Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University
Do you ever feel as though life is even tougher than it should be, or that solutions always seem just out of reach? You're not alone, even though it can feel that way when stress builds up and you're not sure where to turn. Students today face a wide range of challenges on campus, such as demanding classes, financial pressures, and navigating new relationships with professors and peers, not to mention figuring out how you relate to your family, community, or even yourself as you enter adulthood. The uncertainty and decisions can be overwhelming. As a licensed psychologist with almost 8 years of private practice experience in San Francisco, I can help you think through overwhelming situations and develop strategies that will work for you. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and many kinds of life transitions and stress. I believe therapy should provide a welcoming, supportive place to grow and practice relating to thoughts, feelings, and other people in healthier ways. A good therapy session should feel like a satisfying - if challenging, at times! - conversation with someone who really understands your needs and goals.
I am a licensed clinical mindfulness psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Using a creative synthesis of Western science and Eastern philosophy, I can help you develop a set of tools that enable you to better your life, and truly embrace it. I am also an EMDRIA Certified therapist in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in trauma, adoption, and challenging life experiences, my approach is relational and integrative. I work exclusively online with teens and adults in California who have had significant adverse childhood experiences or recent stressful or traumatic events. Life transitions can trigger old emotional wounds, contributing to anxiety or depression in adulthood. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from symptoms of past trauma is EMDR therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can provide lasting relief from disturbing memories, reactivity, anxiety, excessive worries, and other emotional distress stemming from adverse experiences in the past. This evidence-based integrative brief psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective. Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as an effective trauma treatment; the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense placed EMDR therapy in the "A" category as "strongly recommended" for trauma.
Are you struggling with life's transitions, starting college, anxiety, depression, stress, or grief? I specialize in working with individuals ages 16-35 to help navigate these challenges with understanding and support. My approach focuses on creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you can process your emotions and work toward meaningful goals. In our initial sessions, we’ll explore what you're seeking from therapy, set clear goals, and identify actionable steps. I also provide psycho-education about the symptoms you may be experiencing, which helps empower you to understand more about yourself and what you are experiencing. I used an integrative model to support client's in reaching their therapy goals. I will work together with you in creating reachable goals, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to identify and process your emotions. I utilize different interventions depending on client's needs, but primarily use a person centered approach with CBT. Please feel free to reach out to me for a quick introductory call for us to see if we would be a good fit for one another in building a therapeutic relationship. I know it can be hard to find a therapist, I am hoping to make the process as smooth as possible.
We are an outpatient practice specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for anxiety, stress, and related problems. We provide cutting edge, empirically supported treatments in a warm, empathic environment. We currently offer treatment for stress, anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, phobias, medical conditions, life transitions, and other life difficulties resulting from these problems. Our therapy is solution-focused and helps clients reach their full potential and improve quality of life. Unlike generalist providers, our therapists have specialized training in CBT, ACT, and anxiety & related disorders.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out a therapist. As social beings, we all need support and at certain times we need it more than ever. Speaking to someone you can open up to and trust, knowing you will not be judged, can really make a difference in navigating emotional turmoil, relationships, stress, anxiety, processing trauma, and making our way through major life transitions. At times we may struggle with larger life questions such as, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in life?" I am here to help. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I support clients in healing and overcoming obstacles that prevent them from living freely, authentically, and with deep fulfillment. I have helped people struggling with depression, life-transitions, anxiety, childhood trauma, ADHD, self-esteem, and spiritual/existential concerns. My holistic approach incorporates depth-work, spirituality, and learning new strategies to effectively navigate life. I am certified in Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy, which facilitates genuine and life lasting changes through a powerful process of self-discovery rooted in compassion and presence. I am a certified Enneagram Facilitator and Yoga Teacher.
Theresa Chesnut specializes in the treatment of Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), issues surrounding athletic performance and anxiety as well as conflicts arising within the family, particularly those pertaining to adolescent growth. Her therapeutic orientation is holistic, strength-based, and grounded in both psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) theories. Professional Experience Theresa has worked with adolescents and adults for over 30 years, managing her clients’ challenges with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders. Previous to her having formed her own private group practice, she held the position of Clinical Director at The Healthy Teen Project (HTP), an adolescent, eating disorder-specific outpatient clinic. Before her activities HTP, Theresa held many roles over her 13-year stint at a national eating disorder residential treatment center, including Program Director, Lead Individual and Group Therapist, Program Director, Director of Regional Marketing, and supervising master level interns. She was also instrumental in a founder-like role, starting new programs, training new staff, overseeing operations, creating policies and procedures for programs, and expanding existing practices into new geographic locations. Theresa lectures locally and nationally, both in person and virtually, on therapeutic interventions targeting the entire eating disorder recovery process. Over the last 3 decades, Theresa has lectured on college campuses to student counseling staff, coaching staff students and sororities as well as to allied professionals covering the state of the art of symptom identification and eating disorder prevention, therapeutic interventions. Most recently, she has been trained in Family Based Therapy (FBT), Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and is a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and a Level One Trainer. Theresa served as a Board member of the national Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) from 2009-2017 and held board positions as the Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chair. Additionally, she sat on several committees including the Conference Committee and Weight Stigma Awareness Week.
The backbone of my work is relational – meaning, the relationship between us is at the core of therapy. My training and experience have led me to believe that therapy is not "one size fits all", nor is it one therapist fits all. I will approach your situation, open to discovering what kind of therapeutic relationship will work for you at this time. I have training and experience in the following methods: CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, PCIT, and Narrative Therapy. After a thorough assessment, I typically like to collaborate with clients on the method that would work best considering the symptoms. In a typical session, clients can expect to feel heard and validated while tackling goals towards a happier life.
If you have ever said, "I did everything right, how could this have happened?" I'm here for you. I help high achieving, successful people navigate the shock and struggle of major life transitions to regain joy, peace, insight and understanding. With you guiding, we work together to better relationships, improve communication, and heal traumas. Central to my work is for us to have "goodness of fit"; so you feel safe and manifest your best potential. I treat: high stress, loss, grief, transitioning to new situations, and trauma. I'm your GPS system to improved wellness.
I work best with college and graduate students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally stuck, or disconnected from themselves. Many of the students I support are navigating academic pressure, relationship stress, family dynamics, identity questions, or major life transitions. Some feel like they’re constantly “pushing through,” even when they’re exhausted or unsure of what they want. In therapy, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can slow down, understand what’s coming up for you, and learn practical ways to cope, set boundaries, and feel more grounded. My approach is collaborative, honest, and focused on helping you feel more confident and emotionally steady in your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and supportive while also offering real tools you can use outside of sessions, we may be a good fit.
Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.
College should be about growth, not just survival. If you're struggling with unpredictable mood swings, overwhelming worry, lots of sadness, or using substances to cope, or climate anxiety, I'm here for you. I work best with students who experience intense emotional ups and downs, find themselves caught in cycles of productivity followed by inability to function, or use alcohol or other substances to manage difficult feelings and thoughts, or those who are preoccupied with climate-related grief or anxiety. I offer a space where you don't need to hide your challenges or pretend to have it all together. We'll focus on getting to know each other, creating a safe space to open up, and increasing coping strategies, such as recognizing early warning signs, building supportive routines, navigating academic pressures, developing genuine connections without relying on substances, and handling the climate crisis with more ease. Whether you're facing mood swings, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, climate distress, or all of these, there's a path forward. Reach out today to take the first step towards change, growth and stability.
Sometimes life throws us a fork in the road and sends us off course leading to unfamiliar territory. This change can contribute to feeling lost and alone in this world even when you are surrounded by loved ones. You feel like you are treading water and barely staying afloat. This change causes imbalances in your personal and professional life. You are feeling frustrated and have no one to turn to that can understand what you are going through. Perhaps you are pregnant or a new mom trying to find some level of normalcy with this huge change in your life. You feel alone, sleep deprived, and feeling like no one understands what you are going through. You want to make a change in your life, finding more effective ways to cope and prevent yourself from repeating patterns in your life. Does this sound familiar? If so, you have come to the right place. Let me help you… I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #88489) in San Diego. I am a collaborative, compassionate, empathetic and relatable therapist. I believe that the key to personal growth and success is to find balance and inner happiness within ourselves. As a therapist, my role is to provide a nurturing environment allowing the opportunity for self-exploration and growth. In this process, I provide support, understanding, and feedback. Every person and every situation is different. There is not one formula that works for everyone. I believe that in order to effectively meet your goals; sessions should be personalized based on your individual needs.
I have been in practice for over 16 years. I utilize CBT, ACT, Solution Focused and attachment theory. I work well with anxiety, grief and loss, phase of life issues. I also specialize on race and cultural identity, immigration, and first-generational issues. My approach is empathetic, honest and direct. I offer assistance with life transitions, grief, confidence, goal setting and achievement. By viewing your situation through a trauma informed and culturally competent lens, we will build strategies to overcome obstacles. I am very familiar with the cultural and sociological challenges that can consume our daily lives. I am familiar with the stigma attached to therapy and the perception of weakness that can be associated with seeking treatment. In reality, true strength comes from the ability to recognize and acknowledge you need help.
We at Affirming Therapy Center are offering TeleTherapy services (by phone or video sessions for individuals and by video sessions for relationship therapy). If you have circumstances where TeleTherapy is too limiting for your mental health care needs, we are also offering the option of in-person sessions, along with additional safety protocol and procedures in place. We understand that you may feel anxiety and stress from the uncertainty of your situation, or depression from isolation, and that you may be experiencing relationship challenges or struggling with being single in a time of social distancing. If you need additional support and are looking to start therapy, please reach out to us. We are here for you! Move from what’s now to what’s next. If you are like most people, there’s no magic moment when you find yourself saying, “I’m ready for therapy.” But there comes a time when you begin to get tired of living with things the way they are, and enough is enough. If this is where you find yourself now, you are ready for what’s next. Like any first step on a new path, the beginning of the therapeutic journey may feel unfamiliar. We know, because we have traveled this road to find the whole places in ourselves. If you are looking for more or longing for change, we can help you start the process and walk that path. Visiting the Affirming Therapy Center website indicates that you are seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We can guide you as we move forward to your better place. Contact us now to get started!
I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgment. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood by working collaboratively with them to stay on track with their goals. I invite regular feedback during sessions to ensure we are meeting their needs and addressing any concerns they may have. This ongoing communication helps me tailor the therapeutic process to their individual needs, fostering a sense of partnership and understanding. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in virtual therapy, free of judgment and shame. I use humor, creativity, and metaphors to help clients connect with deeper parts of themselves, making the process more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, I follow their lead and respect their pace when addressing difficult issues, which helps create a sense of safety, respect, and partnership in our work together. I’m a big believer in small, everyday rituals, whether that’s my morning coffee routine or my daily walk in nature. It often opens the door to conversations about balance, structure, and the importance of simple habits that support well-being.”
Hello! I am here to help you overcome life's challenges and live a happier and more fulfilling life. My style is to work with you collaboratively to identify your goals and empower you to achieve them. I have helped clients decrease and overcome anxiety, depression, substance use, coming out, sexual identity and gender transitioning as well as improving relationships with romantic partners, family members and co-workers. Together, we can look at your life story and rewrite your narrative to increase your self-confidence, happiness, love and joy! The best way to reach me is to call or txt me at 917-922-2650
We understand that anxiety, depression and stress are at an all time high. We want to make therapy more accessible to those in need so we offer telehealth video sessions, through a secure site. We specialize in treating individuals struggling with stress, relational issues, and anxiety. We place an emphasis on providing culturally competent and informed care.