Therapists for college students near 90095

"Commit to loving yourself completely. It's the most radical thing you will do in your lifetime" - Andrea Gibson I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals through transition and personal growth. After growing up in Colorado and graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, my professional journey started with a passionate commitment to community building, leadership development, and health and wellness advocacy. I embarked on a profound exploration of autonomy and a deepening understanding of myself through working with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Mexico and then as a Director of an Environmental Educational program in Hawaii. Following my move to the Bay Area, my deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on individual lives motivated me to pursue and successfully earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. Throughout my mental health professional journey, I have worked as a psychotherapist, consultant, supervisor, counselor and Founding Director of a New Parent Support Center, each contributing to my diverse skill set and holistic approach to well-being. With a firm belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, I specialize in working with emerging adults/college age individuals with their unique challenges and opportunities faced at different stages of life. My focus is helping my younger clients build inner strength, explore their identities, establish independence, and navigate important life decisions. My integrative approach utilizes my extensive training in research-based interventions as well as clinically efficacious modalities such as developmental psychology, attachment theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy. By combining these methods, I provide a tailored and holistic therapeutic experience while recognizing each individual as the expert of their own life. I am certified in Parent-Based Treatment for Childhood Anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center, a certified Gottman Educator, a certified Parent Coach as well as a Girls Leadership educator. I have completed trainings in Surf Therapy, Somatic Experiencing as well as Nature-Informed therapy. I enjoy surfing, hiking and exploring the outdoors and live with my husband and two teenagers in Encinitas, CA. Lic# MFT 51396 “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Jon Kabat-Zinn Specialties College Students Women's Issues Identity Development Life Transitions Stress Management Relationship Concerns Anxiety and Worry Depression Attachment Theory Mindfulness and Somatic Based Therapy Parts Work

We are a team of highly specialized clinicians who offer in-depth, psychological services in a safe & comfortable setting. We accept many insurances, offer sliding fee scale, evening/weekend availability, & have both in-person sessions, as well as Telehealth appointments. Please visit our website for more information: DrSawires.com.

My practice is grounded in a humanistic and client-centered approach, which means that you, as the individual, are at the heart of our therapeutic work. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, gender identity exploration, queer-related issues, and the impact of race trauma. I understand that each person's experience is unique, and I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where your voice is heard and valued. In our work together, we'll focus on processing your thoughts and emotions, helping you gain clarity and understanding. Whether you're dealing with complex challenges, seeking to understand yourself better, or in need of support, my role is to provide the guidance and tools that align with your unique journey. I hope to create a space where you can explore and grow at your own pace. I'm here to support you as you navigate your path, offering insights and strategies to help meet to your individual needs.

Starting college — or just trying to get through it — can bring up a lot: Am I doing this right? Do I even belong here? Who am I becoming? I’d love to help you figure it out. Together we can work through the stress of adjusting to a new place, academic and social anxiety, career uncertainty, drinking or eating patterns that feel hard to shake, or trauma that’s still asking to be understood. I especially enjoy working with students nearing graduation who are wrestling with what comes next — career direction, next steps, and the identity shift that comes with leaving college behind. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as a professor, and my research focused on identity and belonging — so I have a real passion for working with students exploring who they are, especially those navigating race, class, gender, or sexuality, or who just feel like they’re on the outside looking in. I bring both that academic background and genuine warmth to our work together.

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.

If you're longing for deeper joy, intentionality, purpose, and wholeness in your life, today is a good day to begin. It can be difficult to prioritize yourself in the craziness of life and everything you already hold… but the benefits stretch so far beyond yourself to everyone you interact with, and especially to the ones you love most. I take a holistic approach to addressing anxiety, trauma, and life transitions- which means I consider the physical, mental, relational, and spiritual aspects of your life and how they interact. I use a variety of frameworks, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, attachment, and mindfulness. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD who are ready to take control of their lives back. I take an in-depth, holistic approach to discover & address root causes, paired with practical tools and coping strategies you can use right away. I value & incorporate your feedback along the way to create an approach that fits, so you can experience lasting change. If you’re ready to take intentional steps, I’d love to connect. I offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if it feels like a good fit. Email me to get started.

I wanted to pursue a career as a therapist because I had a desire to help people create lasting and fulfilling relationships, which would help to contribute towards a healthier quality of life. I wanted to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them cope in healthier ways with their mental health issues or with life’s challenges. It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to support my clients with achieving their goals in therapy. It is very important to me that I provide each of my clients with a personalized experience where they feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Throughout the therapeutic process I make it my goal that my clients feel valued and understood by using active listening skills, validation, and reflective listening techniques. The client-therapist relationship is very unique and I feel honored and grateful that my clients allow me to come along with them on their journey toward improving their mental and emotional well being. The quality of the client-therapist relationship in therapy is essential for a positive outcome. It is always my number one priority to build a strong foundation with my clients through building trust and creating a therapeutic alliance with them. By establishing rapport, being authentic, and being able to genuinely understand and share in my clients’ experiences and feelings are crucial for creating a safe place for my clients to achieve personal growth and positive change.

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.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, struggling in relationships, or questioning who you are and where you're going, you’re not alone. College can bring a lot of pressure—academically, socially, and internally. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're going through, and feel more like yourself again. Together, we’ll work to understand patterns that may be holding you back, build tools to manage stress and anxiety, and support you in developing a stronger sense of identity, confidence, and direction. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more able to navigate your life with clarity and self-trust.

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.

Life is often full of surprises, ups and downs, and unexpected challenges. In times of struggles and uncertainties, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength to reach out for help and experience positive transformation. As a first generation Chinese American, I experienced first-hand the challenges of relational brokenness and intergenerational trauma. Through my own healing journey, I had to unpack the roots of my inner critic and learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship with myself and others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, which has deepened my commitment to creating a compassionate space where healing can happen. It is my hope that we can collaborate and work through the pains of life and create a life that you have envisioned. In my clinical work, I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unresolved emotional injuries, AAPI/BIPOC mental health, intergenerational and relational trauma. I approach my clinical work through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) in my clinical work and tailor my treatment to each person’s unique journey.

I work with students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or like they’re barely keeping up even if they’re still functioning on the outside. You may be juggling school, work, relationships, family pressure, and big life transitions, while internally feeling exhausted, stuck, or constantly behind. Many students I work with are high-achieving on the outside but struggling privately with anxiety, depression, overthinking, procrastination, self-doubt, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Others are navigating relationship stress, identity questions, or the lingering impact of past experiences that still affect how they show up in daily life. Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to hold it all together or figure it out alone. Together we slow things down, understand what’s underneath the stress, and start building clarity, steadiness, and emotional relief in a way that actually feels manageable in student life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both emotional insight and practical tools to help you feel more regulated, confident, and connected to yourself.

I joined Thriving Campus because college students are faced with a variety of challenges, including adjusting to being in college and becoming self-sufficient as a young adult, and these challenges have an impact on the mental health of college students. I find it is very important to work with college students to meet them where they are currently and help them build on their strengths in order to navigate college life and its challenges.

College is such a roller coaster. You may be feeling overwhelmed, apathetic, anxious, and always just going through the motions. Even though "everything's fine", you can't help but feel like the daily grind of "needing to be productive" could go a bit smoother. Maybe that irritation with that one roommate still lingers throughout our week. Or maybe the thoughts about that one moment during last night's date keep popping into our head as we're trying to concentrate during our morning lab. As a first generational Asian American, I can relate to the pressures of being independent and needing to keep up with school while still trying to have my own life. Schedule slots for yourself during the week to process the things we take on and carry within us. After all, they have a way of harboring and distracting our minds and bodies, clouding our judgement, taking away from our motivations, focus, and keeping us emotionally distant from those around us. If you live in NV or CA, I offer virtual telehealth sessions so that you can benefit from them right from your home or office. With flexible scheduling, my goal is to help you create habits using targeted solution focused therapy. I offer a variety of options, catered to your busy schedule. Integrate the "mental gym" into your week so that you can incorporate the benefits right away. It's better to process through it instead of holding it all in. You can be successful AND feel confident, calm, and in control. Our first session: will be a casual meeting to talk about how I can best help you. We will discuss the areas that you'd like to work on, collaborate and come up with a schedule that best suits you. Therapy can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on how consistent our meetings are. Client that I've worked with have experienced improvements within the first few sessions. If you're interested, reach out today to schedule a free consultation with me.

I'm a queer white therapist who has been working with teens and young adults for over 10 years. The physical, social, and emotional transition into adulthood can be awesome, but is cal also jarring and overwhelming - I'd like to help make it easier. I have a lot of experience helping deal with issues related to stress, perfectionism, sex and sexuality, identity, and relationships. I also can help support and heal trauma symptoms. I also specialize in anti-racism and anti-oppressive activism. If you're curious about that work I'm at www.ar-tic.org. You can also learn more about my thought process and creativity via www.shealowery.com. I hope to hear from you soon!

What inspired me to become a therapist is a deep curiosity about people, healing, and how change happens through connection and experience. My work has been shaped by an integrative background that includes Depth Psychology, trauma-informed care, Polyvagal Theory, CBT, ACT, Positive Psychology, Family Systems work, and experience with somatic and experiential approaches, including equine-assisted work and the arts. I’ve also been influenced by academic and lived experiences exploring culture, creativity, and recovery, including work on trauma, addiction recovery, and meaning-making after distress. I aim to make sure you feel heard by really slowing down and staying present with both your words and your emotional experience. I tend to check in often to make sure I’m understanding you correctly and that we’re capturing what feels most important to you. My approach is grounded in attunement, curiosity, and creating a space where your experience is taken seriously without judgment or rushing toward solutions. Working together is a collaborative and relational process that unfolds over time. I draw from somatic, experiential, and trauma-informed frameworks, and we focus on building safety, consistency, and trust first. I often integrate mind-body awareness, reflective dialogue, and practical strategies depending on your needs. My background also includes teaching dance, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to veterans, as well as exploring nonverbal communication and relational dynamics through equine work and movement-based practices. All of this informs how I help clients feel grounded, understood, and supported as they move toward meaningful change at their own pace. I earned my first degree at UW Madison. Sometimes to break the ice with couples, I will let them know that I taught ballroom dancing though mini courses and the University extension to help pay college living expenses. In those days, I often wore combat boots to teach.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am licensed in both California (118887) and Pennsylvania (MF001617). I have been in practice for eight years and specialize in emerging and young adults, ages 15-30. I have extensive clinical and research experience helping clients work through body image issues and disordered eating patterns, as well as depression and anxieties associated with life events and transitions. I also have additional training in substance use and abuse treatment in young adults. Using the most recent research in the field of neuroscience, you will learn how to reshape your brain to better align with your goals. My role is to help you restructure unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to strengthen your sense of autonomy, agency, and resiliency. I exclusively offer telehealth services to best accommodate your needs and availability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.