Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

You find yourself overwhelmed and unable to do anything, even though you know what you should be doing. Your thoughts are causing you to spiral and you find yourself remembering every bad thing that's ever happened to you. What I want to do is bring you back to the present moment and find the way forward to give you the future you are wanting. Whether that is coping skills to help you relax, or changing your perspective to better deal with what's going on, we will find a way to help you out.

Are you struggling and wanting to find help? I’m here to support you on your journey to feeling better. Are you finding yourself more anxious, depressed, having a low mood, or frustrated with reality? Through the exploration of current and past experiences and relationships, I can help you heal your personal struggles and improve your sense of strength in your inner self and find meaning in your life. My goal is to provide the highest quality psychotherapy in an atmosphere of safety and trust to help you live a satisfying and happy life. My specialties include ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Brainspotting. These modalities assist the client in uncovering the blocks to their full potential by focusing on the brain and body towards the most efficient healing. I enjoy working with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress in their careers and relationships. I have expertise working with engineers, medical professionals, first responders, essential workers, therapists, and educators.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. Amy provides a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences. My past work experiences have been in several areas. I have worked in healthcare with the geriatric population, provided school based mental health to kids from grades kindergarten through 12th grade, substance abuse counseling to college aged kids, crisis intervention with the armed forces and a private practice providing therapeutic services to a wide range of people, families and couples that include helping folks who struggle with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and life transitions/changes.

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, or simply not feeling like yourself is making it harder to enjoy college or perform at your best, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whatever you may be struggling with, I’ll work with you to understand what’s going on and find a solution that fits your needs, goals, and circumstances.

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.

People make the decision to engage in therapy for a multitude of reasons, all of which are valid. Some people may be ambivalent about making changes in their lives, while others might feel eager and ready to start the process. Regardless of where you find yourself on that continuum, I am here to support you. Although my background has mainly been focused around eating and body image, I see clients who are experiencing a variety of concerns: relationship issues, anxiety/depression, life transitions, unhappiness, etc. Prior to private practice, I worked with undergraduate and graduate students at Harvard University Counseling and Mental Health Service, with a specialty in supporting student-athletes and individuals with eating and body image concerns. I have also worked in psychiatric inpatient programs as well as eating disorder treatment programs. My therapeutic style is integrative, which means that our work together will draw on various approaches determined by your concerns and goals. My hope is for us to build a trusting relationship that will allow for honest reflection, helpful challenge, and ultimately positive change so that you may be able to lead a more fulfilling life.

Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder or any of the issues that come along with one (i.e. anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, guilt, shame, body image distress, or difficulty in relationships), I would love to help you. Sometimes when you’ve felt anxious or burdened for long enough, it can begin to feel as though this is how it is always going to be. You might even find yourself saying that this is just the life you deserve. Maybe you are a Christian who is trying to make sense of how you are feeling while also navigating your faith. I am here to tell you healing is possible! Therapy with me is a place where you can freely be you, without judgement, as we work together to help you to become a healthier, more whole version of yourself. I offer therapy that allows you to bring in your faith (triumphs, struggles, and all). You don't have to figure it all out on your own (thankfully!). If you feel that I might be a good fit for you, please call or email me to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation or to book your first appointment.

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I profoundly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I help people utilize their inherent strengths, build meaningful support systems, and develop practical skills that promote lasting change and personal growth. I am driven to help individuals overcome generational trauma and break free from cycles of pain and suffering. "I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Together, we work towards achievable goals, cultivate resilience, navigate challenges, and foster emotional well-being. I am committed to providing culturally competent and affirming care to all those I serve. In my practice, I find fulfillment in working with a diverse range of communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant families, and college students. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through life transitions and psychosocial stressors. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and respect towards all experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by collaborating on goals, honoring your pace, and highlighting your strengths as we work through evidence-based strategies.

Curious about how our past shapes our present, I work to uncover the root causes of your problems and guide you toward healing and personal growth. I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, unresolved trauma, and relationship challenges. My role is to offer feedback and uncover solutions to achieve your goals. Whether you’re an individual or part of a couple, I’m here to help. We’ll work on building your self-acceptance and compassion, develop healthier coping strategies, and break free from unhelpful patterns. Together, we’ll explore your identity, celebrate your strengths, and foster deeper connections, empowering you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Working with individuals who feel they need some extra support to tackle challenges that life throws at them is my passion. I believe that through the relationship and work between client and therapist, behaviors can be adjusted, relationships can be mended, unhealthy coping skills can be identified and reworked, and healthy change can occur. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where individuals can succeed in making positive growth in their lives. Taking a straightforward, honest, relaxed and empathetic approach to supporting clients frees clients to open up, discover their strengths and make the most of therapy.

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

Hi, I'm Dr. Serena. I help clients who are struggling with anxieties and self-doubt by exploring what's getting in the way, where the fears are coming from, and how your existing strengths can help shift you out of feeling stuck. This might look like mix of using what is working for you with creating new strategies. I also consider how family expectations, values, and culture play a role in how you are trying to show up at school as well as in your relationships. I use my experience in providing couples therapy to help individuals figure out what they want, how to communicate that effectively, and navigate conflict so that you can feel seen and supported by the people in your life. Want to see if we are a good fit? Schedule a 15min consultation call on my booking website: https://serena-galloway.clientsecure.me . I'll answer your questions and we can set up virtual sessions that fit your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you 🌻

College is a major life transition. It is a particularly vulnerable time, with immense changes and pressures from family, peers, school, work, and society in general. Sometimes it may be hard to recognize that you need help because anxiety, depression, grief can show up as low motivation, procrastination, social isolation, physical complaints, poor academics or relationship problems. It can be very overwhelming and lonely to have to figure it all out on your own. I understand how hard it can be to navigate so many demands from school, work, family, friendships and relationships. You do not have to do it alone. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be yourself and talk about the intense emotions and experiences you are going through. I will work collaboratively with you to identify the roots of your struggles and ways to regain a sense of control and create a healthier more balanced life. I can teach you practical coping tools to address anxiety, depression, stress, uncertainty, procrastination, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, lack of motivation and time management. Our work can also include developing more effective communication skills, resolving identity crisis, setting healthy relationship boundaries and improving your personal relationships. Many students do not realize that part of their struggles could be related to having unresolved grief. I help students identify and move through the pain of grief, makes sense of their loss and rebuild their connections while honoring their loss. A big component of therapy for me is teaching my clients self-compassion and simple ways to self-care. My goal is to get to know you as an individual and your specific unmet needs, so I can best help you. Our therapeutic relationship is just as important as the work of therapy. My approach is empathic, direct and solution focused. I will provide interactive feedback and I will gently nudge you when there is opportunity for growth but I will not ever push you to talk about something you are not ready to talk about. You get to set the pace of therapy. I provide telehealth sessions in CA and NC. If you would like to learn more about how I can help you, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to working with you.

Dr. Brandon Heimberg is a licensed clinical psychologist in California. He specializes in the clinical and forensic neuropsychological assessment of traumatic brain injury, medical conditions and psychiatric conditions. Aside from comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Heimberg provides evidence-based psychological treatment and cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with attention, memory, other cognitive challenges, and other medical conditions. Dr. Heimberg earned his Master of Science degree in clinical psychology, followed by his Doctorate of Psychology at California Lutheran University. He received advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) under a grant-funded DBT training collaboration between Dr. Jamie Bedics and the creator of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Heimberg further honed these skills in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in his externship at Ventura County Behavioral Health, treating and assessing complex psychiatric conditions and leading skills training groups using DBT principles. Dr. Heimberg completed an advanced clinical practica in neuropsychological assessment at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he saw both geriatric and neurooncology patients. Dr. Heimberg then completed a neuropsychology internship at the VA Illiana Healthcare System (APA-Accredited, Division 40), emphasizing outpatient and inpatient neuropsychological assessment and treatment of Vietnam-era Veterans. He returned to UCLA to complete a two-year clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, performing neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive rehabilitation for post 9-11 era Veterans for UCLA Operation Mend, as well as complex medical and psychiatric, neuropsychological evaluations in the Medical Psychology Assessment Center (MPAC). Dr. Heimberg has been on various research teams at UCLA within the departments of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuro-oncology, where he has co-authored papers featured in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Oxford Press Society for NeuroOncology. Additionally, Dr. Heimberg co-authored the cognitive training manual for UCLA Operation Mend's Balanced Recovery And Integrated Neuroscience (BRAIN) and Substance Abuse intensive treatment programs.

WE WERE BORN TO SERVE - THIS IS HOW WE DO IT! Encouragers Counseling and Training Centers, Inc. often referred to as ECTC offers services to address the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. Our endeavor to assist worthy active-duty military and veterans, along with children, families, and those underserved in Richmond, Virginia, and surrounding areas. With a decade-long commitment to providing comprehensive mental health services, we are proud to share that not one person in our care has been lost to suicide. We understand that societal challenges are taking a toll that plague our communities leading to Grief/Loss, Uncertainty, Confusion, Trauma, Addictions, and Relationship Distress. Every day, thousands of individuals are feeling anxious, fearful, and depressed, however, many are unable to find mental health providers who can help. Statistical analysis shows our youth are suffering the consequences of educational, social, medical, and economic limitations however, many cannot afford the high rates for therapeutic intervention. At Encouragers Counseling and Training Centers, Inc. our mission at is to create a positive impact for purposeful change. Our providers have a passion for helping, but even more than that, we feel called to serve. Reach out today at 951-900-4414 or send us an email at to see how we can best serve you.

Online therapy appointments available and easily scheduled through www.parheliawellness.com to make the process of getting help easier. You are the expert of you. As such, collaboration and trust are key parts to helping you guide treatment to suit your needs and meet your goals. In our first appointment, I hope to work with you to help you decide your next steps. To schedule an online appointment, click on the "website" button where you can click on "request appointment." A bit about me. I have a strong affection for anything outdoors where I can run, climb, hike, ski, and explore with my family and friends. My personal and professional experiences have prompted me to use advocacy as a tool to contribute to positive meaningful change working towards a more equitable, inclusive and just world. This is reflected in my work as a clinician, researcher, and community service member. For this reason, I am committed to lifelong experiential learning and growth to hone my capacity for cultural humility. I welcome adults of all ages, abilities, genders, orientations, ethnicities, and spiritual beliefs to reach out for care.

Our clinicians are trained in numerous evidence based and best practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care.

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.