Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

For over 30 years, we have worked with individuals to confront experiences of suffering and conflict through existential psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Our mission is to help you uncover the meaning behind your struggles and rediscover the passion, love, and joy that may feel elusive. Whether you seek clarity, healing, or growth, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

We all need a space where we can safely explore life’s many stressors, what feels heavy, experiences with anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, loss, relationship challenges, depression, neurodiversity. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I recognize everyone deserves a safe, supportive space where they can show up as their genuine self to process and sort through internal conflicts, battles, life’s challenges. I see therapy as a trusting partnership rooted in curiosity and safety, where we focus on strengthening your mental health and building on the strengths you already have. Therapy is a safe place to gently process what feels heavy, make sense of your lived experiences, and strengthen your overall mental health and well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and guided by your goals, your pace and felt safety in sessions, and your lived experiences. I provide affirming, culturally responsive care for LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, as well as individuals across all life stages and backgrounds.​ I find daily morning and evening routines are incredibly helpful to maintaining my personal wellbeing and daily lived experiences. When I find myself struggling with life’s challenges, I turn to outlets such as nature, walks, music, writing to process, simple self care acts, spending time with those I love and care for, and snuggles with my pet.

I graduated with a BA in Psychology from University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou). I earned an ADN from Santa Monica College, Masters in Nursing Education from Phoenix University and PMHNP Post Masters Cert from Maryville University. I worked inpatient for about 3 years then switched to education. I have been an LVN instructor and director of nursing. I developed the Mental Health course for the ADN program. I taught ADN students and later became the Director of Nursing. I finished my PMHNP certificate while I was the ADN director then switched to working at Foresight full-time. I am inspired to work in mental health to improve others’ quality of life. I collaborate with my patients to come to a mutually accepted treatment plan. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: first responders, men’s issues, veterans care, binge eating disorder

Hello, my name is Stacy Udolph, LCSW. I specialize in helping individuals manage stress, navigate life transitions, strengthen relationships, process grief, and overcome the fears and self-doubt that can interfere with personal growth, success, and well-being. I have been working in college counseling for the past 12 years, supporting young adults as they adjust to college life, develop greater independence, and prepare for their future careers and professional lives. I understand that the transition to college can bring unique academic, social, and emotional challenges, and I enjoy helping students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive during this important stage of life. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, where I received comprehensive training in mental health assessment and treatment, with a particular focus on understanding how patterns of thinking influence mood, behavior, and overall functioning. In addition, I have completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief counseling, and mindfulness-based approaches for anxiety and depression. With more than 26 years of combined experience as a therapist and educator, I recognize the importance of creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring difficult emotions and personal challenges. My goal is to help students gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and make meaningful changes that enhance their quality of life. Clients often appreciate my calm, collaborative approach and my focus on providing concrete tools and techniques that can be applied in everyday situations. I believe therapy should be both supportive and effective, helping you better understand yourself while building skills that promote resilience and long-term well-being. I look forward to partnering with you as you navigate life's challenges and work toward your personal and academic goals.

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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.

Hi, I'm Kerianne! I'm a mixed-race and queer Asian-American therapist. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients with various issues relating to identity development, anxiety, multiculturalism, life transitions, and ADHD. I work collaboratively to cultivate a open, warm, and welcoming space for processing your experiences and beliefs. I often ask a lot of questions to help best understand yourself and what might work best for you.

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.

I specialize in working with individuals who are ready to go deep: people tired of surface-level solutions and hungry for real, lasting change. I help clients struggling with anxiety, burnout, boundary-setting, inner child healing, intergenerational trauma, and the work of finding their way back to themselves after years of people-pleasing or disconnection. If you're someone who wants to understand why you struggle, not just how to cope better, we'll likely be a good fit.

Psychology is a fascinating field and I am passionate about helping people achieve their best selves. I have been practicing therapy for many years and in that time it has been a joy for me to see people find their joy and hope, and thrive! I believe in a collaborative working relationship and thus I approach therapy with a curious mind as we explore and discuss. I like to encourage self-empowerment, agency and independence and I like to check in with clients to confirm what I hear and give them the final say over their choice and life; I am merely the guide. I believe in practicing therapy collaboratively, working together where we will explore and discover the roadblocks and difficulties that brought them into therapy, and introducing new perspectives that will assist them in finding new ways to resolve their challenges. This is a recovery journey and I am merely the guide to assist each client in finding their best selves.

Are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from school, work, extracurriculars, finances, and everything else? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping college women manage stress and heal from trauma with compassionate, evidence-based care. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, I bring experience from residential treatment centers, school-based programs, and nonprofit organizations. I provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Faith-Based Therapy for clients seeking a spiritual lens. I’m also trained in EMDR therapy for clients looking to process and heal from traumatic experiences.

If you feel everything deeply, have been called “too sensitive,” or your mind never seems to turn off, you’re in the right place. You may have spent so much time understanding others and making sense of the world around you, but rarely feel that same care or depth of understanding reflected back to you. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand what it's like to experience the world this way. Our work will focus on helping you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface so you can better understand your emotions, trust your instincts, and move through life with more self-trust and clarity. I specialize in Highly Sensitive People, children, Gen Z (teens & young adults), and neurodivergence/ADHD. Together, we’ll explore patterns, past experiences, and the emotional landscape shaping your life. My approach is warm, deeply attuned, and insight-oriented, grounded in a strengths-based, emotionally-focused, and attachment-aware approach. Clients often say I have “big sister energy”: I notice what’s unspoken, help make sense of complicated emotions, and always have your back. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands your depth and can help you turn your sensitivity into a strength, I would be honored to support you. Book a consultation through my website today.

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.

We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we are here to create a therapeutic environment that fosters real positive changes. It is our goal to assist you in becoming your best and most authentic self. Because of the uniqueness of the human experience we don't believe in a one size fits all model of therapy, therefore we tailor treatment specifically designed to meet your own unique goals and challenges.

I have always had a strong desire to help others, and working in the field of mental health has given me a meaningful way to live out that purpose. I truly consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s journey—to support them as they navigate challenges, grow, and move toward their full potential. Being able to positively impact others’ lives, even in small ways, is what continues to inspire me every day as a therapist. In our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I do this by actively listening, reflecting your emotions, asking clarifying questions, and always focusing on your perspective and needs. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard and understood, not just by what you say, but by the meaning behind your experiences. I also use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), when appropriate. EMDR can be especially helpful for processing difficult or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. Building trust is a process that takes time, and I approach it with patience, consistency, and openness. In the beginning, we’ll focus on getting to know you—your experiences, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that collaboration is key. I encourage you to share feedback about our work and our relationship at any time, and I want you to know that your voice is always welcomed and valued. My role is to support and guide you while respecting that this is your journey. As trust develops, we can explore deeper challenges, build meaningful coping skills, and, if it feels like a good fit, incorporate EMDR to help process past experiences and support lasting healing and change. One lighthearted thing I like to share is that I really enjoy finding small ways to relax and recharge—whether that’s watching a favorite show, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to unwind. I think those simple moments are so important, and I often encourage clients to find what helps them feel grounded and refreshed, too.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Michelle Kennedy Welcome. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. Hello, my name is Michelle Kennedy, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work with Couples. Have you been feeling uneasy around your partner? Do you feel like you're constantly on edge and moments from an argument? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid all conflicts in their relationships instead of dealing with them. This avoidance can lead to resentment between partners, which can cause more frequent fighting and lead to long-term problems.

This time in your life can be one of transitions and transformations. Talking to a professional and processing it all can be very beneficial. You’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with the stress of academic pressure, social pressures, anxiety, or depression, I’ve helped many individuals sort through these issues that can arise during this time in one’s life.