Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

We support college and graduate students navigating stress, anxiety, mood concerns, burnout, and major life transitions. Our clinician-led team offers compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a collaborative and nonjudgmental space, helping students build coping skills, resilience, and confidence as they balance academics, relationships, and personal growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When people are challenged with changes that affect the ability to manage stressors, there comes a time for positive change and support. I am passionate about focusing on the healing process, whether it involves the challenges of exploring maladaptive behaviors or the triggers of trauma. I help my clients, who include children, adults, and families to find healthy coping mechanisms and self-autonomy which will lead to positive perceptions. This, in turn, creates personal identification and self-worth, thus creating healthy relationships. I have been in the field of social services for the past 26 years and practicing therapy for the past 10 years with extensive and diverse work with children and adults. There is not one single approach for each individual, so I have trained in different modalities to tailor to the needs of those seeking help. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, background with trauma focused approach, Seeking Safety (modality for trauma and substance abuse) training, anger management, and play therapy for children. The therapeutic relationship is essential in the beginning stages of sessions because my purpose is to assist the individual in therapy to change his or her life for the better. This involves developing trust, respect, and congruence with empathy and genuineness. 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.

I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

You may be feeling tired of the world as it is—overstimulated, uncertain, and emotionally demanding. Whether you appear strong and capable or feel overwhelmed, many people are carrying fear, exhaustion, and a longing for something steady to hold onto. The people I work with often feel worn down by repeating patterns like people-pleasing or overextending, or feel stuck and disconnected when life feels unstable. I provide a grounded, safe environment where you can truly slow down and breathe. My approach bridges the gap between traditional clinical expertise and alternative ways of healing. I offer evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, MBCT and Narrative Therapy. In addition to this, I also integrate somatic-based practices, Buddhism psychology, Akashic Record reading, and other spiritual healing practices into our work together. I work with self-identity, relationships, burnout, boundaries, and life transitions—especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to help you develop an inner anchor you can return to when life feels chaotic, and to support you in moving toward a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

Thanks for stopping by! I specialize in working with the following: Teen/Young Adult Issues- I help teens/young adults learn valuable skills that help them make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and values; this helps them be better equipped and empowered to make better decisions in their relationships, school, and work. Counseling with me can help teens and young adults build their confidence, bounce back from setbacks, focus on their goals, manage stress, and have healthy relationships. Men's Issues- Often, men appreciate practical tools that they can utilize to improve their lives right away. I like men to think of me as a mental personal trainer, rather than a traditional therapist. I support men with the following: anxiety, self-esteem, work performance, stress management, trauma/ptsd, and relationship issues. Athletes- As an avid athlete myself, I understand the importance of having a strong and healthy mental health when it comes to sport performance. I work with athletes who struggle with the following: measuring up with team mates, pre-game anxiety, substance use and coping, handling setbacks, injuries, balancing sports and life (ie. school, relationships).

I became a mental health provider because everyone’s gone through something in their life that made them the person they are today. Good or bad, I truly feel passionate about using my experiences to help others achieve their goals and feel supported. I have been providing counseling services for over 12 years and have extensive experience working with the student population. I am a proud Alumni of CSU Channel Islands and Azusa Pacific University! Cannot wait to start working with you!

Life brings challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and maybe even a little stressed. We all can use some support and guidance during these rough patches in our life. I get that. In my practice I offer another way of looking at these obstacles, while rediscover your strengths and welcome your vulnerabilities. My approach to healing is warm, and compassionate. I utilize holistic, humanistic and mindfulness approaches. Using modalities like EMDR, I can help clients heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and navigate life’s transitions. As a therapist I offer practical tools to reduce stress and build positive coping skills while building self-esteem, so you can face life challenges. You can learn more about me at https://womanhoodcounseling.com

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

Hi, I'm Pak P., LMFT. In my practice, I provide therapy for individuals and couples navigating stress, relationships, and emotional challenges, with a specialized focus on men’s mental health, high-performing professionals, and culturally informed care. For couples, whether you're dating, engaged, or already married, I focus on building support and improving communication. My goal is to identify areas of growth for you as a couple working collaboratively toward positive change. The therapy journey is about connecting with yourself, gaining the confidence to navigate life's changes, and making positive steps toward the life you desire. In my therapeutic approach, I create a unique treatment plan just for you based on the foundations of psychodynamic theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This creates a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience designed for you. Psychodynamic theory helps us to explore your unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the impact they have on your present behaviors and emotions. It provides a rich understanding of the underlying dynamics that influence your thoughts and actions. EFT focuses on the emotional bonds within relationships, emphasizing the importance of creating secure connections and emotional responsiveness. In both individual and couples therapy, psychodynamic theory allows you to better understand the roots of deep-seated patterns. This can help you recognize and address unresolved issues that may be influencing your current struggles. For example, if you are grappling with recurrent relationship difficulties, psychodynamic exploration can help you uncover patterns established in childhood that affect your perception of intimacy and closeness. It’s pretty powerful! For couples counseling, EFT focuses on the emotional dynamics between you and your partner. It helps you identify and reshape negative patterns of interaction. For instance, if you are stuck in a cycle of blame and withdrawal you might learn to express vulnerable emotions and needs breaking the continuous cycle. By integrating psychodynamic theory and EFT, therapy becomes a dynamic and holistic journey. This can help you break free from unhealthy patterns and enter into a new stage of life. Seeking assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes. I look forward to providing you with the support you need in this journey

* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!

Hello, Taking the step towards therapy can be a big one, sometimes filled with anxiety or fear. I try to alleviate any concerns and provide a safe place for you to work toward your goals. I specialize in mood issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, and I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. I utilize a blend of therapy models including CBT, DBT and EMDR. Reach out today to set up a free consultation. I look forward to working with you.

My therapeutic approach stems from a person centered lens that views all with a fundamental respect and a belief that we carry strengths from our unique histories. I've worked with individuals from Latinx, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse communities to manage stressors utilizing CBT, trauma informed care, and a strengths based approach. My past experience includes community and private mental health settings working with individuals experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, and stressful life circumstances. I welcome all individuals to learn how to cope with the curve balls that life throws at us. My hope is that through collaboration, commitment, and connection in therapy, we will develop a safe path for clarity. 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.

Greetings from Frank Smith, LMFT. Let me offer a truism: whether positive or negative, most behavior is learned. Behavior often results in patterns. Those patterns can be positive and life affirming. But they can also be maladaptive and impact our happiness and relationships. Do you wonder why can't you break these destructive patterns? I can help you unravel where they came from. Let me be your psychological navigator to help you let go of the past and have a better and more fullling life.

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.

I work best with college and graduate students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally stuck, or disconnected from themselves. Many of the students I support are navigating academic pressure, relationship stress, family dynamics, identity questions, or major life transitions. Some feel like they’re constantly “pushing through,” even when they’re exhausted or unsure of what they want. In therapy, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can slow down, understand what’s coming up for you, and learn practical ways to cope, set boundaries, and feel more grounded. My approach is collaborative, honest, and focused on helping you feel more confident and emotionally steady in your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and supportive while also offering real tools you can use outside of sessions, we may be a good fit.

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.

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.

In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy with a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens. I have been a resident of Los Angeles for five years, and in 2018 I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect, and I maintain a non-judgmental attitude in my work with my clients. 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.

I believe change, growth, and healing are possible when we better understand ourselves and the patterns in our lives. Especially with the state of the world right now, it would make sense if your goals were to feel less anxious, less stressed, more secure, more connected, and/or safer. Through our collaborative exploration, curiosity, and empathy, I believe we can find opportunities for healing, challenge old patterns that no longer serve you, and develop a greater sense of control over your life.