Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family expectations and figuring out your future, it's easy to feel stressed, anxious or unsure of yourself. I enjoy helping college students navigate these challenges, build confidence and feel more in control of their lives. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can be yourself, feel understood and work towards the goals that matter most to you.

I am a neurodivergent licensed clinical psychologist and offer neurodiversity affirming assessment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

It is not uncommon for clients to tell me, "This is the first time I'm telling this to anyone..." I consider it a great honor to hold space for individuals to makes sense of difficult experiences and emotions, while also connecting with their greatest strengths and desires. I use well-researched therapy methods to help my clients boost coping during life's most stressful periods and transitions. I specialize in burnout prevention to help individuals connect with their innate ability to survive and thrive. Above all else, I prioritize my ability to listen, really listen, to my clients' deepest desires and wishes to be who they really are. Personally, I am drawn to the counseling profession because I believe wholeheartedly in our human capacity to grow and change. I consider it a privilege to support this process in my work as a therapist and as a burnout prevention educator. I bring my authentic self to my work (including a sense of humor) - and invite my client partners to do the same. I am inspired on a daily basis by the resilience of humanity and capacity for joy. Seeing these moments of inspiration has sustained me in this work throughout my career, and I feel grateful for the opportunity. Tell me: What changes would you like to see in your life? Warmly, Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW Therapy For Real Life Founder Burnout Prevention Hacker TherapyForRealLife.com (Available to see clients via telehealth throughout the states of CA and MN)

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of psychiatric clinical experience. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide variety of diagnoses and clinical settings, from inpatient and residential programs to outpatient and telehealth care, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders, among others. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where individuals feel understood, respected, and supported in their care. My path to psychiatry began as a nurse in psychiatric settings, where I quickly realized how deeply mental health touches every part of a person’s life. Spending over a decade caring for Veterans, many carrying invisible wounds of trauma, PTSD, and substance use, deepened my commitment to this work and ultimately inspired me to pursue advanced practice because I wanted to do more: to sit with patients, understand the full picture, and be a consistent, trusted presence in their healing journey. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will explore your symptoms, history, and goals to build a treatment plan that feels right for you, whether that involves medication, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, or a combination of approaches. I prioritize taking time to explain medication options clearly, check in on how you are responding, and adjust our plan as your needs evolve, so you always feel informed, respected, and in the driver’s seat of your care. I love spending time with my family and our pets, who never fail to bring much-needed joy and laughter to the day. I also have a passion for travel and how it opens my eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of living which is something that quietly informs how I care for each unique person I work with. I believe that full, connected lives outside the office matter deeply to mental wellness, and I try to bring that same appreciation for balance and joy into my work with patients.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, trained with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. During my healthcare career, I have worked with diverse patient populations including oncology, pediatrics, telemetry, and patients with extensive medical needs in addition to psychiatric needs. I am inspired by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with their mental health by helping them navigate mental health challenges. I know that everyone has a unique story and challenges, and because of this, I work together with clients to make a care plan individualized for them. My goal is to help you achieve your goals.

College can be exciting, but it can also feel like a lot. Between classes, friends, family, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. You might find yourself overthinking, feeling stuck, or carrying around things from the past that make it harder to focus on the present. In therapy, I offer a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we’ll find ways to manage stress, quiet anxious thoughts, and feel more steady when life feels out of control. I also use EMDR, which can be really helpful if past experiences or memories still feel heavy and are getting in the way of how you want to live now. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and supported as you navigate college life. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—I’m here to walk alongside you.

I am a licensed psychotherapist in San Francisco, California. I bring my creativity and intellectual curiosity to a psychodynamic approach to clinical psychology rooted in the tradition of psychoanalysis. My approach as a therapist is honest and direct. I am actively engaged in the process of exploration, listening for the unconscious - for what is said and what is not said. I aspire to collaborate with you to rediscover your authentic self and a renewed sense of aliveness by accessing and reflecting on your own inner wisdom from multiple perspectives. I work with artists, creators, writers and thinkers; highly sensitive people who are deeply affected by the world and whose sensitivities are both their greatest asset and most daunting challenge. Wherever you find yourself in the infinitely varied spectrum of culture, gender, race, sex and religious identity, you are welcome here with me. It is my privilege to join you on this journey. I am here to help you see that everything is possible.

Something happened, and you've carried it ever since. Maybe it was one event, or maybe it was the slow accumulation of things nobody around you wanted to talk about, or maybe it's the stress of homework and deadlines. You might be stressed about fast-paced campus life. You're showing up, doing what's expected, but underneath that there's a weight that doesn't lift. I work with people who are tired of that weight: People who grew up learning that asking for help is weakness; families fractured by conflict, grief, or addiction; individuals caught in patterns of anxiety, depression, or substance use they can't seem to shake on their own. I work with individuals, couples, families, and teens in person and virtually. Sessions are real conversations. I'm not silent, waiting for you to figure it out. I listen carefully, reflect what I'm hearing, offer a direct perspective when it's useful, and challenge you when that helps. The pace is yours. If you need concrete tools right now, we build them. If you want to understand the deeper patterns, we go there. I know reaching out is the hard part. You don't need to have the right words or a clear plan for what you want to work on. My first session is yours to use however you need it. Show up, and we'll figure out the next step together. I'm glad you're here.

My name is Terry Alcántar Nelson and I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing counseling for over 25 years. After all this time, I still love my work and am passionate about helping people heal. Every day is a new opportunity for me to join with clients in healing past hurts, traumas, and relationships, and addressing current life stressors and painful experiences. I am privileged to do this work and hope to be doing it for many years to come. I am trained and have expertise in the following modalities: -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- a type of therapy that helps to examine negative thinking and long held beliefs which make us feel bad and stuck; it is modality that is particularly helpful for depression and anxiety -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on improving relationships by increasing emotional safety with loved ones, and takes into account past attachment injuries originating in childhood and current and/or past relationships -Mindfulness, which works on increasing our focus on the present by using breath, body and grounding techniques -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses eye movements and other types of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences and memories I see my role as a mental health provider as a guide to clients who are looking for a path to wholeness and healing. Working with with a therapist should be a collaborative process in which the client feels empowered with every session. I consider successful therapy to be one in which clients says that they feels shifts in behavior, feelings, and life circumstances. I am a proud Latina woman who was born and raised in a small town, but was transplanted many years ago to a big city and I can see the value in both experiences. I have worked with a vast array of ethnicities and cultures and feel comfortable with diversity. I am unique in that I am bicultural, bilingual and come to every client session ready to hold big emotions in compassionate ways. I know trauma and relationship injuries can make us feel very vulnerable and I want my clients to feel safe and emotionally held so that the work of healing brings peace and restorative experiences in all areas of life.

My name is Samantha Harrold (she/her) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist, Certified in The Trauma Conscious Yoga Method. I provide art and somatic therapies via telehealth to residents throughout the beautiful state of California. I work with highly sensitive persons (HSPs), the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those exploring monogamy or consensual nonmonogamy relationship styles. I specialize in PTSD, Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) and relational trauma, especially that which shows up as difficulty asserting oneself, an exaggerated sense of responsibility, and exaggerated experience of shame/guilt. I believe that all humans want and deserve to live a life free from suffering. Everyone has innate wisdom and goodness. Sometimes early life experiences and stressful or traumatic life events make it feel as if Anxiety, Fear and Depression have taken over, instead of just being emotions we experience, and parts of ourselves that do not define our whole. Therapy can help us understand that these and other painful emotions will not last forever, and that even though we may not have had control over our past, we do have the ability to build a future of resiliency, compassion and strength- A life you are passionate about.

Hello, my name is Stacy Udolph, LCSW. I specialize in helping individuals manage stress, navigate life transitions, strengthen relationships, process grief, and overcome the fears and self-doubt that can interfere with personal growth, success, and well-being. I have been working in college counseling for the past 12 years, supporting young adults as they adjust to college life, develop greater independence, and prepare for their future careers and professional lives. I understand that the transition to college can bring unique academic, social, and emotional challenges, and I enjoy helping students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive during this important stage of life. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, where I received comprehensive training in mental health assessment and treatment, with a particular focus on understanding how patterns of thinking influence mood, behavior, and overall functioning. In addition, I have completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief counseling, and mindfulness-based approaches for anxiety and depression. With more than 26 years of combined experience as a therapist and educator, I recognize the importance of creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring difficult emotions and personal challenges. My goal is to help students gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and make meaningful changes that enhance their quality of life. Clients often appreciate my calm, collaborative approach and my focus on providing concrete tools and techniques that can be applied in everyday situations. I believe therapy should be both supportive and effective, helping you better understand yourself while building skills that promote resilience and long-term well-being. I look forward to partnering with you as you navigate life's challenges and work toward your personal and academic goals.

I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals who are seeking healing and change. Anxiety, panic, depression, conflict, stress and overwhelm, impact of transitions, OCD, and communication challenges are all areas where I can be most effective working with my patients. My specialty is TEAM-CBT, a form of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I find that using this approach with my clients makes it possible to reach their desired outcome rapidly and effectively and empowers them with methods they can apply to maintain their progress moving forward. Embarking on a journey of self-exploration and self-improvement through the process of therapy is a profound experience. I am honored to have an opportunity to work together with you to help you meet your personal goals for change.

I work best with students who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of themselves and are looking for a safe place to talk. Many are dealing with anxiety, low mood, past experiences, low self-esteem or challenges with friendships, school, or family, and want support in figuring things out. They’re often ready to better understand themselves, learn ways to cope, and feel more confident in their daily lives. In our work together, I offer a warm, supportive, and culturally affirming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. We’ll take things at your pace while building practical tools and helping you feel more in control, connected, and supported.

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

I accept most major insurances. Please visit my website to schedule time with me! Hi, I’m Alvaro, a licensed professional clinical counselor based in San Diego. If you are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, stress during big life changes, or trying to make sense of college and everything that comes with it, I can help you sort through it. In our sessions you will get real conversation and practical tools, not just theory. We will look at what is getting in your way and work together on what feels manageable right now. You do not have to handle everything on your own. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, and your story is welcome here. My goal is to offer a space where you feel heard, supported, and able to grow.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

For 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside teens and adults through some of life’s hardest moments. I especially love supporting people navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression, along with the emotional, family, and relationship challenges that often come with them. Whatever brought you to therapy, you’ve found a warm and caring place to start. Wherever you are in your journey, you don’t have to figure it out alone, and I’d be honored to help you find your way forward.

The therapists at Blossom Wellness are licensed and trained to work with adult individuals struggling with college related anxiety, self-esteem, stress management, depression, burnout and more. Starting therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist makes all the difference. Blossom Wellness makes is easier for clients to find a great therapist, without having to search endlessly online. Each therapist at Blossom Wellness is highly talented, takes great pride in the work they do, and are passionate about helping the clients they serve. I am confident that you will find the right fit for you!

I work best with students who may look like they are managing everything on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted on the inside. You may be adjusting to college life, struggling with relationships, feeling pressure about academics or your future, coping with grief or a major life change, or simply realizing that the ways you have handled stress in the past are no longer working as well. Many of the students I work with are thoughtful, responsible, and hard on themselves. They may have difficulty slowing down, setting boundaries, trusting their own decisions, or knowing what they need. Others are navigating loneliness, family stress, a breakup, changes in identity, or the transition into adulthood and are looking for a place where they can talk openly without feeling judged. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. Therapy is a place where we can make sense of what you are experiencing, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop tools to help you feel more grounded and confident. Depending on what you need, our work may include talking through current challenges, exploring how past experiences affect you today, learning ways to manage anxiety and difficult emotions, or using EMDR and body-based strategies to work through experiences that still feel unresolved. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. We can start with whatever feels most important to you and work together from there.

My name is Betel, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing telehealth services to individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families living anywhere in the state of California. I practice a humanistic and existential form of therapy, in which the art of nonjudgmental self-awareness is central. Through a process of sustained, open curiosity, my clients learn to renew contact with what they have exiled within. This experience of returning to one’s whole human nature brings increased choice, responsibility, spontaneity to their lives. As a guide, I also use depth and process-oriented techniques from gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness traditions. Therapy is a relationship and a dialogue. I show up with a style that is gentle but honest, and full of reverence for all the light & shadow that make up a human life. I especially welcome those that are pursuing matters related to identity, creativity, or major life transitions.