Therapists for college students near 94132

I was trained at Yale and Columbia University, and I was a Clinical Associate Professor (affiliate) at Stanford University for 15 years. Recently, the American Psychology Association bestowed me the Fellow status, an honor for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in Clinical Psychology (Division 12). I am also a full Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am very experienced in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition, I have trained and supervised hundreds of psychologists and therapists, including Ph.D. students and post-doctoral trainees in many universities and clinical settings.

At The Centered Self (CSP), our interest in the practice of psychotherapy is founded in the idea that all people want to be the best version of themselves and are capable of achieving that-- whatever that may mean to them. We want to help individuals cope with the challenges that can interfere with achieving their goals and what they want for their lives. All humans struggle and fall short of their own ideals at times, learning to successfully cope through these moments of difficulty can lead to a more fulfilling life and an ability to thrive more completely during moments of success. We believe the most caring and compassionate thing that we can do as therapists and coaches is help our clients achieve their own goals. Sometimes this requires pushing towards change and other times it requires working on acceptance. We value creating a warm and validating environment for you to feel safe to focus on your own growth. The Centered Self is anti-racist and LGBTQIA affirming. We are dedicated to utilizing interventions and skills based in science so that we can most effectively help you reach your goals. We value you.

As someone from an underserved population who struggled to connect to resources, I understand how important mental health services are for our overall well-being. I believe it’s vital to challenge the stigma of mental health and create an environment where you feel understood and heard. Life has many challenges and transitions, and I am passionate about supporting others in their healing journey. I provide mental health services for anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships and challenges. I also value advocacy, an often underutilized tool that can support your life, and help clients connect to community resources and social supports. I believe collaboration is vital in the therapeutic process and I strive to work with clients to provide services that cater to their needs. I aid clients in building skills and tools that will benefit them in their healing journey. Throughout the treatment process, I make sure to aid clients in feeling comfortable communicating as therapy has been seen as a scary process for many. I use humor when clinically appropriate along with working to meet clients where they are and aid clients in understanding clinical issues in relatable terms. I love engaging in my nerdy side; whether it be reading, gaming, or discussing worlds and stories where helping the world is at a far grander and fantastic scale. I love connecting with others about their passions as I love connecting to my own outside of work.

Are you ready to unpack and understand how painful past experiences might be impacting your life? Do you want to decrease suffering and feel more balanced? You’re not alone. Creating awareness of how distressing past experiences show up in your life will empower you to break the cycle and create a more fulfilling life. I aim to help you improve your overall quality of life and feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we will approach your past with curiosity and compassion. I specialize in treating trauma concerns, including PTSD and complicated grief, relationship concerns, and older adults encountering issues associated with the later stages of life. While practicing a person-centered approach, my aim is to establish an environment of safety in which you can be vulnerable and explore your difficult personal experiences. I draw upon a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other mindfulness-based approaches. I’m glad you’re here. If you are ready to embrace the therapeutic process and move towards recovery, I’m here to support you. Please give me a call and we can set up a free consultation. Let’s get started.

I have worked in multiple healthcare environments throughout the course of my careers. In every setting, with every role, I have found without addressing all aspects, factors, and complexities of our constructs as humans (biopsychosocial | environmental etc.), healing may be impeded or fractured. I continue to work in the field of mental health as it is my strong belief that emphasizing “the whole systems” aspects of an individual is a direct pathway to healing. Solving one problem will lead to the solutions of other problems or challenges. I hope to assist those I serve by collaborating with them and providing evidence-based guidance to professionally facilitate and support the healing journey. I consider myself a “Systems” therapist with focus on the entirety of a client’s personal and unique situation while selecting what methods, approaches, or philosophies would be appropriate. This process is collaborative with the client and includes evidence-based practice (EBP) methodologies. Each approach is focused on principles and interventions that are supported by empirical evidence and are fashioned for the unique characteristics of the client. One example of an EBP is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on the client’s perceptions of events and their reactions and responses to the identified event. Interventions and approaches are fashioned to help clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and actions while completing exercises fashioned to redirect responses to perceived stressors. Unique communities that I enjoy working with include: elderly populations as well as those suffering with chronic pain, grief & Loss, LGBTQA+, gender dysphoria, Post Traumatic Stress, anxiety, depression, and work / professional related stress management. The best value I bring as a therapist is a very diverse professional and advanced educational background in and outside of professional psychotherapy and many life experiences that have added to my understanding and empathy of the unique complexities of ourselves as humans. My personal journey includes, but is not limited to, private practice, clinical experience in the medical device implantable space, adult services in public mental health, and volunteering for various community organizations. I, myself, understand the experience of being “marginalized” professionally and personally which adds to my ability to build rapport and understanding with clients while supporting progress and the courage to actively facilitate change.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you. My practice specializes in treating individuals, couples and families, and through years of experience, I’m confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, and former ER nurse and healthcare administrator dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized mental health care. My background in emergency medicine taught me how to support people through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel safe being themselves. I take a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change. My path into psychiatry was shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. Working as an ER nurse, I saw firsthand how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life and how often people were struggling silently long before reaching a crisis point. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I could build longer-term relationships with patients and focus not only on stabilization, but on healing, growth, and overall quality of life. As a veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, which continues to influence the kind of care and environment I strive to provide for my patients. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment and believe the best care comes from truly understanding each person’s unique experiences, goals, and challenges. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being open and honest. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and endurance training. Staying active and spending time outdoors are important parts of how I maintain balance and mental wellness, and I enjoy connecting with patients over the importance of finding healthy outlets and activities that bring meaning and fulfillment outside of work and daily stressors.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As someone who has experienced mental health both in myself and my loved ones, I feel inspired to provide care that is comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment. I am driven by being a support to those who need it, helping you improve, and guiding you towards fulfillment and your goals. I ensure you feel heard and respected by creating a comfortable environment where, together, we can explore the uncomfortable. I value establishing trust with you and I allow each client to set their own pace while I compassionately move you forward. I practice a talk therapy approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy influences. I am proud of my ability to establish trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I do this by using humor and empowerment while also utilizing a direct approach. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be so I do my best to create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable. I enter each session without judgment as I want to honor you and your experiences. I prioritize you feeling comfortable while sharing your innermost thoughts so, together, we can put the pieces back together and fortify your mental space.

My ideal client feels overwhelmed by the "trial and error" of mental health treatment and seeks a grounded, scientific approach to relief. They may be struggling with persistent anxiety, mood instability, or burnout, feeling like their current strategies aren't enough. They need a provider who respects their autonomy and looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Their goal is to regain mental clarity and emotional resilience through a plan that balances clinical safety with their personal values for long-term health. I specialize in evidence-based medication management integrated with holistic values. By combining the latest clinical findings with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress resilience, I help you achieve optimal outcomes. I offer precise, data-driven care designed to minimize side effects while maximizing your quality of life and mental well-being. You deserve to feel supported by a provider who truly listens and views you as a partner in your own healing. Taking the first step can be daunting, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I invite you to reach out so we can discuss how a collaborative, science-backed approach can help you reclaim your balance and thrive.

At our practice, we understand that navigating university life while balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity can feel like a lot to carry. We specifically specialize in supporting Hispanic and Latin students, providing a culturally affirming space where your background is celebrated and understood. Our team of therapists helps students navigate anxiety, academic pressure, life transitions, and generational differences. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in our community and offer a warm, bilingual, and judgment-free space where you can feel seen and heard.

Before I became a psychotherapist I was a neuroscientist with the focus on neuropsychology. My approach in therapy is informed by my understanding of the brain/mind/body interplay. I practice solution-oriented evidence-based approaches, and enjoy working with high-functioning clients who want to boost their resilience and emotional intelligence.

Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties. I provide a warm, supportive, and interactive environment to explore and resolve your concerns by understanding their origin, acquiring the skills to utilize, implement, and attain the changes in your life that you want to achieve. Personal growth is the outcome, which enables happiness and success to follow. Each person is unique and the treatment method(s) that are utilized reflect this fact. I am highly skilled in a variety of clinical treatment methods and we will incorporate one of more of them during our work together. I look forward to helping you to become the person that you want to be.

I aim to provide a supportive environment that fosters reflection and growth. I am trained to provide evidence-based treatment in a flexible manner and often pull from CBT and DBT concepts and interventions. My approach emphasizes not only the building of skills to address your mental health symptoms but also skill development in the areas of communication and conflict management toward improving relationships. While I value maintaining a generalist practice, I have special interests in working with and supporting athletes and those who identify as a member of a marginalized group. I am also invested in helping people to access care that is right for them, and will make every effort to provide additional resources/providers if I am not the right fit.

I work with adults of all ages, couples, and adolescents. I offer virtual and in-person sessions at my office in the Castro. I have extensive experience working with college students and graduate students. I can help with a wide range of issues including: anxiety and stress, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, identity issues, transitions, ADHD/neurodivergence, difficulties with regulating alcohol use, gender and sexuality, loneliness, and more.

Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”

I am a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, where I work primarily with individuals and some families. My main focus of treatment and experience are in anger management, teenagers, life transitions, and relationships. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults as they develop their personal identity and grow towards healthy independence and need support they cannot get from their peer or parent group. I have a great deal of experience with young adults and mid-life individuals facing career stress/fatigue and significant life challenges such as divorce, addiction/recovery, and trauma. I have experience in working with the parents of children who are learning to support the needs of a youth with emerging mental health issues. Prior to opening my practice, I worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings, as both a clinician and clinical supervisor, ranging from college counseling centers, inpatient psychiatric facilities, juvenile correctional centers, and community-based agencies to a very diverse populations of individuals and families. Additionally, I am the in-house therapist for Square, a large financial technology company here in San Francisco. My background training in the field is influenced greatly by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, and Humanistic/Person Centered Theory. I have received extensive training in Anger Management and have facilitated numerous groups to address issues associated with anger control. I also regularly facilitate trainings on the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. My approach with each individual is very collaborative. I truly believe in identifying the goals the client wants to get out of their work with me and determining the best strategy for getting results. Often times, to augment the therapy one is receiving, a person will also work with psychiatrists, nutritionists, school teachers/counselors/tutors, sponsors, sobriety companions, and other healthcare providers. I have vast experience in working and coordinating treatment with other professionals to create the most effective plan of care for you to get the results you define. I have a very broad knowledge of services offered within the San Francisco Bay Area and can be of assistance in making these connections and referrals. I am also a firm believer in constant personal and professional growth through ongoing learning, reading, research, peer and professional consultation, and experience. Outside of work, I regularly train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and really enjoy surfing. I have been fascinated by stand-up comedy since I was a child and watch live shows as often as possible. I live here in San Francisco with my wife and our dog, Leonard.

Hello. I work with adults, families and couples. My training and expertise are treating anxiety, depression, relationship/family/in-law issues, psychosis, personality disorders, life transition, immigrations and identity exploration. My therapy styles are warm, client centered, emotional focused. I share with my clients a lot that "You want to make sure you feel comfortable talking to me." It is true because therapy is personal. As a first generation immigrant and my life experiences, it has led me to choose social work as my career and passion and it also shaped the person I am today. It’s my hope to use all the skills I have to explore with you and provide guidance on whatever stage you are in at the moment.

I help clients deal with depression, anxiety and the struggles with navigating relationships and life changes. We work together to discover, and help you move towards a path in life that works well for you. I offer a warm and accepting space where you can contemplate your current life path and explore your hopes and dreams.