Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

My passion for working in this field stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of mental well-being. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and I am honored to support individuals in achieving this. Witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate mental health challenges is profoundly inspiring. It fuels my commitment to provide compassionate support and evidence-based interventions that empower them to overcome obstacles and thrive. By fostering empathy, awareness, and de-stigmatization, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I do this by practicing active listening, which involves giving my full attention to what the client is saying—both verbally and non-verbally. I reflect back what I hear to ensure I understand their perspective and emotions accurately. I also ask clarifying questions when necessary and validate their experiences, showing that I respect their feelings and struggles. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I help clients feel safe to share more openly. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where they feel accepted and understood, which fosters trust and the ability to make progress in therapy. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This begins with being genuinely present and engaged in our sessions, listening actively, and responding with empathy. I also ensure that I maintain clear communication about the therapy process, respecting the client’s pace and autonomy. By being consistent, reliable, and transparent about goals and boundaries, clients are more likely to feel secure and confident in the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I validate their experiences and emotions, which helps to foster mutual respect and understanding. Over time, this collaborative and supportive dynamic allows us to work together toward meaningful change.

Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy while maintaining a whole system perspective. This approach helps the client better understand their internal experiences both as influenced by their own history and beliefs as well as the environment in which they live. I have found that my approach works best with adults living with the experience of anxiety, stress and depression. We often work to cope with the stress of daily life, relationship difficulties or working toward a goal of creating a better life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. We will work together to explore the direction in which our time together will take. We will take the time to discover what we would like to accomplish and begin to explore the path toward these goals. In our first session together we will take the time to get to know one another. We will work to better understand the needs and goals being brought into our space together. We will also begin to explore some of the options to move forward in our journey toward these goals. I have always aspired to be a calming and helpful presence to those with whom I spend time. I feel nourished by the experience of aiding others on their path toward their goals and am looking forward to working with you in the near future.

Are you and your partner disconnected? Have tons of resentment? Feeling like roommates? Having the same conflict over and over again? Constantly met with defensiveness? Feeling like you are always misunderstood? Scared to bring things up because they'll "get upset" or shut down? Don't know where to start? If you are facing any of these challenges, you are not alone. Some conflicts in relationships never fully go away, but they don't have to keep hurting you. We can unpack whats really happening beneath the surface so the conflict stops feeling destructive and we can get the change you've been hoping for. I provide telehealth therapy for couples who want real and structured change, not just a therapist who is a mediator or referee. I use the Gottman Method, which is a research-based intervention with 50 years of research on how couples communicate and connect. I will bring those tools to every session to help you repair your relationship. Healing and change are possible, even when it feels difficult and uncertain. My approach is warm, structured, direct, and collaborative. I’ll help you understand why patterns keep showing up and give you tools you can actually use outside of session. Therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and start making changes that last.

Have you been feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stressed out lately? Perhaps fears, perfectionism, procrastination or struggles adjusting to changes in your life or relationships are preventing you from achieving your goals? I have a passion for working with young adults thru their college and early career years who are in need of support. Together we will help you create a strong emotional foundation and build tools to manage life's challenges. We’ll explore your patterns, uncover triggers and create personalized tools to help you feel better, more grounded, confident and in control. Seeking support is a sign of strength! Sessions available via telehealth to anyone located in California.

I am motivated by the idea that every human being deserves to be truly heard by someone they believe cares about their wellbeing. I am confident that through mindful and empathetic exploration in a safe and trusting space, many reoccurring and/or cooccurring somatic, emotional, and psychological difficulties may be better understood and processed in a way that can facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the environments in which we exist. I am an existential and humanistic provider who believes that we are driven by our unconscious and because of this, past psychological, emotional, and physical injuries may leave an imprint on our psyche that can continue to interrupt our lives and reinjure us unless we can see ourselves and our part in these injurious events differently. I use an eclectic treatment style that includes many different treatment modalities such as Mindfulness, Bilateral Tapping, CBT, DBT, cognitive reframing, and MI. I have had the opportunity to work with many different socioeconomic populations from the homeless to the very wealthy with conditions ranging from addiction and obsessive disorders to depression and anxiety. They each come with an interesting and unique perspective. I come from a background of childhood trauma, abuse, and addiction. My journey began with a 9th grade education and homelessness as I traveled my road of happy destiny to a Bachelors and Masters degree with two professional licenses (LPCC & LAADC) in the state of California, and continues to unfold today. I have turned my life’s experiences into a place of wisdom and growth and have dedicated my life and career to helping others find the light in whatever darkness they are experiencing.

I became a therapist because I genuinely love seeing people’s lives improve and expand in ways that feel meaningful to them. There is something incredibly powerful about watching someone move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed, to feeling more clear, confident, and hopeful. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, and feel truly safe, heard, and understood – without fear of judgement. I feel therapy should be a collaborative process where we work together to explore what you’re going through, and develop practical tools to help you move toward the life you want. Wherever you’re starting from, I’m here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. I will help you feel heard and understood by creating a safe space where you can show up exactly as you are, and speak openly about whatever you’re going through, without fear of judgment. From the very beginning, my focus is on truly listening, taking time to understand your experiences, your perspective, and what matters to you most. I approach our work together with compassion and curiosity, and I’ll check in with you to make sure you feel supported and understood. As we build that trust we’ll work collaboratively to explore what’s been holding you back, and develop practical tools to help you move forward toward the life you want. My goal is for you to feel not only heard, but genuinely supported, respected, and empowered through our work together. I’m someone who appreciates meaningful conversation, quiet moments, and really getting to know people below the surface. I find this creates a comfortable, grounded environment where you can feel safe and at ease, being yourself, without any pressure to “perform”. I like spending quiet moments in nature. My favorite routine is drinking my morning coffee outside with my dogs, meditation, reflecting on hope and positivity, and listening to music is also inspirational for me.

Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

Feeling weighed down by anxiety and often second-guessing yourself? Do you find yourself overthinking everything that could go wrong, procrastinating, or struggling to make decisions? Maybe anxiety leaves you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, making it hard to get through the day or enjoy the friendships, opportunities, and experiences you really want. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Therapy can help. Taking the step to reach out for support can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the bravest choices you can make. I’m glad you’re here. Together, we can work on tools to quiet the constant overthinking, build confidence, and help you create the life and relationships you want most. In sessions, I offer you evidenced based tools, teach you new skill development and strategies so that you can get relief, gain confidence and manage anxiety more effectively. We'll create a plan that feels practical, empowering and personalized. My treatment approach utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Compassion Mindfulness-based therapy. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is considered one of the most effective, and evidenced based treatments for anxiety. Reach out today for a 15-minute free consultation. I look forward to connecting with you and being a partner on your therapy journey.

I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of school, work, relationships, or major life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy because they're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, burnout, or feeling stuck. Others are adjusting to college, navigating difficult family dynamics, substance and alcohol abuse, processing relationship challenges, or trying to balance everything life is throwing at them. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're looking for support through a difficult season or want to build healthier coping skills and greater confidence, I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

Hello and welcome! I am a licensed marriage & family therapist. I worked with clients in the La Jolla/San Diego area for many years before moving across the country to Florida. I currently serve California, Colorado, and Florida-based clients via secure video counseling. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help each person resolve problems, to create more satisfying relationships, and to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, couples conflict, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic illness, and pre-marital issues, but I also have experience helping people through a wide range of other problems that may be bothering them (please see "Services Provided" for more detailed information). My approach is mostly collaborative - I believe that my clients should have options when choosing what type of therapy treatment they feel is best for them. I also, when appropriate, will work closely with a client's healthcare providers as part of the treatment. This way, my clients have additional support as we work through challenges. I absolutely love working as a therapist! Nothing gives me more satisfaction than saving a marriage, increasing the bonds of love between family members, or helping someone overcome an addictive pattern and find new meaning in their life. Please contact me to set up your first appointment.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada, serving students, young adults, and adults across these states. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, and stress related to school, work, or life transitions. I work best with college students and young adults who want support managing the unique stresses of academic life, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. My ideal students are ready to understand themselves better, develop healthy coping strategies, and create lasting changes, rather than rely on quick fixes. Many students I work with experience: Anxiety, depression, or stress that affects school, work, or social life ADHD, trauma, or mood challenges that make daily routines or academics difficult Feeling overwhelmed by expectations and wanting practical tools to manage responsibilities A desire for collaborative, personalized care that fits their lifestyle and goals I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where students can explore their mental health, learn effective strategies, and work toward long-term well-being. My approach combines therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medications when necessary, always focusing on what works best for each individual.

Prior to being a therapist, I worked in community mental health care in San Diego and San Francisco for nine years. I believe community care and mental wellness are so important for the well-being of individuals and our communities as a whole. I practice therapy from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective. Engaging in therapy can be a big step, and I aim to be a supportive guide on my clients’ therapeutic journeys. I like working collaboratively with clients to identify specific solutions that can help improve overall quality of life. I practice therapy from a solution-focused, strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. I utilize elements of CBT, DBT, Person Centered, Narrative and Mindfulness-Based Therapy in sessions to support my clients toward well-being and growth.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker with experience helping adults who feel stressed, overloaded or unsure of their next step. My background includes years of clinical work in medical and behavioral-health settings, where I’ve supported people navigating work pressures, relationship challenges and major life changes. I bring a calm, organized style with a focus on helping you feel respected, understood and grounded. I work especially well with adults looking for clarity, LGBTQ+ clients seeking an affirming space and anyone who wants steady support while making meaningful changes in their day-to-day life.

I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in LGBTQ+ care. In my private practice, I offer individual and couples therapy sessions as a sexual, gender, and relational diverse provider with expert training and over ten years of service to the community. I sought additional training in couples therapy, sex therapy, and diverse relationship structures. My practice is also geared towards supporting alternative sexuality communities, including kink, BDSM, non-monogamy, and polyamory. My mission has always been to be a knowledgeable therapist so that my clients don't feel like they are educating me about their lives and can feel safe knowing they will not be judged for who they are.

I am a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC) with a strong academic foundation and over 13 years of professional experience. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, I bring a deep understanding of human behaviors and emotions to my practice. My therapeutic approach is characterized by my commitment to working from a relational lens, fostering genuine connections to facilitate healing and growth. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I have honed my expertise in helping individuals such as yourself, navigate life's challenges and complexities. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational therapy, which focuses on the therapeutic relationship itself as a catalyst for change. By creating a safe and empathetic environment, I enable my clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within the context of their relationships, both past and present. With a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and unique stories of my clients, I tailor therapeutic interventions to address each individual's specific needs and goals. My warm and collaborative demeanor cultivates a therapeutic partnership that promotes self-discovery and personal transformation.

We help young adults find clarity, confidence, and lasting relief as they navigate trauma, grief, and the big life changes to build a grounded, fulfilling life.

I believe in our ability and power to transform, heal, and thrive. I discovered this through my own lifelong personal journey as well as my genuine interest and care for the stories and life experiences of others. I pursued education and now two decades of mental health work experience to work alongside you. You are not alone in this process. I will meet you where you are at and we will make goals and set a vision of where you want to be, who you want to become, and/or how you want to change. My priority is that you feel safe, respected, and seen throughout our work together. You have made it this far to even browse our profiles and look for the right fit for you. I already see your strength in making it to this step. Our working relationship is essential to your success in therapy. We carry HEAVY things within us and I’m capable of holding these heavy things with you. With this in mind, I take care and attention to what helps you feel supported. It’s time to make the changes you want and I’m here to help get you there!

I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to increase their confidence in their ability to cope with challenges and build fulfillment in their lives. It has been an honor to witness this in others during the past 15+ years of being a therapist. When it comes to working with clients, I take a biopsychosocial, collaborative approach, believing we are all physical, mental, emotional, and social beings with unique goals, challenges and viewpoints. My counseling approach is gentle, compassionate, person-centered, solution-focused and strength-based. I incorporate evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), using the spirit of motivational interviewing to support clients to meet their goals and increase their coping.

I honor and respect the opportunity I have to help my clients recognize their worth, build trust in themselves and others, and empower them to be their authentic selves. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, seen and truly understood. I use a client centered approach while working to build rapport with clients. I use a mix of ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution focused and MI to assist clients in identifying their values, exploring how their thought and behavioral patterns are serving them, increase their distress tolerance, build mindfulness and relaxation skills to help them meet their goals.