Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
Alyssa Lemus
I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.
Madeline berg
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Rock Life Counseling
Hi people! Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, a traumatic experience -- or just dealing with the ups and downs of college life -- we help with that! We're seasoned professionals who have been through the school of hard knocks ourselves, so we know how tough life can be sometimes. We'll bring the best experience, training, and even some tech-savvy support with us to make sure you get what you need. Get connected with a member of our team today!
W. Keith Sutton, Psy.D.
Everyone needs a little help in life every now and then. In my practice, I work collaboratively with teens, families, couples, and individuals to help identify and solve problems that get in the way of achieving life goals. I provide brief, solution-focused therapy as well as long-term therapy, depending on the issues and circumstances. I use evidence based treatments that have a track record for success. I am a direct and compassionate therapist, and use my sense of humor when helping people make changes in their lives. My clients and I work as a team, and we often include family members, friends, coworkers, and other community members as resources in our work. We can work together to help you get back on track to accomplishing your goals. I have office locations in Corte Madera and San Francisco. I also offer phone and web therapy for those who can't come into the office. For more information, please call (415) 686-9544 or email drkeith@drkeithsutton.com
Alexa Heinemann
Life can be overwhelming and challenging at times. College can be a time of discovery and big questions about who you are and how you hope to live your life. I offer a warm and compassionate space to safety explore these curiosities as well as any past traumas, recent losses, and emotional challenges. I find symptoms often lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and believe therapy can be a place to find the road back to our center. I enjoy working with young adults as they navigate their personal journey of self-discovery or as they experience deep suffering in life. With dedication and commitment, therapy can be a space of growth and resiliency. Please feel welcome to reach out for a free consultation call or to schedule a session. I see clients online and in person in Petaluma, CA.
NEYSA DEMANN
Many of the students I work with appear to have everything under control, yet privately feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves. You may be struggling with stress, perfectionism, relationships, family expectations, loneliness, depression, or major life transitions. Some students are navigating identity, independence, or the challenges of balancing academics, work, and personal life, or simply feel stuck in patterns they don't fully understand. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can better understand yourself, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.
Sara Nelson
I went through a very difficult with my mental health. I felt very low and hopeless at the time. What helped me was going to therapy for the first time. It started me on a journey to self-awareness and self-compassion that has carried throughout my life. Now I would like to help in inspiring similar journeys with my own work as a therapist. I enjoy learning about people and their unique thought processes. I ask questions, verify I understand what you’re saying and do not rest until I can understand where you are at and what your unique perspective on the world is. I am very straightforward when it comes to therapy. I am open about the modalities that I use and make sure you understand my process as we work together. I never force anything and am also willing to work from where your at and come up with solutions that are in line with your goals and personal interests.
Redwood Behavioral Health Clinic
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.
RMC Therapy Group
Our practice is built on authenticity, inclusion, and meaningful connection. We support college students and young adults as they navigate the many transitions, challenges, and opportunities that shape this stage of life. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, academic or social stress, identity exploration, or relationship concerns, we offer a space where you feel genuinely seen, supported, and valued. Using somatic awareness, mindfulness, and evidence‑based approaches, we tailor each session to your individual needs. Together, we explore the mind‑body connection, nurture resilience, and create pathways for healing, growth, and self‑understanding. We are committed to inclusivity and celebrate the diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences that each person brings. We recognize that change doesn’t happen in isolation it’s influenced by the relationships, environments, and communities you’re part of. While navigating life transitions can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. We walk alongside you with warmth and care, helping you strengthen connections, manage stress, and create space for personal growth, clarity, and confidence.
Georgiana Spradling PhD, MFT, CDVC
Hello! I am Dr. Georgiana Spradling. I have been practicing Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Relationship Coaching for over 25 years. I am a specialist on Emotional Intelligence. I will teach you Anger Management techniques, as well as communication, negotiation and Conflict resolution, help you use strategy in your decisions and achieve your goals. I will tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear, while moving you forward with kindness.
Lynn Newman
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.
Julia Rogers
Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping children, teens, families, and young adults. I understand growing up can be challenging, and I’m here to help with issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral problems, family or friendship issues, and any major life changes. I focus on approaches that are practical, supportive, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I take the time to get to know your story, your strengths, and what genuinely helps you feel grounded. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, cared for, and encouraged—whether that means talking things through, exploring emotions in creative ways, or breaking challenges down into manageable steps. I want our time together to feel like a team effort where you never have to face anything alone. Therapy can feel intimidating, so I strive to create a fun and welcoming space from day one. I’m passionate about early intervention and love working with kids, teens, and young adults, making our sessions engaging and enjoyable. I’d be honored to support you or your child on the path to a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life!
Cura Integrative Health
Cura Integrative Health provides psychotherapy to college students and adults in the area who are struggling with anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation, relationship struggles, and ADHD symptom management. Our highly trained therapists are ready to meet you in person at our office walkable from Santa Clara University or virtually if that is your preference. You can reach out to our Clinical Director, Jenna Sholl, LMFT. Jenna Sholl, LMFT info@curaintegrativehealth.com
Manar Abdelmegeed
I am an integrative psychiatrist board certified in both General Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry who believes in a holistic approach to mental health. I specialize in assessing and treating multiple mental health disorders including anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, & bipolar disorder. I tailor treatment plans personalized to you to provide the best outcomes. Treatment modalities include lifestyle adjustments, integrative services (vitamins/supplements), laboratory testing, therapy, collaboration with other providers, and/or medications. Medications are only used when indicated. My approach includes improving awareness of your own strengths and challenges to achieve realistic goals while also being empathic towards yourself. My ultimate goal is to assist you in creating your own compass that will serve as a way to better tackle future stresses and enhance your intra and interpersonal relationships.
Siqi Shao
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in both medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, and have cared for diverse communities, including Chinese-speaking patients, through my bilingual skills in Mandarin and English. My approach combines compassionate, evidence-based care with personalized treatment plans that empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy teaching, mentoring nursing students, and advocating for mental health awareness. I’m inspired by seeing people rediscover hope, strength, and joy in their lives. Supporting someone through their challenges and watching them grow is an incredible privilege. I believe everyone deserves a safe, understanding space to be heard and supported. I believe the best care happens when treatment is a partnership. I start by listening closely to each person’s story, goals, and concerns, and I work with them to explore options that fit their lifestyle, culture, and comfort level. I present evidence-based choices in clear, simple terms so they can make informed decisions, and together we create a plan that feels both effective and realistic. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, sleep disorders/insomnia, suicidal ideation, academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, CBT-I, deprescribing, personality disorders, somatic symptoms disorders, trauma-informed care
Ava Martinez
Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.
Angelique Umutesi
At Roots & Refuge Center, we provide mental health services and healing spaces that support people through community care and cultural understanding. We offer soul-centered therapy for those who are displaced, seeking spiritual growth, or showing great resilience. Angelique uses a blend of ACT, somatic-based approaches, Emotionally Centered CBT (ECBT), DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy. These modalities help build emotional resilience, navigate life transitions, and repair relational systems, all through a trauma-informed and culturally grounded lens. She also integrates faith-based and spiritual practices when they align with the client’s beliefs, offering a space that honors both clinical wisdom and ancestral or spiritual healing. She has the most training and experience treating trauma-related conditions, particularly in refugee and immigrant populations. Her work centers around grief, PTSD, cultural and racial identity, faith-integrated therapy, and life transitions. Angelique’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to community healing.
Sabrina Viramontes
Are you feeling worried, stressed and/or overwhelmed on a regular basis? Do you often put other people's wants and needs before your own? Do you experience self-doubt or struggle with low self-esteem that leads you to feel like your thoughts, feelings and opinions are not important? If this sounds like you, you are probably also experiencing burn-out, imposter syndrome, disconnection with your body/emotions, and/or significant life-changes. You want to feel a sense of calm and assurance that you can move through your day with ease. I would be honored to walk this journey alongside you. To hold space for you, to support you and remind you that you have all the tools to lead the life you envision for yourself. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out!
Decatur Counseling Center
On the outside, things look successful. People rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your reactions feel stronger than you expect. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted and burned out. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away or difficulty truly relaxing. You understand your patterns and may have even done therapy before, but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, burnout or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling; not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.
Omar Geray
My main inspiration for becoming a therapist is to help people, from all walks of life. I have been working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health since 2006, and specialize in treating clients with Co-Occurring Disorders. Prior to entering the MSW program at San Jose State University, I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, and received my BA degree in 2005. I have a solid background in social theory, and I apply social theory as part of my clinical approach, thus enhancing the therapeutic process. I am continuously working towards my ongoing professional development to help my clients using cutting-edge techniques. Therapy is more than a career, it is a passion and it is my life’s work. My empathetic approach, in which I actively listen to clients and reflect their goals, values, and struggles, fosters understanding and clarity. If I were to summarize what it is like to work with me, I would say “collaborative.” am committed to collaborative relationships with clients to maximize their capacity for growth and their ability to become resilient-to the many speed bumps and potholes along life’s path.”