Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I am a young adult & child and adolescent psychiatrist who specialize in working with college students. I think of my patients in a holistic way- using medications, lifestyle interventions, and talk therapy. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and spent my childhood in Irvine. I completed most of my education on the east coast. I went to Johns Hopkins and double majored in history and public health. After college, I attended the University of Maryland for medical school. After living in Baltimore for eight years, I wanted a change of scenery and moved to New Hampshire to complete my residency training at Dartmouth. During my training at Dartmouth, I had opportunities to work with high-achieving teens and families who attended Dartmouth College with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and perfectionism issues. After surviving long winter storms, I returned to my hometown and completed the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UC Irvine. I have a passion for and experience working with college students, Asian American families, and teens with LGBT backgrounds. In my free time, I like to hike, run, and kayak. Coffee is my favorite drink, and I make pour-overs every morning. As a first-generation Korean American immigrant myself, I have understood what immigrant or second-generation students go through in college and the pressures of balancing academics and family expectations. I also enjoy working with patients to explore their identities, including gender issues, sexual orientation, religion, and careers. I am double board-certified in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry.

I find it an honor to be let into people’s lives to support them in ways that they may not have the opportunity or ability at the moment. It is a meaningful and rewarding experience to be able to help others as others have been there for me. I try to create an open and inviting atmosphere to be yourself where you will be met with active listening and honest conversation while you freely express yourself. I am a transparent person and will consistently show up with the same energy and integrated approach combined with the use of life experience, humor, and education to help build a custom self care plan to thrive in.

From the very first meeting, I approach each client with a deep respect for their lived experience and an understanding that beginning therapy can feel both vulnerable and courageous. My intention in that initial session is to create a space that feels grounded, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, where clients can begin to share at their own pace. I focus on listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and gaining a holistic understanding of what brings them in, while also attending to their strengths, values, and hopes for change. Establishing a sense of safety and trust is central, as I view the therapeutic relationship itself as a meaningful foundation for growth. My path toward becoming a therapist was shaped by a longstanding curiosity about human behavior, emotional resilience, and the ways people make meaning of their experiences. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges in a purposeful and compassionate way. I have been particularly inspired by witnessing how individuals can develop insight, shift patterns, and reconnect with their sense of agency when provided with the right support. This work continues to be deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to walk alongside clients as they navigate change, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater well-being. I approach the development of trust and a strong therapeutic alliance as an intentional, ongoing process grounded in consistency, transparency, and genuine attunement. I prioritize active listening and strive to understand the client’s experience from their perspective, reflecting both content and emotion to communicate empathy and validation. I am mindful to move at a pace that feels comfortable for the client, recognizing that trust develops over time and cannot be rushed. Ultimately, I view the therapeutic alliance as the foundation of effective therapy, and I remain committed to fostering a relationship in which clients feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their process. One personal detail I sometimes share is my appreciation for incorporating music into my daily routine as a way to feel grounded and centered. I find that music can be a simple yet meaningful way to regulate mood, create a sense of calm, and reconnect with the present moment.

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My therapeutic style is warm and genuine and I like to use humor when appropriate. I am a big proponent of using therapeutic techniques that have good research evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adolescents and adults. CBT teaches clients coping skills to manage their emotions and behaviors. It also changes clients' emotions by helping them change their thoughts and behaviors. I provide CBT to address the following presenting problems: depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and difficulties adjusting to major life changes. DBT is an adaption of CBT that was developed to help clients with multiple problems in multiple areas who struggle with chronically dysregulated emotions. These clients may also have suicidal behaviors, self-harm behaviors, impulsive behaviors, difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, and/or Borderline Personality Disorder. I also have specialty training in the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for individuals with comorbid Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. In terms of my education and experience, I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2014. I then participated in my first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington with Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Afterwards, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Jacqueline Pistorello at the University of Nevada, Reno, focusing on providing clinical services to college students and conducting research on evidence-based treatments for suicidal behaviors. As a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, I taught medical students, psychiatry residents, and child psychiatry fellows about psychology, therapeutic techniques, and how to interact with patients. I opened my private practice in 2017 in Reno, Nevada and recently moved to Virginia.

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.

I offer in-person sessions in two locations: Employed by Havenly Counseling Collective in Los Gatos, CA Supervised by Melinda Olsen, LMFT 111165 For information about my Palo Alto site, please visit https://leelamentalhealth.com/shanise-mok/. I also offer teletherapy throughout California. I support those who are looking to understand both themselves and their relationship to the world and others more deeply. I am a queer, Chinese American woman with Hong Kong roots living with a chronic health condition in a world shaped by many systems that create barriers for people like me. My mission is to challenge those systems and empower my clients to do so as well by helping them discover their individual needs and find meaning along the way. I believe healing is not linear, and I aim to support you in finding comfort within discomfort by exploring creative approaches that align with your unique needs. I want to do therapy with you. The therapist-client relationship can feel new and vulnerable and I recognize that safety is ultimately co-created. Together, let’s discover ways we can gently bring back genuine, meaningful play and color into life again. I emphasize the present moment, always through a multicultural, feminist, and queer-affirmative lens. I also bring my diverse background in nonprofit museums and education to my practice, integrating creative and science-backed perspectives.

I became attracted to being a therapist after recovering from a difficult divorce and raising a child with childhood onset bipolar disorder. I benefited so greatly from therapy that realized that I wanted to offer the same support to others facing similar struggles. I approach therapy with a new client without an agenda. I meet my client where they are in the moment without judgement and with the ability to understand and share their feelings. I believe that I build trust and alliance with clients by not coming into session with an agenda and meeting them where they’re at without bias.

Hi, I’m Mojdeh. I am an Iranian-American therapist and a child of immigrant parents. I witnessed my parents experiencing their feelings of grief as they lived far from family, friends, and their native country. As a bicultural kid, I faced challenges integrating both of my cultures and experienced racism as I navigated the world. As an Iranian woman, I deeply understand the experience of not being seen, heard, or included. I am aware of the under-representation of BIPOC clients and therapists in the therapy room. This has led me to want to connect with clients who have been historically oppressed. In our work together, we can begin the process of examining systemic issues, advocating for social change and healing ancestral & intergenerational trauma.

I am passionate about healing and deeply committed to helping you cultivate a sense of inner freedom, safety, wholeness, and connection with yourself. I view challenging emotions and experiences as powerful portals for self-exploration, healing, and growth and it’s my joy and privilege to help you navigate them. I bring warmth, curiosity, openness, compassion, and deep trust to my work with clients. Through thoughtful inquiry, consistent engagement, and a focus on your needs, I strive to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where true growth and self-discovery can flourish. I welcome all of you into the session including parts that hurt or can be hard to be with alone and really work to support you in navigating these parts in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where we work together to craft a plan with strategies to help you meet your goals and navigate the complex territory of being human. I believe in the transformative power of therapy, not just for the individual, but also for the relationships and communities we touch and show up for differently by choosing to heal and grow. I’m a big believer in making space for joy, connection, and beauty in our lives as ways to resource ourselves. I find this a lot in nature and am an avid hiker and lover of national parks.

“I didn’t find therapy, therapy found me.” I believe my own journey through various stages of life, as a teacher, coach, confidant, and parent, provided me a deep calling and inspiration to serve and support people from all walks of life as a therapist. I thoroughly enjoy the therapeutic process and empowering clients to reach their goals and beyond. It’s imperative that as a therapist, I am curious to know my client and give them the nonjudgmental space to express their issues, concerns, emotions, etc. I am an attentive listener who inspires the client to take the steering wheel of where they want to go. Through collaborative work together and keeping an open mind, I will be there for the client to explore what will work best for them and how they will get there. I approach therapy as client-centered, every person has their own story, their own experiences in life. With an empathetic ear and through the client’s self-exploration and goals in mind, I like to practice an integrative perspective that may intertwine the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Creating a safe and supportive environment will allow for a positive therapeutic environment and promote growth.

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My goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your resilience, and help you move toward the life you want. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I became a therapist because I want to help people become their best selves. I always want to help you feel understood, safe, and supported, in a completely non-judgmental space, especially if these things are already lacking in your life. You should know that you can talk to me without fear of judgement and that I care about you, and all of my clients. I have experience with both children and adults. All ages are welcome! I make an effort to meet clients where they are and ask what they hope to gain from their time with me. I try to build trust by taking a nonjudgmental approach of positive regard for all my clients. I will tailor my approach to the situation and to what the client wants. For some that will mean more empathetic listening, for others it may mean more praise, positive feedback, coping skills, increasing awareness, reframing a situation or a certain level of coaching. I find that everyone is different and has different needs, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you soon!

I am passionate about creating a supportive and affirming space where you can explore your story and begin your journey toward healing and growth. I specialize in working with teens, adults, couples, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community who are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders, and sexual health concerns. I am dedicated to providing culturally competent and identity-affirming care.

If you're longing for deeper joy, intentionality, purpose, and wholeness in your life, today is a good day to begin. It can be difficult to prioritize yourself in the craziness of life and everything you already hold… but the benefits stretch so far beyond yourself to everyone you interact with, and especially to the ones you love most. I take a holistic approach to addressing anxiety, trauma, and life transitions- which means I consider the physical, mental, relational, and spiritual aspects of your life and how they interact. I use a variety of frameworks, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, attachment, and mindfulness. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD who are ready to take control of their lives back. I take an in-depth, holistic approach to discover & address root causes, paired with practical tools and coping strategies you can use right away. I value & incorporate your feedback along the way to create an approach that fits, so you can experience lasting change. If you’re ready to take intentional steps, I’d love to connect. I offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if it feels like a good fit. Email me to get started.

I'm warm, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel more grounded and connected to your authentic self. I tend to work with people who want to explore their family dynamics and relationship histories while strengthening their mind/body connection in the process, ultimately to achieve powerful insights, emotional safety, and self-trust. I primarily specialize in anxiety, emotionally immature parents, narcissistic abuse recovery, women's health and wellness, trauma and PTSD, self-harm and life transitions. Together, we'll address such facets of life as family dynamics, physiological responses to stress, childhood trauma, core beliefs, values, identity, mind/body connection and more, in order to cultivate a deeper understanding of who you are and how you would like to see change in your life.

My areas of emphasis are relationships, trans-affirming care, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, trauma, anxiety, sexuality, multi-ethnic/cultural identity & college-related concerns. I support my clients in unlearning shame, setting boundaries without guilt, embracing their identities and cultures with pride, and build more authentic, fulfilling relationships. I offer a compassionate space where you can safely explore yourself, challenge old patterns, and develop new ways of responding that support healing, confidence and lasting change. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide WPATH assessments and letters for gender affirming surgeries. Therapy with me is collaborative, affirming, and driven by the desire to support you in healing through your resilience and empowerment. I integrate psychodynamic and action-oriented methods and my approach is liberation-based, anti-racist and trauma-informed.

If you need help navigating your emotional experiences and building emotional resiliency around your responses to stress, trauma, anxiety, and relationships, then you’re in the right place. In my sessions, we clarify thought processes, analyze your body's responses to triggers and work towards confronting difficult emotional experiences that may be negatively affecting your life. I specialize in working with college students, young professionals, graduate students, adults, and couples, and have experience working with panic disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and more. I specialize in EFT and work from a process-oriented Attachment-Based framework to help people understand their behaviors, emotions, and ways of relating.

My experience working directly with students in school settings has been the most meaningful and rewarding part of my professional journey. I found that I connect naturally with students and genuinely enjoy supporting their emotional, social, and academic growth. Because of my passion for this work, I consistently sought out additional opportunities to work with students and often exceeded the minimum requirements in order to gain more experience supporting them. In my work with students, I focus on providing simple, practical, and easy-to-apply tools that help them successfully reach the goals we set together in session. I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel heard, understood, and empowered. I make it a priority to ensure they know they have someone in their corner at all times, and I approach my role as both a strong supporter and advocate for their well-being and success.