Therapists for college students near 94117

My inspiration of becoming a therapist started at a young age in recognition of the desire to help people in a capacity that was natural and enjoyable to me. I have naturally been a compassionate person that can listen to any person regardless of differences and similarities in dynamics and backgrounds. I practice a warm and welcoming approach when discussing mental health with clients. I support the client to gain successful emotional wellbeing to establish a fuller and more joyous relationship with others and the environment around them. I specialize in supporting individuals who experience a range of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, healthy coping skills, trauma, grief, anger, stress management, relationship issues and healthy conflict skill building. I am guided by primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory while considering the cultural, social and emotional context of the client. I help clients build on their strengths while addressing the concerns and goals. I have professional Social Work clinical experience working in outpatient clinical settings supporting children, adolescents, teens, military veterans and adults within my professional Social Work experience. I follow the lead of the client to develop trust, rapport, support, and empathy for all clients. I create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to ensure each individual client feels comfortable sharing their lived experiences without judgement. I am patient with each client and take an individualize approach to meet the client where they are.

I have been working with CU Grad and Undergrad students since 2019 and have really enjoyed my work. I specialize in trauma recovery work (Somatic Experiencing) and am PACT trained Couples Counselor as well. Please have a look at my website for more info: trinarbrown.com. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Prices for couples work are different than individual. Please let me know if you are interested.

I accept most major insurances. Please visit my website to schedule time with me! Hi, I’m Alvaro, a licensed professional clinical counselor based in San Diego. If you are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, stress during big life changes, or trying to make sense of college and everything that comes with it, I can help you sort through it. In our sessions you will get real conversation and practical tools, not just theory. We will look at what is getting in your way and work together on what feels manageable right now. You do not have to handle everything on your own. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, and your story is welcome here. My goal is to offer a space where you feel heard, supported, and able to grow.

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.

I’ve always cared deeply about people, especially those who feel misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up, I saw how much it meant when someone took the time to listen without judgment. That stuck with me. Over time, I realized I wanted to be that kind of support for others, someone who helps people feel safe, heard, and valued. Becoming a therapist felt like the most natural path for me, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their inner strength. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and free to be yourself. I’ll listen not just to what you say, but also to the feelings and experiences behind your words. I want to understand what truly matters to you, and I’ll check in often to make sure I’m hearing you the way you want to be heard. This space is yours, as we work through what’s most meaningful to you. Building trust is a process that occurs over time, and I view it as a two-way interaction. In our work together, I’ll show up consistently, be honest with you, and create a space where you can speak freely without fear of being judged. I’ll go at your pace, and we’ll talk about what feels helpful to you. I’ll also ensure our work feels safe and supportive. I want you to feel heard, respected, and genuinely understood as we work together toward your therapy goals.

My personal identities include: child of immigrants, millennial, cis woman, queer, & mostly able bodied. I find joy in working with: fat/larger bodied folks, the global majority/children of immigrants, & 2SLGBTQIA+. I found that navigating both my culture and what society expected of me was in a lot of ways harmful to my mental health and safety. I continue to go on my own journey of therapy, finding safe community and exploring my own biases. I often watch anime, play video games, board games, and love to bring those into session if appropriate. The topics, tools and space we create together are to support your exploration. Our clinical space will be filled with self compassion so that we can integrate your mind, body, and soul in healing relationships with your own body and others. Through my living/ed experience as a fat person of color, I welcome conversations about intersectionality and systemic oppression. I have spent the majority of my career supporting people of color navigate through different phases of life, especially in college years. We will explore safety in the body, grounding, expressing complex thoughts/feelings, family dynamics and patterns that may or may not serve you anymore. My hope is that you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, celebrate who you are, and recognize the tools you have to support your wellness. My clinical approach: fat liberation, anti-racist, intersectional lens, and sex positive.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgement. 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. With over 15 years of experience in health care settings, I work best with individuals who are motivated and ready to engage actively in their therapeutic journey. My ideal clients are open to partnering in therapy to learn practical skills for managing distress, improving emotional well-being, and enhancing daily functioning. They are eager to explore new strategies, reflect on their experiences, and take actionable steps towards personal growth. My approach integrates mindfulness practices, supportive therapy, somatic techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies. Whether you’re navigating burnout, grief, life transitions, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I provide a compassionate, structured space, where meaningful change can happen. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or deepening your self-exploration, I look forward to offering you supportive space to help you navigate the path ahead. Let’s connect and see if we’re a good fit!

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I have a special focus on athletes, performers, and creatives hitting walls, performance blocks, creative freezes, and the trauma quietly running the show from backstage. If you know you're capable of more but something keeps getting in the way, that's exactly where we dig in. I'm mindfulness-based, DBT-informed, and solution-focused, and certified in Brainspotting and Play Therapy. These two approaches reach places that talk therapy alone sometimes can't. Think of them as secret passageways to what's already inside you. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and completely tailored to you: no therapy-speak, just honest conversation, real tools, and a little humor when it helps. Whatever you're carrying, we'll figure out together, building on your strengths at your pace.

From the outside, it may look like you have everything under control. You're responsible, capable, and driven. But beneath the accomplishments, your mind rarely slows down. You're constantly thinking about what's next, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or feeling guilty when you try to rest. I specialize in working with driven young adults and professionals struggling with chronic anxiety, perfectionism, and self-imposed pressure. Many of my clients feel exhausted by overthinking, overwhelmed by expectations, and frustrated that success hasn't brought the peace or confidence they hoped for. Together, we'll work to quiet the constant mental noise, build self-trust, and create a healthier relationship with stress and achievement. Therapy is about helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and developing practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming. Many clients begin therapy feeling overwhelmed by pressure and responsibility. Over time, they often find themselves carrying less emotional weight, responding to challenges with greater confidence, and creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you're ready to stop carrying it all alone, I'd be honored to connect.

My therapy specialties are Anxiety, Addiction, family members of those with Addiction, Substance abuse Recovery and Trauma. I use a specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) material from a Rand Corporation Study on mood disorders to treat anxiety and related issues. I utilize an evidence-based therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat trauma or related issues. I worked in high quality treatment centers for 14 years as a therapist so I know a lot about addiction related issues. I am also a certified Life Coach.

I specialize in therapy for neurodivergent adults — particularly those with ADHD or autism diagnosed later in life — who are navigating burnout, confusion about how their mind works, repeating relationship patterns, or substance use that once helped but now contributes to stress. I also work with trauma, mood concerns, and co-occurring challenges that intersect with neurodivergence. My approach is assessment-informed and collaborative, combining insight with practical tools to help you understand yourself more deeply and build meaningful, sustainable change.

College is a lot. Academics, identity, relationships, and figuring out who you are, often all at once. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and feeling overwhelmed are real and you deserve support that takes you seriously. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works with teens and young adults. I offer medication management and psychotherapy, take time to actually listen, and see you as a whole person. I offer telehealth across California so you can meet with me from wherever you are.

Hi! We are compassionate about helping young adults with life transitions. Change is hard and stressful. Managing classes, work and a social life can be a real challenge. Life transitions and change leave us feeling anxious/depressed...and struggling to feel ourselves. We are here to help you find balance again.

I honor and respect the opportunity I have to help my clients recognize their worth, build trust in themselves and others, and empower them to be their authentic selves. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, seen and truly understood. I use a client centered approach while working to build rapport with clients. I use a mix of ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution focused and MI to assist clients in identifying their values, exploring how their thought and behavioral patterns are serving them, increase their distress tolerance, build mindfulness and relaxation skills to help them meet their goals.

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.

I enjoy working with those who are struggling with social and general anxiety, adjusting to major transitions in life (like starting college, changing majors, planning graduation), and identity. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Through a warm, mindful, and compassionate approach to therapy, I aim to foster a welcoming and safe space for you to explore your journey to meaningful healing and self-discovery. Welcome, my name is Vi! I hold different marginalized identities as a woman of color, an immigrant from Việt Nam, a former international student; and have lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, and oppression. I also hold privileged identities: able-bodied, cisgender, straight, Christian, and grew up in a middle-class family. These identities allow me to discover life through these intersectional lenses, and I am grateful for all of them. Through my own healing journey, I instantly learned clinicians with similar identities and cultural backgrounds who could fully facilitate a space of growth in my identity as an Asian immigrant woman was lacking. This disheartening experience fueled my passion to provide a space to highlight and honor immigrant and AAPI experiences through my work as a licensed clinical psychologist. It is a privilege and blessing for me to be able to provide the space that was previously unavailable, and to collaborate with international students, immigrants, and AAPI-identified folks, as well as individuals who occupy an intersection of their identity that is marked by marginalization and oppression.

I understand the unique needs of various families with their children. I have a strong background in working with children as a school-based therapist, school counselor, and administrator in the school setting throughout Los Angeles County. I specialized in catering to the unique needs of working mothers, adolescents, couples seeking counseling, and families with special needs children. I am skilled with various counseling services, including individual therapy sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, parenting support programs, and relationship coaching. As a single mother of two, one with special needs. My strong suit is to specialize in working with mothers with understanding and compassion by genuinely providing empathy with the stress and pressures of balancing work and family life. I understand the needs of adolescents and recognize their need for supportive mental health services in the areas of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral concerns that they cannot manage on their own. I can support families by understanding these needs and helping parents build a strong relationship with their child/children.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.