Therapists for college students near 94117
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Social Work. I work with clients looking to overcome stress, anxiety, sadness, or trauma. We cultivate self-love, optimism, insight, and empathy while learning practical tools for lasting change. In our work together, we’ll focus on raising your self-awareness and nurturing your inner child with compassion and understanding. Whether your challenges stem from relationships, family dynamics, work or school stress, or personal struggles, I’ll help you create a clear, actionable plan to become the best version of you.
Life can feel overwhelming, and these days it’s easier than ever to feel lost. Know that you are not alone. Whether you’re working toward personal goals, trying to break old patterns or hoping to find some peace, I’m here to offer a supportive space where we can figure things out together. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, and religious trauma and life transitions, including those navigating the challenges of leaving a high-demand religion. My style is warm and client-centered. I often draw from evidence-based techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness to help you manage stress, develop healthier coping strategies and meet your goals.
"There are more things in heaven and earth ... than are dreamt of in your philosophy" Hamlet. As a depth psychotherapist, my intention is to help you navigate your personal depths; look beyond cultural expectations and all of the shoulds that have cluttered your life. Together we can work to unravel the defenses that have been unconsciously built to protect your heart and soul from feeling, and have kept you out of the present. By assiduously listening and freely playing, we will unearth who you really are and investigate what may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. My intention is to provide a safe environment that nurtures a trusting relationship between my clients and me. This relationship is the basis for all of the work. From this foundation we can invite the unconscious into the room and begin the healing process. There are many ways to access the unconscious: dreams, drawing, poetry, images, meditation, and somatic reactions are a few. Listening may the most important. So many of us just need to be heard. All of these activities are in the service of discovering how to unravel the unconscious knots that have tied up your spirit.
Adjusting to life changes and managing stress can seem overwhelming at times. If you experience anxiety, depression, other mental health symptoms, or just life changes you're familiar with the desire to find stability and ways to cope. It could be a change in job, or managing stress from work, strain in a relationship with a partner or family members, recent grief and loss, feelings of worthlessness, feeling on edge, or looking for a tune up after life events. I believe therapy offers a space to explore the coping skills to address the issues that arise in our lives and identify healthier ways of thinking to become the best versions of ourselves. Are you looking for a safe space and support (as you address during your life transitions? My goal is to help client's who are looking to start a new chapter in their life. I am passionate about helping people find purpose, fulfillment and direction along with stability and healthy lifestyles individually, in relationships and in families. I use direct and approaches to help clients build the skills they need to fulfill their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and approaches allow me help clients identify unhealthy thinking patterns and core beliefs that affect the ability to maintain healthy, balanced lifestyles. Using individualized planning I use a combination of therapeutic approaches to assist each client meet the goals that uniquely fit their needs. Each person is treated as the expert in their life as we work together to build the insight and understanding necessary to bring them from where they are to where they want to be.
Please see info about my practice: www.drmichellespoelstra.com
Joanna has 20 years of professional experience as a school psychologist and most currently as a licensed educational psychologist providing in-depth psychological, educational, socio-emotional, and behavioral support to children, adolescents, young adults, families, educators, professionals, and para-professionals in both the public and private sectors. Since 2001, she has served as a psychologist across Los Angeles and Orange County providing detailed, comprehensive assessments & evaluations, trainings, consultation, and counseling for individuals and groups.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Heart Theory focuses on emotion-focused therapy as an overarching gateway into and through the work. We work with individuals, couples and families helping them navigate through past traumas, symptoms of need, and developing a meaningful process through conceptualizing the problem story.
Allison Rice is a Marriage and Family Therapist in the Bay Area who has a special passion for adolescents, teens, and young adults. She aspires to provide support in areas of development, reaching milestones, boundaries, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, and challenging relationships. Allison’s other areas of focus include helping athletes, individuals with ADHD, single parents, and parenting issues. Allison has many years of experience working in health care and therefore possesses a strong passion in supporting patients with past or present medical and health issues related to cancer, neurological impairments, orthopedic injuries, and emotional and physical trauma.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
My psychiatric specialties include psychiatric management of mild to moderate mental health concerns, and treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan, substance use disorders, advanced treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Integrative Mental Health, Lifestyle Medicine. I see patients in the following areas but not limited to ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia. I treat clients who identify as members of the BIPOC community (Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander…etc) and the LGBTQ+ community. I also treat patients who may not identify within these communities but are allies to those who do as well.
Opening up to a new person can be daunting. My hope is that through authentic and spontaneous conversation we can get to know each other and pave the way for looking more deeply at what is going on for you. As humans we are our best selves when we feel acknowledged, validated and connected. This guides my approach to our work together. Being a therapist improves my own mental health because each time I witness a person change, I am reminded we are all still growing…
As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.
I have always found it easy to be in tune with emotions and I feel like I can provide a non-anxious presence that can help guide. I believe two of my biggest strengths are being an empathetic and understanding person, and as cheesy as it sounds, I truly take pleasure in knowing that I can utilize these strengths to offer support to my future clients during some of their most challenging times. I also have experience working with many different people in different settings and that has allowed me to widen my understanding and it has positively impacted how I practice. I make sure to be visibly engaged through validating thoughts and feelings as well as utilizing reflective listening skills. I recognize I am human and if I do not understand something I am courageous enough to ask questions and gain insight on my client’s perspective, background, culture, faith, etc. It is not lost on me that it is a privilege to work with people at such a vulnerable level. I always aim to provide a safe, empowering, yet warm environment for all of my clients. And I am also not afraid of big emotions, on the contrary I welcome them. I believe the hour we have together is your time to be able to freely express your most inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
Hello! Are you feeling distracted, overwhelmed, easily triggered, lacking motivation, or struggling in relationships? Are you ready for change but unsure where to start? You are not alone, and I am here to support and guide you. My goal is to help you develop effective coping strategies and reclaim your life.
Starting or continuing college can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you’re navigating new independence, academic pressures, identity exploration, or unexpected challenges, it’s a lot to hold on your own. For years, I’ve supported my community in a variety of settings—from community clinics to crisis counseling—and I understand how life transitions can impact mental health. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ students and those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. My time as a 911 crisis counselor especially taught me how to hold space during some of life’s most difficult moments. In my practice, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental environment where your story matters. I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, tailored to your unique needs, all grounded in a humanistic framework that values self-exploration, growth, and discovering your full potential. Together, we can work on building insight, breaking unhelpful patterns, and creating new ways forward—so you leave each session feeling more grounded, confident, and ready for what’s next.
Areas of Focus Include: Specializing in Women's Concerns, Life Transitions , Relationship Issues, Grief & Loss, Infidelity, Betrayal, Divorce, Stress Management, Communication Skills, Self-Esteem, Codependency, Intimacy, Personal Growth, Mid-Life, Family of Origin Dysfunction, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Menopause, Empty Nest, Retirement, Aging, Elder Care Support, Existential Concerns, Reinventing Self, Starting Over, Only Children As Adults, Acculturation Problems Referrals: I provide psychotherapist referrals to those who are seeking comprehensive and efficacious treatment for postpartum mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, major depression, OCD, active addiction, and bipolar disorders.
College is a time of growth, change, and sometimes a lot of pressure. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, therapy can help you create space to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention. We begin by building trust, so you can explore what’s coming up for you and build tools to feel more grounded and confident.
I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy for adults, young adults and teens navigating anxiety, OCD, and life transitions. I work with folks in high-pressure environments, students juggling expectations, and those who feel like they’re carrying the world on their shoulders. You don’t have to keep doing it all alone. Let’s find a way forward—together.
I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families work through challenging parts of life. I have specialties working with the LGBTQ+ population and young adults working through difficult experiences and life transitions. I additionally use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in my practice to assist in trauma processing. I believe strongly in finding a good "fit" in a therapist that best suites the individuals needs to have the best outcomes possible. If you choose to come to therapy, I can help explore and process your feelings openly in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Although it may be difficult to do, I strongly believe that openly talking about positive and negative life experiences is the key to positive growth and change. In doing so, you will gain greater awareness and understanding about yourself. I have helped many people understand how their repetitive patterns and routines can make them feel stagnant. Which as a result, keeps them from moving forward in life. I will give you the skills and tools to utilize to successfully managing potential issues that may arise in the future. I look forward to speaking with you and beginning the road to positive growth and change.