Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Yanyan Hollingsworth
Hi, I’m YanYan. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner certified by both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as well as a physician assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). I completed my education at the University of California-Davis and the University of Texas, and I’ve found my true passion in mental health care. I have been with Advanced Psychiatry Associates for seven years. As a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to guide you through your mental health journey and help you discover effective coping skills to manage life’s challenges. I’m here to support you every step of the way. I ensure each patient has a tailored treatment plan to meet their needs. I specialize in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I approach each of my patients with compassion and make it a priority to really listen and understand their needs. I grew up in Shanghai, China and also has bachelor’s degrees in English literature and Chinese literature. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hiking. I hope I can use my skills to help you through the life journey.
Patty Munoz Counseling & Therapy
You have taken a big step today by considering therapy. This tells me you are ready for change. I applaud you for that! I am proud of you. You have tried ignoring it and hoping that Anxiety or Depression will go away on it’s own. Maybe you have been over-working to distract yourself . It's possible you have tried therapy before without any success. You may notice that your sleep or eating habits are worsening. You could also be experiencing physical symptoms or panic attacks due to Anxiety or Depression worsening. You have tried talking to friends or family but this is not helping. You could be too embarrassed to talk to anyone about. You are worried that no one will understand. You want to feel better and move beyond anxiety and depression. Therapy can help you by teaching tools to manage anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms. I'm Patty Munoz, I help adults overcome Anxiety, Depression and heal from Trauma. I have 16 years of experience working in mental health. I am also EMDR trained. EMDR is a therapy modality that has been proved effective to treat trauma, depression and anxiety. In Therapy, I will teach you better ways to manage your anxiety,depression and empower you to use your voice to make the changes in your life. We may also need to process past trauma if it's currently affecting you. My hope is that you can move from Panic Survival Mode or depressed state to living the Life You Deserve. Please Contact me for your free 15 minute consultation or with any questions.
Talitha Frankenberger
Are you feeling stuck in recurring, painful patterns? Do you find yourself navigating challenges such as anxiety, loss, loneliness, irritation, or spiritual distress? In our personal journeys and closest relationships, we often struggle to lead the lives we truly desire. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help you move from internal conflict to a more satisfying, connected way of living.
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.
Justin Leazenby
My approach to therapy involves moving towards collaborative change and using scientifically supported treatments to help clients achieve the change they want to see in their lives, whether it be emotional, behavioral, in their thinking, or in their relationships. Because our past informs our present, treatment may involve clients both exploring past experiences along with working towards in-the-moment changes to help accomplish their desired goals. 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.
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.
Emadia Smith
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Sabrina Stutz
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Samantha Kelly-Latzer
I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves while navigating school, relationships, work, or major life changes. You might be holding a lot together on the outside while feeling emotionally drained or stuck on the inside. If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, supportive, and collaborative—where you can go at your own pace—we may be a good fit.
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.
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.
Nancy Gallegos
I believe that people's emotions and behaviors are influenced by their perceptions and interpretation of events. I utilize a strengths-based approach that primarily incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a combination of Mindfulness and Solution Focused. We will work collaboratively in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment in order for you to explore and learn effective strategies you can use now and for the rest of your life. 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.
Maria Solis-Espinoza
I am a bilingual licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges and build stronger, more resilient relationships. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, I create a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in empowering individuals to achieve independence, confidence, and success in their daily lives. Through my education and work experience, I personalize and create interventions with the collaboration of the client. 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.
Sheyvon Turner
I was born a helper and my experience in the navy enhanced my desire to help others who are struggling with mental health issues regardless of how small or how big. As a therapist I want to be able to help those who are courageous enough to seek help to improve their mental health. Being heard and understood in each session is important for every client and encourages vulnerability and completion of recommended treatment. I support this by actively listening to them, validate their emotions, ask clarifying questions, paraphrase what they say to confirm understanding, and maintain eye contact. As a therapist I know how important it is to have a healthy and therapeutic relationship with each client because no two clients are alike. I utilize active listening skills, demonstrate genuine empathy, maintain an open line of communication, and create a safe space for vulnerability to support the development of a trusting and strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients. A key element in me building a therapeutic alliance with each client is being transparent about the therapeutic process and assisting each client with setting individualized realistic treatment goals.
Ileana Gallegos
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.
Path to Growth Marriage & Family Counseling
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
Carmen Croucher LPCC
If you are struggling to manage on a day to day basis or to take care of yourself and your daily tasks, I can help by creating a deeper understanding of your troubles and teaching skills to improve your quality of life. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I provide telehealth services for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, life stressors, difficulty with life transitions and assisting in healing from traumatic experiences.
Alissa Young, LCSW
About Me. Hi, My name is Alissa Young and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy services to College Students and Young Adults within the State of California. A little bit about me, I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Clients would describe me as a ‘safe space’, where clients can feel validated and supported when sharing their challenges and seeking mental health support. Clients also describe me as motivating, comfortable, and strengths-based focused. I truly value hosting a therapeutic space where both parties are engaging in a confidential safe space, as their authentic selves - judgment free zone. My Ideal Client. If you searched terms such as “Therapist for College Students”, “Black Female Therapists”, “BIPOC Therapist”, and “EMDR Therapist in California”, you’re probably in the right place! My ideal clients are the students, parents, and professionals that feel a sense of connectedness when they read more about me. My ideal client is the person I see in the mirror - which is pretty amazing and full of resiliency and strength, ready for open and honest conversations - ready for CHANGE!
Tayler Henderson
As an EMDR and DBT therapist, I help adults who experience anxiety, depression and/or a trauma. Perhaps you are dealing with adjusting to a stressor, life transition or just life in general. I strive to create a safe place for you to express your concerns, to feel heard and understood. My approach is very individualized based on your current needs. I am interested in the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) and help facilitate an environment conducive to collaboration and understanding. I strive to provide you with the tools and strategies you need in order to help you achieve your goals. I believe therapy can be the most important form of self-care. I will work as a team with you to develop a treatment plan with goals to address your unique situation. As the famous BF Skinner stated, “A failure is not a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” I hope together we can work together to develop the tools to live a resilient, fulfilling life. 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.