Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

Do you often feel unheard, unseen, or unimportant within your relationships? Maybe you identify as hyper-independent or a people-pleaser, finding it hard to prioritize your own needs and often overthinking interactions. These patterns can feel isolating and deeply anxiety-provoking, and they often have roots in complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or growing up in environments where emotional needs were minimized or unmet. Perhaps you already “logically” connected these dots, yet you still feel stuck. That’s because complex trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just the logical brain. I specialize in trauma-processing therapy, including EMDR, to help you safely process traumatic experiences and release the emotional burdens that come with them. I also integrate Narrative Therapy to help you reconnect with a sense of identity that reflects your true values, voice, and strengths. Therapy with me feels collaborative, safe, meaningful, and relieving. As a fourth-generation Japanese American therapist, I understand how cultural expectations around family, responsibility, and respect can make healing feel complicated. I help clients explore ways to preserve their emotional well-being, while still honoring the relationships and values that matter most to them. If you’re ready to break old patterns, feel more confident in yourself, and strengthen your relationships, I hear you and I see you. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

We all have the ability to be our best selves, sometimes we need support as we strive to discover what that looks like. I draw from diverse treatment modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Play Therapy. I have a BA in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University as well as an MSW from San Diego State University.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Services (CPS) is an established behavioral health medical group that has been in existence since 1979. CPS has 40+ MD and DO level psychiatrists that treat children adolescents and adults. The majority of our doctors are board certified or board eligible. With this array of providers, we are averaging 2 weeks or less for a new patient appointment. Our psychiatrists see members with varying diagnosis, ages and other differentiating factors. Besides treating patients that speak English only, we have doctors that are fluent in other languages like Spanish, French, Hindi, and Farsi. CPS also provides video sessions through HIPAA compliant video communication services. These remote services make behavioral health services more convenient; giving patients more access to treatment. What makes our medical group stand out from the rest? Well, it is our availability, and ability to integrate both psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic paradigms. Furthermore, our mental health professionals think holistically, and consistently consult with primary care physicians to ensure excellent patient care. We would like to bring our talents and specialized care to all colleges and universities.

Hello! I support young adults navigating the stress of emerging adulthood, career stress, and relationship dynamics, including anxious attachments. I specialize in offering care to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. You're not alone, and you're brave for considering a change. Let's see how we can help you reclaim freedom, joy, and meaning in your life.

Nobody teaches you how to fight fair, ask for what you need, or love someone without losing yourself. Estes Therapy does. Founded by licensed marriage and family therapist Jennine Estes Powell, our practice helps young adults build healthier patterns before the hard stuff becomes the default. Whether you are navigating your first serious relationship, processing attachment wounds from home, or just trying to understand why you keep ending up in the same situations, we have therapists who get it and know how to help.

College life is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family pressures, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or alone. Maybe you're struggling with a breakup, grieving someone you’ve lost, feeling disconnected from friends, or just totally burnt out. Maybe you’re questioning your path or feeling like no one really “gets” what you're going through. These moments can feel heavy—but you don’t have to carry them on your own. Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward growth and clarity. I'm here to help you tap into your strengths, make sense of the challenges you're facing, and start building the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good and grounded. I specialize in working with college students, young adults, and teens—and I’m passionate about helping you navigate this messy, meaningful chapter of your life. In our work together, you’ll find a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and take real steps toward feeling more confident, connected, and at peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, academic stress, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re ready for something to shift, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Chelsea Sterling is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Her clinical experiences include providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling and psychosocial assessments through work in short-term acute residential treatment (START) programs, outpatient mental health clinics and an alcohol treatment facility. She is a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Chelsea has expertise in the following modalities: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

Hello, my name is Heather Pederson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego and am so glad you are here. Seeking help can potentially feel daunting, exposing, and overwhelming. It can also be our first steps toward repair, healing, and growth. I have found that people are so very strong, courageous, and hard-working, and still need some help when things get hard. I believe therapy can be a unique chance to discover parts of ourselves we forgot about, allow healing for the tender parts, and find new ways of interacting with ourselves and our loved ones that allow for deeper understanding and connection. I work with individuals and couples who often struggle with: a feeling of something between angry, sad, and fear that doesn’t have a name, as well as feelings of overwhelm, worry and stress that gets between them and their preferred lives. I seek to create opportunities in therapy to connect more deeply with the truest parts of yourself so that you can then connect more deeply with your purpose, values, and trusted others. I am trained in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (Externship with Sue Johnson, Core Skills to become Certified in progress), a Certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator, Trauma Informed Care, and a graduate of Bethel Seminary San Diego with an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. Please contact me with any questions you might have regarding therapy. I work with college students (extensive experience working on college campuses), couples, individuals, premarital/pre-engagement, relational distress, trauma, and anxiety.

At Affirming Therapy Center, we support and encourage your desire for growth in a completely non-judgmental way, in a space that acknowledges your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcomed and celebrated here. Helping you in understanding, accepting, and embracing your own beliefs, identities, and lifestyles is cornerstone in providing the support and encouragement you need to grow, to bring clarity to your choices, and to enhance your life and relationships. We focus on making you feel safe to explore your feelings and to express yourself. We proudly serve communities of Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity! The therapists at ATC are dedicated to enthusiastically affirming all GSRD identities including, but not limited to, LGBT, Queer, Heterosexual, Kink / BDSM, Fetish, ABDL and Ageplay, Sex Work, Adult Industry, Monogamy, Non-Monogamy, Swinging / Lifestyle, Polyamory, and a Variety of Relationship Dynamics and Family Configurations. Each member of the ATC clinical team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist, qualified to address topics such as identity, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, sex and sexual health, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth. And each of our clinicians have unique areas of expertise, including advanced specialized training in the areas of Sex Therapy, Gender Affirming Therapy, Eating Disorders, EMDR (for trauma), and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. As with everything in life, there are ups and downs, and sometimes you need someone to talk to. Maybe you have inner conflict, questions about how and where you fit in to our kooky world. Perhaps you have wounds that aren’t healing or stories you need to tell. Or perhaps you just want to talk to someone about life and love, talk to someone who understands the challenges you sometimes face, without having to hide any facet of yourself or your life. There is only one “you”, and we at Affirming Therapy Center are here to help you excel at living your best life and being your best “you”. Our therapists are trained to listen, understand, and help guide you on your unique journey. Please visit our Meet the Team page to see each of our amazing therapists’ bios and areas of specialization. https://www.affirmingtherapycenter.com/meet-the-team/ Contact us now to get started: Send an e-mail to Team@AffirmingTherapyCenter.com with a brief description of what’s going on for you and your availability for appointments. One of our friendly therapists will respond to you (in 1–2 business days) to schedule an initial session or a free 10–15 minute phone consultation.

Does your sexual behavior feel out of control? I'll help you overcome problematic use of pornography and other sexual health issues, so you can be the person you want to be. I cater to young men who want to unlock their full potential through evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy methods.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, using a variety of methods to encourage change and growth. I understand it can be difficult to build trust and talk to a stranger about past or current traumas, stresses, and worries. I will make every effort to create a safe space to work through those events and issues, while providing support. It is always an honor for me to witness change, to be a part of growth and to see my clients thrive and find more of themselves.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

What To Expect At Your Visit: Walking Together Down the Path To the Life You Desire Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and during sessions I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging the adoption of new attitudes and behaviors to create the outcome YOU desire. We have the tools and professional experience to help you get on your ideal track.

We are a team of culturally affirming therapists who have come together through shared common values, life philosophies, and the need to create an alternative and creative approach to therapy. Our values and philosophies were born and defined from our work in the following settings: home-based and community-based treatment, community outreach, advocacy, mentorship, teaching at community college and university settings, public speaking, and traditional talk therapy. Our aim at Courage Over Comfort Counseling is to empower our clients to step outside of their comfort zone and into their true greatness, and this… takes courage.

I specialize in integrative therapy, which is a progressive form of psychotherapy that combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of each individual client. This means treatment is customized to meet your needs. We will work together to identify and address the source of your discomfort or distress, then develop strategies to promote change that make a difference — in mood – in relationships – in life. Psychotherapy is helpful for a variety of clinical disorders, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and interpersonal difficulties. My clinical specialties include anxiety disorders, healing after trauma, gender and sexual identity (LGBTQIA+ Affirmation therapy), and much more. I believe in the potential for emotional and individual growth, striving to provide a safe and warm environment in which client can explore and thrive. My work has been with individuals from many different cultural backgrounds in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and private practice settings.​

Welcome! My name is Rachel and I work with young adults who are navigating the effects of traumatic experiences. I believe that anything that overwhelms our capacity to cope and move forward can be traumatic, and this often shows up as anxiety, chronic disconnection, or feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. I help clients become more aware of body sensations, thinking traps, and response patterns to stressful situations. We will collaborate to move towards a life where you feel more centered and connected with your self, your values, and the world around you. I approach therapy from a holistic perspective and include experiential, present-focused exercises in sessions to help deepen the mind-body connection and equip clients with tools to use in daily life. I love to walk alongside my clients towards feeling more grounded, authentic, and alive, moving at a pace that feels safe and gentle. If you are looking to reconnect with your vitality and resilience in a compassionate space, I would love to connect and see if we are a good fit. I offer virtual and in-person therapy, with the option for walk and talk sessions.

You want to heal your past but you don’t know how to do it alone. You want to be able to talk about what you have been through or are facing now without blame or shame. What would it be like to feel better in your relationship with yourself, with your partner, and with God? I offer the benefit of my professional experience and training combined with compassion and insight from God’s Word. Through counseling I can facilitate healing, improved communication, increase connection, and understanding.

We at Affirming Therapy Center are offering TeleTherapy services (by phone or video sessions for individuals and by video sessions for relationship therapy). If you have circumstances where TeleTherapy is too limiting for your mental health care needs, we are also offering the option of in-person sessions, along with additional safety protocol and procedures in place. We understand that you may feel anxiety and stress from the uncertainty of your situation, or depression from isolation, and that you may be experiencing relationship challenges or struggling with being single in a time of social distancing. If you need additional support and are looking to start therapy, please reach out to us. We are here for you! Move from what’s now to what’s next. If you are like most people, there’s no magic moment when you find yourself saying, “I’m ready for therapy.” But there comes a time when you begin to get tired of living with things the way they are, and enough is enough. If this is where you find yourself now, you are ready for what’s next. Like any first step on a new path, the beginning of the therapeutic journey may feel unfamiliar. We know, because we have traveled this road to find the whole places in ourselves. If you are looking for more or longing for change, we can help you start the process and walk that path. Visiting the Affirming Therapy Center website indicates that you are seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We can guide you as we move forward to your better place. Contact us now to get started!

Are you a tween, teen, or college student in need of a little extra support? Perhaps recent transitions at home, school or work gotten you down? Or you may feel worn out from the impact on your life of COVID-19? Are you feeling isolated or struggling with relationship issues? You are not alone; we've all been there! Our goal is to provide you a short-term, confidential space where you can talk openly about your challenges, feel supported and learn some new, perhaps more adaptive tools and strategies for working through current problems and issues. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), our aim is to help you improve your mental health and provide you with tools which you can use throughout the course of your life to best manage life's challenges.