Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hello there! My name is Baochau (I go by Bao). I am a Vietnamese American therapist who is based in Southern California. I primarily work with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in treating clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, generational & family trauma, Asian American & BIPOC issues, and identity & cultural stress. I like to use various therapeutic approaches to tailor to each client’s individual needs, but some of the approaches I like to use in my practice stem from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. More importantly, my goal is to help you feel seen and heard in your experiences as we work together towards your growth and healing. In addition to working with clients from different ages and mental health backgrounds, I also provide therapy for clients from diverse populations, particularly those who are from Asian American and BIPOC communities. As a therapist who is also a woman of color, I strive to provide culturally sensitive and affirming care for my clients.

My experience working directly with students in school settings has been the most meaningful and rewarding part of my professional journey. I found that I connect naturally with students and genuinely enjoy supporting their emotional, social, and academic growth. Because of my passion for this work, I consistently sought out additional opportunities to work with students and often exceeded the minimum requirements in order to gain more experience supporting them. In my work with students, I focus on providing simple, practical, and easy-to-apply tools that help them successfully reach the goals we set together in session. I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel heard, understood, and empowered. I make it a priority to ensure they know they have someone in their corner at all times, and I approach my role as both a strong supporter and advocate for their well-being and success.

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.

Catherine O'Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, speaker, educator and college professor. She has dedicated her life's work to helping new and expecting parents navigate the challenges of parenthood. As a mother of two children, Catherine understands the overwhelming nature of parenting and wants to help couples thrive during this transition instead of just surviving. She founded HappyWithBaby.com to provide counseling and coaching services for new parents and offers courses to help parents manage expectations of parenthood and understand the developmental milestones of infants and children. As a college professor, Catherine's perspective on parents' challenges while juggling multiple responsibilities is unique and valuable. Her life's work is about enabling parents to look at their own lives with the same compassion and unconditional love they generously give to their families. Take advantage of the counseling, coaching, and courses that Catherine offers. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while also pursuing your academic goals.

Life is a series of changes and transitions that can create roadblocks in our lives. As a Licensed Psychologist, I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, procrastination, histories of trauma, grief and loss, AAPI issues, and other life hurdles. In addition, I work on supporting individuals with the unique challenges of juggling life as a student. My practice is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. In session, I offer opportunities for introspection wherever one might be in their journey. With empathy and direct clear goals, we will work together on tailoring a plan specifically for you by breaking down larger goals into more manageable steps. Coming from a bicultural background, as an Asian American female, I understand the unique challenges that one faces when straddling two different worlds. I believe in providing therapy that honors multicultural perspectives and diversity. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or your relationship, I’m here to walk alongside you with care and intention.

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.

Hi! Welcome to my practice. I understand that seeking mental health support can be overwhelming so congrats on taking the first step to be here! I work with women who sometimes feel lots of anxiety when it comes to their relationships and connections with others. I am deeply curious about how our toxic patterns form. My goal is to support you to have a better understanding of that as well so that you may lead a happier, more fulfilling life.

You may appear to have everything together while quietly carrying stress, anxiety, burnout, academic pressure, or the weight of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. College can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting at times, especially when you are balancing school, relationships, work, and your own well-being. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where college students and young adults can feel heard, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and balance. As an LCSW, I take a client-centered and collaborative approach focused on empowerment, self-understanding, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

Anxious, Overwhelmed, and Wondering: “What’s Happening to Me?” The truth is, this isn't laziness. It’s not a character flaw. And no — you're not broken. For many people with ADHD and anxiety, this cycle of procrastination, panic, and self-criticism becomes so normal, you don’t realize how deeply it’s running your life. You’re doing your best to hold it all together on the outside… but inside, it’s chaos. If you're a young, career-driven person who’s always been the “high achiever” or “the one who figures it out,” this moment of burnout can feel like hitting a wall — and not knowing how to get around it. Therapy That Helps You Live Without the Constant Inner Critic You don’t need more worksheets. Or another morning routine from Instagram. You need real connection — and some space to breathe. In our work together, therapy won’t feel like another task to complete or a performance to nail. It’ll feel like a break. A breath of fresh air. A place where sarcasm, humor, and being 100% yourself are not just allowed — they’re welcome. I help people like you: smart, creative, driven individuals who are so tired of anxiety and ADHD running the show. Together, we’ll start untangling the thoughts that keep you in panic mode and help you reconnect to yourself — the self that isn’t always in survival mode.

I help people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, overwhelm, and creative blocks. An additional focus of my practice is around issues related to immigration, bicultural identity, and racial and ethnic identity. In particular, I specialize in working with college and university students, highly sensitive people (HSPs), and creatives and artists. The process of finding the right therapist isn't easy, and it's a brave choice to embark on the journey towards healing, insight, and growth. A relationship with the right therapist can be life-changing. Feeling deeply heard and able to trust your therapist is essential. I believe that an empathic and attuned relationship between the therapist and patient is vital for lasting change, and that attention to the social, cultural, and political context in which you live is important for treatment. Together, we can understand the patterns that contribute to your current distress and gently shift to new ways of relating to yourself and others. It is courageous to take steps in your search for the right therapist. Have a look here and on my website to learn more about me. If it feels like we may be a good match, please contact me to set up an initial consultation call.

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.

We’re Here For You Together Family Counseling is a collective of compassionate, licensed, and pre-licensed therapists dedicated to serving the mental healthcare needs of all California residents. With expertise in various therapeutic modalities, we specialize in supporting individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and adults facing a wide range of challenges. Our team is committed to tailoring personalized treatment plans that address concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, stress management, and more. We offer in-person appointments at our welcoming Covina offices, and we provide convenient telehealth services for clients throughout the state of California. We understand that life’s demands can sometimes make it challenging to attend in-person sessions, and our telehealth option ensures access to high-quality care from the comfort of your own home. We are proud to work with various insurance providers, and for those without insurance or out-of-network coverage, we offer various payment options. Your well-being is our priority, and we strive to make our services accessible by reviewing your insurance plan and if needed, explaining your benefits in plain English in order to help you understand your costs, if any. At Together Family Counseling, we believe in the transformative power of therapy and the strength of human resilience. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth, and thriving relationships. Together, let’s embark on a path of healing, resilience, and lasting positive change.

I have been in practice over 25 years. I particularly specialize in helping young adults transition into adulthood. I understand the added stressors of this period of time including moving away from home, individuating and understanding oneself, figuring out goals for the future, and navigating personal relationships. I see problems from a family and systemic perspective in order to help create dynamic change. I work to help clients expand their understanding of themselves and discover opportunities for growth and change, often in the context of their relationships and families. I focus on helping clients change destructive relationship patterns, choose healthier lifestyles, and engage in fulfilling relationships. In addition to my educational and clinical experience, I have travelled extensively and have incorporated my knowledge of different cultures into my work as well. I believe in understanding and respecting a client’s individual and cultural diversity in all aspects of the clinical relationship.

My name is Terry Alcántar Nelson and I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing counseling for over 25 years. After all this time, I still love my work and am passionate about helping people heal. Every day is a new opportunity for me to join with clients in healing past hurts, traumas, and relationships, and addressing current life stressors and painful experiences. I am privileged to do this work and hope to be doing it for many years to come. I am trained and have expertise in the following modalities: -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- a type of therapy that helps to examine negative thinking and long held beliefs which make us feel bad and stuck; it is modality that is particularly helpful for depression and anxiety -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on improving relationships by increasing emotional safety with loved ones, and takes into account past attachment injuries originating in childhood and current and/or past relationships -Mindfulness, which works on increasing our focus on the present by using breath, body and grounding techniques -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses eye movements and other types of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences and memories I see my role as a mental health provider as a guide to clients who are looking for a path to wholeness and healing. Working with with a therapist should be a collaborative process in which the client feels empowered with every session. I consider successful therapy to be one in which clients says that they feels shifts in behavior, feelings, and life circumstances. I am a proud Latina woman who was born and raised in a small town, but was transplanted many years ago to a big city and I can see the value in both experiences. I have worked with a vast array of ethnicities and cultures and feel comfortable with diversity. I am unique in that I am bicultural, bilingual and come to every client session ready to hold big emotions in compassionate ways. I know trauma and relationship injuries can make us feel very vulnerable and I want my clients to feel safe and emotionally held so that the work of healing brings peace and restorative experiences in all areas of life.

I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like something just isn’t right inside—even if you can’t explain why? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m a trauma therapist who understands what it’s like to feel broken, lost, or stuck after going through tough experiences—whether that’s childhood trauma, bullying, abuse, or just the weight of everyday pressure and expectations. I’ve been there myself, and I know healing is absolutely possible. If you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, PTSD, or even feeling disconnected from who you really are, I offer a safe space to unpack what’s going on—and begin to heal. I specialize in helping students like you who are trying to balance life, emotions, school, relationships, and maybe even past pain that hasn’t been fully processed yet. My approach is focused on helping you get results, not just vent. We’ll explore what matters to you—your values, goals, strengths—and figure out how to start building the life you want. I also offer energy healing and spiritual guidance if you’re open to deeper, more holistic support (but only if that resonates with you—this space is always about you, not my agenda). If you’re ready to feel supported, heard, and guided toward real change, I’m here. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take that first step.

Hey there! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years of experience, I'm passionate about helping you connect with yourself, grow, and thrive. I've worked with people of all ages navigating depression, anxiety, and more. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your story, explore your strengths, and develop strategies for a balanced life.

As your therapist, my priority is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth and positive change. I'm excited to work with you, addressing your challenges and helping you achieve your goals. Therapy is a transformative process that can guide you towards becoming the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

Melanie invites you to explore and embrace all the parts of who you are, recognizing that your intersecting identities shape your experiences and the way you interact with the world. She takes a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and at times, direct approach that blends working toward meaningful goals with staying present. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of humor, she creates a space where you feel safe enough to risk vulnerability. You might benefit from working with Melanie if: - You're facing a big change, like a breakup, a move, a new job, or a loss, and feeling untethered. - You've achieved a lot, but continue to be plagued by anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt. - You're an athlete, artist, or high performer, whose inner life doesn't match your outer success. - You're processing trauma or childhood experiences that still impact you today. - You want support managing stress, emotion dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. - You're tired and frustrated by not getting what you want out of your relationships. - You wish you could set appropriate boundaries, find the words to articulate the internal workings of your mind, and have the confidence to express your needs.​

The Sanchez Center is a group psychotherapy practice serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and California. OUR mission IS TO PROVIDE mental health services to young professionals in a culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and collaborative setting