Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in the mental health field since 2008. I have had my own private practice since 2019. My goal is always to meet clients where they are and to be as helpful as possible in the process. I work with children, teens, adults, parents, and couples using practical, evidence-based approaches. I focus on individual, family, and community-based strengths in order to create a foundation for lasting change. I also have specialized experience in treating young children with behavior problems, as well as individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, sexual identity, and trauma-related issues. I aim to help my clients feel supported and validated, but also feel a sense of trust and belonging when they are in a session with me. My general philosophy is to meet clients where they are and go from there in terms of how I can be the most helpful.

My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, I believe that mental health treatment needs to be personalized so that individuals in need of help are provided with unstigmatized care, to be heard, validated, and treated like human beings. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I diagnose and treat significant depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine.

Rui Dolen is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental trauma, and reactions to other stressful events in children and adults. Rui is a somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR), as well as parts work (ego states). Rui's approach is a holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based somatic approach, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice. Rui became passionate about parenting during her trauma work with children and families because she realized parenting is the prevention of trauma and we can all change the world through intentional parenting. After struggling with infertility, Rui now is a mother of a 28 weeks preemie baby who survived multiple surgeries and various feeding issues during the first year of her life. Embodying her own trauma practice, and with the support of her professional communities, she has been on her healing journey and grateful for her little miracle every day. Rui was born and raised in Beijing, China. With her eastern background, she is connected to mindfulness-based practice and life philosophies, personally and professionally. Growing up, Rui has seen her own family and the society in China suffering from different forms of trauma including generational trauma. Her innate curiosity and determination led her to study Psychology in the U.S. Rui holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Since then, along with founding her own private practice, The Wholistic Connection, Rui also is a part of the mental health team at AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Hollywood. Rui also has worked with Strength United, Pacific Clinics, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, and most recently the intensive outpatient program at Community West. In her free time, Rui is a yogi, major foodie, Airstreamer, and traveler. Her husband and she traveled around the world for a year in 2016. Her best getaway is to take her baby, four dogs, and drive their airstream to camp in nature.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Looking for help with medicines and/or therapy? We've got you! Our group of psychiatrists is dedicated to helping you while you're away at school. We see folks in CA, IL, MA, NY, and TX. There are appointments available right away - no 6 month wait. Send us a message and we'll figure out how to help.

Hi! My name is Suji Akhtar, a Korean American licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I specialize in anxiety, depression, multigenerational trauma, postpartum mental health, and immigration-related challenges. As a therapist, I'm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, heal from past traumas, and build resilience. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant, a parent, and a mental health professional. Whether you're struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood, grappling with anxiety or depression, or seeking to break free from the grips of intergenerational trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. Together, we can explore your unique experiences and develop personalized strategies to help you overcome obstacles, manage emotions, and build resilience. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you and helping you thrive amidst life's challenges. As I am in multiple telehealth platforms, please do not hesitate to reach out to see if I accept your insurance.

It would be an honor to be with you on your journey, whether it is to deepen self understanding and acceptance, explore relationships or manage anxiety and depression. It is your journey and your space so we will work together to find the best path and the most useful tools for you. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience working with a diverse and amazing variety of people. I spent many years working with teens and young adults in supportive housing, emergency shelters, schools and in private practice. The backbone of my training and the way I work is Psychodynamic Therapy. I believe finding the root of any issue is important for one to be able to grow and thrive. I also use many tools that incorporate mindfulness and body awareness. I have also completed an extensive training on providing trauma informed care and strive to make my practice safe and supportive for all. I am committed, as a provider, as a woman, and as a citizen of the world to creating a safe, inclusive space for all who I work, live, and play with.

Hi! I’m Jenny, and I help individuals and couples like you: ones that have it within them to put themselves back in the driver seat, but just need the support to get there. I help my clients find peace and acceptance by equipping them with the tools they need to give voice to their experience, while building their community of support. I am dedicated to helping people feeling supported during what can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming chapter in their lives. My training in perinatal therapy means I have the expertise you need and deserve during your familihood transition - no matter what stage you are in. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a person struggling with this season of life, right? I get it because I lived many of the challenges of this time in my own journey to becoming a mother. As I faced these challenges and became a parent, I dedicated much of my career to working with other women and couples facing similar challenges. I know that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone in this journey. So when we work together, you won’t just get an experienced therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

Virginia Psychology is dedicated to delivering exceptional assessment and therapeutic treatment to individuals across the lifespan. Our mission is to enhance mental well-being and personal growth for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples through evidence-based practices and compassionate care.

Are you someone whose checked many of the boxes in life but have found yourself in a less than ideal relationship? One day it’s all good, and the next day it’s all bad. You feel alone, isolated…like you can’t talk to anyone about what’s going on. You might feel embarrassed or what’s happening might just feel indescribable? You wish you could talk to your partner about it, but his mood is so unpredictable, you’re not sure if that’s even safe. Not to mention, sharing your experience with family or friends could mean having to face their judgment and receive unhelpful advice to "just leave." I specialize in supporting Black women who are struggling with communication and self-doubt in their intimate relationship. You’ll learn to be more assertive, set boundaries and increase confidence. My style is anti-therapist-y. Like talking to one of the girls but with a certain set of skills. Progressive and safe with a sprinkle of woo. You deserve to be supported by someone who’s “been there, done that” and can create a safe space for you to speak freely, learn to show up as your full self and have the peaceful relationship you want and deserve! Visit my website to schedule a free 15-minute call and let's find out if we're a good fit to get started.

Have things started to feel harder than they used to? This is a good sign. It's time to take care of you in a more meaningful way than you've experienced before. I work with clients who report feeling dismayed by their reactions to work stress, school stress, and/or relationship stress. I'm a deeply empathetic, yet directive therapist. I draw from multiple research-backed approaches to address your needs and goals. I have extensive experience working with overwhelm, stress, and depression, as well as PTSD, with adults, children and families. I feel honored to work with clients in what I consider to be a sacred process. Most of my clients report that they feel relief and hope within the first session. Clients see continued improvement as we process challenging experiences together and honor the natural wisdom and sense of personal power that arises from the work. Over time, experiences of reactivity, as well feelings such as anxiety, anger, sadness, and joy all become meaningful and helpful when we hold them with curiosity and compassion. And despite my education and training, I want you to know that I won't ever be 'done' finding parts of myself that need more love, or areas of my life that stretch me when I least expect it. It's because I lead a truly human life, combined with experience and support, that I know the courage and hard choices it takes to make this step toward healing.

Giving and giving to others has left you feeling lonely and empty. You often feel like everyone around you has it better than you and you just don't want to keep suffering alone anymore.  Your past continues to haunt you and you are realizing it is time to finally become the best version of you. Therapy with me can help you get there. I bring you a decades worth of experience in helping individuals transform their relationships. My integrative approach to healing will match your cultural experience. Clarity regarding your relationships, improved self-worth, and overall wellbeing will be gained. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, empowering you to be the best you. The day for you to start your journey towards feeling strong and secure in your decisions is here. Through our work together you will discover how resilient you are, making better choices for your future. Let’s start your healing process now, you are ready. Call me today for your free consultation to get started.

A Safe Place To Heal Are you dealing with daily anxiety, sadness, stress, trauma or difficult life transitions? Want peace in your life, but can't seem to attain it? Day to day we can be confronted with new challenges, stressors, and mental exhaustion. It is common to experience a range of emotional challenges individually or within your relationships during various phases of your life. Sometimes you just need a safe place to release and restore. I am committed to providing you a safe, supportive and confidential environment for your restoration and healing. I have 15+ years of experience supporting individuals and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in their journey towards healing. My services span from a therapist to a life coach that focuses on your holistic wellbeing. I offer an eclectic and culturally sensitive strengths-based approach tailored to each of my clients’ individual needs and use tools from Mindfulness based techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relational, narrative, trauma-informed care and art therapy models. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal, restore and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the challenges that hinder your life and ability to thrive. Email or call me for a free 15 minute consultation.

Please see info about my practice: www.drmichellespoelstra.com

My name is Blanca Martinez Walter and I am a licensed Latina holistic and spiritual therapist, living in Denver, Colorado. I am licensed in both the state of California and Colorado. The fancy title I have earned is Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but I prefer the other title (spiritual therapist). I blend my experience working with Latinx in psychotherapy with my deep interest in spirituality and the mind, body, and soul connection. My therapeutic approach is holistic, incorporating intuition, signs that universe sends you, body awareness, inner child work, and a comprehensive understanding of your past and present experiences to understand how you came to be. In my practice I work with first generation latinas/latinos seeking change, wanting to get more attuned to their intuition, open to looking at past patterns and being challenged, all the while doing so with a therapist that has a cultural background similar to theirs. Common issues addressed in my practice include the effects of childhood parentification, perfectionism, self-care issues, life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, and other issues unique to the first-generation experience. As your therapist, I will be your cheerleader and I will also be that person that challenges you and disagrees with you, because without discomfort there is no growth. I balance both humor, gentleness and disagreement in my therapeutic sessions. And yes, I speak Spanglish. I offer a free 15 min consultation to determine what your needs are going to be, what you are looking for in treatment and with that determine whether we would be a good match. I can offer a special rate for college students of $90 for 45 minutes. *If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, it may be determined that telehealth is not the option.

My treatment focus is on neurodivergent issues and gifted learners. Therapeutic style is evidenced and strength based, multiculturally sensitive, solutions oriented, client centered, and collaborative. You are the expert on you. My role is to facilitate and support an awareness of how to implement changes to overcome unhelpful patterns in thinking and decision making. I strive to see the whole person not just a list of symptoms. Understanding your unique background is key because therapy is not a cookie-cutter approach. Currently in network with Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, Lyra Health, SpringHealth, Sutter EAP, and Cigna in certain states. I am a LMFT in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Virginia, LPCC in California, and Registered Out-of-State Telehealth Provider for Florida, South Carolina and Vermont.

Michele Haynes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Pacific Northwest Counseling. Michele holds a license to practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON. Michele utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other trauma treatments (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). Her primary areas of clinical interest include couples, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, relationships, and stress management. Michele EMDR certified. For individuals wanting to integrate mental health and Christianity, Michele can offer a faith-based perspective. --- Benjamin Johnstun is a counseling intern at Pacific Northwest Counseling, practicing under the supervision of Michele Haynes, LMFT. Benjamin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Benjamin is passionate about helping couples build stronger, more communicative relationships, drawing on his training in the Gottman Method. He has completed Level-2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He is also dedicated to supporting individuals in finding purpose and meaning through a logotherapy-informed approach. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Benjamin offers a faith-based perspective for clients seeking to integrate Christian or LDS values into their counseling, while welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. Benjamin can practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON.

Sonia Duran is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a bilingual/bicultural Behavioral Health Professional (English/Spanish). Sonia graduated in 2006 with a BA in psychology and she earned her Master of Social Work in 2011 from the University of Missouri. Sonia brings a variety of intervention modalities to her practice, including Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Her passion is to bring healing to communities and individuals who have been through traumatic/stressful emotional experiences. Sonia brings an empowerment, understanding and strengths-based approach to her practice. Sonia enjoys spending time with her loved ones, spending time in nature, traveling and meeting new friends.

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.

Danielle Cooper, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center of Behavioral Therapy and Consultation for OCD and Anxiety. Dr. Cooper has unique expertise in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders, having trained and worked alongside internationally recognized leaders in the field as a former Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with college students struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. Drawing upon her clinical expertise, research knowledge, and experience, Dr. Cooper provides the most potent and effective treatments available for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. She also specializes in brief evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for insomnia and nightmares. Dr. Cooper currently offers telehealth appointments to patients in PA, NJ, and CA. Prior to founding CBTCOA, Dr. Cooper was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the world-renowned Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) in the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Cooper also established and was the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD. While at CTSA, she was involved in clinical work, administration, supervision, teaching, research and consultation. Dr. Cooper received her B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University and M.A. in Psychology from Boston University working at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD). She then worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Boston VA. Dr. Cooper obtained her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio University. She completed her clinical internship at the Ann Arbor VA and her post-doctoral fellowship at CTSA. Dr. Cooper has worked in various clinical settings, such as in an academic medical center, a university counseling center, a community mental health center, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, multiple VA medical centers, and private practice. She has received extensive training from leading experts in the field on the assessment and treatment of OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders. She is a certified clinician, consultant, and supervisor in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP) for OCD.