Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Profound change occurs at its best in the context of supportive, empathetic, and insightful relationship. Throughout our lives we will all reach certain times where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, and disconnected from ourselves and our relationships. Maybe this has been you for some time, or maybe this is a more recent state that feels jarring. Wherever you are today, psychotherapy can be the confidential and safe place to show up just as you are. We will work together to uncover and shift the negative patterns keeping you stuck and develop skills to apply off the couch and into your life.

Whether it is the first time reaching out or you have sought counseling services before, I can help! Through a genuine connection and mindfulness approach, I can help you work through your struggles. With more than 17 years of experience working with students, I understand the stress that academics and life transitions can cause. We can figure it out together.

Are you tired of "reacting" and not feeling good about yourself? Is your past controlling you in the present in ways that aren't serving you? When we are "hijacked" by our past experiences we lose the ability to "choose" how we want to respond. This affects how we feel physically and emotionally; which can make us feel depressed, anxious, shameful. This in turn impacts the quality of our interpersonal relationships. It doesn't have to be that way. I see therapy as a relational and collaborative process that supports wellbeing on mental, physical and spiritual levels. My approach blends several Somatic and Talk based psychotherapies: EMDR, The Trauma Resiliency Model, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt Psychotherapy, Relational, and several, Mindfulness based awareness techniques which include my many years background in the healing effects of yoga. Each person is an embodied being with pleasant an unpleasant experiences embedded in the flesh and bones and tangled in the mind. My therapeutic work with individuals and couples is to process the unpleasant and build resiliency in support of personal transformation.

Hello, I am a psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. I have a couple of openings this spring/summer! My experience has allowed me to bring a deeper perspective to situations, and I know the value of giving that feedback to my clients. Do you want help with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss & grief, life transitions, cultural/racial issues, health problems and substance use? Send me a message and I'd be glad to do a free consult call with you. If I'm not the right therapist for you, I'm happy to give you some names of colleagues. I use a variety of approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic and Existential therapies. I'm licensed in Colorado, California and 42 other states through PsyPact. That means when you go home for the summer/breaks and it's likely I'll be licensed in your home state!

I’m Dr. Abu-Rus, a clinical psychologist available to see patients anywhere in California. I know reaching out for therapy can feel strange—like acknowledging something’s wrong when you’ve spent so much energy trying to hold it together. As a mom, USAF Veteran, and psychologist, I work with people navigating trauma, new parenthood, or depression that doesn’t always make sense on the surface. You might feel irritable, numb, anxious, or unsure of who you are anymore. You’re not too much. You’re not broken. And you don’t have to carry this alone. I specialize in trauma, postpartum stress, and depression that feels heavy or hard to explain. I use proven therapies like CPT, PE, ACT, and IPT to help you feel safer, more grounded, and more in control. My approach is structured but deeply human—tailored to what matters most to you. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just ready for something to shift, I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit. Therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming, I’ll walk you through the next steps. Send a message or email to get started. Or schedule directly into my calendar! Click on my website to see availability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We believe therapy is a transformative process incorporating different layers of ourselves and our environment. We center Liberation Psychology in helping people empower themselves and dismantle the effects of colonization within and as a collective. We see the person as a whole with mind, body, soul, and spirit. We use a trauma-informed approach that shifts the focus from what's wrong with you? to what happened to you?. Being culturally humble means that you are the expert of your own life, we are equals in the therapy room, and we continuously assess and address our own biases. At Colibri Healing Therapy we are 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirmative. ​ ​ The universe will recycle the same experience in different forms until one is able to transcend and elevate to a higher level of self-awareness and alignment.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you unsatisfied with one or more areas of your life? I partner with my clients to empower them to make the changes necessary to bring their realities in line with the lives they truly want. In this way, I collaborate with each individual, couple, and family with whom I work to craft their own individualized success plans. To accomplish this, I draw upon years of experience, as well as a very strong foundation of training in a range of techniques and strategies. Perhaps equally important are the personal qualities that I bring, which include intelligence, genuineness, compassion, and a commitment to the highest standards. I offer a range of types of therapies, often combining several, depending on the particular needs of each client. These include short term interventions designed to provide quick symptom relief and behavioral change, as well as longer-term approaches that aim at helping to extend these changes into a fulfilling life. Entrusting another person to help with your most sensitive issues isn't easy. Please know that I will honor you with the level of care, concern, and commitment you deserve. I will always act in your best interest, helping you to overcome those things that are holding you back.

Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.

Navigating college life can be a lot! Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, juggling academics and social life, dealing with anxiety or depression, or facing the unique challenges of being a student mom or pregnant/postpartum, it's okay to ask for support. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore these challenges and develop coping strategies. My approach is tailored to your individual needs, drawing from person-centered therapy to ensure you feel heard and understood, interpersonal therapy to help you navigate relationship dynamics, and cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thought patterns. I'm here to support you in building resilience, improving your well-being, and achieving your goals during this important chapter of your life.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed managing anxiety or stress? It is time to regain control and find tranquility. Picture a safe, confidential space where you can freely discuss these challenges. As your therapist, I will offer you that safe space to express yourself authentically and feel more in charge in your life. While current stressors may feel overwhelming, remember, they do not dictate your future. My expertise lies in guiding clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and more. I obtained certifications in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, Incredible Years Program (Parenting Program: School Age Basic Program & the Child Training: Small Group Dinosaur Curriculum). Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, Seeking Safety, & Gottman Level 2. These evidence-based practices have proven highly effective in my approach to treating diverse populations and addressing various mental health issues. Reaching out for help is a courageous step toward your healing journey. Starting therapy might feel intimidating initially, but I'm here to support and guide you.

Welcome, here's a short synopsis of some of the challenges I help navigate with clients. I work with navigating times of change, pressure, or uncertainty. Some are feeling overwhelmed by school, relationships, or expectations—from others and themselves. Others are struggling with anxiety, burnout, low mood, or feeling like they’ve lost touch with who they are. You don’t need a diagnosis to seek support—just a sense that something’s off and a willingness to explore that together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am a therapist working in private practice in Saratoga. My style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I have a relational focus and I value how attachment influences each individual and the process of therapy. My clients seek to change what is difficult and what isn’t working in their life. Many struggle with the impacts of trauma interfering with their day to day life. Others may struggle with feeling stuck or emotionally overwhelmed. They may be experiencing a challenging dynamic in their relationships or a lack of connectedness to others. My clients are looking to transform their life, achieve personal growth, and to heal. It takes courage to recognize each of our own unique needs and struggles, and I admire the strength it takes to reach out for support and help. I believe that all individuals have the ability to change, and that personal growth is possible for everyone. If you are ready to take the first step toward your path of healing, please contact me. I am currently offering in person services on Wednesdays.

I work with children, teens, and adults, using a specialized blend of behavior principles into my therapeutic practice. I started my career in special education as a behaviorist for children with autism and later worked as a school counselor for middle school students in East Los Angeles. I earned my BCBA in 2020 and my LCSW in 2021, allowing me to integrate behavior management techniques into my mental health practice. I love being able to work with clients from both a behavioral and mental health perspective, allowing space for big behaviors and big feelings to coexist and be processed together. I'm here to help! I am directive yet empathetic and allow clients to tailor their therapeutic plan to meet their needs and goals. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation to see if we might be a good fit. Email for clinical supervision rates (individual, triadic, group).

Do you struggle with feelings of not being enough, self-doubt and self-criticism? Do you have difficulty expressing your feelings, communicating your needs or setting boundaries? Do you stay in relationships that make you feel unloved, unseen and unheard? Are you constantly worried or overthinking, making it difficult for you to make decisions, take risks or try new things? You're feeling stuck and not sure how to move forward in life. Starting therapy is the first step. “Everything starts with and how you feel about yourself. Start feeling worthy, valuable and deserving of what life has to offer". -Unknown. Call today! I provide a safe space where you can be yourself, be vulnerable and share your struggles without being judged. Together we will work on helping you gain a better understanding of yourself by identifying triggers and behavior patterns that are impacting your life and relationships. I will provide you with tools to help you learn how to better manage symptoms. Call today to schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation. During the call, I will answer any questions you may have to help you determine if I am a good fit for you. Virtual Only (Daytime and Evening Availability).