Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you! I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you. I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.

College is a season of tremendous growth, change, and possibility—but it can also be the first time you're asked to answer one of life's biggest questions: Who am I? Between academic pressure, changing relationships, family expectations, and uncertainty about the future, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. I received my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC). My clinical training focusing on children, adolescents, and families has given me a strong understanding of how our earliest relationships and life experiences continue to shape our emotions, relationships, and sense of identity into young adulthood. This developmental perspective allows me to help college students explore both the challenges they're facing today and the deeper patterns that may be contributing to them. Together, we'll build insight, strengthen resilience, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself as you navigate this important stage of life.

Each individual has their own story, values and spiritual preferences. As a warm and genuine, therapist, I believe in creating a safe space to guide you through insight and self exploration, in order to obtain healing and peace. As a woman of faith I appreciate when clients integrate spiritual beliefs and values in treatment. I love helping strong women who have survived pain, to help them re-write their life story with joy, confidence and faith -Psalms 30:11. I enjoy supporting pre-marital couples who are deeply in love. Serving as a facilitator to explore and establish clear expectations prior to saying, "I do".

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in both California and Idaho. I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional or life difficulties. Evening and weekend appointments available. Free initial consultation. My approach to therapy is collaborative, personalized, and recovery-oriented. I believe therapy should feel both supportive and practical, and I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, developing coping skills, and working toward meaningful and lasting change. Through telehealth services, I work with people experiencing concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered as they build resilience, gain insight, and move toward greater emotional well-being.

College can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or stuck in your relationships, you’re not alone and support is available. I help students work through challenges like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress in a safe, laid-back space where you can be yourself. I take a whole-person approach to healing, focusing on the connection between mind, body, and soul. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in control of your life. My goal is to support your growth, help you feel heard, and walk with you through whatever you’re facing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you feel everything deeply, have been called “too sensitive,” or your mind never seems to turn off, you’re in the right place. You may have spent so much time understanding others and making sense of the world around you, but rarely feel that same care or depth of understanding reflected back to you. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand what it's like to experience the world this way. Our work will focus on helping you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface so you can better understand your emotions, trust your instincts, and move through life with more self-trust and clarity. I specialize in Highly Sensitive People, children, Gen Z (teens & young adults), and neurodivergence/ADHD. Together, we’ll explore patterns, past experiences, and the emotional landscape shaping your life. My approach is warm, deeply attuned, and insight-oriented, grounded in a strengths-based, emotionally-focused, and attachment-aware approach. Clients often say I have “big sister energy”: I notice what’s unspoken, help make sense of complicated emotions, and always have your back. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands your depth and can help you turn your sensitivity into a strength, I would be honored to support you. Book a consultation through my website today.

To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Many students struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges while trying to balance school, work, and personal life. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what’s going on and feel heard. Together, we can work on practical strategies to help you manage stress, improve relationships, and feel more confident navigating this stage of your life. Reaching out for support can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

My name is Diadra Smith. I am an licensed clinical therapist and I use she/her pronouns. I am a clinician who identifies as black, queer, and neurodivergent. I believe all of these intersections has given me the opportunity to see myself in these communities who are often overlooked and underserved in the field of mental health. Why I got into this field was to create a space that is safe, brave, and encourages you to help find your most authentic self. I believe in abolishing and decolonizing what therapy is “supposed” to look like and who it is "supposed" to be for. I view relationships with my clients as a collaboration, asking you for your expertise on your life while I provide guidance through empowerment and advocacy. I am drawn to working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for working with BIPOC, neurodivergent folx, and LGBTQIA+ communities. My mission is to help to heal complex traumas, environmental inequities, and address intersections of identity unique to our experiences. If reaching out for help feels scary or shameful, I’d like to offer the idea that you are on the verge of change. Acknowledging what isn’t working today is a big first step to making the changes you'd like to see tomorrow. You’re coming at just the right time. However you found your way here, I am honored to be considered to walk with you on your journey.

Hi, I’m Hannah. I have extensive experience supporting college students as they navigate challenges like anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relationships. My approach is collaborative and authentic, and clients often describe me as down-to-earth and attentive, meeting them where they are and moving at a pace that feels right for them.

If you're looking for a kind and compassionate yet smart and straightforward counselor, give me a call. I specialize in teenagers and young adults with anxiety and depression, especially with estrangement issues such as conflict with parents, divorced and/or deployed parents, as well as career planning. I am a Christian and can offer help from a biblical perspective if desired. My other specialties are older adults and military/veterans. My previous career was as a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.

Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!

Specializing in anxiety, trauma, OCD, and life transitions. Providing talk therapy, EMDR, solution-focused, client-centered approaches for mental health treatment.

I am passionate about working with individuals dealing with eating disorders with anxiety, depression, & PTSD. I also provide comprehensive eating disorder consultations and assessments. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is a fundamental part of the healing process. As therapy is not a one size fits all model, I am dedicated to providing individualized treatment to my clients so they can focus on being their best selves. While I have experience working with a variety of populations; my area of focus lies with eating disorders and the co-morbid diagnosis that accompany them. Throughout my time working in the various levels of mental health and eating disorder care, I have learned how difficult it can be to navigate which treatment path is right for you. To aid in making this process easier, I will be providing comprehensive eating disorder assessments and consultations to help individuals find the level of care that best meets their needs.

I have had the honor of working as a therapist for 30 years in various settings such as a battered women’s shelter, Child Abuse Reunification programs and the Private Sector. My style as a therapist is calm, empathic and compassionate while using my training, experience and humor to assist my clients on their journey of growth and healing. My practice is focused on helping individuals and couples live a more connected and authentic life, overcoming trauma, managing anxiety and depression, and creating a life that they have always dreamed of. I specialize in working with women and young adults who are moving away from a negative relationship or who are in transitional stages of their lives. I work collaboratively with the client to explore the patterns in their life that are inhibiting them from living the life they desire. I focus on the whole person, mind body and soul to heal the pain from the past and create new and more effective means of communicating with others and in the world in which they live. In my practice I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy and Visualization to provide the most effective ways to regain balance and mental health.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in just one part of your life can often start to affect other aspects of your existence. Low self-esteem or depression can creep into relationships, anxiety can keep you up all night, or relationship issues can impact how well you perform in school. Your past experiences are a filter through which you see the present moment and it can sometimes feel very confusing. When you don’t want to worry your family or friends or find it just too difficult to share with them, negative thoughts can leave you feeling especially alone and isolated and as if no one could possibly understand what you're experiencing. You are not your symptoms. Being heard and seen in a safe, compassionate and culturally sensitive environment can help you make sense of how you're feeling - especially when that treatment is tailored to your needs. My priority is to empower you to reach your goals by helping heal the emotional wounds that are holding you back or causing you pain.

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

Anxiety is taking up more space in your life than you’d like. On the outside, things look successful—people rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your mind replays conversations late at night. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away, difficulty truly relaxing, or moments when your reactions feel stronger than they should. You understand your patterns—you may have even done therapy before—but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling—not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

Looking for a fresh approach to therapy? Student life is beyond stressful, and sometimes words are not enough. My approach is collaborative and creative. We step outside traditional talk therapy by incorporating drama therapy and other creative arts to imagine new possibilities, gain practical tools, and reawaken joy. Healing Arts Counseling Center specializes in depression, anxiety, life and cultural transitions, chronic illness/disability and neurodivergence.