Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Do you… worry you’re disappointing the people you love? feel pulled between your own needs and everyone else’s expectations? wonder who you’d be if you stopped trying so hard to get everything right? You may have spent years adapting, achieving, and taking care of others. But beneath the anxiety, and doubt, there’s a quieter question waiting to be heard: What would it look like to let go? The idea of being your authentic self terrifies you, but part of you knows… something needs to change. Perhaps… • You’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and are making sense of yourself in a new way. • You identify as an immigrant or third-culture adult trying to reconcile different cultures, values, and expectations. • You’ve spent much of your life battling anxiety, perfectionism, or the pressure to always do more. If you’re tired of coping and want to start living, I’m here for you.

I became a therapist because I genuinely love people. I believe we could all use a little help sometimes. We humans are complex and unique individuals with a wide range of emotions, and vast experiences that have, & continue to, shape us. My goal is to create a space conducive to safety, growth and acceptance. I support you, and am rooting for you! I believe collaboration is key in our work together, and that you are the expert on you. I create individualized treatment plans and curate interventions based on your likes and experiences. I will never force you to do, or talk about anything you don’t want to. I understand therapy can be an intimidating process, so I am happy to move at your pace. With that being said, I know how beneficial it can be to move outside of our comfort zones – so it is a part of my role to encourage you to do so. But as you confront any difficult emotions/experiences/new skills, I will be right there with you. I’m here for you. The therapeutic relationship is a unique and special one. I believe in being honest and authentic with you – as well as offering compassion and empathy. I like to tie in your likes and interests into treatment in order to make difficult concepts easy to understand and approach. I know what a difference it can make to feel heard and understood. I can provide a listening ear, paired with professional expertise in order to help you feel validated, and learn to understand & help yourself better. Just like you, I’m a human too. Although I can’t know exactly what you are feeling or dealing with, I do know what it’s like to feel angry, alone, discouraged, anxious or misunderstood. When life gets me down, I find peace through various ways, including – connecting with nature, hugging my cat, coloring, or watching one of my favorite movies.

My biggest inspiration was my grandmother who thought me to help, love and inspire others unconditionally. My children and friends continued to inspire me to use my grandmother’s wisdom to empower others by being present in the time of need as well as celebrating their accomplishments. My goal as a therapist is to work with you as a partner throughout your healing process. At the end of each session, we will review what was discussed and create a plan that will help you meet your goal. You can reach me by phone in case you feel stuck or need assistance. At the beginning of treatment and each session, I will actively listen to your needs, feelings or stressors that might have contributed to you seeking help. We will develop a plan that will empower you to meet your needs, help manage your emotions and teach you coping strategies to help manage stressors.

The first step in any journey takes the courage to start. And you already have! You're here. I know there is still a lot of shame around being vulnerable and asking for help. We live in a world that often demands perfection, high expectations, and pushing ourselves to the max. Struggling with depression, anger, or trauma does not make you a failure. It makes you human. I believe we all have the innate ability to heal ourselves, and therapy can support you in finding that clarity and empowerment. I specialize in adults with anger management, anxiety, depression & trauma. I'd love to help! Contact me today!

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.

I work with college students and women navigating life’s many transitions, offering a supportive space to process challenges and build resilience. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, managing academic stress, or facing uncertainty about your next steps, I provide a warm, collaborative approach tailored to your needs. I also specialize in supporting women through a range of experiences, including identity shifts, relationships, fertility journeys, pregnancy, and postpartum adjustment. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to move forward with confidence.

I am a LMFT who is passionate about providing excellent care for my clients. Although I have a diverse range of experience, I l specialize in working with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, trauma, domestic violence and abuse, and other emotional/behavioral interpersonal issues. I work well with teens, young adults, adults, couples, families, and group therapy. My approach is often client-centered as I adapt my approach depending on the client I am working with, but I tend to work from an existential/humanistic, CBT/DBT, and psychodynamic approach.

Hello, and Welcome! If you are navigating the unique pressures of student life, you know that this pivotal chapter comes with an incredible amount of stress. It is a time of massive growth, but it can also feel deeply overwhelming. Many of the students who find their way to my practice share very similar struggles, and you are not alone in navigating them. You might find that we are a great fit to work together if you are experiencing any of the following: Anxiety and Overthinking: Your mind rarely takes a break. The constant pressure to excel, maintain your GPA, or secure the next big opportunity has left you feeling completely burnt out, anxious, or like you are never doing "enough." Depression and Low Energy: You are feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or weighed down by the sheer volume of responsibilities, making it hard to show up for your classes or yourself. Navigating ADHD in School: You struggle with focus, procrastination, or time management, and the unstructured nature of college life is making it incredibly difficult to stay on top of everything. Peer Relationships and Social Pressure: Managing roommates, family expectations, friendships, or dating while trying to maintain your own identity and boundaries feels increasingly complicated. Career Counseling and "What's Next?": You are feeling lost or stressed about your future career path, major choices, or transitioning into the professional world after graduation. How We Will Work Together Therapy with me isn't about rigid clinical checklists or more assigned "homework." It is a collaborative, down-to-earth space where you can let your guard down and just be yourself. Together, we will look at what is currently draining your energy and figure out practical, realistic ways to help you feel more grounded, focused, and in control of your life. You don't have to navigate the weight of this chapter entirely on your own.

You and your life isn’t one note. You are multifaceted and the demands you face happen to be as well – particularly when you are a student. Currently, the sound-track of your life has moved away from the sounds of a harmonious symphony -or maybe from an upbeat pop song- to something more unnerving and stressful (like the alarm you use to wake up to in the morning or the background music in a horror film—building tension, bracing yourself from some known or unknown threat). It makes sense that life has been overwhelming -increased responsibilities and life demands alone would contribute to this feeling. Add fears about the future, a recent breakup, challenging relationship dynamics with family, and/or other stressors and you might find yourself tipping the scales of your emotional bandwidth. I help students focus on the unique aspects of their lives that are no longer serving them – with empathy, tools, problem-solving, and emotional healing and growth. I believe you can have a richer and higher-quality of life– free from the overwhelming influence of your current life demands, harmful past experiences, poor modeling, and environmental toxicities (psychological). Call me to schedule an initial consultation (415) 356-9897 or fill out contact form https://www.alexandrialeedy.com/take-action.

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I specialize in working with individuals who are ready to go deep: people tired of surface-level solutions and hungry for real, lasting change. I help clients struggling with anxiety, burnout, boundary-setting, inner child healing, intergenerational trauma, and the work of finding their way back to themselves after years of people-pleasing or disconnection. If you're someone who wants to understand why you struggle, not just how to cope better, we'll likely be a good fit.

I specialize in Substance Use and Trauma. I work with individuals, families, and provide support for partners and spouses of those struggling with Substance Use. Often underlying trauma, mental and physical disorders, stress and shame, fuel substance use, so without addressing those underlying forces its very difficult to manage your life and break free from addiction. I will come along side of you and provide a safe place to process, an individualized recovery plan, tools and insight through education, and together through discovery we will set goals around breaking free from those underlying issues that drive substance abuse as well as breaking addiction itself. Please check out my website for more information: www.myrecoveryworks.org

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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with a collaborative and compassionate approach. I work with clients facing anxiety, sadness, relationship struggles, or major life transitions, supporting them in reconnecting with their strengths, values, and goals. In therapy, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be heard and understood. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and family systems theory, tailoring each session to your unique needs. My goal is to help you increase self-awareness, build self-compassion, and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and creating a more fulfilling life. I know that opening up to someone new can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make the process approachable and collaborative from the first session. Life’s difficulties don’t need to define you – you have the ability to shape how you think, feel, and act. I would be honored to support you on your journey of growth and self-discovery.

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At Minds Moving Forward, we provide highly customized, private-pay mental health care designed to support your entire family. From helping young children navigate big emotions and supporting teens through academic stress, to guiding adults through deep trauma recovery and training elite athletes to win their inner game, our therapists offer the advanced expertise you need to thrive. You deserve a space where you can be yourself, talk openly, and not feel judged or rushed. In our work, we move at your pace, especially if therapy is new to you. Together, we will have real conversations, explore your emotions and experiences, and gently face the parts of life that feel overwhelming so you can build coping skills and confidence.

I'm Olivia Hanley, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I completed my MSW at USC and have spent the last four years doing this work because I believe people deserve real, substantive support — not a one-size-fits-all approach. I specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and the identity shift that comes with motherhood), anxiety and trauma in teens and adults, and play-based therapy for children and adolescents. I work with clients across California via telehealth and am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health. I tend to attract clients who are high-functioning but quietly struggling — moms who look like they have it together, teens who internalize everything, and adults who've been "fine" for a long time and are finally ready not to be. I'm direct, curious, and warm. I will challenge you — gently — when it's useful.

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

I believe that in order to truly be able to help my clients I must always present as my authentic self. What that means is that you can expect me to share my honest thoughts and opinions, to be direct & concise, to incorporate humor as often as possible, and I won’t shy away from discomfort or conflict. While at the same time balancing that by providing you with unconditional positive regard, empathy, and support. I 100% believe that in order for therapy to be effective the client-therapist relationship must be genuine and both parties must carry mutual respect and trust for each other. This is something I strive to create and build-up starting from our first several interactions; as well as something I work hard to maintain up until our very last session. I am trauma informed therapist that specializes in working with professionals in the helping field (ie. first responders, educators, nurses, therapists, etc), with parents and children with behavioral issues, and have extensive experience working with BIPOC, immigrants, and AAPI communities. In our first session, we'll talk through what brought you in and get clear on what you want to walk away with — so we're aligned on what this space is for and what my role will be. Together we'll build a plan with intention and direction, not open-ended sessions that drift. Over time, the goal isn't just to feel less anxious or triggered. It's to trust yourself again, hold your story with compassion, and move through the world without needing to translate yourself.

I specialize in providing psychological services to children and adolescents. These include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy. Assessments can be invaluable tools that provide diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and the basis for academic accommodations. The therapeutic interventions I provide to young clients can be used to address a range of common challenges including, but not limited to emotional dysregulation and behavior problems. Based on the client, therapy may take various forms and could entail a talk or play-based approach. I regularly integrate parent or family sessions when appropriate.