Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University
Kandy Mejia, LCSW
I believe that we can appear fine on the outside while feeling exhausted or unwell on the inside. Often, the ways we learned to survive can keep us stuck in unhealthy habits, painful relationships, or missed opportunities without us even realizing it. But healing is possible. I believe we can transform past pain into something meaningful. You can still reclaim a fuller version of yourself—one that brings strength to your relationships, your family, and your sense of self. Seeking support can be the hardest step, but with the right guidance, the mind and brain have a powerful capacity to heal and be restored. I often work with clients who frequently navigate the tension between family expectations, cultural values, and the demands of living in a different society. Together, we work to challenge internalized beliefs like "I'm not good enough" and build healthier ways of relating to oneself and others. A recurring focus in my practice is supporting individuals who feel stuck in unhealthy or unfulfilling relationships, helping them move toward greater clarity, empowerment, and self-worth. I began my career as a child therapist in schools, where I witnessed firsthand how deeply childhood experiences and trauma can shape a person’s sense of identity and self-worth. That foundation continues to guide my work today. I help clients gently recognize childhood wounds, process them with care, and foster meaningful growth toward a more grounded and authentic self. My approach is both gentle and direct. I meet you where you are, moving at a pace that feels right for you. In our work together, I offer a safe, honest space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported as we begin to untangle complex emotions and reshape the stories you tell yourself. We explore how early experiences—such as family dynamics, attachment patterns, or messages you received about who you were "supposed" to be—may still be influencing how you see yourself today.
Erin Brand
Life can be overwhelming, and asking for help takes courage. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply need support processing life’s changes, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where we focus on your strengths, explore your goals, and move at a pace that feels right for you. Sessions are available in English or American Sign Language to meet your communication needs. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy, grounded in trust and open communication. We'll set meaningful goals together, and I’ll support you using your strengths while building new skills. You can expect empathy, respect, and a space that truly honors your voice. Let’s connect and explore how I can support you. I offer telehealth sessions to fit your needs and schedule.
Megan Yoshihara
I provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore and understand your emotions, relationships, and personal challenges. I am dedicated to making a space in therapy for all of you: from struggles with depression and anxiety to relational woes and life's changes and challenges. Whether you are seeking support as a couple, for your child, or for you! I am here to guide you on your journey towards healing and growth. My goal is to help you know and enjoy yourself more deeply, so that you can do the same with others in your life.
Tom White
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Arden Consulting, PLLC
With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I don't just provide a space for you to vent; I help you learn how to relate differently to your thoughts and emotions, respond in flexible ways that move beyond just surviving, and take concrete steps toward a life that actually feels meaningful to you. I offer a compassionate, collaborative, and dynamic approach to make therapy feel thoughtful, practical, and engaging.
Alma Morales Risse
Psychology Today Profile https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/120300
Allison Marx
Are you looking for a therapist who is sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-friendly, and kink-knowledgeable? I am a sex-positive, kink/BDSM-knowledgeable therapist who specializes in working with adults in polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships; queer, trans, and non-binary individuals. I am trained in EMDR, sex therapy, EFT couples therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness and somatic techniques to help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and other challenges. I also have a background in the arts, and love working with people in filmmaking, visual arts, and other creative fields. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and warm but direct. Laughter, tears, swearing, dark humor, movie references, and stories about your pets are all welcome in sessions with me!
Jen Ottman Psychotherapy
Hi! I’m Jen, a therapist living & working in Santa Monica, CA. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for teens, adults, and couples, with a special focus on supporting college students navigating life’s big transitions. College can feel like a constant pressure to have it all figured out, like keeping up with classes, planning your future, maintaining relationships, becoming independent. It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss the internal struggles happening under the surface. In our work together, we’ll take a closer look at the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping how you move through the world - not with judgment, but with curiosity. That might mean noticing how the past shows up in the present, tuning into what actually feels good (which often gets overlooked), or learning how to ask for what you need with more confidence and empathy. I know firsthand what it’s like to seem “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. My own experiences navigating high-pressure environments, family dynamics, and personal growth have shown me how powerful it is to have a space for reflection, connection, and honest support. My approach is insight-driven, relational, and strength-based. This means we'll work on understanding why you do what you do, not to label it, but to learn from it, and build on the strengths you already bring to the table. The relationship we build in therapy becomes a space to practice things like vulnerability, setting boundaries, and getting your needs met, so that over time, the changes you make here can ripple into your everyday life — in classes, friendships, dating, and beyond.
Carmen R. McCloskey
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.
Kati Fuller
I work collaboratively with clients to increase self-compassion and self-acceptance while encouraging and supporting them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I utilize a strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, encouraging clients to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental space. I am committed to helping instill hope and build resiliency in those that I am supporting. 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.
Shobha George
I have experience working with all demographics but mostly with adults that struggle with a variety of issues, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychotic disorders, stress management, family conflicts, relationship, behavioral and other mental health problems. My approach to you as a client is simple, meet you where you are. I use an eclectic theoretical approach that fits your needs, and one that makes you feel the most comfortable. I believe while seeking help you have goals to attain and it is my job to help you get there. It is my honor to use my expertise, skills, and knowledge to support you in that journey. 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.
Sean Murphy, PMHNPBC
Welcome to my practice! If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. I offer telepsychiatric medication management services to adult patients (ages 18 years+) who reside in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington state. Specialties include treating members of Sexual and Gender Minorities / 2SLGBTQIA+, emerging/young adult populations, creative professionals, and educators. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering my patients kind, affirming, personalized psychiatric care. I do not prescribe controlled substances. The practice is in-network with select insurance companies in CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA. I also accept self-pay patients from CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA who may be able to collect reimbursement from their insurance companies, if they have out-of-network benefits.
Paulina Padilla
I am a somatic psychotherapist and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress and trauma. Are you feeling worried all the time, have difficulty resting, or imagine worse case scenarios too often? Being in state of anxiety can interfere with focus, connection, compassion and curiosity. If you have been feeling this way for too long, it may be a sign that you need support beyond talking to a good friend or spending time with family. If you have been through a traumatic event, and you are not able to talk about it, or when you have it has not helped bring a big enough sense of relief, you may need a trauma informed approach to therapy. I can help you learn gentle and effective ways to process big emotions and scary experiences. I offer a body oriented (somatic) approach where I help draw attention to the mind-body connection and guide you to access the resources within and around you.
Karmelle Ramillano
As a first-generation Filipino-American and the oldest child of immigrant parents, I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health. I believe people are inherently resilient but sometimes need space to tap into this resiliency. Providing this space drives my work, and I am grateful to witness my clients’ healing journeys. Therapy can be scary, so I strive to make the therapeutic space warm and safe by listening without judgment and having a calm presence. I truly believe in meeting my clients where they are at. I try to create an environment where my clients feel like they have control over what they share and how much they share. I believe my clients are the experts of their lives, while I have certain tools and knowledge to help them be the best version of themselves. My clients are the ones in the drivers seat and I strive to build trust at their pace. Sessions are collaborative and I consistently check in about how my clients are feeling about their overall progress in therapy.
Adam Anderson
If you choose to work with me, we will work collaboratively to meet difficult experiences, thoughts, emotions with openness and compassion while taking action to move in a personally meaningful life direction. My practice draws from evidence-based treatments rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused therapy. I aim to create a space to be curious and explore, to build upon one’s strengths and wisdom, and to learn practical tools to effectively respond to life challenges. Throughout my career, I have supported people from diverse cultural backgrounds with a range of life and mental health challenges in the process of healing, growth, and meaningful change. 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.
Regina Battle
I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.
Thrive Hive Counseling
What Makes Thrive Hive Different? A Supportive Team Dedicated to Your Healing Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We take the time to truly understand who you are, including your unique experiences, identity, challenges, and strengths, so we can support you in moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. At Thrive Hive, you'll find: A welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, heard, and understood Flexible in-person and virtual therapy options that fit your lifestyle Care that moves at your pace, free from pressure or expectations Therapists who honor and respect your lived experience, culture, and identity A compassionate team committed to equity, safety, and holistic well-being Therapy Services Designed Around You Personalized Care for Meaningful Growth Your therapy experience should be as unique as you are. We tailor our approach to your individual needs, helping you heal, grow, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth, we work collaboratively with you to identify goals, build on your strengths, and create lasting change. Evidence-Based Care That Supports Lasting Change Our therapists draw from trusted, research-supported approaches that are thoughtfully tailored to your goals, strengths, and emotional needs. We believe meaningful change happens when therapy is personalized, collaborative, and grounded in proven clinical practices. By combining evidence-based treatment with genuine human connection, we help you develop practical tools, deepen self-understanding, and create sustainable change that extends beyond the therapy room.
Kristen Silva
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re caught in cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism—always showing up for others but still questioning your own worth. On the outside you may look like you’re holding it together, but inside you’re exhausted. If you long for authentic relationships and the confidence to feel secure in yourself, therapy can help. Our work together is deeper than surface-level talk therapy. Through IFS and a warm, supportive approach, I’ll help you uncover the root of what’s keeping you stuck. Clients often say I bring a calming, compassionate presence while also gently challenging them to see things in new ways. I specialize in helping high-achievers in Bakersfield and across California heal the roots of shame, anxiety, and people-pleasing. My goal is for you to feel more confident, connected, and at peace with yourself. If you’re ready to take that first step toward lasting change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Zeena Aljawad
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Deniss Pleiner
I specialize in working with individuals who are ready to go deep: people tired of surface-level solutions and hungry for real, lasting change. I help clients struggling with anxiety, burnout, boundary-setting, inner child healing, intergenerational trauma, and the work of finding their way back to themselves after years of people-pleasing or disconnection. If you're someone who wants to understand why you struggle, not just how to cope better, we'll likely be a good fit.