Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

Making change and discovering new understandings can work together to fulfill purpose and find meaning in life. Whether it is emotional relief or emotional depth, it is figuring out what one needs to feel whole. With over 10 years of experience in crisis settings, including emergency mental health and trauma care, I use an eclectic approach to guide you through creative adjustments that foster personal growth and problem-solving. Let’s embark on this journey together! I prioritize empathic attunement to achieve detailed understanding of the person, the relationships, and the environment. By contextualizing one’s experiences we can shift our perspective around thoughts, actions, behaviors, and relationships. Prepare to share! By utilizing the tenets of Gestalt therapy, I revere the person for who they are and aim to create a collaborative process of exploration and insight. I honor the therapeutic space, holding a safe outlet for your innermost thoughts and feelings. Only through a shared space of deep understanding and acceptance can therapy truly be a mechanism of success. Unlock Your Potential with Personalized Therapy!

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.

Whether borderline, narcissistic or simply toxic, wounded and self-centered parents create wounded children. And these children grow up without the basics of warmth and kindness, acceptance and encouragement. In order to survive, we adapt to the needs of our demanding parents. That might mean we learn to parent our parent. Or we develop antennae and quickly respond to their changing moods and needs, simultaneously ignoring our own. We hope if we do and say the right thing long enough, then one day they will be strong enough to finally take care of us. But that day may never come. We can spend our whole life looking for what we didn't get in our childhood. Attract partners who are carbon copies. Perceive other people's innocent remarks as attacking or critical. Maybe we're never quite satisfied with the attention we receive. Or no amount of success is enough. Therapy is a way to find answers and chart a new course; transcend the past and move forward. My approach is pragmatic and straightforward. I do more than just say, "Um huh," or "How does that make you feel?" I offer acceptance and encouragement, as well as feedback and suggestions.

Hi, I’m Candice Beaton, LCSW — founder of Modern Therapy CB and your online therapist here for California folks who want therapy that actually feels human. I started this practice because I believe therapy should be relatable, approachable, and genuinely helpful — never cold, clinical, or overwhelming. With over 18 years in mental health (including deep work with veterans and PTSD), I specialize in helping high-functioning people who look like they’ve got it together… but inside feel fried, anxious, or one step away from burnout. Whether you’re navigating school stress, relationships, identity shifts, family dynamics, or just the constant “what if” loop in your head, I’m here to walk alongside you. We focus on your strengths (you already have more than you realize), practical tools that fit your real life, and building a calmer, clearer version of yourself — one honest conversation at a time. No masks, no pressure to be “fixed” overnight. Just a safe space to pause, breathe, and figure out what actually works for you. If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again — without having to hold it all together alone — I’d love to connect. Book a free 10-minute intro call through Thriving Campus and let’s talk. You’ve got this — and I’m right here with you.

We work with adults throughout California via telehealth. If you’re experiencing things like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions, or chronic stress, we may be a good fit. If you’re not sure, reach out anyway — we can talk through it during the intake call.

Have you ever found yourself juggling a million tasks while speeding through life, or that happiness is just a fleeting emotion? Maybe you've developed some bad habits like drinking too much, and it's impacting your fullest potential. I’ve been there before, and that’s what drives me to help people find peace of mind and improve their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I encourage honest reflection, application of change and skills, and fostering new understanding. My specialties include, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy. The goal is to help people figure out why they do what they do, what they need to fix it, and how to live a happier and healthier life through a change in perspective and application. Together, we can explore what hurts the most and find resolution around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be. Times might be difficult and situations may be trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live a happy life. Together we can find new ways of navigating the world that work best for you! Let's journey together, one step at a time.

You may be feeling pressure with the challenges of college and what the future holds, difficulty adjusting to new adult roles, and responsibilities. You might feel frustrated with the social norms of dating, friends, and family. I help young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood by gaining self-awareness and figuring out their calling and purpose in life. I specialize in working with young adults who struggle with anxiety, grief, sport performance anxiety, healthy relationships, dating issues, and self esteem. My approach to therapy is to create a space where young adults can be open to discuss and identify new values and beliefs and be confident going into adulthood. Through young adult therapy, I help emerging adults have self-compassion to go through those trial and errors with acceptance and forgiveness. Therapy is a good opportunity to explore who you want to be, set goals for the future, and create strong meaningful relationships. If you want to be more confident with living on your own and creating your new future, contact me today to schedule your first appointment.

In these challenging times, I am inspired by helping clients find their strengths and provide a safe space for healing to achieve their mental health goals. I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being, personal growth, and life balance. As a Filipino American Therapist, I aim to understand unique challenges and different cultural perspectives, providing compassion and culturally affirming space for clients of all backgrounds. I approach each session with warmth, understanding, and respect to all clients, while establishing clear boundaries and allowing clients to open up at their own pace.

Welcome! We are a telehealth group private practice based out of the Central Coast serving clients throughout California. We consist of myself as the founder and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and 4 Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT) excited to offer you supportive and compassionate therapy! We are accepting new clients to include teens, adults and couples challenged in the areas of interpersonal relationships, substance abuse/misuse, identity shifts, life transitions, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and grief & loss. Our therapeutic approach integrates person-centered, depth, psychodynamic, relational, attachment and trauma-attuned modalities, among others. Our website is under construction at the moment and will be launched in early September, but we invite you to reach out to us with any questions about our offerings! Warmly, Shana Burns, LMFT (415) 635-0415 Founded Ojai Marriage and Family Therapy Inc.

From the very first meeting, I approach each client with a deep respect for their lived experience and an understanding that beginning therapy can feel both vulnerable and courageous. My intention in that initial session is to create a space that feels grounded, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, where clients can begin to share at their own pace. I focus on listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and gaining a holistic understanding of what brings them in, while also attending to their strengths, values, and hopes for change. Establishing a sense of safety and trust is central, as I view the therapeutic relationship itself as a meaningful foundation for growth. My path toward becoming a therapist was shaped by a longstanding curiosity about human behavior, emotional resilience, and the ways people make meaning of their experiences. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges in a purposeful and compassionate way. I have been particularly inspired by witnessing how individuals can develop insight, shift patterns, and reconnect with their sense of agency when provided with the right support. This work continues to be deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to walk alongside clients as they navigate change, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater well-being. I approach the development of trust and a strong therapeutic alliance as an intentional, ongoing process grounded in consistency, transparency, and genuine attunement. I prioritize active listening and strive to understand the client’s experience from their perspective, reflecting both content and emotion to communicate empathy and validation. I am mindful to move at a pace that feels comfortable for the client, recognizing that trust develops over time and cannot be rushed. Ultimately, I view the therapeutic alliance as the foundation of effective therapy, and I remain committed to fostering a relationship in which clients feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their process. One personal detail I sometimes share is my appreciation for incorporating music into my daily routine as a way to feel grounded and centered. I find that music can be a simple yet meaningful way to regulate mood, create a sense of calm, and reconnect with the present moment.

Do you feel like life's obstacles have become too overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. I can help you overcome such obstacles. Through psychotherapy, I help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Breaking through your obstacles begins with you. Contact me and we start your journey toward wellness. I see individuals dealing with a wide variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety and trauma to trouble with relationships, multicultural issues and difficult life transitions. Even if don't see your particular issue listed, let's discuss your needs and goals for therapy, and I can refer if necessary.

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

At Mind Body Soul Mental Health we strive to support clients in learning from past and current experiences that are contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma. We look at therapy from a holistic lens which includes: mind, body, soul and how they all contribute to the whole person. I specialize in working with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD and embracing their neurodiversity. I also have extensive experience in helping adults comprehend boundaries, reasons for codependency and issues with self esteem. I help students navigate stress due to college pressures and social adjustments. I am trained in EMDR for clients that want relief from trauma and anxiety. Mind Body Soul Mental Health is a space that supports diversity, inclusion and welcomes everyone.

I became a clinical counselor because I believe healing begins when someone feels authentically heard. Life can be incredibly loud, leaving us feeling disconnected from what matters the most. I provide a quiet, attentive space dedicated to your voice and your experiences. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or deep challenges, my goal is to ensure you feel fully understood and supported during life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important and I foster transparency in my work. I seek to have genuine curiosity to collaborate in having clients identify connections in thought process, emotions, and behaviors. This process is your journey, and you are the expert on your own life. I follow your lead, respecting the pace that feels right for you. This collaborative approach ensures that our work together is grounded in safety, dignity, and a shared sense of purpose. If it rains during our session, I might look out a window for a second because that ‘rain smell’ is my favorite.

At One Heart Behavioral Health, we know life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting challenges, depression, grief, trauma, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you do not have to go through it alone. Our goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families from all walks of life, and we understand that every person’s story and needs are different. Therapy should never feel cold or intimidating — it should feel like a safe place to breathe, heal, grow, and be heard without judgment. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions with flexible scheduling and same-week appointments whenever possible. Our team is committed to making mental health care feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for the community we serve. Whether this is your first time reaching out for support or you’re returning to therapy after time away, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

Dr. Yip is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and specializes in Forensic and Neuropsychology. Dr. Yip takes a collaborative approach to therapy. This approach starts at identifying the roots of the problem by understanding the individual’s social environment, daily needs, obstacles, and daily life. Dr. Yip draws from a variety of treatment modalities to facilitate change through a collaborative process of insight building, goal setting, and reflection.

I’ve always had a deep interest in understanding people and their experiences. I was often the friend or family member that people would turn to for support, over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than just offer advice—I wanted to truly guide people on their personal journeys toward healing and growth. I was inspired by the idea of providing a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and the idea that through therapy, people can find clarity, strength, and lasting change. I believe the most important thing is creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly. I listen closely to your words, but also pay attention to the emotions and body language that might not be as obvious. I want to really understand your perspective—what you’re going through, how you’re feeling, and what you need. My goal is for you to feel that you’re not just being listened to, but truly understood in a way that’s supportive and non-judgmental. Everyone’s experience is unique, so I try to adapt my approach to what works best for you, ensuring that you always feel seen and valued throughout our work together. Working together is a process, and it’s built on open communication, respect, and collaboration. I believe trust is something that grows over time, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Trust is something I prioritize, and that comes from being consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I’ll always meet you where you’re at, and we’ll work together to set a pace and approach that feels right for you.