Therapists for college students near 90089

I provide both English and Mandarin virtual psychotherapy to individuals and families. My approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS and MI, and I adapt the approach that resonates with my clients; my practice also focuses on our automatic thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, as well as exploring cultural identity, navigating cultural dilemmas, and releasing intergenerational tension. I have more than 7 years of experience helping individuals with mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, cultural identity issues, and generational conflict. I am also equipped with the knowledge to work with individuals with special needs, such as autism and developmental disabilities.

If you are struggling, please contact me right away. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in counseling college students and adults in the community who are navigating complex relationships or experiencing depression, shame, or trauma. You are not alone in struggling with profoundly difficult things in your life. You need a place to talk about whatever it is that is troubling you with somebody who can actually help. My counseling approach involves individual one-on-one appointments in a safe and confidential space. In our sessions, I will guide you through processing whatever it is you are struggling with. Through this work you can reach peace, better understand yourself, and find rewarding relationships. There is hope.

Feeling stressed, worried, or overwhelmed by daily emotions? Looking for support to navigate life’s challenges and create a more fulfilling, joyful life? Welcome to Ever After. Here, we offer a safe, compassionate space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Life’s hurdles can leave us feeling stuck or uncertain, but we firmly believe in your inner strength and ability to overcome obstacles and embrace personal growth. Let’s work together toward the life you deserve. Our clinicians are experts in evidence-based treatments and innovative techniques to help you feel better and understand yourself. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Trauma Focused and Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based methods, and more. We understand that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to navigate them alone. Our clinical team meets you where you are on your journey, working collaboratively to ease interpersonal struggles and pain. Together, we’ll help you find balance, healing, and harmony in your life. Let us support you in creating a brighter future.

Online sessions are available. Details can be found at https://ginnyestupinian.com/appointments/ In-person office sessions are now also available for those who would rather come into my office. Board-certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I specialize in treating college students who are dealing with severe anxiety, depression, stress, and complex trauma. Over the years, I have worked with many college students who have found themselves feeling anxious and depressed to the point that they can't continue with school. Many students report going down the same rabbit hole; as the demands of college increase, they become strapped for time and start to neglect their usual self-care routines—eating healthy, exercising, and relaxing. Not surprisingly, their mood becomes poor. Sadly, ignoring these early changes will cause things to get worse. Students then reported no longer enjoying activities that were usually the highlight of their day, feeling exhausted continuously but unable to get a good night’s sleep. Next, their class performance suffers; they sometimes miss classes because they can’t get out of bed. In some cases, students find themselves in a dark place, barely eating, and unable to concentrate enough to read even a short paragraph in their books. It is not uncommon that thoughts begin to circle the same unpleasant memories and nagging fears, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and guilt. The good news is that, In many cases, I have been able to help those individuals feel better and develop the resilience strategies they needed so they could continue with school and graduate successfully. When we work together, you can be assured that you will never be judged; everything we discuss will be confidential. You will be provided with the most advanced techniques appropriate to your needs, and they will help you feel better about obtaining the goals you want to reach. No situation is too small or too large that I can't help you with. Call today for more information. 844-802-6512

Relationships are at the core of our lives, and I believe healing and growth often happen within these connections. Whether you are seeking to strengthen communication in your partnership, navigate parenting challenges, or build healthier patterns as a family, I strive to create a space where each voice can be heard and respected. Together, we will focus on fostering connection, trust, and resilience in your most important relationships.

I have made it my life's mission to learn what it means to live well, passionately and intentionally, so I may live the best life I am capable of living. Part of that mission is to support others through a similar journey, showing them that they are worth loving by attending to their holistic needs--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I deeply believe I can only lead people in their growth process as far as I’ve been willing to go myself. The “success” I feel as a psychologist is directly connected to my capacity to live my life with the love, intention, and courage I’m trying to model. Though I have the clinical background to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues, I have a special interest in working with personal growth and existential issues, relational issues, self-acceptance, mens issues, and college-age/young adult issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My experience includes working with adult addicts for an outpatient treatment center, couples and families through the school-based and special education programs at a family services agency, and one-on-one therapeutic sessions with adults utilizing both in-person and virtual modes of service. My style is client-centered and focused on affirming the client's strengths, reframing negative or challenging thoughts, and guidance of the client towards goal achievement. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

As a therapist, I find inspiration in helping individuals tap into resilience and strength as they navigate their mental health journeys. Witnessing their transformations and moments of clarity, hope, and healing fuels my passion for this field. I am motivated by the opportunity to create a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions, knowing that every conversation and intervention holds the potential to spark meaningful change in their lives. Ultimately, it is the privilege of walking alongside others in their struggles and triumphs that drives my commitment to the mental health profession. As a therapist, I prioritize creating a safe and empathetic space where clients feel fully understood and validated. I actively listen, maintaining eye contact and using reflective statements to convey that I am engaged in their experiences. I encourage open dialogue and ask clarifying questions, ensuring clients feel comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts. My goal is to foster a trusting relationship where clients know their voices are valued and their feelings matter. As a therapist, I prioritize building trust and rapport with my clients to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. I believe that establishing a genuine connection fosters open communication, allows for deeper exploration of personal challenges, and ultimately enhances the therapeutic process. By actively listening, validating their experiences, and demonstrating empathy, I aim to empower clients and help them feel valued and understood throughout their journey.

Hi! We are a group practice located in San Clemente, Ca. We offer in person and telehealth appointments. Holder Wellness is in network with Cigna and we offer EMDR therapy as well as talk therapy. We work with clients who are experiencing relationship challenges or need guidance working through specific issues. Contact us for a consultation.

I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. Early in my career I had many mentors who encouraged me to become a therapist, they believed in me. In some moment, I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I use the phrase, validate the other person’s reality that may be different from your own. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated. My first response is over time. I think trust is built with consistency. I tend to follow a consistent pattern in session, I try to have a beginning, middle and end to every session. The beginning can be more of a welcoming and social experience. The middle can be sharing and revealing the deeper part of a person and what they are going through. This can feel emotional and intense at times. The end, is closure. I will help a client have some closure at the end of every session. I talk to the client about next steps, how will you spend the time after the session, and confirm when we will meet next.

The people who tend to find their way to me are usually carrying more than they let on. They’re smart, self-aware enough to know something isn’t working. They’re tired of overthinking, people-pleasing, feeling like they’re watching their own life from a slight distance. Sound familiar? I’ve been doing this work for over fifteen years, but honestly the reason I’m a therapist goes back way further than that. I was the kid who noticed when people were struggling. The one who wanted to understand what was actually going on beneath the surface. That never went away. I’m a parent. I play music. I read fiction and think about it too much. I’m not a blank wall you talk at; I’m a real person, and I bring that into the room with me. If something here feels right, trust that. A free consultation costs you nothing but fifteen minutes, and you’ll know pretty quickly whether it’s a fit. No commute. No waiting room. Just show up as you are.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hello! I love supporting young adults navigate the stressors of college and life changes! If you are feeling the effects of depression, anxiety, coping with chronic medical conditions, difficulties in relationships, trauma, fear, anger, guilt, grief or loss, we will work as a team to explore your concerns and work towards making positive changes in your life. Beginning or continuing your therapeutic growth and journey does not need to be an intimidating process, but one in which ultimate support, healing and connection is found. It is my goal to provide a collaborative experience of working together to create growth and change in a safe and supportive environment to help you meet your goals, discover your inner strengths and lead a more fulfilling life. If you are in a season of searching, self-exploration, and in need of brainstorming new solutions, you have already taken the bravest step! I am here to help you explore, heal, and work towards finding the meaning that you seek. The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most crucial elements for the success of therapy. It is SO important to find someone that feels right for your needs and who understands you! Don't hesitate to contact me for a free 15- 20 minute phone consultation where we can discuss and explore your personal needs and goals for therapy.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

Many of the students I work best with feel pressure to "have it all together" on the outside—yet inside, they're overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or past trauma. They may be high-achieving, creative, or deeply caring individuals who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. In our work together, I provide a warm, grounded space to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. I use practical, body-based tools along with talk therapy to help you feel more empowered, connected, and aligned with who you truly are. Therapy doesn’t have to be about fixing what’s “wrong”—it can be about reconnecting with your inner strength and learning new ways to care for yourself.

If you’re seeking therapy, you might wonder what it could look like—how it feels to sit with someone who truly understands you and helps you untangle the knots in your life. I’m a therapist who loves guiding people through their challenges with warmth, compassion, and encouragement. My approach to therapy is all about collaboration, focusing on your strengths, and weaving together evidence-based practices tailored just for you. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or a big life shift, I’m here to help you find your footing and move forward in your life in a way that feels meaningful. I specialize in an integrative, strength-based style of therapy, drawing from a rich toolkit of techniques to suit your unique needs. Think of it as a custom roadmap: we start with where you are and chart a course to meet your goals. I rely heavily on evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shift limiting thought patterns; Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore the different parts of yourself; and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to release stuck trauma. Mindfulness helps keep you anchored in the present moment, while Sensorimotor (Somatic) Psychotherapy bridges the mind and body when words fall short. My philosophy is holistic—mind, body, and soul are all partners in healing. I’m client-centered and humanistic, meaning you’re the expert on being you. You bring the raw material of your life experiences and I bring tools, training, experience, and a steadfast presence to help you sculpt something new. I believe therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about tapping into your inner wisdom to foster growth. This may mean healing old wounds or stepping into your most authentic self. Therapy with me is about connection—to yourself, to others, and to a life that lights you up. How do I approach this process? With empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for your personal journey. I start by creating a safe space where you’re truly seen and heard and can explore all parts of yourself: your fears, hopes, and everything in between. There is no judgment. From this place of acceptance of what is, we’ll set some practical and attainable goals. I’m big on education, transparency, and ensuring therapy meets your needs, so you’ll always know what’s happening and why each step of the way. You can expect a balance of gentle support and practical guidance as we track your emotions, spot relational patterns, and loosen the grip of limiting beliefs. It might get uncomfortable sitting with some of the tough stuff, but I’ll be right here helping you navigate it with clarity, sensitivity, and support. I’ve worked with all kinds of people—students with ADHD, survivors of trauma, corporate professionals, creatives, and more—across ages, cultures, and identities. My passion lies in helping you not just cope, but thrive. With me, you’re not just a client—you’re a partner in a process that celebrates who you are! Let’s build something meaningful together.

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.

Picture a supportive therapy room infused with the excitement of a treasure chest full of self-discovery. My therapy style is all about providing support, and education, and enhancing your understanding of how stressors may impact your life. In our sessions, we'll embark on a journey together, armed with curiosity and compassion. With my background in health psychology and biology, I bring a unique perspective to our care. Depending on your needs, we can process, develop useful coping skills, or do both to help find a balance that nourishes your mind and body. Together, we'll unravel the knots, celebrate the victories, and maybe even share a virtual high-five or two along the way. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I believe that change flows easiest from self-acceptance, and that self-acceptance is nurtured through the telling, the listening, and the embodied expressions of our lives. My approach is warm, inviting, direct and attuned. I meet my clients with interest, non-judgment, and respect. I am driven by a profound sense that individual and community care are interwoven, and that healing is a process of mourning and meaning-making. Through the formation of a safe, authentic, and reflective therapeutic relationship, I support clients in feeling and releasing pains from the past, developing a sense of presence to what is and what they dream can be, and moving towards trust in their own inner knowing. This can be a deeply personal process and a collective and collaborative one. At the foundation of my therapeutic approach is the person-in-environment ethos of social work and the art of ethnography - before I was a therapist, I was a social-science researcher with a background in cultural anthropology. I, therefore, pay close attention to the social and cultural ecosystems of one’s life, and to the stories that shape one’s identity formation. The therapeutic modalities I have found most effective to this endeavor, and have therefore prioritized, are narrative, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, existential, and relational psychodynamic modalities. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and shows a commitment to exploration and innovation - one where I strive to continue to learn with and alongside the clients in my care. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

The Lotus Collaborative provides eating disorder PHP and IOP, primary mental health IOP, and dual-diagnosis treatment when clinically indicated. We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Kaiser Permanente, and also work with Medi-Cal referrals. For clients with other insurance plans, we can explore Single Case Agreements (SCAs) and have had a high success rate obtaining them. We also offer a free, in-person eating disorder recovery support group open to the community.