Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, empathy, and an ongoing commitment to social justice, I might be the person you’re looking for. My clients come to therapy with a variety of concerns, including healing from trauma, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Others are looking for support around relationships and intimacy. Many of my clients identify as queer, disabled, non-monogamous, or women in STEM. I have specialized experience supporting students who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. I use a somatic, mind-body approach in my work, and view therapy through a liberatory, intersectional lens. If that sounds like a good fit, I invite you to book a free, 20-minute consultation with my practice to learn more!

We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.

I find inspiration in helping others that are struggling with mental health problems. My clients have my attention, support, and feel heard and validated. I also collaborate with them to address their problems or distress. As a registered therapist, I strive to meet the client where they are at in life and help them move forward in their individual goals. I work with people from all age groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, states of life (pregnancy), and the LGBTQ population. I have experience working with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, grief and loss, trauma symptomatology, medical conditions, and dual diagnoses. I have a passion for reaching out, connecting and relieving mental suffering. I have specialized training working in the following areas: CBT, DBT, Clinical Sexology training in Florida, and TRAUMA training in SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), EMDR. I have worked with couples using the Gottman method, attachment issues and communication skills. My PhD is in international psychology and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life stressors or struggling with confusing emotions? Has stress or anxiety started to affect the way you think, feel, or interact with the people around you? Maybe you’re facing ongoing pressure from family or relationship conflicts and need support coping. I specialize in helping individuals navigating the impact of stress, anxiety, adjustment challenges, communication difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I also support individuals experiencing burnout, depression, substance use, or the effects of trauma. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore and process emotions, thoughts, and behaviors together. I work with individuals wanting to: >Develop a more balanced relationship with themselves and others >Challenge old patterns and create new, healthier ones >Embrace changes that have or will occur >Learn and Apply practical tools and strategies to cope with ongoing stressors My Approach: My approach combines relational, holistic, and practical strategies to give you tools for short-term relief while also creating lasting change. We’ll explore how your environment and past experiences have shaped you, and find new ways to cope, regulate emotions, and express your needs. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and clarify the goals that matter most to you—working at a pace that feels right for you.

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Deciding to engage in therapy is an important step in one’s life and I am honored by the opportunity to join in this journey with you. My work with clients begins from a place of genuine curiosity and authenticity. As a relational-cultural narrative therapist I believe that the person is not the problem. The problem is the problem and we work together to develop and implement effective tools aimed to address the problem. People are also defined by stories. When these stories become problematic, people can become stuck. Together we will examine these stories and help you develop new and healthy stories for your life. Deciding to engage in therapy is an important step in one’s life and I am honored by the opportunity to join in this journey with you. My work with clients begins from a place of genuine curiosity and authenticity. As a relational-cultural narrative therapist I believe that the person is not the problem. The problem is the problem and we work together to develop and implement effective tools aimed to address the problem. People are also defined by stories. When these stories become problematic, people can become stuck. Together we will examine these stories and help you develop new and healthy stories for your life. In my work, I engage in culture-centered practices, where the role of culture is seen as integral in understanding one’s journey. While relational-cultural narrative therapy guides my work, I also incorporate other evidenced-based practices and cognitive behavioral therapy to address maladaptive patterns and behaviors. I am deeply committed to working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) and LGBTQIA+ populations. I look forward to the opportunity of hearing your story and working with you.

Is heavy stress and anxiety making it hard to feel steady, present, and focused as you move through the semester? You might get stuck in loops of overthinking about grades, deadlines, money, or the future, while your body stays tense and on edge. For some students, social anxiety can be its own grind, making you skip gatherings or spend too long replaying conversations afterward. Sometimes anxiety doesn’t just make you worry—it forecasts disaster and turns choices into landmines. Left running in the background, it can spill into perfectionism, stress-eating, zoning out, or leaning on weed or alcohol to take the edge off. You deserve support that helps you function and feel better. Not just pushing through, but building a foundation of well-being that lasts beyond the semester. In our work, we’ll address the anxiety and help you feel like yourself again with clearer thinking, a steadier mood, and more ease in your body. I’ve spent 13 years helping people with anxiety, and I know the unique pressures of college life. Together, we’ll find practical, compassionate ways to feel more grounded and zoned-in. My style is gentle and collaborative, yet active in guiding the work. You don’t have to power your way through alone. Take the first step toward change and book a free intro call on the calendar section of my website.

If you're looking for a therapist who you can count on to be authentic and direct—let's connect! Whatever concerns you’re bringing to therapy, you can depend on me to take your priorities seriously. As a therapist, my style is conversational—with a little bit of humor—but I’m also ready to get to work. We’ll work together to clarify your goals and a plan to achieve them. I'll help you challenge your thinking when your mindset is getting in the way, and can keep us on track to finding solutions when you need it. I can also step back from the practical stuff to offer support and insight, because sometimes therapy means slowing down. My clients are typically Black women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking to improve their relationships with themselves and others. I support clients through life transitions, and also work well with clients addressing identity issues, anxiety, and ADHD. I know that starting therapy can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and transformation. If you've got the courage to take the first step, I invite you to reach out today!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.”

Life can have it’s shares of ups and downs , but you don’t have to manage it while feeling alone and overwhelmed. I provide a safe, supportive space for you to deal with challenges, process your emotions and recognize your strengths, so that life feels manageable and even joyful. I particularly enjoy working with college students who have unique developmental challenges as they manage so many pressures and demands and navigate the responsibilities of adulthood. Therapy strives to help develop and maintain good self-care and healthy coping mechanisms. We work together to develop and achieve goals specific to resolving the issues you are wanting to work through. My approach is client-centered. I meet each client where they are at in their life. My work is predominantly grounded in Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy weaving in Mindful Based approaches

My clients are vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and high-functioning people who sometimes face challenges with overthinking, self-esteem, emotional regulation, maintaining relationships, and self-compassion. People often reach out to me when they’re struggling to navigate a life transition, work or school-related stress, establishing boundaries and/or balance, or are seeking support in shifting patterns that are no longer serving them. I have worked with young adults, millennials, elders, tech professionals, non-profit professionals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as caregivers and people living with chronic pain. My approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. This allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to create a secure therapeutic relationship where you can freely explore all parts of yourself. In recognition of the importance of accessibility, I offer tele-health therapy sessions. This means you can receive support from the comfort of your own space, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for you. I understand that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I value the time and energy that you are putting into seeking the best support for you and would welcome an opportunity to speak in an initial free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a fit for working together.

What inspired me to become a therapist is my belief that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in life. My own path to becoming an LMFT began in my mid-30s, which gives me a personal understanding of how powerful growth and change can be at any stage. Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve enjoyed supporting people through challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and women’s issues. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I work collaboratively with you to explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want. I often use tools from Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you gain insight, build skills, and feel empowered to make changes. Building trust is an important part of the process. In the first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you, answering any questions you have about therapy, and creating a safe, supportive space where you can speak openly. Seeking therapy takes courage, and my goal is to create a respectful and collaborative environment where we can work together toward your goals. A lighthearted detail I sometimes share is that I really enjoy all forms of entertainment, especially movies, TV, listening to music and going to live music events. It helps me recharge and stay grounded, and it’s something that often resonates with people who are also looking for ways to care for their well-being.

As a mental health clinician, I find a great joy in working with young individuals in their early 20's and 30's who may struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through active listening and communication, client's have found therapy to be a place to "think out loud" and allow themselves to feel or experience emotions that would otherwise be ignored and forgotten. Therapy is a place to being authentic, to grow in self awareness, and to be empowered by one's successes and shortcomings. I am passionate about supporting the Asian American community. As an Asian American therapist, I want to support Asian American individuals who may struggle with cultural identities, family relational issues and addressing culture specific topics that impact one's social and emotional wellness.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to create a space where patients feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely heard. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, which has given me a strong foundation in caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns. I also hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, and other major life transitions. My approach is focused on helping people feel more confident and seen in their day-to-day lives. I was drawn to psychiatry because I’ve always been interested in the connection between mental health, overall well-being, and how deeply our experiences shape us. Working in mental health settings early in my career showed me how important it is for people to feel truly seen, supported, and understood during vulnerable moments. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a psychiatric provider and continue helping people navigate challenges with compassion, education, and practical support. I would describe my approach as collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I believe treatment works best when patients feel comfortable being open and involved in the decision-making process, so I focus on creating a nonjudgmental environment where people feel heard and understood. When working with me, patients can expect thoughtful conversations, education about treatment options, and a balance of compassion and practicality as we work toward goals that feel realistic and meaningful for their everyday life. Outside of work, my favorite role is being a mom. Motherhood has taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and giving myself grace during different seasons of life, which I think naturally carries over into how I connect with patients. I also love spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, and finding little ways to recharge and stay balanced outside of work. I think those moments of connection and normalcy are such an important part of overall mental health.

If you're looking for a therapist who brings authenticity, warmth, and a feminist sensibility to their work, I might be the person to help! I typically work with clients who find themselves at complex intersections of identity, especially around sexuality, gender and culture. I love working with students—previously at SJSU CAPS and currently at a private group practice. Many of my clients are AAPI children of immigrants, and/or queer and trans people of color, navigating questions about family and relationships. I can offer an affirming space work through intergenerational trauma and feelings of cultural guilt or shame. I am also able to support clients with common concerns like anxiety, depression, stress management & more. As a therapist I am interested understanding your life story as you tell it, and I'm here to help you figure out the next chapter. My goal is to help you feel greater clarity, freedom & control as the author of your story. I incorporate practical tools into my work, so that you develop new skills to deal with painful feelings and thoughts. If what I offer resonates with you, I invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation. You'll have a chance to get all your questions about therapy answered, and schedule an intake with me (no pressure!)

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a psychologist at Stella Nova Psychology, I support women and LGBTQIA+ students to feel better, and show up in their lives as the people they want to be. My clients learn to build confidence, address negative patterns that are holding them back, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. I see my role as equal parts collaborator, support, and guide for the journey. I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety and stress management, immigration and acculturation issues, all types of relationships concerns. I love working with students, and have previous experience working in university counseling at USF. Many of my clients struggle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or a harsh inner critic. I'm trained to help my clients heal and move forward after trauma, whether in childhood or more recently. You're looking for a goal-oriented therapist who can help you understand how a problem got started, what’s keeping you stuck now, and — most importantly — guide you towards new skills and frameworks for moving forward. Let's talk about what your goals and needs are, and how I can help you get there.

Hello my name is Dr. Nekolas “Neko” Milton, I am a Registered Psychological Associate. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I operate from a client-centered, humanistic approach, focusing on aspects of existentialism, mindfulness, family-systems, multiculturalism, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma-related diagnoses, and incorporate evidenced-based practices to address maladaptive patterns and behaviors. A question I often get asked is, “What do you mean by, ‘meeting your clients where they are at’?” In my work of helping people, I strive to subscribe to a compassionate and collaborative approach. This means that the client is part of their own treatment team. Thus, meeting the client where they’re at means embracing a variety of therapeutic interventions. I am committed to working towards social justice and equity both within the therapy room and within the community at large. Thus, my values consistent with providing care around acculturation, mental health access, concerns for underserved populations, community building, and cross-cultural dialogues.

Starting college — or just trying to get through it — can bring up a lot: Am I doing this right? Do I even belong here? Who am I becoming? I’d love to help you figure it out. Together we can work through the stress of adjusting to a new place, academic and social anxiety, career uncertainty, drinking or eating patterns that feel hard to shake, or trauma that’s still asking to be understood. I especially enjoy working with students nearing graduation who are wrestling with what comes next — career direction, next steps, and the identity shift that comes with leaving college behind. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as a professor, and my research focused on identity and belonging — so I have a real passion for working with students exploring who they are, especially those navigating race, class, gender, or sexuality, or who just feel like they’re on the outside looking in. I bring both that academic background and genuine warmth to our work together.