Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Treating mental illness requires innovation, compassion, flexibility, and focus. Pacific Mind Health integrates evidence-based treatments into a customized health plan that optimizes mental health outcomes. Pacific Mind Health practitioners are here for patients who need help managing a myriad of mental health issues: • TMS- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation • Anxiety • Depression • Substance Abuse • Mood Disorders • Addiction • Panic Disorders • Sleep Disorders • Coping with Dementia • Behavioral Disturbances • Coping with Chronic Illness • Life Transitions • ADD & ADHD • Schizophrenia • Bipolar Disorder Pacific Mind Health was founded in 2017 by Dr. Joshua Flatow, a board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in innovative therapies, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. With his team of providers, Pacific Mind Health treats patients across California with in-person and telepsychiatry appointments, making continuity of care readily accessible.

If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.

Anxiety is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned. Your brain is not your enemy and it isn’t trying to make you worry; it is just repeating unhelpful messages from the past. I’d like to help you retrain your brain to be a source of comfort and positivity. With less anxiety, you can direct your energy towards things you really value instead of worrying all the time. In order to change the way you think and feel, you can change your old habits and practice new skills. There is no more valuable project than your well-being, and it’s worth the effort. I have experience with: anxiety, feeling stuck, breakups, depression, and stress. I have a very strong background in mindfulness practices. My clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with a very diverse group of clients. My office is a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Please visit my website for more information. I do not accept insurance. I offer sliding rates for students, retail/service workers, and anyone else who has a financial need.

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Please call or email me for an individual therapy consultation today. I work with clients through telemedicine using video visits and phone calls.

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I have a special focus on athletes, performers, and creatives hitting walls, performance blocks, creative freezes, and the trauma quietly running the show from backstage. If you know you're capable of more but something keeps getting in the way, that's exactly where we dig in. I'm mindfulness-based, DBT-informed, and solution-focused, and certified in Brainspotting and Play Therapy. These two approaches reach places that talk therapy alone sometimes can't. Think of them as secret passageways to what's already inside you. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and completely tailored to you: no therapy-speak, just honest conversation, real tools, and a little humor when it helps. Whatever you're carrying, we'll figure out together, building on your strengths at your pace.

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has been in practice since 2015. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley in 2008. I completed my training to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Columbia University in 2014. I am inspired by positively impacting leaves in an area that is often overlooked by my clients. I like to provide members with options so that they feel empowered with the choices they are making.

My name is Wendy Silva, I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering Teletherapy in the State of California. I work with individuals who may be going through difficult times and may be struggling with managing their responses. You may be noticing patterns that continue to perpetuate thoughts and emotions that can be difficult to understand. In therapy, we can work together in identifying and understanding the “origen” of our patterns and work towards embracing growth, healing, and change. I believe therapy should be a safe space to process your emotions and thoughts without feeling judge and I aim to create a safe and trusting therapeutic space to facilitate growth and healing. I utilized an eclectic approach, utilizing therapeutic approaches and interventions that tailor to my clients needs. With that being said, I mostly work from a psychodynamic therapeutic approach and my focus is to support the client with self-reflection, self-examination and explore the source of your challenges. I will support you with identifying and implementing effective coping skills to live a healthy emotional lifestyle.

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.

Hi! My name is Dr. Archita Birla (she/her), and I am a Queer, South Asian American psychologist providing therapy services in Redwood City & throughout CA! I have experience working with teenagers and adults with Autism & ADHD, who are People of Color, and are Queer/LGBTQIA+ with various presenting concerns (anxiety, self-esteem concerns, emotion dysregulation). Particularly, I am passionate about working with BIPOC & Neurodivergent clients navigating self-diagnosis, self-accommodation, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. My own lived experience combined with my professional training in DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Feminist/Multicultural Therapies allow me to support clients using a person-centered approach. I support individuals through challenges - promoting clarity, healing, and values-driven change. I offer a safe and encouraging environment, where you are the expert of your lived experience. My therapeutic style is guided by curiosity, authenticity, and warmth. I recognize the vulnerability of showing up in therapy and commend you for seeking support in this journey. I firmly believe in the importance of a therapeutic relationship, and look forward to getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit!

I work with adults (age 18 and older) on a variety of mental health concerns, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, acculturation and cultural identity, and career uncertainty/transition. My experience in multiple mental health settings, from community mental health, university counseling centers, and Kaiser Permanente, has provided me with the skills to work with people from diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns. As a first generation immigrant from South-East Asia, I would be able to use my background to empathize with and help minority clients who experience challenges of navigating being a first-generation college student, cultural identity concerns, or racial/cultural insensitivities. My previous profession in software engineering may also help some clients going into the technology field feel connected and understood. I have been trained in insight-oriented (psychodynamic) and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) forms of therapy. I am also a certified clinical trauma professional. My practice aims to help clients develop tools to make the necessary change(s) in their lives. I collaborate with my clients to understand their needs and set goals they want to achieve. My interactions and interventions with my clients are wrapped in cultural consideration, validation, regard, and acceptance of who they are.

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

I see adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family dynamics, and chronic pain or illness. In treatment, I attune to the ways culture, attachment, and trauma influence a person's life. I often work with people who feel "different" and who have experienced deep feelings of otherness. I aim to create a safe space that invites curiosity and creativity, where talking about emotionally-painful topics doesn't feel so unbearable. If you'd like to explore the possibility of working together, please contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.

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 specialize in treating out-of-control sexual behaviors, anxiety, and OCD. I work with busy students who are struggling with self-esteem and perfectionism, overwhelmed by changing relationships, and worries about the future. Together we will find ways to understand yourself more, improve well-being, and find your power to move toward what is important to you.

Welcome! We are a telehealth group private practice based out of the Central Coast serving clients throughout California. We consist of myself as the founder and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and 4 Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT) excited to offer you supportive and compassionate therapy! We are accepting new clients to include teens, adults and couples challenged in the areas of interpersonal relationships, substance abuse/misuse, identity shifts, life transitions, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and grief & loss. Our therapeutic approach integrates person-centered, depth, psychodynamic, relational, attachment and trauma-attuned modalities, among others. Our website is under construction at the moment and will be launched in early September, but we invite you to reach out to us with any questions about our offerings! Warmly, Shana Burns, LMFT (415) 635-0415 Founded Ojai Marriage and Family Therapy Inc.

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

Valencia Counseling is a culturally sensitive private practice providing comprehensive mental health services via telehealth in the state of California. Valencia Counseling is committed to assisting children, adults and families achieve their goals.

Welcome! I’m glad you are here. Are you struggling with worries, fears, relationships? Is stress keeping you awake at night, difficulty concentrating and getting stuff done--or maybe just wondering what is the point of it all? You want to feel happy and enjoy life, but issues with your self-esteem make it hard to feel secure. You want to be more successful in managing where to control and when to let go, but feel held back with anxiety, depression, and stress. If you feel out of balance, down, dealing with life craziness, or bad relationship cycles – I’m here for you. With over 24 years experience, I can help you feel better and make better choices. You are not alone. Using therapy tailored specifically to you, you can learn skills to set better boundaries, manage anxiety and panic, and quickly rebound from negative cycles. My style is warm, honest, and interactive. I value getting to know you and supporting you through all the stages in your life. I'm a licensed long time therapist in private practice and I have taught many college psych classes. I'm also a mom of 2 teens and a little ShihTzu dog.

I understand what it is like to feel lonely, stuck, depressed, and anxious about oneself and the future. It can seem tough to move on in life when life appears to move on without you. These heavy feelings and unwanted thoughts are hard to embrace even when everything is going well. Helping others work through these times of deep feelings is very important to me. My focus is to support you as you learn to generate your own purposeful action plan and create a flexible value-directed life that matters to you. You are more than your troubled feelings and thoughts. I do this by careful listening and checking for understanding by reflecting that understanding back to you, the client. I believe trust is the creation of a safe space to reveal your hurts and dreams. If you can see that you are more than your thoughts and feelings, then you can handle uncomfortable unwanted thinking and begin to heal and believe there is hopeful successes in you future.

I support clients who are navigating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression, and I integrate practical strategies for emotional regulation, motivation, and executive functioning. Sessions with me may include skill-building, mindset shifts, medication support when beneficial, and space to process your experiences at your own pace.