Therapists for college students near 94132

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you. My practice specializes in treating individuals, couples and families, and through years of experience, I’m confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future.

My name is Diadra Smith. I am an licensed clinical therapist and I use she/her pronouns. I am a clinician who identifies as black, queer, and neurodivergent. I believe all of these intersections has given me the opportunity to see myself in these communities who are often overlooked and underserved in the field of mental health. Why I got into this field was to create a space that is safe, brave, and encourages you to help find your most authentic self. I believe in abolishing and decolonizing what therapy is “supposed” to look like and who it is "supposed" to be for. I view relationships with my clients as a collaboration, asking you for your expertise on your life while I provide guidance through empowerment and advocacy. I am drawn to working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for working with BIPOC, neurodivergent folx, and LGBTQIA+ communities. My mission is to help to heal complex traumas, environmental inequities, and address intersections of identity unique to our experiences. If reaching out for help feels scary or shameful, I’d like to offer the idea that you are on the verge of change. Acknowledging what isn’t working today is a big first step to making the changes you'd like to see tomorrow. You’re coming at just the right time. However you found your way here, I am honored to be considered to walk with you on your journey.

I have a special interest and experience with treating college and graduate students as well as young adults. Some common concerns include adjustment to the university environment, academic and career stress, anxiety, perfectionism, loneliness, and identity exploration. In my three years of working in the university mental health setting, I provided therapy to a diverse student population and understand the unique stressors that students face. I also provide individual therapy to adults who are looking for support for anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, and grief. I invite you to contact me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation and to answer any questions you may have. You can also directly schedule a consultation on my Alma profile: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/emily-breyer/ I bring a warm, authentic, and engaging style to therapy. My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered: I tailor the therapy to your personal needs and goals. I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds and value a culturally-informed approach to treatment. I obtained my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. I completed my Postdoctoral Fellowship and Doctoral Internship at the University of San Francisco's Counseling and Psychological Services where I provided therapy services to undergraduate and graduate students. I also have experience providing therapy to adults and adolescents in community mental health and school settings.

Modern Life Solutions (MLS) is a for-profit therapy group practice dedicated to providing inclusive, culturally competent, and affordable psychotherapy services to individuals from diverse backgrounds. With a team of 18 highly trained therapists, MLS offers therapy in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Afrikaans, Farsi, and Pashto, ensuring accessibility for clients from various linguistic and cultural communities. We are dedicated to making high-quality mental health care available to everyone, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic background. We currently provide both in-person and telehealth services throughout California, with plans for expansion into the broader Western United States in the near future, and globally in the long term. By breaking down barriers to care, MLS is committed to fostering mental well-being in underserved populations.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone should have access to a safe space where they can feel truly heard and seen. Life’s challenges may have you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wondering why certain patterns keep repeating. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood. I strive to ensure that clients feel heard by providing a non-judgmental perspective and supporting them in reconnecting with themselves in a deeper and more compassionate way. I also regularly encourage clients to share feedback and discuss any concerns they may have about the therapy process. In sessions I work to build trust and a therapeutic alliance by providing a warm and welcoming space and stressing collaboration and the client’s role as the expert in their life. I’m passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, relationship challenges, and identity related concerns. I use humor, warmth, cultural sensitivity, and curiosity to help clients gain insight into their experiences and make deeper connections with parts of themselves that they have been struggling to access. I enjoy sharing my belief in the power of routines and spending time in nature when possible, even if it’s just sitting by your window or in your yard or patio and soaking up the sun because these small habits can help alleviate at least some of our day to day stress. This often helps clients become aware of things they are already doing or may have done in the past that can have a positive effect on their well-being.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

I'm Coley Woodward, LMHC, founder of Psyberspace Center for Psychedelic Therapy. I help high-achieving individuals and couples break free from trauma, anxiety, and burnout using evidence-based approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. As a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant-in-Training, I specialize in complex PTSD, attachment wounds, addiction, and relationship repair. I integrate EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to create lasting change — not just insight. My style is direct, warm, and relational; I meet you where you are while gently challenging patterns that keep you stuck. Whether you're in New York, New Jersey, California, or Georgia, I offer virtual sessions nationwide and in-person care in Manhattan.

My passion for working in this field stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of mental well-being. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and I am honored to support individuals in achieving this. Witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate mental health challenges is profoundly inspiring. It fuels my commitment to provide compassionate support and evidence-based interventions that empower them to overcome obstacles and thrive. By fostering empathy, awareness, and de-stigmatization, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I do this by practicing active listening, which involves giving my full attention to what the client is saying—both verbally and non-verbally. I reflect back what I hear to ensure I understand their perspective and emotions accurately. I also ask clarifying questions when necessary and validate their experiences, showing that I respect their feelings and struggles. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I help clients feel safe to share more openly. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where they feel accepted and understood, which fosters trust and the ability to make progress in therapy. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This begins with being genuinely present and engaged in our sessions, listening actively, and responding with empathy. I also ensure that I maintain clear communication about the therapy process, respecting the client’s pace and autonomy. By being consistent, reliable, and transparent about goals and boundaries, clients are more likely to feel secure and confident in the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I validate their experiences and emotions, which helps to foster mutual respect and understanding. Over time, this collaborative and supportive dynamic allows us to work together toward meaningful change.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting college students through anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and depression. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, family issues, social stress, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help. Therapy with me is in person or virtual, flexible, and designed to fit your schedule. This is a space where you can be yourself, feel heard, and start building tools to manage life more confidently. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and work toward clarity, healing, and growth, at your pace. Let’s connect. If you're ready to feel more grounded and supported, I offer virtual sessions designed around your life. Reach out today to schedule a time that works for you

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, and former ER nurse and healthcare administrator dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized mental health care. My background in emergency medicine taught me how to support people through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel safe being themselves. I take a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change. My path into psychiatry was shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. Working as an ER nurse, I saw firsthand how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life and how often people were struggling silently long before reaching a crisis point. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I could build longer-term relationships with patients and focus not only on stabilization, but on healing, growth, and overall quality of life. As a veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, which continues to influence the kind of care and environment I strive to provide for my patients. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment and believe the best care comes from truly understanding each person’s unique experiences, goals, and challenges. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being open and honest. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and endurance training. Staying active and spending time outdoors are important parts of how I maintain balance and mental wellness, and I enjoy connecting with patients over the importance of finding healthy outlets and activities that bring meaning and fulfillment outside of work and daily stressors.

Better Mindset Therapy strives to create an authentic, welcoming atmosphere for her clients to explore their lives in a new way. She has experience helping children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, and more. Here we use the therapeutic relationship to explore your early life experiences and bring unconscious thoughts and patterns into the conscious awareness.

As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships.  Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work.  I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations. My holistic approach incorporates body, mind and spirit to help you create your full personal and relational potential.  In my practice, I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic awareness, meditation and mindfulness practices, movement, and other modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.  I would be honored to support you on your journey.

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

Hello my name is Gabriel Arroyo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. My specialties in treatment focus on couples/relationship counseling to help improve relationship dynamic with better communication, trust, and intimacy. I also work with individuals that struggle with anxiety and depression by learning healthy effective coping strategies. In therapy I like to work in a collaborative approach to strength your existing strengths as well as learn new effective skills. My approach is direct with balanced sensitivity and compassion to help achieve your goals in an effective and efficient manner. If you are interested in working with me, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation call.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When life starts to feel overwhelming or out of balance, having support can make a real difference. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck. I’m passionate about helping people move through those moments with more clarity, support, and confidence. My path into therapy began through early experiences traveling with an international outreach organization in South America and Europe and working in U.S. inner-city communities. Those experiences shaped how I approach therapy today: with openness, cultural awareness, and a curiosity and respect for each person’s story. Over the years I’ve worked in private practice, inpatient and outpatient settings, and group therapy programs, supporting adolescents, young adults, couples and families through times of stress, trauma, and change. I especially enjoy working with college students and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, pressure, relationship challenges, grief, family issues, life questions, or uncertainty about the future. Whether you’re feeling burned out, carrying past experiences, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, therapy can be a place to slow things down and feel less alone. My approach to therapy is collaborative and flexible—this is your space. We’ll work together to figure out what you need and what feels most helpful for you. I aim to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can be honest, feel understood, and grow at your own pace. If spirituality is meaningful to you, I'd also love to gently integrate that into our work together.

My ideal client struggles with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and negative self-talk, often rooted in past experiences. These internal blocks keep them from reaching their potential in personal, professional, or creative areas. They deeply desire to feel empowered, build confidence, and take meaningful action toward their goals. They seek support to overcome limiting beliefs, develop resilience, and create a life they feel proud of—one where they trust themselves and feel in control.

I am passionate about teaching others how to access their deep knowing and watching people grow and learn in new and successful ways. I find the work of psychotherapy to be fulfilling and purposeful and I look forward to being on the journey of improving your mental health wellness with you. I use empathetic listening, curiosity, and my excitement for helping others in order to provide a sense of validation to my clients. I believe that we heal through meaning making and I help you do this in an supportive and understanding space. I also believe that being heard and acknowledged for who we are and what we feel is so important for the human experience and I work hard to offer this to my clients. I work to build a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients by creating a collaborative, compassionate and respectful therapeutic relationship. I offer a safe and supportive container for individuals to explore and strengthen their abilities. I am honored to help my clients and feel humbled to be trusted enough to be invited into the pain and experiences of those whom I get to work with.

​My undergraduate focus was in math and science. However, through the years I decided that relationships were more important and realized that most individuals don't have the tools to form good marriage, family, and friendship connections. Much of this is the result of poor parenting that leaves an individual fearful, without confidence, and having no idea how to navigate life's challenges. Children are precious and deserve to feel loved and secure. This is difficult if their parents weren't nurtured and shown how (primarily by example) to have a loving marriage. We deserve love in marriage, and our children need that example. My graduate studies at the University of Southern California were in sociology (sex and gender focus) and marriage and family therapy. I have years of experience in parenting, responding to domestic violence, treating pornography addiction, and helping clients who are depressed and/or anxious.