Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
MaKalia Zinn
If you’re feeling tired of patterns that no longer serve you and ready to face what’s been holding you back, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where they want more than survival—they want clarity, peace, rest, and a healthier relationship with themselves/equipped to thrive in relationships with others. Therapy can be a space to move forward mindfully, let go of unhelpful coping strategies, and begin building a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and authentic. Therapy can also be a space where your faith based values can be honored to enrich your experience. I support women & teen girls navigating ADHD, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating—areas that often overlap more than people realize. Sessions are holistic (seeing you as a whole person), thoughtful and collaborative, focused on understanding root patterns while building insight, self-compassion, and practical tools for change. Reaching out for support takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. If what you’ve read resonates, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation through my website. This is a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if working together feels like the right next step.
Agere Trauma Work PSC
I'm a trauma-informed therapist and a NARM Master Therapist. I help adults heal themselves from the fallout of childhood trauma, as they break generational cycles an step into a new life with more ease, freedom, and fulfillment.
ADHDtime
We help individuals with ADHD achieve success and fulfillment during challenging life transitions such as going to college, starting a new job and reaching retirement because having the right tools and support can change your future.
Pershing Square Therapy
I’m a Black, queer, first-generation American and first-gen college graduate offering individual, couples, and family therapy to college students and young adults across California via telehealth through Pershing Square Therapy—a trans-owned, queer-affirming, poly-affirming group practice based in Los Angeles. My therapy style is client-centered, relational, and integrative. I work collaboratively with clients to explore identity development, shift unhelpful patterns, set boundaries, and navigate life transitions. Many clients come to me while feeling “stuck,” disconnected, or unsure of their next step. I specialize in supporting: College and graduate students BIPOC, first-generation students, and immigrants Queer, trans, nonbinary, and poly communities Folks exploring masculinity, femininity, or biracial identity Those navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or identity-related stress Before becoming a therapist, I worked in multicultural affairs in higher education, supporting affinity groups (Men of Color, Women of Color, Queer Students, and QTPOC), evaluating Greek Life, and developing inclusive programming on campus. I also played college-level sports and understand the unique pressures of students. Practice Values: 🔹 LGBTQIA+ affirming 🔹 BIPOC affirming 🔹 Trauma-informed 🔹 Social justice-oriented 🔹 Telehealth accessible anywhere in California (Supervised by Alo Johnston #109429)
Felipe Ortega
You may appear to have everything together while quietly carrying stress, anxiety, burnout, academic pressure, or the weight of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. College can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting at times, especially when you are balancing school, relationships, work, and your own well-being. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where college students and young adults can feel heard, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and balance. As an LCSW, I take a client-centered and collaborative approach focused on empowerment, self-understanding, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Compassionate Therapy Psychology & Wellness, Inc.
Hello/Saludos! I welcome you to the start of your therapy journey and your desire to heal and learn about yourself. At times, navigating our lives and relationships can be hard, and we might feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed. Therapy can be one way to get the support you need to feel better, grow, and thrive in your life and relationships. I will happily help you achieve that. I really love working with college students and was very fortunate to do so during both my internship at the counseling center at Ohio University, and my postdoc at the counseling center UC Merced. Your psychotherapy journey with me will be collaborative, where you lead the way, and I will serve as your co-pilot. I work from an integrative, multiculturally centered, and tailored approach to meet your needs. I will support you from a compassionate, non-judgmental, and caring stance. Our work together will highlight areas in your life needing attention and care, and identify behaviors no longer serving you, so you feel relief from anxiety, conflict, emotional fluctuations, frustration, low mood, sadness, and stress. You will notice improvements in your self-esteem and relationships. I look forward to working with you and providing support to help you thrive and feel better. I love being a therapist and witnessing the transformation that can happen in therapy. I am a bilingual therapist and offer therapy in both English and Spanish. I want you to live your best life, as they say/como dicen. Sería un placer trabajar con usted y apoyarle para que prospere en su vida.
Deborah Cluff
I love to help students succeed academically while keeping life balance. Do you have habits that block you from achieving your potential? As a PhD, I can attest to the challenges students face and I've learned highly effective strategies for addressing adademic stessors. We can all break unhelpful, unconscious patterns and replace them with new models for happiness and success. Working with me, you will learn to recognize your feelings as valuable information and organize your mind so that you can empower your life. I have served clients for over 10 years as a professional coach and therapist. My experience backed by a Doctorate in Depth Psychotherapy, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and certifications as a Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP).
Dan Caul, LMFT
College can be an overwhelming time with academic pressure and navigating challenging personal and social situations. You don’t have to stay stuck in patterns or situations that aren’t working. If anxiety, depression, focus challenges, trauma, queer identity questions, or feeling disconnected are making college life harder, therapy can offer support in understanding what’s going on and finding more sustainable ways to feel calmer, clearer, and more able to manage daily life and relationships. In our work together, we’ll gently explore the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and build awareness and skills that create more choice and flexibility in how you respond to stress, emotions, and relationships. We’ll pay attention not only to thoughts and feelings, but also to your body and nervous system, helping you feel more grounded and aligned with what matters most to you. Therapy with me is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for your unique story. You won’t be judged or rushed, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and responsive to your needs. You can expect a warm, respectful relationship; space to explore both present challenges and past experiences; and practical support for feeling safer in your body and more capable in daily life. There is room for difficult emotions, without pressure to “fix” everything right away. Whether you’re navigating daily overwhelm or seeking deeper healing, therapy can help you feel more connected and alive.
Leila Alton, LMFT
Hello and warm welcome to you! I'm Leila and I believe that people are naturally resilient with the right support. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is at the heart of the healing process. This is why I work from a Humanistic framework, which is based in the belief that providing unconditional positive regard and empathy to clients cultivates a truly safe environment for them to look deeply within themselves and rediscover their potential and self-empowerment. I also believe that humor is vital to the human experience, and always welcome and encourage this within my sessions. I provide trauma-informed therapy with a focus in childhood attachment wounds, using a compassionate, client-centered approach; specializing in EMDR, chronic depression, anxiety, life-changes, stress, self-esteem issues, and inner-child/shadow work; utilizing somatic and eclectic methods. My clients walk away from therapy with me feeling a transformed sense of inner peace and self-worth, a regaining of control over their lives and decisions, and the empowerment to awaken their full potential. I strongly believe in making therapy as enjoyable as possible, and hold true to the statement of "come as you are." I have a laid-back, down-to-earth style and want my clients to feel seen, valued, and appreciated for sharing their journey with me.
John Zamora
As a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and certification as an NMT trainer, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. My focus is on working with individuals coping from daily stressors to severe mental illnesses, offering compassionate support and tailored interventions. Beyond my therapeutic skills, I have a passion for photography, capturing the world's beauty through my lens, and I'm a seasoned bowler who enjoys friendly competition. In addition, I'm an enthusiastic lover of trivia and a member of Mensa, reflecting my dedication to intellectual growth and problem-solving. What sets me apart is my approach to therapy. I embrace an eclectic approach, primarily person-centered and solution-focused, but I am highly adaptable and quick to learn new modalities. I consider myself a "jack of most trades" always willing to explore innovative ways to help my clients. My open-mindedness enables me to engage effectively with clients, including those with psychotic disorders, using a compassionate and individualized approach. Moreover, I am fluent in English and Tagalog and can engage in conversational Mandarin, offering a more culturally sensitive and inclusive therapeutic experience. When faced with difficult challenges, we'll figure out a way to make it work (together), ensuring my clients receive the best possible care. My multifaceted background ensures a holistic and dynamic approach to therapy, fostering healing, growth, and resilience for my clients.
Jessica Shaddock
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with transitional-age youth and adults adjusting to significant life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, empty nest, and retirement. Much of my training has been in contemporary psychodynamic theory, relational theory and strength-based models. For over seven years, I worked in a Bay Area high school with high-risk youth, which gave me a deep understanding of how the experiences of adolescents impact our lives and shape our identity. I also have over 8 years of experience working with law students as they navigate law school, the bar exam, and the first few years of their careers. I use an integrated approach to best meet the needs of each individual client. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to make positive and lasting change.
Jennifer Rice, Ph.D.
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.
Lisa Pedersen
There's something magical about working with you, a student, that has your whole life ahead of you but yet you may feel like your not functioning at your best. I want to help you be the best version of you; whether it's alleviating anxiety, depression, trauma or OCD symptoms, you deserve that. I have 25 years of experience working with your age group and can't wait to get started. Have a look at my website that is based in trauma informed care ('cuz who doesn't have some kind of trauma that they've experienced in their lives)? I'm licensed in CA, FL and TX
Sue Goetz, LCSW
I’m an experienced, licensed psychotherapist whose been in full-time private practice with teens, adults, and families for 11 years, and have been privileged to be a part of wonderful transformations with folks just like you. Together, we can help find solutions that may have escaped your notice and increase happiness in your household, all in a safe, judgment-free environment for this work to take place.
Integrity Counseling Group
Are you tired of repeating the same cycle, whether it’s addiction, depression, anxiety, or infidelity? Our skilled and compassionate therapists are here to help you finally break free, so you can live fully and joyfully. Led by Cory Anderson, LMFT, our therapists specialize in sex addiction recovery and helping spouses who have been betrayed by inifidelity. We often do trauma work to heal the root causes of addiction or disorders such as anxiety and depression. We also have therapists who work with children and teens. With multiple therapists at three locations (San Marcos, You don’t need to suffer alone. Contact our intake specialist, Elizabeth, today to learn more about our services or set up an initial consultation with a therapist.
Aimee Chase
From a young age, I’ve always been curious about people and their experiences. I’ve always felt naturally connected to others and interested in understanding what people think, feel, and experience. After having both positive and negative experiences with therapists in high school, I became confident that this was what I wanted to do—and what I felt called to do. I will be fully present with you and actively listen to what you’re sharing, while asking clarifying questions when needed. I may reflect back or summarize what I’m hearing and check in to see if I’m understanding you accurately or if there’s something I’ve missed. I also want to learn directly from you: What helps you feel heard and understood? What tends to make you feel misunderstood? And how might I recognize that you’re feeling misunderstood, even if you don’t say so directly? I want to understand what that looks like for you specifically. I see therapy as a collaborative process. I’m walking alongside you, not in front of you or above you. I may not always have all the answers, but I’m committed to working with you to figure things out. Trust and a strong therapeutic relationship take time, and I won’t rush that process or pressure you to share something before you’re ready. I’ll consider your individual experiences, preferences, interests, and what feels comfortable for you. Most importantly, I believe trust comes from consistency—doing what I say I’ll do, keeping my commitments, and if I make a mistake, acknowledging it, apologizing, and working with you to repair it. I’m a big animal lover, and I always enjoy hearing about clients’ pets and the impact they have on each other’s lives.
Michele Marquez
Students who feel lost or struggle with relationships during the college years have so much on their plate. I am a therapist who is down to earth, relaxed, and who has years of experience helping others who feel this way. You are not alone. I look forward to getting to know you and to setting and working towards your goals together. Please feel free to email me!
Esmé Edwards
We all come into therapy for our own reasons. Whatever may have brought you into the room, you will find a compassion based space for growth, self discovery and inner work. Therapy is a collaborative act, where we can explore both who you are and why. I utilize a non-oppressive and non-judgmental approach. I see the therapeutic relationship as a microcosm of your relationships in other areas. We will discuss the therapeutic relationship, examine rupture, and identify patterns in the therapeutic space. I am engaging, intuitive and open to discuss the latest episode of Love is Blind or True Detective.
Laura DeSantis
People, life, and school are complex. It can be hard to figure out who you want to become while facing academic, family, or work pressure. As a recovering overachiever, I know how scary and foreign the world can be for a young adult just trying to become their own person. My role as a therapist is to provide you space (physical and emotional) to explore what you want for yourself and your life on your own terms. My approach emphasizes personal introspection, insight, and self-compassion in order to identify harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, we will find an approach that helps you heal from past experiences or cope with present challenges. I love working with young adults and being part of the lives they choose to pursue and the people they choose to become. This is your time to shine, so leave behind other people’s expectations, and step onto your own path. You’ve got this. Visit my website or give me a call to set up a free consultation; I would love to hear what’s happening for you.
Tri-State Behavioral Health Services
I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I can make therapy accessible to fit your active life as a college student. I have completed several continuing educational trainings in areas such as DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, infant mental health, and many more. My experience and expertise includes higher-education, research on cultural and clinical practice, professional development, trauma, and depression. I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I work to help you navigate through challenges, changes, and transitions of life. I utilize a strengths-based eclectic approach that involves CBT, and various modalities that are tailored to you based on your needs and goals. I am passionate and committed to help clients on their personal journey to healing, change, and growth!