Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Headway
My goal is to provide high-quality, client-centered care grounded in a humanistic approach. I view each individual holistically, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Through a warm, empathetic presence, I support clients in building insight, resilience, and meaningful growth. I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential and move toward a more self-actualized and fulfilling life. My background has been varied in both community mental health and inpatient settings. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with neurodivergence such as ADHD or Autism, as well as mood disturbances such as depression or bipolar . I am also certified in working with grief and supporting individuals with the loss of a loved one, job, or relationship. I would love to support you in your mental health care and journey toward wellness.
Manveen Chahal
Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and choosing to start is an act of strength. I offer a supportive, welcoming space for people of all genders who are ready to explore growth and healing. I have extensive experience working with men, especially men of color, who may be new to therapy and navigating stigma. Using evidence based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, along with training in nutrition and mental health, I help clients understand the roots of their concerns and build practical tools for change. My goal is to create relaxed, trusting sessions grounded in collaboration and understanding. 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.
Lana Hoyer, LMFT
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma work. It’s my passion to work with children and young adults with the number of challenges they can face to help them learn how to manage their feelings and develop ways to better cope with life. I also work with adults and new parents to navigate managing their new identity and improve their parenting skills. My approach to therapy is personable and genuine. I find that my style is particularly beneficial to those looking for a safe space free of judgment while getting honest engagement. I’m expressive, use humor, and genuinely enjoy getting to be a therapist.
Joshua Turov, LMFT
I believe that therapy can heal, but I also know that telling a stranger about your deepest pain can be a strange feeling. Perhaps you've been feeling sad, depressed or worried, and hopeless that anything in your life can change. Or maybe you aren't sure what you would even want help with. You know you feel bad, but if someone were to ask you "How can I help?", you aren't sure what you would say. These problems can feel permanent and unsolvable. After all, something feels broken and unfixable, so how could you not feel that it takes all the energy you have just to get up in the morning and go about your day? Depression or anxiety can also feel isolating, as if nobody else could possibly understand. You may have even received advice from people who you feel mean well but can't understand what you're going through. Depression and anxiety are not permanent or unfixable, and therapy can help. Imagine feeling peace of mind, and excited about life and its possibilities. It starts by learning about you and going at your pace. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 16 years experience working with adults and teens, I've seen therapy work, and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that journey for others. I work with adult individuals of any age, with a special focus on young adults.
Amanda Madrid
My clinical practice includes everything from complex mental health diagnoses to people going through a difficult time. I use a person-centered, relational style, and my framework is based on a Psychodynamic approach with an emphasis on family systems. I believe in building relationships in therapy that free people to find balance in their own lives. As a therapist, I focus on you. I want to understand your thoughts and feelings and guide you towards your life goals. 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.
Melissa Seka
I have worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have training in many theoretical approaches and tend to work from an eclectic orientation. I believe in client-centered care, and enjoy supporting individuals through therapy. My primary goal always is to hear you and to understand your life from your perspective. I believe that with the appropriate therapeutic support, we can all become more skilled at navigating through difficult times, as well make effective and enduring life changes. Honesty, kindness, and humor are core values of mine. 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.
Elizabeth Alcaraz
I help clients find solutions to issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, grief, and other difficulties. With extensive experience working with individuals and families on their journey to improve their mental health and well-being. I provide a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength based approach. I implement a combination of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focus, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 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.
Ross Edward Farley III
I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional. The root cause of the distress is my focus because it demands such intricate and tactful navigation. When it comes to therapy, I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I also believe in client accountability and responsibility in the therapeutic process. When we address the things in life which are no longer working, we are making a conscious choice to do something different. If there is a desire to enact real change, and to work diligently to enact said change, then I am here and ready to work alongside. 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.
Kaela Pangburn
I will work with you to help you understand how you function internally and externally. I value clients reclaiming power over their bodies and lives. I can assist you in building a greater capacity for self-awareness and regulation. I provide an honest and empathetic approach to treatment. 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.
Susan Sosa
Goals for therapy may include (changing behaviors; improving relationships with friends or family; managing depression, anxiety, or anger; increasing motivation, decreasing self-destructive behaviors; and developing healthy coping strategies for life). With over 20 years of experience, my approach to therapy is based on the idea that the most important ingredient in psychotherapy is the relationship that develops between the therapist and the patient. The patient must feel comfortable, safe and understood. This type of trusting environment motivates the exploration of self and enables individuals to reach their full personal potential (self-actualization). I draw upon evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. 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.
Alexander Walters
My experience includes working with adult addicts for an outpatient treatment center, couples and families through the school-based and special education programs at a family services agency, and one-on-one therapeutic sessions with adults utilizing both in-person and virtual modes of service. My style is client-centered and focused on affirming the client's strengths, reframing negative or challenging thoughts, and guidance of the client towards goal achievement. 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.
Stone & Sapling Psychotherapy
College is supposed to feel like progress. A lot of the time it just feels like pressure: grades, expectations, figuring out who you're becoming, and doing it all while looking like you've got it handled. From the outside, you seem responsible and on track. Inside, your mind doesn't slow down: replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, feeling guilty for resting even when you're exhausted. I work with students and young adults dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, and the kind of self-imposed pressure that doesn't ease up even when things are going okay. A lot of the people I see are worn down by overthinking and frustrated that doing everything "right" hasn't actually made them feel better. Together, we'll figure out what's keeping that cycle going and build tools you can actually use like before an exam, in a hard conversation, or just on a day that feels like too much. My approach is practical, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming. No jargon, no script. Most people start out feeling like they're carrying more than they can hold. Over time, that tends to get lighter through more confidence in your own decisions, less dread before the hard stuff, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside. If you're ready to stop carrying this alone, I'd be glad to connect.
Kelly Medina
From the day to day stressors to the more complex traumas, we can all use a safe space to process our experiences and get a sense of control over our lives. I am so glad you took the time to seek out support, which can be the hardest part of the process. I consider my therapeutic approach to be personable, genuine, and individualized to your needs. I like to support my clients through their own self discoveries and problem solving, which can look different for everyone. Additionally, I believe in a collaborative approach to be able to create a realistic treatment plan. I start by building a relationship with each client since it is proven that a positive therapeutic alliance is vital to progress in treatment. I use a variety of modalities and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. My goal as a therapist is to provide a judgment-free zone to be able to explore, reflect and provide insight on different levels of issues that can lead us to therapy. 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.
Coreen Lucero-Perkins
I believe in clients' self-determination, strengths and innate capacity to work toward and develop coping skills to live a valued life. With over 15 years of extensive experience and training, I consider myself an eclectic, utilizing the modality most appropriate to effect change. 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.
Therapy for healing, llc
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Evan Dunn
Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.
Lauren Miller
We can find balance in creating meaning and honoring the stresses and grief that life has to offer, and decide together how to adaptively, intentionally, and meaningfully move forward in our lives. Help me understand your hurt, and you will no longer be alone in it. I would be honored to join you in your healing journey. Let's be intentional in our daily lives and create meaning in the "good" and "bad" days, as well as the "everything in between" days. I encourage you to consider how the way we think is the way we feel. Let's uncover the kernels of truth in our negative thinking and work to adopt more adaptive perspectives to regain power over our toughest critic: our own self. As we work together, I will balance meeting you where you are at and appropriately apply therapeutic interventions to challenge you. 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.
Travis Buchanan
Therapy is an important investment in you. A foundation to my approach is forming an impactful relationship committed to helping. I offer a safe space to help support you through the challenges you bring to session. My therapeutic style is from a positive place of encouragement and insight while providing support to align your goals. I work to find strength within to help you find happiness. I've worked in private practice as well as in outpatient treatment, community mental health, and partial hospitalization programs. 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.
Monica Cruz
I am a bilingual therapist with over 17 years of experience. I specialize in serving the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, understanding the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity. My practice is open to individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. I use a combination of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing which help to reduce symptoms and help you develop coping strategies. Some of my specialties include trauma, anxiety, and grief counseling. When it comes to trauma, I understand the profound impact that it can have on a client’s life. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore and work through your trauma in a supportive and empowering way. Although anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating, you should know that it’s highly treatable. I know that grief can be complex and make you feel alone, but I am here to help you navigate this difficult journey toward healing and resilience. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier and happier life, I am here. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you in your path to personal growth. 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.