Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Hello students! I am a LCSW that has been working with college students for the past 8 years. I was in college for 7 years and experienced my own struggles with maintaining mental health and academics, so I can understand and relate to students challenges. I provide individualized counseling to address a wide range of unique challenges commonly faced by college students including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and peer and academic pressures. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where students can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and self-empowerment. I strive to empower students to overcome challenges, realize their potential, and thrive both personally and academically. We are a team!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I welcome clients wishing to work on a variety of life's challenges. I specialize in anxiety, panic, stress, self-esteem, depression, and school/work/life balance. I offer a complimentary phone consult, where we can learn more about each other, answer any questions and decide if it feels like a good fit. I've spent the last several years specializing in the college transition, college students, and challenges faced after graduation, as young professionals under unique work/life stressors in Silicon Valley. I believe in working together as a team to create treatment approaches that work best for each unique person. With a calm, genuine and approachable nature, I offer an experience/environment where clients feel safe, supported and encouraged on their path of growth and self-discovery. If this is your first time seeking therapy, I encourage openness, hopefulness and understanding around nervousness and apprehension. I believe in the inherent strengths of the individual. Utilizing a strength-based approach encourages each individual to discover their own special qualities and build upon them, to overcome challenges and create their best self. I feel honored to hear your story. You will find a warm and non-judgmental, human and authentic presence in my work. I also enjoy mentoring and supervising associates, helping other therapists grow and improving experiences within the counseling and psychotherapy field.

Oceanside Clinics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing telehealth services across California. We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Shield.

Hi, I am Brandi, an empathetic and motivated therapist who seeks to provide support to those who are experiencing the stressors of college and building their future. Not only do I understand the pressure and expectations of being a college student, but I also understand what it takes to also be a student athlete. After years of playing sports and pursuing education, I understand the challenges that comes with doing what you love and working to create a future for yourself. My goal will be to work with you to utilize your resilience and strengths in all areas of your life.

My path to becoming a therapist grew out of my experience working in crisis settings, including emergency mental health and trauma care. I had the privilege of supporting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and I saw firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone who listens without judgment and helps make sense of overwhelming experiences. Those experiences inspired me to continue this work in a way that allows for deeper healing and long-term growth. I believe that change and self-discovery go hand in hand, and I’m passionate about helping people find relief, build resilience, and create meaningful lives that align with who they are. Feeling heard begins with taking the time to truly understand your story. I prioritize empathic attunement, meaning I listen carefully not only to what you’re saying but also to how your experiences, relationships, and environment have shaped your perspective. Rather than making assumptions or rushing toward solutions, I work collaboratively with you to understand what your experiences mean to you. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe bringing your thoughts, emotions, and questions without fear of judgment. As we build that understanding together, we can begin exploring new perspectives and identify changes that feel authentic and meaningful. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help guide the process with curiosity, compassion, and clinical experience. I draw from Gestalt therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help increase awareness, strengthen insight, and support practical changes that fit your unique goals. Building trust takes consistency, honesty, and mutual respect. I’ll check in regularly about how therapy is feeling for you, welcome your feedback, and adjust our work together as your needs evolve. My hope is that our therapeutic relationship becomes a place where you feel accepted, challenged when appropriate, and supported as you grow. One thing I enjoy sharing is that I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a hike, exploring a new trail, or simply getting outside to reset, I find that nature helps me stay grounded and present. It’s a reminder that taking small moments to recharge can make a big difference, and I encourage clients to discover what helps them reconnect with themselves in their own lives.

I help people learn how to take care of themselves. ​​ ​ In our sessions, you will develop the skills to navigate family dynamics, understand your needs, communicate boundaries, and build self-trust and self-esteem. ​ So, whether you identify as a conflict avoider, people pleaser, overachiever, perfectionist, or anxious attacher, I can help you figure out who you are, what you want, and who you want to be.

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many are high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of themselves on the inside. They often care deeply about their relationships and may be navigating repeated conflict, trust issues, or a life transition that’s prompting them to want something different, even if they’re not fully sure what that looks like yet. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, and focused on real change. I help clients slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and build practical tools they can use in everyday life. Clients who are open to reflection, honest conversations, and gradual growth.

Welcome to Thrive! We are a group practice serving San Diego and the greater CA area as we are now offering online only sessions due to Covid19. We love working with college students and young adults and everyone in our office specializes in this age group. We tend to work with diverse clients in terms of their experiences and needs but always approach our work from a fun, collaborative, and client centered perspective. We focus on building relationships with our clients as our most important goal and then working towards the goals that client chooses. Plus, since there are 6 of us at Thrive, I believe that most students can find a therapist at Thrive who will be a good fit for them!

Anxiety is a learned behavior and it can be unlearned. Your brain is not your enemy and it isn’t trying to make you worry; it is just repeating unhelpful messages from the past. I’d like to help you retrain your brain to be a source of comfort and positivity. With less anxiety, you can direct your energy towards things you really value instead of worrying all the time. In order to change the way you think and feel, you can change your old habits and practice new skills. There is no more valuable project than your well-being, and it’s worth the effort. I have experience with: anxiety, feeling stuck, breakups, depression, and stress. I have a very strong background in mindfulness practices. My clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with a very diverse group of clients. My office is a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Please visit my website for more information. I do not accept insurance. I offer sliding rates for students, retail/service workers, and anyone else who has a financial need.

I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.

Starting therapy is a big step—one that takes courage. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you're struggling with the weight of past experiences, feeling lost about your future, or dealing with relationship challenges that leave you unsure of where you stand. Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with school and daily life can feel like too much to handle on your own. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can bring your full self—your worries, frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties—without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you make sense of what feels messy, reconnect with your strengths, and navigate the challenges that are holding you back. I specialize in working with college students and understand the unique struggles that come with this stage of life. If you're curious about how therapy might help, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Feel free to check out my website or send me an email with any questions. No matter what you're facing, you're not alone, and I'm here to support you.

Hi, I'm Jennifer. I help my clients feel like themselves again after trauma, specifically sexual trauma or relationship violence. You’ve tried to get past it, forget about it, told yourself it “wasn’t a big deal”, but you’re in pain. Maybe you notice feeling scared and mistrusting of others, having mood swings, or feeling down about yourself. Trauma can take many different forms, so often we don’t realize what we’ve gone through until we unpack it with someone safe. I can be that person for you.

College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. It’s a time of big changes, big questions, and a lot of pressure—about who you are, where you belong, and whether you’re doing “enough.” I work with college students who are navigating anxiety, body image struggles, perfectionism, and that nagging feeling of not measuring up, even when everything seems fine on the outside. If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just off, therapy can be a space to slow down and figure out what’s really going on. Together, we’ll explore what matters to you and what helps you feel more like you. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. Whether you’re on campus or away, we’ll work together to help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected—both to yourself and the life you’re building.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience working with individuals that are dealing with mental health issues across their lifespan. I believe my experience as a first-generation college student has helped me make connections between the mental health issues we face with the addition of the insecurities and overwhelming experiences encounter simply by becoming a college student. I have experience providing services to help those facing trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, anger, parenting support, men’s mental health issues, and various other presenting problems. I use my trauma-informed background and lessons learned in my own experience to gently help guide you toward a new shift in mindset that you want to establish, guided through your strengths, and with empathy every step of the way.

As an individual who has some life experiences behind her, I understand the value of mental health services, and the importance of finding the right fit. I have a strong background in the field of social work, and appreciate the process of collaboration, being present and accompanying an individual in their journey of well-being. I strive to fully engage with you, not just to hear and to listen, but to be curious and inquisitive, to ask questions and to foster open communication. At the first session, I hope to convey to you that this is a safe and supportive spot to be heard, to speak up, and as we continue to meet, trust will be established. Building trust takes time as we get to know each other and establish rapport. I hope to meet you where you are at, to understand what will make you comfortable as we learn how to communicate. I never rush or apply pressure for you to act a certain way or provide information that you may not feel comfortable sharing. I welcome your questions and to please speak up.

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

I work best with students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in their own head. Many of the students I support struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, stress, past experiences that still affect them, or feeling pressure to hold everything together. They’re often high-functioning on the outside but feel exhausted or disconnected inside. I offer a calm, supportive space to help students feel more grounded, understand what they’re going through, and build skills to feel better over time.

Hi, I’m Iris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Iris Therapy and Counseling. I work with college students and young adults who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, relationships, family expectations, past experiences, or the pressure of trying to figure out what they want their future to look like. College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring a lot of change. You may be balancing school, work, friendships, family responsibilities, relationships, and your own mental health all at once. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I help clients better understand their emotions, develop healthier ways of coping, improve their relationships, build confidence, and work through experiences that may be keeping them stuck. I provide therapy in English and Spanish and incorporate approaches such as EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself, feel understood, and get support without judgment while you navigate this stage of your life.

Pause and imagine what life could feel like if the past no longer dictated your present. Imagine permitting yourself to grow in new directions, breaking free from painful relational patterns, or no longer paying a heavy price for success and achievement. I help adults and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals feeling stuck, disconnected, or exhausted. Others are navigating trauma, loss, life transitions, or questions of identity, seeking clarity and relief. I believe everyone can unlock their innate capacity to heal and grow. In our work together, you’ll find a safe and collaborative space to slow down, reflect, and begin practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others. My approach combines a relational psychodynamic foundation with evidence-based methods, including Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, DBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked in international business across multiple countries, which shaped my appreciation for cultural and contextual influences. I now support adults navigating perfectionism, stress, career pressures, and major transitions. I offer both in-person and teletherapy.