Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

You wonder what it may look and feel like to trust and know yourself better, especially with recent life events or transitions, like college and young adulthood! You seek guidance to overcome recurrent self doubt, passive-aggressive, or avoidant behaviors- familiar patterns in your family and past relationships. For the past 18 years, I have provided compassionate, person-centered therapy to adults (college/20's, middle age, and older adults) navigating life transitions, relationship changes and challenges, and mood disorders. Clients appreciate my ability to listen and support them with kindness, cultural understanding, and non-judgment, while offering feedback and resources. Whether you’ve tried therapy before or this is new to you, understanding yourself and being supported through life changes and challenges builds your resilience and confidence! Being a 1st generation Asian American immigrant, parent, spouse, and social worker has shaped my capacity to appreciate and support clients with navigating complex seasons of change.

Dr. Wei-Chin Hwang is a licensed clinical psychologist and a tenured full professor of clinical psychology. He has two practice locations, one in Pasadena and one in Claremont, California. He also provides teletherapy throughout the state of California. In his private practice, he provides psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. He also provides professional consultation to companies, schools, hospitals, community agencies, and universities. He has over 30 years of education, training, and experience in the field of psychology. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles (UCLA), which has been repeatedly ranked #1 in clinical psychology training programs by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at HarborUCLA Medical Center. As a tenured full professor at Claremont McKenna College (Ranked #8 among top liberal arts colleges by US News and World Report, and ranked #2 among liberal arts college and #11 among all top colleges by Forbes), he conducts cutting edge clinical research, consults for universities and healthcare organizations, and also trains and supervises students, interns, and mental health professionals. As a professor, he is ideally positioned to provide academic and vocational preparation and motivational training for students applying to college or graduate school, as well as professionals who are trying to advance in their career or need personal coaching. Dr. Hwang has worked in numerous clinical settings, which help him provide the highest quality care for his clients. He has experience providing individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and school settings. He has previously provided clinical services at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Richmond Area Multi-Services Community Mental Health Center, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration (VA), UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, UCLA Student Psychological Services, UCLAPsychology Clinic, Valley Mental Health, the Rape Crisis Center, and various High Schools and Junior High Schools. He has published over 80 academic articles, books, book chapters, assessment measures, and treatment manuals on mental health issues and its treatment. In addition, he has given over 160 conference presentations, clinical workshops, and therapy trainings. He has authored a client and therapist treatment manual for depression, and received grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to study mental health and treatment outcome issues. He is a professor of clinical psychology and teaches course in mental health treatment. In addition, he has supervised dozens of students and mental health professionals on treating mental illness. To find out more about his scholarship, please visit his faculty website at: https://www.losangelesclinicalpsychologist.com/ https://www.cmc.edu/academic/faculty/profile/wei-chin-hwang or ABCT Featured therapist: http://www.abct.org/Therapists/Wei_Chin_Hwang.cfm

At our practice, we understand that navigating university life while balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity can feel like a lot to carry. We specifically specialize in supporting Hispanic and Latin students, providing a culturally affirming space where your background is celebrated and understood. Our team of therapists helps students navigate anxiety, academic pressure, life transitions, and generational differences. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in our community and offer a warm, bilingual, and judgment-free space where you can feel seen and heard.

My clinical interests include perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, trauma, problems related to immigration, and intergenerational conflicts. My approach in treatment is collaborative and supportive. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy. I frequently utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Solution Focused Therapy and more. Throughout the course of therapy, I will focus on your individual needs, the therapeutic relationship, and identifying various techniques to support you. As a person of color, I will bring in a bicultural perspective to therapy. I strive to remain curious, compassionate, and culturally attuned to address the challenges you are facing. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Are you tired of anxiety and old habits preventing you from achieving your goals? Have you been dealing with life's problems by trying harder, venting to friends and family, and avoiding stressful situations, and things never seem to get better? Are you ready for change? I’ll work collaboratively with you to tailor time-tested and evidence-based approaches to meet your specific needs. My Background and Approach We’ll work together to see how old habits and ways of dealing with life’s problems might be holding you back. One of the most common ways people deal with problems is through avoidance. If you avoid anxiety provoking or uncomfortable situations, you’ll feel better in the short-term. However, you’ll probably find that you end up avoiding more and more and your world will get much smaller in the long-term. We’ll work together to find new ways of thinking and approaching life’s problems so your world can open up and you can live according to your values rather than based on uncomfortable emotions. We'll collaborate to develop personalized exercises to help you to face your fears whether you're suffering from insomnia, OCD, or performance anxiety at work or as an athlete/performer. I have helped students, retirees, stay-at-home-parents, surgeons, world class athletes, ballet dancers, and people from all walks of life. Sport Psychology I am also passionate about helping athletes and performers of all kinds to perform at the upper range of their abilities. I have worked with competitors at the high school, amateur, community college, university, professional, and world class levels. I currently provide sport psychology services for the U.S. National Sumo Wrestling team and a Women’s Premier Soccer League team. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation's Anxiety in Athlete's Task Force, which is aimed at providing education and resources to athletes suffering from OCD. My Beliefs and Interests I believe that mental health should be viewed the same way as physical health. Most of us wouldn't judge someone for catching a cold, pulling a muscle, or living with a chronic illness. So, why do we judge someone who feels depressed, has a panic attack during an important presentation, or lives with OCD? I also believe that if society can appreciate people going to the gym to stay fit or have empathy for people undergoing a life-saving surgery, we as a society, can also appreciate and empathize with people going to therapy to maintain their mental health and address mental illness. I believe that with effort and learning people can grow to be stronger than the problems they face. I have the privilege of being able to help people on their journey of personal growth as my job! When I am not working you can find me listening to audiobooks and watching great movies and shows. I am still an avid supporter of House Stark (books and HBO). Call Today Whether you are struggling with your mental health, or you are just trying to improve your performance, I can work with you to meet your goals. Please call (310) 375-4855 Ext.14 or email jvonstietz@cbtsocal.com to set up a FREE phone consultation.

If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, empathy, and an ongoing commitment to social justice, I might be the person you’re looking for. My clients come to therapy with a variety of concerns, including healing from trauma, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Others are looking for support around relationships and intimacy. Many of my clients identify as queer, disabled, non-monogamous, or women in STEM. I have specialized experience supporting students who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. I use a somatic, mind-body approach in my work, and view therapy through a liberatory, intersectional lens. If that sounds like a good fit, I invite you to book a free, 20-minute consultation with my practice to learn more!

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

Seeking feminist, body-neutral, LGBTQIA+ celebrating depth therapy? Society, culture, family, school are all imperfect & most of us have some stuff to unpack, process, & heal. Maybe you’ve come to a point where you know these old narratives aren’t serving you & you want to create more joy, freedom, and liberation in your life & community moving forward. Culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sex, & sexuality all impact the stories we are told about who we can be, should be & are. These narratives affect how we think about ourselves & require time, attention & care to unpack, process & heal. Life has been coming at us all at hyper-speed for the past few years, and it's normal to need some help. You may be feeling stuck, stressed, depressed, exhausted, unworthy, guilty, lost & not knowing why you don’t feel better yet. I use a collaborative approach that includes interventions from ACT, SFT, CBT, and MBSR through a feminist narrative lens to foster safety, skills & resilience. I aim to provide an environment of curiosity where your whole self can be recognized, affirmed, and celebrated. My work is affirming of enm, poly, kink, & bdsm. If this resonated with you we are probably a great fit & you’re in the right place :) Please get in touch via phone or email to arrange a 15-minute consultation and we’ll make sure it’s great fit, I’ll answer any questions you may have, & if its not I’m happy to help guide you through the process of finding someone who is. ** You can directly book a consult call via my website www.LaurenMatern.com **

Perhaps you feel like an imposter because you have learned that it is easier to hide your true self or because you haven't figured out who you really are. Or, maybe you are a people pleaser and find yourself doing things you do not want to do. You may feel unseen or unheard because you don't know how to set clear boundaries. Or, perhaps, you simply feel that something is missing, and you either don't know what it is or don't know how to find it. I’ve practiced for over 15 years and worked with children/teens, adults, and families and welcome complicated and challenging situations. I use an integrative approach of CBT and psychodynamic therapy so I can tailor treatment to best fit you. On the outside you appear fine, maybe even successful. But on the inside something is off. These internal struggles lead to feeling stuck, overwhelmed, dull, or unmotivated. They affect your ability to enjoy life, to maximize your potential, and have more meaningful relationships. I help clients get "unstuck." Together, we will identify patterns preventing you from getting the most out of life. We'll leverage your strengths to facilitate the changes you want to see. By relying on your strengths to solve problems, you will increase your confidence and your self-esteem, and this, in turn, will spill over and elevate other areas of your life. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

My goal is to partner with you to elevate your life state, expand your coping skills, develop healthy strategies, reduce suffering, maladaptive, and destructive behaviors, and provide presence for the softest landing possible that leads to the best interests of your very best self with your integrity intact. My therapeutic style is above all relational, meaning that my relationship with my clients is of utmost importance in developing the trust needed to address life's challenges, stressors and suffering. It is in this initial rapport building where I come to know each client's particular life situation, culture, needs and goals. I have worked for over 34 years in a broad range of settings, providing services to clients over the entire life span. I am a white, queer woman, and have provided services for over 30 years to the BIPOC and queer community. I hold your wellness in high regard and respect the very difficult life decisions that we all must make to have a life worth living. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I came to this work with a deep desire to support others on their journey toward healing and wholehearted living. My approach is a trauma informed lens that affirms client’s culture, gender identity, and strengths. I create safe, inclusive, and warm environments that are uplifting while giving space to address the challenges that are standing in the way of living your best life. I’ve worked with people of all ages who identify with issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, work-related issues, self-esteem, substance abuse, and day to day stressors. I believe our work is best accomplished when we work authentically and collaboratively. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I’m inspired by the desire to support every person I work with in feeling heard, seen, and validated in ways that are indispensable to exploring our individual growth and healing. While we cannot change any experiences or limitations in our history, I don’t believe it is ever too late to challenge erroneous or self-limiting beliefs that hinder us from evolving onto our best selves. I reassure that I trust my clients as the expert in their own personal experience. I seek to understand what familial, cultural, political, etc. circumstances influence their everyday experience. The alliance is built through curiosity and learning what an individual client values, what is most meaningful to them, and what they believe in. Additionally, trust is built through consistency and reliability from all parties. Trust should not be demanded or expected, but rather earned through time and a deeper understanding of what the client needs from the therapeutic relationship to feel safe.

I support motivated individuals with childhood trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and conflict with family. Perhaps you're exhausted carrying burdens never meant to be yours. My approach is soulful, compassionate, yet unafraid to gently challenge when growth requires it. I specialize in depth therapy—exploring underlying beliefs that no longer serve you, rather than just addressing surface symptoms. I meet you where you are and walk together to rise above your current circumstances. I truly believe that you have inner wisdom that can lead you to a place of solace and healing. Together, we'll transform pain into power while honoring your resilience. With over 18 years in the mental health field, I not only extensive clinical experience but also a grounded, empathetic presence shaped by my own journey of growth and healing.

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

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in just one part of your life can often start to affect other aspects of your existence. Low self-esteem or depression can creep into relationships, anxiety can keep you up all night, or relationship issues can impact how well you perform in school. Your past experiences are a filter through which you see the present moment and it can sometimes feel very confusing. When you don’t want to worry your family or friends or find it just too difficult to share with them, negative thoughts can leave you feeling especially alone and isolated and as if no one could possibly understand what you're experiencing. You are not your symptoms. Being heard and seen in a safe, compassionate and culturally sensitive environment can help you make sense of how you're feeling - especially when that treatment is tailored to your needs. My priority is to empower you to reach your goals by helping heal the emotional wounds that are holding you back or causing you pain.

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.

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.”

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We are a group of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) here to help you feel better. Here is a brief overview of what we do. LMFTs: Our LMFTs focus on support women through their motherhood journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. We focus on helping smart, high achieving women navigate the stressors of starting a family while maintaining their career goals. We use a compassionate electric approach to therapy pulling interventions from different theoretical orientations and customizing our care plan to fit each individual woman's unique needs. AMFTs: Our AMFTs focus on working with young adults (16-24 years old) and supporting them in their transition into adulthood. It is hard to navigate what type of career you want to have, who you want to become, and what kind of friend you want to be. Our AMFTs are here to help you figure it out and support you as you find your path in life.

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s University and earned my Masters of Science in Nursing at Cal State Long Beach. Prior to my career as a nurse practitioner I worked in emergency nursing and inpatient psychiatric settings. Prior to my nursing career I served in the US Army as a medic and completed my enlistment as a Sergeant. I am a married mother of twins and my interests include learning to play the drums and guitar, going to the gym and astrology. I am inspired to work in mental health as I believe wellness is multifactorial. The state of our mental health is what can influence our ability to function in our day to day. People of all walks of life, including myself, have either experienced a need for mental health care or loved someone who has. I am thrilled to provide care in a time where mental health is becoming less stigmatized. It is extremely rewarding to witness what a profound impact high quality mental health care can provide. I tailor my approach and treatment plan to align with preferences and values through thorough assessment and consideration. I ask questions and I encourage my clients to do the same. Care should be collaborative and that includes hearing and respecting the individual seeking care. I provide recommendations for individualized treatment plans and work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for the client’s perceived needs. 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, BIPOC mental health issues, LGBTQIQ2s+ mental health, first responders, racial identity, sex-positive, kink allied, transgender care, veterans care