Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Encouragers Counseling & Training Centers is a 501c3 nonprofit counseling center that provides mental health services in person or via Telehealth. Our clinicians are specially trained to address issues of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. We are have 2 offices located in Southern California (Corona and Murrieta). Check our website to learn more: EncouragersUSA.org

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Thank you for connecting with The Mind Institute Psychotherapy, Inc. We offer a warm, open and compassionate setting where you can process your challenges in a safe space. We have helped thousands of clients live happier and more functional lives.

I specialize in sex therapy, which means that I enjoy working with individuals and couples (or people in poly relationships) who may be struggling with any sex-related issues. The types of issues that people tend to see me for include sexual dysfunctions (like problems with orgasm, erection, or sexual pain), intimate relationship concerns, sexual orientation or gender identity, and sexual trauma. I also see folks who are dealing with other issues, such as anxiety or depression. Some of the people I work with have a very specific goal for treatment, while others need more ongoing treatment for deeper, more lifelong concerns. A lot of people struggle with some aspect of their sexuality, but they may find it difficult to talk about their problems, fears, or concerns with anyone. I am very open to hearing whatever is going on in your life and I'm not afraid to talk about sex. As a sex therapist, I know a lot about sex and sexuality and I can use this knowledge to help! It can be really difficult reaching out for the first time, so it's great that you're already looking for professional support with whatever is bothering you in your life. Please reach out to me if you think that we might be a good fit in working together - I am here to hep whenever you're ready!

I love working with young adults who are trying to find their path in life - whether it's in career, relationship, or personal fulfillment. I help my clients connect with their authentic selves, ask questions in a new, thoughtful way, and strategize tools to create real change. I look forward to joining you on your journey toward wellness.

During challenging times, people often feel defeated and focus on what is wrong. I want to shift the focus from what is "not working" to identifying what is "working." We will work to uncover patterns (behavioral, thought beliefs, relationship), that will lead you to making better decisions. I want to offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings around issues that can be challenging. I am interested in helping people who experience stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and challenges with relationships (social or romantic). Many conversations are around “adulting” and how to manage life, career, relationships, etc. I teach clients how negative thought patterns/language effect mood and behavior. Narrative and Solution Focused therapy assists in shifting from self-defeating language/thoughts to a positive life narrative. I utilize CBT and teach the basics of how thoughts effect behavior/mood. I teach ACT concepts- to learn how our emotions and thoughts are related. I teach mindfulness to help with coping.

My passion is utilizing the powerful benefits of EMDR with creative people, performers and survivors of trauma who are ready to live without anxiety, depression, dissociation, phobias, addiction, and post-traumatic stress. By providing relationally-focused EMDR along with advanced training in psychotherapy methods (e.g. complex developmental trauma, attachment theory, neuroscience, Polyvagal theory, CBT, ego states, psychodynamic, object relations & “parts work”) we work together to: ✦ Discover the origins of limiting beliefs in order to update old narratives about how you get to show up in the world, who you are, and what you deserve. ✦ Alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms through a positive, growth-oriented process grounded in the philosophy that everyone is seeking wholeness. I have more than 25 years' experience in private practice specializing in trauma and creativity, and I am committed to continued learning and growth as a way of life. Having led thousands of EMDR sessions since 2010, I’m also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant teaching other EMDR Clinicians best practices through case consultations and presentations, and speak internationally about creativity, post-traumatic growth, creative artist issues and the benefits of EMDR therapy at conferences, on podcasts, as a TEDx speaker, and on TV. For more information about my training and experience please visit www.askdrcheryl.com

Waking up in the morning doesn't have to be exhausting. I can show you how to feel more joy and satisfaction in your life by learning skills in: assertiveness, communication, decision-making, self-confidence, relationships, and how to reduce any anxiety or depression. Since 1991, I've successfully helped people enjoy their lives more. I accept insurance.

Many of the people I work with are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who are struggling to navigate multiple areas of their life like work, school, family, relationships, or the intersectionalities of their identities. Many talk about often feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck. This then kicks off to what feels like a never ending cycle of confusion, frustration, depression, and anxiety. Therapy is an opportunity to find clarity and work through these obstacles to help people get their life back on track. My clients and I work together to develop more mindful behaviors to help lead a more meaningful and healthy life. People develop certain attitudes and perspectives based on their early life experiences to survive when they were younger. But these attitudes and perspectives are not helping now which is part of the reason why people might feel stuck. By looking at these attitudes and perspectives closely, people can learn to change how they talk to themselves, how they react to their emotions. and take more thoughtful actions to move forward towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. My practice integrates several evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that encompasses principles of person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, multiculturalism, and strength-based values. With my compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth style, therapy can address the things that are getting in the way of people’s life so that they can move forward. COMMON EXPERIENCES THAT I WORK WITH PEOPLE ON: - It feels like your mind is playing tricks on you - It feels like your eyes or ears are playing tricks on you - It feels like something odd is going on or hard to explain - Confused at times whether something is real or imaginary - You feel suspicious or mistrustful of others - It feels like you have little control over your thoughts - It feels like others can hear your thoughts or read your mind - Having thoughts or beliefs that you or others find strange - Race-related identity, culture, and intersectionality - Cultural and systemic trauma and oppression

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina (LMFT 10386 Arizona, LMFT 20460 North Carolina, LMFT 8265 South Carolina, LMFT 155822 California). I specialize in working with individuals, young adults, and couples/families. My approach to therapy is collaborative and focused on helping all clients feel safe and comfortable in sessions so that change is more likely to occur. I am passionate about helping others heal so that they can feel fulfilled and aligned in life. I love helping clients feel unstuck and helping them get back in touch with their authentic selves so that they can know their worth. I believe that we are all capable of healing and that we have the ability to heal ourselves with the right resources and supports. I used intuitive approaches when working with clients and our work is tailored to fit your needs. I have advanced training in Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which allows me to understand how clients’ attachment histories have led to insecurities, feeling stuck, low self-esteem, trauma responses, interpersonal conflict, disconnection in relationships and negative narratives. This model allows individuals and families to heal past hurts and get unstuck from repetitive negative patterns. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which is an empirically validated model for trauma therapy, and Brainspotting (BSP) Therapy. These models focus on resolving ongoing trauma symptoms by helping the brain and body process information that is uncomfortable or disturbing so that the information is less painful.

Dr. Cawkwell is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Having been trained at several elite institutions including UPenn, NYU, Harvard/MGH, and Stanford, Dr. Cawkwell has a specific interest and expertise in ADD/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, and Early Psychosis (Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder).

Niña Aguirre is a seasoned mental health professional with over 15 years of experience and is licensed in California. She has worked extensively as both a therapist and court liaison, serving diverse populations including adolescents, adults, incarcerated individuals, and older adults. Niña is passionate about promoting mental well-being and believes deeply in the power of human connection to foster healing and personal growth. Her approach is rooted in providing personalized, thorough care that enhances self-awareness, helping clients explore past traumas and understand their impact on current behaviors and relationships. Niña’s therapeutic style is flexible and tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. While she primarily practices client-centered and solution-focused therapy, she adapts her modalities to ensure a personalized approach. Her goal is for clients to feel heard, validated, and comfortable enough to freely process their emotions. Whether a session yields small insights or significant breakthroughs, Niña ensures each experience is meaningful. She is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), interpersonal therapy, trauma-focused therapy, crisis intervention, and mindfulness, drawing on these methods to support her clients’ healing journeys and help them achieve their treatment goals.

I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Therapeutically, I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office. I am extensively trained and mentored in interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Bowen family systems theory. I further provide therapy in Portuguese.

College can feel overwhelming—whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress about the future, relationship struggles, or just trying to figure out who you are. I work best with students who are ready to be real, even if they’re not sure where to start. You don’t have to have all the answers to begin therapy. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build tools that help you feel more grounded and confident. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you figure things out one step at a time.

Welcome! Bienvenidos! I'm Maria Cabrera a bilingual (Spanish), Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the field of Social Work assisting children, youth and families. I am passionate about working with individuals to help them restore hope, find solutions, and sense of self-worth. You don't have to feel "stuck" prioritizing mental health is the key to a happy-balanced life! "What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation." - Glenn Close My expertise is in treating Anxiety, Depression, life transitions, stress management, and childhood trauma. I enjoy clients who appreciate honesty, challenge, and having someone point out the positives while keeping them accountable. I have a very honest, client centered and compassionate approach. While working collaborative through life's challenges I offer a safe space, free of judgment; a space to heal, feel empowered to create meaningful lasting change. If this speaks to you, please feel free to reach out, you are not alone!

A lot of people are struggling to be present today. The pace of life, distraction from our phones, and increasing demands at work and school make it challenging to "slow down" and enjoy life. This is even more difficult when we're experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or substance use. I work with people to overcome underlying mental health issues and develop skills to improve presence, strengthen relationships, and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors. I specialize in treating anxiety, including OCD (using ERP, the gold standard), integrating both cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based modalities. I also work with people experiencing depression and substance use. I know that struggling with mental health can be overwhelming. It might feel like you are moving through a downward spiral. My goal is to reverse that spiral with you. Together, we'll identify 1) where you're at, 2) where you want to go (and what's getting in the way), and 3) practical, specific, evidence-based actions you can begin taking right away. I was previously a Clinical Assistant Professor at USC (where I worked in the Student Counseling Center), have worked with people across the clinical spectrum, and have been teaching meditation for 10+ years. I also run public courses and workshops on mindfulness and mental health. I would be glad to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to talking more!

Are you Autistic and/or ADHD and struggling in a world not designed for your neurotype? Or do you suspect that you may be Autistic and/or ADHD and want to work with a down-to-earth neurodivergent psychologist to find out? Are you looking for a therapist who gets the struggle? I offer collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming assessment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tailored to the needs of Autistic and ADHD clients. Assessment may help you better understand yourself or your child. I offer neurodiversity-affirming Autism and ADHD assessments for all ages, and have a special interest in clients whose autism and/or ADHD are masked by other factors such as high cognitive and/or verbal ability, gender, race, age, or other psychiatric diagnoses. DBT may help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to align with your goals. I offer DBT (group-only or comprehensive DBT) tailored to the needs of Autistic clients, and am currently co-authoring a manual for Guilford Press on tailoring DBT for the needs of Autistic clients.

For every challenge there is an opportunity. From the perspective of psychology, this means that the challenges we face can be gateways into a new understanding of ourselves; they are part and parcel of our development as human beings. I would be happy to support you in your development. I work collaboratively with my clients by helping them set realistic goals for our work together and use a variety of engaging or creative methods to support them in developing greater insight into themselves.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Having trained at Notre Dame, U.C. Berkeley and Stanford, I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with adolescents, college students, millennials and high profile professionals. I often work with high-achieving individuals who find themselves looking for practical solutions to the barriers that impede their success. My clients are often driven, maybe a little overworked, and in need of balance! Having been there myself, I get it! I aim to be part coach, part cheerleader, and part educator as I support clients in living their optimal lives zestfully and fearlessly! I love what I do and can't wait to meet you! As a TEDx speaker, top media expert, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, tv personality and author of multiple clinical workbooks and tools, I employ a highly active approach to therapy. I combine CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology interventions. My therapy style is a blend of processing emotions and teaching critical life skills. In today's ever fast-paced world, we can feel disconnected and alone. I thrive on building relationships marked by empathy, trust, hope, and always, laughter. Being a therapist has been my life's passion since I was 11! How many therapists can say that? ***Please note I only see clients virtually part-time. Please also review my website and FAQ PRIOR to booking and inquiries. TY!!