Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Do you notice that you feel anxious or stressed and it is affecting you in your life? Are you looking for ways to feel more grounded, resourced and calm? As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I work with the mind-body connection to help clients feel more regulated. I can help you notice how patterns and experiences from your past show up today, and can help you to sort through what you would like moving forward. Using simple mindfulness practices to calm the nervous system and IFS techniques to understand and heal parts of yourself that feel stuck or protective. You’ll find sessions to be down-to-earth and practical. We can pay attention to your process, explore what comes up, and support you to build internal resources to help you feel more regulated and grounded. If you’re juggling school, relationships, or life stressors, therapy can be very helpful. I invite you to reach out to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if I am a good fit for you at https://therapywithshohreh.clientsecure.me

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgement. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. With over 15 years of experience in health care settings, I work best with individuals who are motivated and ready to engage actively in their therapeutic journey. My ideal clients are open to partnering in therapy to learn practical skills for managing distress, improving emotional well-being, and enhancing daily functioning. They are eager to explore new strategies, reflect on their experiences, and take actionable steps towards personal growth. My approach integrates mindfulness practices, supportive therapy, somatic techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies. Whether you’re navigating burnout, grief, life transitions, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I provide a compassionate, structured space, where meaningful change can happen. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or deepening your self-exploration, I look forward to offering you supportive space to help you navigate the path ahead. Let’s connect and see if we’re a good fit!

The Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program is for individuals with moderate to severe levels of anxiety whose needs have not been effectively met through weekly individual or group therapy sessions. It is also for individuals whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities such as work, school and relationships, which can result in isolation and depression. Clients work individually with a behavioral specialist so that each person’s unique needs are addressed. This level of service we offer is highly rare and unique as you will find that most facilities offer limited one-on-one treatment and focus more on a group based approach.

I am a a licensed clinical therapist in California. I became an LCSW because, quite simply, I love people and have the deepest respect for all living things. I have a masters in Social work and background in Psychology, Sociology and Education. I believe that every individual has innate strengths and my goal is to help you tap into yours. Whether you are in a difficult life transition, navigating healthy relationships, or looking to understand yourself more deeply, I am here to empower you so that you can move from feeling "stuck" to feeling capable.

I have been working with students and professionals for 8 years, supporting them in engaging in community, guiding them towards more confidence, contentment, and joy in their lives. I have worked with students holding diverse identities, exploring their sexuality, queerness, and gender. I understand the challenges you face from being a high achieving, high functioning, self-aware, and motivated person while finding yourself in an environment that is pushing you to your limits. It is within you to still feel joy, balance, and energy within these walls, and in your body.

My academic study of transpersonal psychology and my own personal healing journey introduced me to therapists who inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Our partnership thrives on clear communication. I prioritize active listening and regular check-ins to ensure you feel understood and satisfied at every stage of our work. I work with clients to build trust and therapeutic alliance through supportive non-judgment, genuineness, and teamwork.

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of PTSD, complex trauma, and traumatic invalidation. I provide evidence based treatment approaches that have been supported by research, while tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each client. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and I work with each client to clarify their goals to develop an individualized treatment plan. My approach to therapy is open, flexible and empathic. I offer Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am a certified provider in CPT. For more information about private practice, please check out my website: summitpsychotherapycenter.com. Please call or email to set up a free 15-minute consultation to determine whether I may be a good fit. I look forward to working together!

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Hello! Welcome! I'm glad you are on this journey to self-discovery and healing. I come from a relational perspective and believe relationships to be incredibly healing. As such, I am authentic, empathetic, and warm. Your goals are our focus and I am here to be with you in the process and learn skills to support your goals.

My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began when I was thirteen years old. I remember listening to my radio every night just as I was falling asleep. It wasn’t music I was listening to, but a psychologist who ran a call-in talk program. Troubled listeners would call in seeking the good doctor’s advice and in just a few minutes time, they were soon at ease by her reassuring words. I thought, “What a wonderful job that must be; to help so many people in feeling heard and connected with a caring human being. I’d like to do that too!” The same issues that plagued those callers are still around today; feeling alone, confused, different, unloved, a sense of hopelessness. The list goes on. What inspires me to work in mental health care is my desire to help make the lives of others much easier, less burdened, more worth living. To make certain that my clients feel accurately heard and understood, I check in with them often throughout our sessions. This can be done by sharing with them what I think I heard them say and then by checking in with them to make sure this is fairly accurate or if I was off the mark. I learned long ago that if I don’t get it quite right, my client’s are quick to correct me! This is usually a positive. If I get it wrong and seek clarification, it’s my hope that I convey my genuine interest in my client’s experience and that they are worth the extra effort to be understood. Trust and a strong therapeutic alliance between client and therapist are two aspects of therapy I find to be essential for meaningful work to take place. I do this by starting and ending sessions at our agreed upon time, curating a mutually agreed upon treatment plan and perhaps most of all, relating with all of my clients as my equals. I see ours as a dimly lit journey we’re walking together. Our only difference is, I am carrying the lantern helping us to see ahead. When appropriate, I’ve even been known to share a personal story involving myself if that story will help drive home a particular point.

I am inspired to work in mental health to help people and help them feel like they are not alone in the world. I listen intently. I not only reflect on what my patients say verbally and on what their intention is even silently but also hear and provide a holding space for their anxieties to create hope and assurance. I create a welcoming and safe space without judgement or shock and I create a place where they are listened to. This can be a special place just for them to be who they truly are. I use eye contact and intentional questions that guide them to a gentle space to explore.

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.

I specialize in chronic stress and trauma that disabled, neurodivergent, queer, and trans folks and their loved ones experience. I am an anti-oppressive therapist: no AI, no diagnosis without consent, and no calling the police. I have a 3 hour cancellation policy to increase access for chronically ill, sick, and disabled folks. Together we can explore topics of ableism, grief, and identity. Family, friendship, or individual sessions. My specialties include gender exploration, chronic illness, medical trauma, and caregiver support.

I am a clinical psychologist and provide evidence-based treatment for problems including anxiety (and related disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and trichotillomania), depression and many other conditions, such as trauma and grief, substance abuse, adjustment difficulties or problems in interpersonal relationships. While I work with adults of all ages, I specialize in working with young adults (ages 18-28) and have worked in several college counseling centers, including Princeton University, where I completed my post-doctoral residency. Taking a holistic approach, I make sure that we focus not only on the symptoms but on your overall wellbeing. I create a safe and warm environment, where we work as a team to help you live a meaningful life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to help answer any questions that you may have prior to start of treatment.

Working with individuals who feel they need some extra support to tackle challenges that life throws at them is my passion. I believe that through the relationship and work between client and therapist, behaviors can be adjusted, relationships can be mended, unhealthy coping skills can be identified and reworked, and healthy change can occur. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where individuals can succeed in making positive growth in their lives. Taking a straightforward, honest, relaxed and empathetic approach to supporting clients frees clients to open up, discover their strengths and make the most of therapy.

A major inspiration for me was my five years as a Director of Programs for a Los Angeles nonprofit, where I supported youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as those recovering from trafficking situations. Through that work, I saw how powerful it is when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I was especially drawn to helping young people and families navigate complex emotions and relationships. That experience led me to become a therapist so I could continue supporting children, families, and couples in building stronger connections, healing, and growth. My approach is very client-centered, which means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to be yourself. I listen closely, reflect back what I’m hearing, and check in often to make sure I’m understanding your experience accurately. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I make sure each person feels included, valued, and supported. I also integrate creativity and flexibility into sessions, because not everyone expresses themselves best through words alone. Working together is collaborative—you are the expert on your life. My role is to support and guide you. With couples and families, that often means helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a deeper understanding of one another. With children, I may incorporate play, art, or creative activities to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Trust is built over time through consistency, openness, and respect. I show up authentically, follow through, and create a nonjudgmental space where you can share at your own pace. I also invite feedback so we can adjust our work together in a way that feels most helpful to you. I love incorporating creativity into my own life—I’m always exploring new art activities or creative projects. I often bring that energy into sessions, especially with kids and families, because it can make the process feel more engaging and even a little fun at times.

I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.

I will work collaboratively with you to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. These issues may include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, grief/loss, and trauma. I am passionate about working with young adults, teens, and adults. I offer both virtual and in-person sessions in Glendale and Encino. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.