivors of domestic violence and supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. My approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and client-centered. I’ll meet you exactly where you are. I believe healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and I strive to create that kind of space in our work together. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, emotional support, or simply someone who gets it, I’m here to help you move toward healing and lasting growth. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see if I am the right fit for what you need.

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

As a proud Latina and former teen mom, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the therapeutic space. I’m deeply passionate about mental health and the power of healing through connection, understanding, and culturally sensitive care. I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, sexual violence, anxiety, and depression. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in empathy and empowerment. I believe every person deserves to feel heard, safe, and supported especially in their most vulnerable moments. In our work together, I aim to create a space where you can begin to unlearn shame, process pain, and rebuild your sense of self with compassion and strength. Healing is not linear, but you don’t have to go through it alone.