Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Stanly Tran
My aim is to help clients understand how their history and programming influences patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior. When insight and self-awareness of these patterns is established, we will develop ways to shift the combination of these things in a direction that is consistent with what is important or helpful. My experience has primarily been in a variety of outpatient mental health settings, including community mental health, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program, primary care integration, and private practice. 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.
Taylor Keller
My style is an honest approach to a client-centered model that allows for the client to guide the direction with my support. Together we can navigate through some of today’s hurdles and stress such as depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication issues, loss/grief/bereavement, and family conflict. With the mutual understanding that we may not be able to change certain aspects of our life, I am here to help you process, adjust expectations, cope, improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen your resilience. My skillset utilizes Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and a Strength-Based approach. My goal is to help clients identify and remove barriers that may be hindering a healthier and improved life by working to increase optimism, self-awareness, and maintenance for a strong sense of self. 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.
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.
Peter Chechele
As a very engaged and empathic therapist, I work with my clients to discover what they are wanting to achieve in therapy and what they've already tried that hasn't worked. Then together we come up with a strategy to work through where they might be stuck and construct a path forward. A combination of insight and values driven action typically leads to improvement for the conditions they present with. 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.
Aisha Ishtiaq
Do you feel as if every effort you make is never enough, that you are always striving for something bigger and better? As your therapist, I support individuals to begin to heal from past traumas and learn to accept and love themselves. I help couples to break free from unhealthy patterns to truly enjoy each other's company and love. I work from the lens of Trauma-Informed Care and Childhood Attachment. There are significant moments in our lives that change how we relate with ourselves and the world around us. Past traumas can continue to impact our daily life, making it hard at times for us to see our own value. I work with my clients to provide a space to allow for the exploration of the trauma as well as learning how to heal oneself to live a more fulfilled life. I believe every person is in charge of their own healing and therapy provides a space where they are allowed to explore what process of healing is best. I assist my clients in incorporating healthy skills to reduce their negative thoughts and emotions. You are not alone, there is support here for you. You deserve to create the life you have always dreamed of. As Rumi said, ""The wound is the place where the Light enters 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.
Carissa Delgado
I am person centered. I like to get to know the person, their environment and I like for therapy to feel like a conversation. I tend to be myself in sessions and help clients feel comfortable while also holding accountability for change through unconditional positive regard. I believe therapy should be enjoyable and not pressured; I think so much can be gained just by building a strong therapeutic alliance. 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.
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.
Amanda Rebel
College should be about growth, not just survival. If you're struggling with unpredictable mood swings, overwhelming worry, lots of sadness, or using substances to cope, or climate anxiety, I'm here for you. I work best with students who experience intense emotional ups and downs, find themselves caught in cycles of productivity followed by inability to function, or use alcohol or other substances to manage difficult feelings and thoughts, or those who are preoccupied with climate-related grief or anxiety. I offer a space where you don't need to hide your challenges or pretend to have it all together. We'll focus on getting to know each other, creating a safe space to open up, and increasing coping strategies, such as recognizing early warning signs, building supportive routines, navigating academic pressures, developing genuine connections without relying on substances, and handling the climate crisis with more ease. Whether you're facing mood swings, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, climate distress, or all of these, there's a path forward. Reach out today to take the first step towards change, growth and stability.
Elsa Pearce
My goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to promote personal growth, uncover your strengths, and make the behavioral changes you're looking for. I have a passion for listening to people, helping them recognize their strengths, and teaching skills. Whether it's addressing behavioral concerns, life transitions, navigating relationship conflicts, or improving communication, I'm here to help. I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and grief and loss.
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.
Cristobal Lopez
I see therapy as a collaborative process where I bring my training and experience into the therapy room and you bring your life experience in order to work towards making life better. The collaborative process is important in all aspects of the therapy process, creating a safe environment, setting goals, doing the work between sessions, checking on progress, and checking on the overall process. My hope is that we are moving towards creating a rich and meaningful life and we move towards that together. The way I work is by being curious about who you are, and I always find it a great honor and privilege when someone shares their story, their pain, and joys in life. Opening up about struggles can be very scary and it is my hope to attune to what you need in this therapeutic relationship by listening, watching, asking questions, and sharing my own experience in the therapy room. This therapeutic relationship is so important in this process that I often find myself checking in about how that is going. I recently finished my training in Brainspotting as well. 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.
Lawrence Leung
I am a CA-based therapist providing virtual therapy for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults with depression. I take an individualized and depth-based approach, following each client's lead and exploring how past relationships and experiences impact the present and future. I excel with first-timers to therapy, as well as folks who have been in therapy before and found the worksheet- and skills-based approaches unhelpful.
Patricia Bevan
Hello, my name is Patricia Bevan. I have always found human behavior interesting. I love getting to know people and listening to their life stories. I find it very rewarding to empower people to achieve their best, support them through their challenges in life, as well as help ease their emotional burdens. My focus is all about "connection." My work is about connecting with clients on a genuine, compassionate and human level.
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.
Ijeoma Mbadugha, NP
Have you been feeling sad, tearful, empty, hopeless, or worthless? Fixation on past failures or self-blame? Having a loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities? Lack of energy and lack of sleep? A feeling of churning in your stomach, light-headed or dizzy, pins and needles, restless or unable? Having trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things? Having anxiety, agitation, and restlessness? Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain? Do you feel the whole world is against you? Unloved, alone, traumatized, and thoughts of hurting yourself or others? We offer effective psychotherapy where patients will learn to identify and challenge harmful thoughts, replacing them with more realistic, healthy perspectives. My job as a practitioner is to be the calming center during therapy, incorporating medication management when necessary. Monitoring the patient's progress and celebrating success and full recovery. We believe that our patients and families deserve the best in mental healthcare delivery. Our purpose is to help eliminate the stigma and barriers to mental healthcare and to support patients at all stages of their recovery, allowing them to live their best lives. You can do this! We got you! Call us today to help you get your life back.
Helia Ziaee
I have worked with individuals struggling with substance abuse, victims of domestic violence, veterans, teens, adults, couples, and families. I believe in providing my clients with a safe and nurturing environment, in a space where being your authentic self can be a guide towards healing and personal growth. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds. The therapeutic alliance is the pillar of the therapeutic process and growth. Having worked in this field for almost a decade, I believe my greatest strength is the ability to connect and empathize with my clients while building on their life skills. I look forward to our journey working together. 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.
Laura Wilhoit
I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including a Perinatal Mental Health-Certificate. That means I can treat people who are pregnant and experiencing mental health changes as well as those who have anxiety, depression, or bipolar episodes after giving birth. I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. I like to co-create an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Typically, I draw from a variety of approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe each person has their own unique strengths and I like to use those as a cornerstone for helping them to improve their life. In addition, we can explore new skills and how those might help. My goal is to be flexible in my style and help meet you where you are at by tailoring my approach. 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.
Jessica Ojeda
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has provided psychotherapy, family therapy, and group services in English and Spanish for over nine years. I work with adults and families specializing in mental health and/or co-occurring disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma, and chemical dependency. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and brief therapy to help you decrease symptoms while developing more meaningful life experiences. My goal is to work with you in a collaborative manner to increase your self-awareness and develop healthy coping skills and problem-solving capabilities while using and developing your personal strengths. 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.
Kayla Rodriguez
Hey, I’m Kayla If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or like your brain just won't turn off — you're not alone. Whether you're navigating adulting, college pressure, trauma, identity stuff, or mental health struggles that won’t go away, I’m here to help you figure it out — step by step. I work with young adults (18–24) who are dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, or just a general feeling of “what now?” Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you can explore your story, build practical tools, and feel more in control of your life — without judgment. My Therapy Style My approach is real, supportive, and skills-based. I’ll meet you where you are — no pressure to “fix” anything overnight. You’ll find that I’m curious, empathetic, and genuine — I believe in showing up as a human, not a cold clinical voice. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42376"></script>
PRANA SETH
A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.