Therapists for college students near 92182

I am a trauma therapist who specializes in supporting individuals through difficult events. I work with people throughout California virtually and in person in Santa Barbara, CA. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My primary therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, with a focus on helping people gain deeper insight into their inner world and life experiences. However I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) into my work as needed and/or desired. I am in-network for CenCal insurance

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.

I help people understand themselves, not just manage symptoms. If you're ready to look at patterns, relationships, and what keeps you stuck, this work is for you. One of my specialties is psychoanalytic dream interpretation: I've worked extensively with dreams in treatment and have seen how dreams foster insight, emotional depth, and lasting change.

Our approach is one of compassion, providing a non-judgmental place to help you safely explore life's challenges and strengthen your connection to yourself; fostering lasting emotional well-being. We offer a wide range of specialties and interventions styles. Reach out and we will set you up with a therapist that best suites your needs and therapeutic style

Starting college can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Many students I work with struggle with the transition to greater independence, academic pressures, and the challenge of building new friendships and relationships. It’s common to feel anxious, down, or unsure of how to balance it all. In our sessions, I create a supportive space where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Together, we’ll work on understanding and managing stress, easing anxiety and depression, and navigating the ups and downs of college life. Whether it’s handling the workload, dealing with homesickness, or managing new romantic and social experiences, my goal is to help you feel grounded, confident, and better equipped for this chapter in your life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My goal in sessions is for clients to feel self-aware, empowered, and grounded in who they are to better connect with the person they want to become. This kind of therapy leads you toward a happier home life, better communication with family/friends, feeling accomplished and relaxed at the end of the day, or feeling confident in your ability to tackle roadblocks. I am committed to creating an environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to open up about difficult topics. This safe space is where we can honor those feelings and experiences, gain a sense of acceptance, and work together to create a journey forward towards a purpose-filled path. My areas of focus are trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral issues, anger management, social skills, self-esteem, family dynamics, personal growth, high-stress environments, and more.

Our practice is built on authenticity, inclusion, and meaningful connection. We support college students and young adults as they navigate the many transitions, challenges, and opportunities that shape this stage of life. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, academic or social stress, identity exploration, or relationship concerns, we offer a space where you feel genuinely seen, supported, and valued. Using somatic awareness, mindfulness, and evidence‑based approaches, we tailor each session to your individual needs. Together, we explore the mind‑body connection, nurture resilience, and create pathways for healing, growth, and self‑understanding. We are committed to inclusivity and celebrate the diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences that each person brings. We recognize that change doesn’t happen in isolation it’s influenced by the relationships, environments, and communities you’re part of. While navigating life transitions can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. We walk alongside you with warmth and care, helping you strengthen connections, manage stress, and create space for personal growth, clarity, and confidence.

I’m really passionate about mental health and I genuinely enjoy helping people work through their challenges and find ways to improve their lives. I work to make a real difference by being someone who listens and supports clients in a way that helps them feel understood and empowered. I want to help them build the tools and confidence they need to handle whatever comes their way. My goal is to create a space where they feel comfortable exploring their feelings and making positive changes in their lives. I often use CBT which is highly effective in helping clients identify and alter dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors. This approach is beneficial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. I also incorporate aspects of DBT, especially the mindfulness and emotion regulation parts. These techniques provides clients with practical skills to manage their emotions and relationships more effectively. PCT and ACT are also central to my practice. t’s important to me that clients feel heard and valued in our sessions and help clients stay present and committed to making positive changes, even when things get tough. I enjoy working with diverse communities such as minority and marginalized communities, refugees and immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorders, caregivers, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, veterans, survivors of trauma and domestic violence, elderly populations, individuals with chronic illnesses, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. My aim is always to provide tailored, empathetic support that meets the specific needs of each client. Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to work with all sorts of people, from children in kindergarten, teens, adults and trauma survivors. These experiences have really shown me how strong and resilient people can be. Personally, dealing with my own challenges has taught me the power of empathy and creating a safe space for clients. I always aim to stay updated with the latest therapy techniques to give my clients the best support possible on their healing journeys.

My clients are vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and high-functioning people who sometimes face challenges with overthinking, self-esteem, emotional regulation, maintaining relationships, and self-compassion. People often reach out to me when they’re struggling to navigate a life transition, work or school-related stress, establishing boundaries and/or balance, or are seeking support in shifting patterns that are no longer serving them. I have worked with young adults, millennials, elders, tech professionals, non-profit professionals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as caregivers and people living with chronic pain. My approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. This allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to create a secure therapeutic relationship where you can freely explore all parts of yourself. In recognition of the importance of accessibility, I offer tele-health therapy sessions. This means you can receive support from the comfort of your own space, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for you. I understand that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I value the time and energy that you are putting into seeking the best support for you and would welcome an opportunity to speak in an initial free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a fit for working together.

I’ve always been drawn to understanding people’s stories and helping them navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to create a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I’m passionate about helping individuals recognize their own strengths, build resilience, and feel empowered in their journey. Ensuring that individuals feel heard and understood is a core principle of effective therapy. This involves creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, using reflective listening, and applying evidence based approaches to accurately understand and respond to each person’s experiences. Ongoing feedback and open communication are essential in maintaining a therapeutic environment that supports growth and clarity. Everyone has their own pace and process, and part of building a strong working relationship is honoring that. Trust develops over time through consistency, openness, and respect. The focus is on creating a space where someone can show up as they are, without pressure or judgment, and feel supported in a way that fits their needs and goals. It’s about meeting people where they are and moving forward together from there.

I can help you cope with academic stress, anxiety, issues with parents, relationships, eating and body image, health problems, trauma, and friendships. I combine EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness. Ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. Online or in person sessions available.

College can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, lonely, or overwhelming. If you're dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, family issues, or just feeling stuck, you're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m a therapist who helps people work through tough emotions, build stronger relationships, and feel more like themselves again. Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried it before, we’ll work together in a way that feels safe, honest, and helpful. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. Let’s talk.

Have stress and anxiety affected how you show up in work/school or in relationships with family and friends? Over time, constant exposure to work or life stressors can accumulate until we can no longer ignore the signs, and we recognize that something needs to be done. I am trained in EMDR therapy from an EMDRIA approved training to treat various levels of traumatic or difficult experiences. In EMDR therapy we can look at how your past experiences have impacted your view of self and others. Often times, our bodies can hold on to stress that we are not aware of, which is why the mind-body connection will be important in our work together in you healing from trauma and stress. I can also provide Christian counseling upon request. If you’re interested in learning more the next step is to call or email to set up a free 15 to 20-minute phone consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals who are seeking healing and change. Anxiety, panic, depression, conflict, stress and overwhelm, impact of transitions, OCD, and communication challenges are all areas where I can be most effective working with my patients. My specialty is TEAM-CBT, a form of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I find that using this approach with my clients makes it possible to reach their desired outcome rapidly and effectively and empowers them with methods they can apply to maintain their progress moving forward. Embarking on a journey of self-exploration and self-improvement through the process of therapy is a profound experience. I am honored to have an opportunity to work together with you to help you meet your personal goals for change.

What inspires me to work in mental health is the possibility of supporting another person or family through a difficult phase of their life. I have experience in trauma focused care, anxiety, depression, and parenting across all ages. I hope to use this experience to assist my clients in improving their quality of life. As a provider, I come from a place of non-judgement, curiosity, and view my client as the expert of their own life. Therefore, I ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand what they are saying, validate, and respect where they are coming from. I value transparency, consistency, and authenticity and I bring that to session each time. I respect the fact that trust is valuable and I allow time for my clients to feel comfortable with me.

My main inspiration for becoming a therapist is to help people, from all walks of life. I have been working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health since 2006, and specialize in treating clients with Co-Occurring Disorders. Prior to entering the MSW program at San Jose State University, I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, and received my BA degree in 2005. I have a solid background in social theory, and I apply social theory as part of my clinical approach, thus enhancing the therapeutic process. I am continuously working towards my ongoing professional development to help my clients using cutting-edge techniques. Therapy is more than a career, it is a passion and it is my life’s work. My empathetic approach, in which I actively listen to clients and reflect their goals, values, and struggles, fosters understanding and clarity. If I were to summarize what it is like to work with me, I would say “collaborative.” am committed to collaborative relationships with clients to maximize their capacity for growth and their ability to become resilient-to the many speed bumps and potholes along life’s path.”

You have taken a big and brave first step into bettering yourself and addressing your mental well-being. I have worked with individuals from various different backgrounds and identities treating a wide array of mental conditions. In our collaborative work together, we will process and explore barriers that may be inhibiting you from your full human potential. Counseling can feel like a scary and overwhelming experience, but know that this is the first step to bettering yourself. Counseling can improve both your personal relationships with family and friends and give you a sense of fulfillment in your life. Together we can build a working relationship to discover ways to reduce your current condition while examining patterns that affect your interpersonal relationships based on cognitive processes. I practice from a psychodynamic framework, which is defined as exploring people's emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors that are outside of our awareness. *Please note that I am only seeing students via Telehealth as my practice is now 100% remote.* My areas of interests and expertise include working with adults, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work burnout, trauma, interpersonal relationships, men and masculinities, gender identity, new fatherhood, porn addiction, and self-compassion. I aim to create a safe space to process aspects that may seem like a hindrance to reaching your full potential.

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.