Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Michael A Sanchez
My ideal client is someone who is ready for self-exploration and personal growth, whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem issues, or trauma. They seek a safe, supportive space to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and develop healthier coping strategies. They aspire to improve their mental well-being, gain deeper self-awareness, and make lasting, positive changes in their life. Together, we’ll work toward helping them unlock their full potential and create a more fulfilling, balanced life. I can help by providing a supportive space to explore and address your challenges. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Therapy, I’ll help you uncover the root causes of your struggles, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and develop strategies to improve your emotional well-being and create lasting change. I know reaching out for support can feel like a tough step, but you don’t have to face it alone. I provide a straightforward, supportive space where we can tackle your challenges head-on and make real, lasting changes. If you're ready to take control of your journey and level up, I invite you to take that first step with me.
Lisa Chung
Hi there! I’m Lisa Chung (she/her), a psychodynamic therapist, nature enthusiast, verbose writer, and sweet treat indulger. I believe feeling deeply understood can have a profound effect on our health, well-being, and ability to be in relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. My hope for my patients is that we can co-create something that allows you to discover the parts of yourself yet unknown—the strength, talents, resilience, as well as the fears, doubts and grief that make up the entirety of who you are. In doing so, I can help you to come into loving acceptance of the more ingrained aspects of your personality and work on modifying thought patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving you. I recognize that making the decision to come to therapy is a courageous step, and not always easy. I consider it an honor that you would trust me with walking along side you on your recovery path.
Alexandra Spigelman
Alexandra Spigelman is a Licensed , Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults who are seeking a more fulfilling life within themselves and in the relationships that they share with others. Alexandra specializes in relationships, mens and women's issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, recovery from narcissistic abuse, and the discovery of one's self worth. Alexandra is passionate about serving her clients so that they gain clarity, uncover barriers, speak and live their truths to create the lives of their dreams filled with possibilities.
Wesley Du
Therapy can be Fun, Freeing, and Inspiring. (I get back to everyone within 12 hours.) You're hesitant since it's your first time in therapy; perhaps you have given up hope. You feel empty, hopeless, and lost. Every day is a struggle due to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Maybe you have past family trauma that you haven't dealt with. Maybe there are cultural confines that have left you or your child feeling frustrated and hurt. I help people who are dealing with depression and anxiety experience a sense purpose by helping them find the voice that they never knew they had so that they can be more self-supportive. My goal is to empower you to take control of your life by dealing with the issues that have not been resolved or those that you fail to be aware of. It could be scary and uncomfortable but growth happens when we are in an uncomfortable state. I can promise you that I will be your ally during this journey of growth and discovery (and have some laughs too).
David Serbin, M.A., LMFT, LPCC
My name is David Serbin. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #147386) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #15666). Through therapy, I work with clients to help them see the positive storylines in their lives. I help make counseling fun for clients through narrative building, developing strategies for challenging negative self-talk, self-exploration of strengths, and games, among other ways. I believe that each client has the main ingredient for success in therapy: hope. I love working with young adults who are trying to find out who they are. My clients are motivated and driven, yet searching for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. They often feel they have unmet needs or goals they want to achieve but have yet to accomplish. In our first session, we'll start with introductions, then dive into the challenges you're facing and hopes for our work together. Having worked with individuals and couples over the past 5 years, I've been able to offer compassion to people who have been in environments where they could not be open about their mental health or only experienced tough love. I strive to create an environment where you will feel safe to be your true self. I often assign homework between sessions. This may include worksheets or journaling exercises. Contact me if you are interested in booking a consult or therapy session and I will do my best to respond within a few hours.
Joe Fierro
Throughout my 14+ years of experience, I've worked with people of all races and cultural backgrounds. I've honed my expertise in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, grief, loss, enculturation, and stress management. I believe in the human potential for healing, growth, and change. Throughout my sessions, I like to help clients identify their successes, interests, and talents. I support clients in practicing new behaviors and strategies in between sessions as a way to reinforce what is discussed and practiced in sessions, and to support their growing self-confidence for change. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Daniel Perez
I utilize talk therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. My approach allows individuals to get to the root cause of their issues while still having the immediate change of behavioral interventions. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Naghmeh Jirvand
Some of therapeutic areas of expertise include dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, adjustment issues, trauma, and life stressors to name a few. I believe in providing a honest and collaborative therapeutic environment. Through this forum, an individual can search out solutions for the obstacles they encounter and gain a more authentic perception of self. I am experienced in treating adults, couples, children, and families. As a supportive, solution-focused therapist, I provide guidance to help you feel comfortable in reaching out and seeking alternatives. I utilize various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and emotionally focused couples therapy to name a few. I believe in being respectful, compassionate, and concerned for the unique needs of each individual. As a therapist, I can help you in rekindling your internal flame of confidence, optimism, and authenticity. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Azad Galustian
I have been working in the field of mental health for many years and have extensive experience working with adults in various settings and environments. I use a strengths-based approach and attempt to work with my clients on the topics and issues they want to and are ready to explore. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Trauma focused CBT, and motivational interviewing. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Alison Forster
Hi there, I'm Alison. Are you finding that you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and in need of a lifejacket? Sometimes life can be very challenging, and I can offer guidance, compassion, and understanding without judgment. I work with others to help them discover their hidden strengths and resources, to truly create a life worth living. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relational issues, addiction, and stressors that make you feel overwhelmed, I am here to help! Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. I believe in creating a safe space that will allow you to heal and grow. Many of my clients are trauma survivors, adolescents, LGBTQIA+, and creative adults who seek deeper connection and meaning in their lives. Let's work together to help you find more balance and fulfillment! Our first session includes establishing a therapeutic alliance based on trust and safety and establishing some treatment goals that fit your needs. I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities that are tailored specifically to your symptoms to help you feel better and feel a sense of renewed hope. I specialize in helping people learn ways to cope more effectively with their emotions and find ways to better self-regulate when feeling life stressors. I also have over 10 years in the field of Addiction Medicine and can help those in need of support in becoming sober or maintaining sobriety.
Gary Reaves
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.
Alex Osorio
I believe that we have within us, the power to create the life we desire. We possess inner strengths and skills that can help us overcome challenges and live a fulfilled life. However, accessing this power can be an overwhelming task that may require support. Allow me to be an unbiased, compassionate and caring partner in your journey. I help individuals and couples explore their thoughts and emotions, reframe distorted beliefs, replace unhealthy patterns and unblock past traumas. I use elements of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Parts Work, Brainspotting, Prepare/Enrich and other modalities to help you achieve your goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations, in various settings, like working with college students at CAPS, working with young professionals, current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, couples and other adults. I help clients unlock their true potential and work through issues of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and more. Ready? Let the healing begin! In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.
Leila Alton, LMFT
Hello and warm welcome to you! I'm Leila and I believe that people are naturally resilient with the right support. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is at the heart of the healing process. This is why I work from a Humanistic framework, which is based in the belief that providing unconditional positive regard and empathy to clients cultivates a truly safe environment for them to look deeply within themselves and rediscover their potential and self-empowerment. I also believe that humor is vital to the human experience, and always welcome and encourage this within my sessions. I provide trauma-informed therapy with a focus in childhood attachment wounds, using a compassionate, client-centered approach; specializing in EMDR, chronic depression, anxiety, life-changes, stress, self-esteem issues, and inner-child/shadow work; utilizing somatic and eclectic methods. My clients walk away from therapy with me feeling a transformed sense of inner peace and self-worth, a regaining of control over their lives and decisions, and the empowerment to awaken their full potential. I strongly believe in making therapy as enjoyable as possible, and hold true to the statement of "come as you are." I have a laid-back, down-to-earth style and want my clients to feel seen, valued, and appreciated for sharing their journey with me.
Sara Jones, LCSW
Hi I'm Sara a LCSW in both CA and CT. I became a therapist because of a genuine desire to help others thrive. I believe that therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space—one where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to motivate you towards the changes and self-discovery that you want for your life while also gaining a deeper understanding of self.
Michelle Hernandez
My background is in Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Trauma Informed Therapy. I have extensive experience working with clients with severe mental illness, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and developmental delays. My life’s work is about helping others improve their lives and making lasting changes toward wellness. My specialty areas include working with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, family dynamics, and stress management. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Ariel Escobedo
As a dedicated bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking mental health practitioner, I am deeply committed to facilitating the emotional healing journey for adults. My practice is rooted in a person-centered philosophy, where I specialize in integrating a comprehensive array of therapeutic approaches. These include Internal Family Systems Therapy, Brief Strategic Family Therapy, the Gottman Method, Collaborative Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. This eclectic mix of methodologies enables me to create a bespoke healing experience for each client, meticulously tailored to address their unique needs and challenges. My approach is inherently collaborative, emphasizing a partnership with individuals, families, and couples who entrust their care to me. By combining these diverse psychotherapy techniques, I aim to foster a nurturing and empathetic space that supports clients in navigating their emotional landscapes. It is a privilege to have worked with clients from almost every continent, including those from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This global experience enriches my practice, enhancing my ability to understand and cater to various emotional and psychological needs. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Ivone Umar
As we work together in a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry, or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives. I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional or relational life changes. I do this is by sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Daisy Mayer
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Tracy Liljequist
As your therapist, I meet you where you are, taking into account your unique strengths and personal history to help you achieve your goals and desired outcomes. I am deeply committed to my client's growth and take great satisfaction in witnessing their progress throughout the therapeutic process. I provide effective tools and interventions to facilitate meaningful change. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a Solution-Focused approach, with treatment goals developed collaboratively. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Fariba Mansouri
If a person has grown up without much care or consideration for their uniqueness or has gone through personal trauma and tragedy as an adult, psychotherapy can help. Psychotherapy can be a way to increase our life satisfaction and to regain a sense of aliveness. In a non-judgmental and compassionate space, we can start a conversation about what matters in life. In therapy, we talk about life’s problems with no criticism or blame. Often our conversation helps to release emotions and to reflect inwardly. One might begin to see life from a different perspective and access the solutions to life’s problems. The overall benefit is to gain freedom from negativity and to feel more joy in life and relationships. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.