Therapists for college students near 94305

Is that painful experience or worried thought stuck on repeat in your mind? Maybe it was a scary incident, negative comment, embarrassing moment or even a sports injury. Or maybe you feel incredibly nervous about exams or public speaking. Regardless, you're tired of it bothering you so much. And you're fed up with your fear stopping you from doing what you really want to do, including performing at your best. But you're ready to feel calm again. You're ready to perform without stumbling & questioning your self-worth again. And most of all, you want to perform with ease, reclaim joy and confidently move forward. I want to help you get there. I specialize in helping adults, including other therapists, who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, performance anxiety and burnout, and want to feel safe, confident and joyful again. Clients come to me looking for a non-traditional approach to help them heal profoundly. We'll work at your pace & you don't have to discuss details of your painful experience(s) if you choose. With 15 years of experience and as a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I can help you connect to your inner healing potential. I have been a client myself so I honor the courage it takes to start looking for a therapist. I can't wait to hear from you. Call/text/email today to schedule a free 15 min consult! (please don't include sensitive info in a text).

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

I wanted to pursue a career as a therapist because I had a desire to help people create lasting and fulfilling relationships, which would help to contribute towards a healthier quality of life. I wanted to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them cope in healthier ways with their mental health issues or with life’s challenges. It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to support my clients with achieving their goals in therapy. It is very important to me that I provide each of my clients with a personalized experience where they feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Throughout the therapeutic process I make it my goal that my clients feel valued and understood by using active listening skills, validation, and reflective listening techniques. The client-therapist relationship is very unique and I feel honored and grateful that my clients allow me to come along with them on their journey toward improving their mental and emotional well being. The quality of the client-therapist relationship in therapy is essential for a positive outcome. It is always my number one priority to build a strong foundation with my clients through building trust and creating a therapeutic alliance with them. By establishing rapport, being authentic, and being able to genuinely understand and share in my clients’ experiences and feelings are crucial for creating a safe place for my clients to achieve personal growth and positive change.

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many are high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of themselves on the inside. They often care deeply about their relationships and may be navigating repeated conflict, trust issues, or a life transition that’s prompting them to want something different, even if they’re not fully sure what that looks like yet. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, and focused on real change. I help clients slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and build practical tools they can use in everyday life. Clients who are open to reflection, honest conversations, and gradual growth.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

As someone from an underserved population who struggled to connect to resources, I understand how important mental health services are for our overall well-being. I believe it’s vital to challenge the stigma of mental health and create an environment where you feel understood and heard. Life has many challenges and transitions, and I am passionate about supporting others in their healing journey. I provide mental health services for anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships and challenges. I also value advocacy, an often underutilized tool that can support your life, and help clients connect to community resources and social supports. I believe collaboration is vital in the therapeutic process and I strive to work with clients to provide services that cater to their needs. I aid clients in building skills and tools that will benefit them in their healing journey. Throughout the treatment process, I make sure to aid clients in feeling comfortable communicating as therapy has been seen as a scary process for many. I use humor when clinically appropriate along with working to meet clients where they are and aid clients in understanding clinical issues in relatable terms. I love engaging in my nerdy side; whether it be reading, gaming, or discussing worlds and stories where helping the world is at a far grander and fantastic scale. I love connecting with others about their passions as I love connecting to my own outside of work.

As a compassionate, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my commitment to enhancing patient outcomes is at the forefront of my practice. By providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment, encouraging open communication, and individualizing care aimed to fit specific and unique needs and goals; my commitment to individuals is patient-centered and genuine. I have comprehensive experience with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and believe that creating a collaborative relationship while utilizing the most up to date, evidence-based research recommendations is what will propel individuals to attain a life of fulfillment. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, assisting a wide range of diverse populations across the lifespan. I have experience working with the underserved population, veterans and active duty military members. Helping others has always been deeply rooted into who I am as a person, as a mother, a wife, a friend, and now as a provider. Mental health was an area that I was initially drawn to after walking into a psychiatric hospital as an inexperienced nurse years ago. I was unsure of what to expect at the time, and to be frank; I was intimidated. What I saw walking through the hallways of this psychiatric hospital stayed with me and continued to influence the type of care, understanding, and at times companionship that I provided to individuals. What I saw was sadness in their faces, a loss of hope, limited resources and support, a lack of direction. However, it quickly became apparent that those same individuals just wanted the same things I did; fulfillment, a sense of purpose, meaningful relationships, happiness. My work in mental health is inspired by my innate need to inspire change, recovery, to instill hope, to build an alliance and assist clients who are struggling and ready to make a positive change. Mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible. I emphasize psychoeducation, ensuring that clients are well-informed to pursue treatment options that align with their priorities and goals. My philosophy is to always allow clients to make educated decisions regarding their care, communicating my professional recommendation, while still facilitating autonomy of care. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, BIPOC mental health issues, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, LGBTQIQ2s+ mental health, personality disorders, sexual dysfunction, addiction psychiatry/dual diagnosis, eating disorders, first responders, grief, men’s issues, sex-positive, kink allied, veterans care

Hi, I’m Claudia, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) under supervision based in Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, relationships, identity questions, and big life transitions. I take a warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth approach to therapy. My work is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from relational, somatic, and parts-based approaches (like IFS), while always centering what feels most supportive and accessible for you. Therapy with me isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating a safe space where you can slow down, make sense of what’s going on, and build tools that actually fit your life. As someone who has balanced school, work, and major transitions myself, I understand how overwhelming this phase of life can feel. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, family dynamics, or simply feeling stuck or unsure, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in telehealth care. As a registered nurse, I worked inpatient psychiatric adolescent and child units. I also have experience as a school nurse for the special education division. Mental health tends to have a stigma attached to it. What inspires me is the people I encounter who are brave enough to be honest and open with me about their mental health struggles. I like to reciprocate the same energy they’re bringing to our meetings and look forward to helping them reach their own mental health goals. I use a lot of open-ended questions and encourage my patients to be active in their care. I am here for support and provide expertise in areas where I can. At the end of the day, I prioritize the patient’s confidence and comfortability with the treatment plan. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, autism spectrum disorder, first responders, grief, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

We are a group practice that specializes in supporting teens who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, and self-esteem. We provide in-person services near UCSD, as well as virtual therapy sessions to students across CA.

Hi, my name is Esma. Clients come to my practice looking for a therapist who can get to the root of their problem. I specialize in working with sensitive, high-functioning people who look fine on the outside but feel stuck on the inside. My practice is integrative, trauma-informed, and centered around helping clients navigate trauma, complex PTSD, anxiety, relationship challenges, and attachment wounds. I draw from Brainspotting, IFS, ACT, CBT, and other holistic approaches depending on each client’s individual needs and goals. I’m not afraid of hard conversations, and I won’t tiptoe around the things that matter. Clients appreciate that I’m both caring and direct. I’m not cold or overly clinical, but I also won’t sugarcoat things or avoid difficult conversations. I help clients get underneath the surface and start making real changes. I also use humor naturally in session because sometimes humor creates the exact amount of honesty, perspective, and relief people need to finally let their guard down. Therapy can be deep and challenging without feeling rigid or performative. I’m both caring and straightforward. I bring warmth and honesty into the room equally. You’ll feel supported, but you’ll also be held accountable. I believe both are necessary for growth. I offer both in-person and online therapy services in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I especially enjoy working with young adults and creating flexible, accessible options for support. Some of the services I currently offer include: • Brainspotting Group Therapy — Self-Love & Secure Attachment (weekly with flexible attendance) • Brainspotting Group + occasional individual therapy as needed • As-needed therapy (individual or couples) • Weekly therapy (individual or couples) • Every-other-week therapy (individual or couples) • Therapy intensives (individual or couples)

Honest Insight is an individual and couples counseling service dedicated towards developing self-awareness and healthier relationships with ourselves and others. We provide in person services (Pasadena) and virtual services throughout CA. Clients that choose to work with us are curious to learn about how their unique childhood experiences have influenced their current adult lives. You want to be more effective in managing relationships (romantic, family, professional, social), and develop the confidence to live life with more meaning. It is possible to feel safe, experience happiness and worry less. We are trauma informed and work from a relational focus. We can work together to gain insight and explore your past so that you can develop a better understanding of your experiences and how they have impacted you. Our therapists have been trained in several modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT and more trauma based approaches.

I am here to help you negative life’s ups and downs with understanding, practical tools, and care because I understand what it means to struggle and need that person along your journey. Whatever you’re facing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you find your way. My approach is all about balance. I focus on understanding your emotions and unique journey, while also helping you take meaningful steps forward. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming space where you can feel heard and supported as you rediscover your strengths and sense of agency. I’m mindful of all aspects that make you who you are, and I’m here to help you find clarity, connection, and confidence on your path.

College is such a roller coaster. You may be feeling overwhelmed, apathetic, anxious, and always just going through the motions. Even though "everything's fine", you can't help but feel like the daily grind of "needing to be productive" could go a bit smoother. Maybe that irritation with that one roommate still lingers throughout our week. Or maybe the thoughts about that one moment during last night's date keep popping into our head as we're trying to concentrate during our morning lab. As a first generational Asian American, I can relate to the pressures of being independent and needing to keep up with school while still trying to have my own life. Schedule slots for yourself during the week to process the things we take on and carry within us. After all, they have a way of harboring and distracting our minds and bodies, clouding our judgement, taking away from our motivations, focus, and keeping us emotionally distant from those around us. If you live in NV or CA, I offer virtual telehealth sessions so that you can benefit from them right from your home or office. With flexible scheduling, my goal is to help you create habits using targeted solution focused therapy. I offer a variety of options, catered to your busy schedule. Integrate the "mental gym" into your week so that you can incorporate the benefits right away. It's better to process through it instead of holding it all in. You can be successful AND feel confident, calm, and in control. Our first session: will be a casual meeting to talk about how I can best help you. We will discuss the areas that you'd like to work on, collaborate and come up with a schedule that best suits you. Therapy can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on how consistent our meetings are. Client that I've worked with have experienced improvements within the first few sessions. If you're interested, reach out today to schedule a free consultation with me.

I provide telehealth/video sessions in California, Colorado, and Utah. I have a special interest in working with college students and young adults. As an LCSW I have provided counseling and psychotherapy to adults for over 35 years. I am certified in treating complex trauma and my approach includes teaching coping tools, insight development, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience helping young adults, including healing from trauma, anxiety, stress management, and chronic & acute health conditions.

Hi my name is Nekea (nuh-key-yah). As a woman of color, I understand how the different parts of “who we are”, our experiences, identities, and relationships, shape the way we see and move through the world. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real, where you can show up fully without judgment. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultural perspectives. My work is especially centered on supporting women, people of color, adolescents, and public figures as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re healing from grief, processing trauma, or learning to set boundaries and care for yourself in new ways, my goal is to help you reconnect with your voice and your sense of self. Therapy, to me, is both a place of reflection and empowerment, a space to better understand your story and to write new chapters with clarity and confidence.

What is it you need the most, in order to feel more satisfied with your life, to grow as a person, to grow closer to others, or to feel less anxious or depressed? We cannot always see ourselves clearly from the inside looking out. It can be very helpful to work with a professional therapist with specialized skill and training to discover, work through, and resolve complex experiences we carry with us that can negatively impact our life in ways that are difficult to comprehend on our own.

As a therapist with both a personal and professional understanding of trauma, military service, and the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m well aware of the strength required to overcome hardships. That’s why I’m so inspired by my clients’ resilience and their commitment to healing. It’s an honor to stand beside them as they face the tough work of processing adversity, healing trauma and practicing a new way to fight through life’s challenges. I approach therapy with a no-nonsense, trauma-informed, and inclusive mindset. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, but also pushed to dig deep and face their realities. I listen closely to their stories, and together, we confront the hard truths. We reshape self-narratives, understanding that the way we speak and think about ourselves, others and the world shapes the way we live. I believe trust in the therapeutic relationship is built through respect. There is no hierarchy in therapy, but rather two people working together for change. I believe in giving clients the space to lead, while collaborating with them to confront patterns and beliefs that no longer serve them. My hope is that every client takes ownership and control over their own healing, with each step being a move toward real, lasting growth.