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Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

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Erica Mainshine
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

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.

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Defina Health
Group practice
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Molly O'Shea
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Jordan Pineda
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA

Learn more: Jordanpinedatherapy.com I specialize in young adult therapy, offering a grounded and challenging space for you to explore how you show up in relationships, navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and find a deeper desire for self-understanding. My aim is to support you with curiosity, care, and collaboration. Together we can understand the patterns and experiences that shape your inner world, learn how to repair relationship ruptures, and move towards a life that aligns with your values.

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Thomas McDonagh
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

While I see people for many types of reasons, I usually see clients individually that are looking to work on a present centered issue. These typically include school issues, work stress, relationship problems, or difficulty coping with anxiety / depression symptoms. In graduate school I was part of the sports psychology department. During this time I assisted in two different research studies. The first examined flow states in athletes (getting in "the zone"). The second study examined the effects of concussions in athletes. I draw upon these experiences to help students focus and stay motivated. I also had a side job in graduate school where I helped coach college students that had difficulty adjusting to college life. These practical, real world skills are something I continue to teach to this day. When meeting with a client, I keep the atmosphere relaxed and inviting. I want people to feel comfortable, but also know they are receiving "evidence based" care. This means what I say in our meetings is supported by research. That is why I use treatments that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. These treatments are supported by current research and have a high rate of success.

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Melissa Craven
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Are you hard on yourself? Do you hold back from loved ones or struggle to accomplish things? It doesn't have to be this way. You’ve been struggling for a long time and you can change. Opening up can feel uncomfortable, but therapy can help you to a better path. You can get unstuck by disentangling from old patterns, imagining new possibilities, and connecting to what's most important. I have fourteen years of experience at UCSF helping patients to recover from moderate to severe mood symptoms and to more creatively participate in their lives. I also hold a credential in perinatal mental health. My psychotherapy practice is online or through walk and talk sessions in San Francisco parks. I’d like to help you see beyond this difficult moment. I’d love to help you enjoy your life more.

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Lindsey Brooks
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Are you a person of color, LGBTQ, or woman-identified student in medicine or science? Have you been wearing that superhero cape for far too long? Ready to feel more peace in your life? You’ve come to the right place. I’m Dr. Lindsey Brooks and I work with underrepresented achievers. I’ll help you feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. In my former position at UCSF Student Health, I worked with hundreds of students on these issues and I'd be thrilled to offer you support. I accept the Lyra Health Plan which now provides in-network benefits for all University of California students. You might be thinking to yourself: ”I need to keep it all together”, “If I just work harder and push myself more, then everything will be okay”, “I have to stay strong for my family” or “No one understands all this crap I deal with every day”. Everyone around you sees you as a success, yet something still feels like it’s missing. We will work together to help you feel more at ease, empowered, and maybe even allow yourself to be imperfect once in a while. When you begin to accept all the parts of yourself with compassion, things begin to change. You find your voice. I look forward to discovering your voice together. If you are seeking a therapist who is: social justice minded, an anti-racist ally, sex positive, feminist, bisexual+ affirming, and who has experience working with students in science and medicine, let’s talk. Schedule a FREE 20 minute phone consultation with me on my website: www.drlindseytherapy.com

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Gay Therapy Center
Group practice
Washington, DC

I founded the Gay Therapy Center in 2015 because I believe in the healing power of LGBTQ people working with LGBTQ therapists. It's very important in therapy to know for sure that your therapist really "gets" you. We've now grown to become the largest private LGBTQ therapy provider in the country with 27 therapists in CA and NY. We personally match you to the therapist we think will be particularly good for you-we don't believe in using algorithms to make matches! We also believe that experience counts for great therapy. That's why our therapists have an average of 10 years of experience. Our clients tell us that we don’t just sit and listen (although we do that very well), but that we also have something to say. We are interactive therapists who offer feedback & are trained in evidence-based methods of therapy for that are known to work. Our therapists are highly experienced, with an average of 10 years working in the field of psychotherapy. Whether you’re struggling with self-worth, anxiety, depression, isolation, or intimacy issues, we’re here to help you live the life you want. We also offer relationship counseling to help you & your partner grow stronger, rekindle the love between you, or work through relationship struggles. Visit us online at www.thegaytherapycenter.com.

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Alexa Gutierrez
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

My clinical approach is multi-disciplinary and rooted in psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, and humanistic psychology. I also have a background in integrative health and wellness, which can contribute to a more in-depth perspective on treatment. In addition, my work is relational and informed by the belief and the research that the essence of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. It is this relationship that can encourage true and thorough transformation. My style is genuine, collaborative, interpersonal, direct, and non-judgemental, and I encourage clients to be true to themselves and transparent. Although treatment is based on an individual's needs and goals, primary objectives in treatment are to help clients (re)connect to their confidence and curiosity and to reinforce their capacity and resiliency.

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Andy Nguyen, PSYD
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Hi there, I’m Dr. Andy Nguyen. I tend to see the overworked and overwhelmed. Maybe you reached the top of the mountain only to ask, now what? An adamant voice says there is no life worth leading unless you are exceptional. Or you manage things on the surface seamlessly only to feel empty behind closed doors. It would make so much sense. Our environment has demanded more in recent times—be more, do more, have more—all at once. It is not by chance we exist in the age of superheroes and social media. There are bigger shoes for us to grow into yet not enough room to play or tend to the inner person. I offer intensive, relational psychotherapy as a form of a reset—what does that mean? We absorb so much in our environment that it becomes difficult to decipher what is ours and what belongs to those tasked to take care of us. We learned ways to survive that have become rote without our conscious awareness—most of us are even rewarded for it. Perhaps these no longer serve us. My job is to uncover these patterns and gently make room for experiences that bring more inner life. Naturally, this expands into fuller work, school, and relationships. This can take place in one-on-one therapy or a group format in real-time. I am a transplant who immigrated from Southeast Asia at a young age. My story offers me a unique sensibility in making contact with adolescents and adults when their world is in upheaval, no matter how universal. I invite folks from various spectrums and backgrounds who do not feel reflected nor understood in our mainstream collective to reach out and have an initial meeting. My style is adaptive. I am oftentimes honest yet reassuring with kindness and a sense of humor.

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Chelsea Dawn Fenton
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Hey- I'm glad you're here. Can I just name that looking for the right therapist for yourself can sometimes be a tad overwhelming? Give yourself some props for working through these profiles-- some of my clients have described it like 'dating' because it can take a while to find someone who you really vibe with- so I'll cut to the chase of who I am, what I do, and what you can expect from sessions with me! I'm a relational and person-centered therapist, meaning, I'm attuned to your needs and goals, act like a dynamic and engaged human in session, and really strongly believe you deserve a space where you can show up fully. I also prioritize the things you need in session to feel comfortable- if that's sitting on the floor, then I'll meet you there! If you need to fidget- I've got some for you. If you want to be burrito-wrapped up under a fuzzy blanket, that's just fine too! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you're getting something out of your time in therapy and we'll work together to create a space that allows for that. A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, inquisitive, and just carrying a lot more than most people realize. They might look like they’re keeping up just fine, but inside they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or questioning where life is headed. Some are navigating grief or the fallout of a breakup, others are dealing with anxiety, burnout, major academic stress, or trying to figure out who they are, where they're headed, and what matters to them. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. In therapy with me, I aim for us to create a space where you can be completely yourself without having to downplay your struggles. I bring warmth, curiosity, and care, and some helpful perspectives and ways of coping that are 100% tailored to you and what you need. You show up, and we’ll take things step-by-step and explore what’s weighing on you and what may help you get through it, together. If anything here resonated with you- I welcome you to reach out and set up a 20 minute free phone call with me and we'll go from there! Best of luck finding the care you're seeking!

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Foresight Mental Health
Clinic or agency
San Diego, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Lisa Manca
Licensed Professional Counselor
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Most days you can pretend that everything is ok--that you don’t need therapy for anxiety—especially if you keep busy. Then there are these moments of panic where all of your emotions hit you and you can’t find a way to feel better. Maybe you drag yourself out of bed to go to work and have anxiety attacks where you cry in the bathroom stall. You try to keep pushing the thoughts or memories that overwhelm you away, to no avail. It doesn’t happen all the time so you can usually tell yourself and everyone else things are fine. But if you stopped for a minute and looked at reality you would notice how unhappy you are with yourself and who you are. Every move you make seems like a reminder of something you did wrong or could do better. It feels like these moments happen OUT OF NOWHERE and a part of you feels like you are going to have to live your life with these intense feelings and memories coming up unexpectedly and just having to grin and bear it until the feeling passes. Or maybe these overwhelming feelings of anxiety and dread only come up when you are dating or when you are close friends with someone. You are usually confident and happy in your life but anxiety eats away at you when you get close to someone. t doesn’t have to be this way. You can reclaim your life. Your body was MADE to feel and EXPRESS emotions. And, if you don't learn how to identify, respond to, and express those emotions regularly- they will come out- in ways that often feel out of control. My name is Lisa Manca and I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, dating anxiety, and online therapy. My approach will help you learn how to deeply connect with your body, identify what is happening, and move through it with more ease and grace so your body has to send you those big signals less and less. We won't just TALK about what is happening or what has happened to you, we will create new routines, patterns, and strategies that feel GOOD in your body and that work in your life. Our sessions will get you moving through life with more ease (literally), dancing (sometimes), and getting really clear on creating a new way of moving through life and relationships. Through therapy with me, you will find a deep sense of safety and connection to yourself and your body. Your emotions will no longer be the enemy and you will accept who you are and be able to give compassion to yourself. You will connect with yourself, live in your body and FEEL the emotions you were once so afraid to face. Please call (415) 212-8780 to schedule your free therapy consultation now and learn how to live in your body in a way that life has more ease and less panic.

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Liana Wenger
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Natalie Foy-Claycomb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Hello! My name is Natalie and I’m a therapist who began my career working at a nonprofit where I provided therapeutic support to children, young adults, and parents, and I transitioned to private practice work in 2018. I enjoy providing therapy to a wide range and diverse group of clients, and I particularly love working with college students and young adults since I’m able to offer support during a time of life that often involves significant changes and transitions. I like to conduct therapy in a way that is positive, open, non-judgmental, and culturally-sensitive, and I am flexible in working with each client in a way that best suits his or her specific needs. I have experience working with clients experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral difficulties, particularly anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, learning differences, low self-esteem, and social/relationship challenges, among others. I incorporate elements of various types of therapy into my work, but Iprimarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients determine if some of the thinking and behavioral patterns they engage in can be altered to produce desired changes. I work with clients to develop their coping skills, self-awareness, insight, and ability to communicate effectively in order to help them lead more satisfying and successful lives. I truly love the work that I do since it allows me the opportunity to help and witness people make positive changes in themselves and their lives. Please feel free to contact me; it would be great to hear from you!

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sarah voynow berman
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
San Francisco, CA

Are you feeling stressed out over having to do too much and not enough time to do it? Are you finding some of your closest relationships changing? Are you finding that you are having mental blocks from stress? Would you like to learn creative, evidence-based practical skills that can facilitate lasting positive change? As an active psychotherapist, musician and counselor for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I work with talented, intelligent and motivated clients who want to obtain greater self compassion and productive strategies to assist in establishing a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives.

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Laura DeSantis
Licensed Professional Counselor
San Francisco, CA

People, life, and school are complex. It can be hard to figure out who you want to become while facing academic, family, or work pressure. As a recovering overachiever, I know how scary and foreign the world can be for a young adult just trying to become their own person. My role as a therapist is to provide you space (physical and emotional) to explore what you want for yourself and your life on your own terms. My approach emphasizes personal introspection, insight, and self-compassion in order to identify harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, we will find an approach that helps you heal from past experiences or cope with present challenges. I love working with young adults and being part of the lives they choose to pursue and the people they choose to become. This is your time to shine, so leave behind other people’s expectations, and step onto your own path. You’ve got this. Visit my website or give me a call to set up a free consultation; I would love to hear what’s happening for you.

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Annie Patyk
Pre-Licensed Professional
San Francisco, CA

Whether you're starting college, moving to a new city, exploring career paths, or navigating relationships, this chapter is filled with major transitions. It's a time of asking big questions—about identity, belonging, purpose, and connection. And while this growth can be exciting, it often comes with anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, or feeling lost along the way. Maybe You’re: -Feeling anxious, unmotivated, or unsure of what you want -Constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling with self-worth -Feeling disconnected from friends, unsure about your relationship, or lonely in a new city -Confused about career direction or struggling to make major life decisions -Navigating identity, sexuality, or finding your place -Afraid of making the wrong choice or not living up to expectations -Dealing with difficult family dynamics or crises -Overwhelmed by the state of the world and unsure how to move forward with purpose My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and non-pathologizing. That means I believe that what you’re experiencing isn’t a personal failing—it’s a natural reaction to the larger systems you’re living within. Together, we’ll unravel where your patterns come from, the ways they’ve protected you, and how you can begin to explore new ways of being. We might: -Get curious about your beliefs around success, identity, and self-worth -Explore how family or cultural expectations have shaped you -Understand the relationship between mind and body -Work through shame, fear, or grief that keeps you stuck -Identify your values and true desires, regardless of external pressures or expectations -Begin to take notice of the patterns that are no longer serving you Whether you’re starting college, building a career, or simply trying to figure out your next -step, you don’t have to do it alone.

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Robert Waska
Licensed Professional Counselor
San Francisco, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Rita Camacho MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

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.

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