Therapists for college students near San Diego State University
Karyn Galindo
You don’t have to carry this alone. If anxiety, depression, or people-pleasing—trying to make others happy—take over, I’m here: open, steady, ready to help. I work with adults facing life transitions, work stress, family conflict, and low confidence. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. We’ll make sense of what’s happening and build practical skills. Using CBT and DBT, we’ll calm your nervous system, set boundaries, and move forward with clarity. You’ll be met with respect, curiosity, and a plan that fits you. Ready? Reach out—we’ll start where you are. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Joel Lopez
I am a bilingual therapist helping individuals dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, life-stage transitions, and other debilitating situations. My work is client-centered and culturally sensitive. I use evidence-based practices to provide focused treatment and positive outcomes. I incorporate solution-focused, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems techniques. Through talk therapy, I guide clients to overcome issues affecting their everyday lives. I work with individual adults addressing depression, anxiety, and trauma, and their effects on mood, functioning, and relationships. I focus on your strengths, thoughts, feelings, and dynamics for a healthier you. I also work with the LGBTQ community on youth-at-risk issues, coming-out, and exploring the lifestyle you want to create.
Mariam Tahiry
I have experience working with a diverse population including individuals with different cultural backgrounds. My approach to therapy is to provide compassionate and nonjudgmental support. I respect that clients are the experts of themselves and work collaboratively with clients to help problem solve and teach new skills. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Emily Smith
Do you struggle with motivation and focus troubles that affects more than just your ability to get your homework done? Do you feel overwhelmed by basic tasks that you can’t seem to get started? Do you ever wonder that life could be better, your mind a little quieter? Now more than ever, young adults, are feeling overwhelmed with the life presented to them, with ADHD and Anxiety diagnosis becoming more frequent. I believe you can find the motivation to get control of your life again. I approach therapy from a humanistic/person centered place, with true Unconditional Positive Regard towards you as a client and human. When we are struggling, we need a place to show up in all versions of ourselves without judgement, and I strive to create that environment for you
Shay L. Groenewold, Ph.D. Psychological Services
As a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical training and experience, I have had the great fortune of supporting individuals from all walks of life who are working to make peace with their past, to connect with their present, and to build hope about their future. I work with adults of all backgrounds and orientations. My Approach… I strive to provide tailored support for my clients as they address issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, past trauma, communication issues, anger management, symptoms of serious mental illness, adjustment and decision-making issues, and relationship problems. Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, clarifying values, and identifying goals for improving coping, fulfillment, and self-concept.
Therapy with Anastasia
I believe therapy is a collaborative process in working towards ones goals. I see my role in the therapeutic process as a privilege and strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for my clients. Through insight, compassion, warmth and humor, I hope to establish a trusting relationship and provide my clients with a safe space to share. I look forward to walking with you on your journey.
Susan VanAllen
My areas of proficiency are in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and panic. I am EMDR certified, RLT certified (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy), and have extensive success applying the use of cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance, and commitment therapy, as well as in supporting clients to learn extensive resourcing skills in concert with polyvagal theory for calming a client’s stressed nervous system. I am also an IFS (Internal Family Systems) informed therapist. I have experienced much success in treating clients for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and even helping people to increase their motivation to succeed or adhere to their diet and exercise programs. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Lisa Robertson Veyssiere
My clinical experience specifically includes working with the families of individuals with a severe mental illness diagnosis, bereavement counseling (including situations of violent or traumatic loss), and infertility. I also work with individuals who are anticipating or experiencing stress related to high-conflict divorce. I work with clients who have generally crafted an intentional life, often one marked by good judgment, predictably optimistic outcomes, and plenty of agency. A life that works… right up until it doesn’t. I have a special place in my heart for clients who would rather be doing almost anything else with their time than go to therapy. If you are someone who has an aversion to dredging up slings and arrows, I can relate. My clinical orientation is psychodynamic and eclectic; some clients might want to engage in psychotherapy, which can be a longer-term process, but many clients, especially those experiencing grief, are relieved to learn that short-term and solution-focused counseling are often highly effective. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Laura Barragan
When working with my patients, I approach therapy within a humanistic, client-centered approach. Our work is collaborative and I welcome your feedback throughout our sessions. I look forward to working with you in your journey of self-discovery and wellness. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Carissa Delgado
I am person centered. I like to get to know the person, their environment and I like for therapy to feel like a conversation. I tend to be myself in sessions and help clients feel comfortable while also holding accountability for change through unconditional positive regard. I believe therapy should be enjoyable and not pressured; I think so much can be gained just by building a strong therapeutic alliance. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Headway
My goal is to provide high-quality, client-centered care grounded in a humanistic approach. I view each individual holistically, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Through a warm, empathetic presence, I support clients in building insight, resilience, and meaningful growth. I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential and move toward a more self-actualized and fulfilling life. My background has been varied in both community mental health and inpatient settings. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with neurodivergence such as ADHD or Autism, as well as mood disturbances such as depression or bipolar . I am also certified in working with grief and supporting individuals with the loss of a loved one, job, or relationship. I would love to support you in your mental health care and journey toward wellness.
Manveen Chahal
Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and choosing to start is an act of strength. I offer a supportive, welcoming space for people of all genders who are ready to explore growth and healing. I have extensive experience working with men, especially men of color, who may be new to therapy and navigating stigma. Using evidence based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, along with training in nutrition and mental health, I help clients understand the roots of their concerns and build practical tools for change. My goal is to create relaxed, trusting sessions grounded in collaboration and understanding. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Lana Hoyer, LMFT
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma work. It’s my passion to work with children and young adults with the number of challenges they can face to help them learn how to manage their feelings and develop ways to better cope with life. I also work with adults and new parents to navigate managing their new identity and improve their parenting skills. My approach to therapy is personable and genuine. I find that my style is particularly beneficial to those looking for a safe space free of judgment while getting honest engagement. I’m expressive, use humor, and genuinely enjoy getting to be a therapist.
Joshua Turov, LMFT
I believe that therapy can heal, but I also know that telling a stranger about your deepest pain can be a strange feeling. Perhaps you've been feeling sad, depressed or worried, and hopeless that anything in your life can change. Or maybe you aren't sure what you would even want help with. You know you feel bad, but if someone were to ask you "How can I help?", you aren't sure what you would say. These problems can feel permanent and unsolvable. After all, something feels broken and unfixable, so how could you not feel that it takes all the energy you have just to get up in the morning and go about your day? Depression or anxiety can also feel isolating, as if nobody else could possibly understand. You may have even received advice from people who you feel mean well but can't understand what you're going through. Depression and anxiety are not permanent or unfixable, and therapy can help. Imagine feeling peace of mind, and excited about life and its possibilities. It starts by learning about you and going at your pace. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 16 years experience working with adults and teens, I've seen therapy work, and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that journey for others. I work with adult individuals of any age, with a special focus on young adults.
Amanda Madrid
My clinical practice includes everything from complex mental health diagnoses to people going through a difficult time. I use a person-centered, relational style, and my framework is based on a Psychodynamic approach with an emphasis on family systems. I believe in building relationships in therapy that free people to find balance in their own lives. As a therapist, I focus on you. I want to understand your thoughts and feelings and guide you towards your life goals. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Melissa Seka
I have worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have training in many theoretical approaches and tend to work from an eclectic orientation. I believe in client-centered care, and enjoy supporting individuals through therapy. My primary goal always is to hear you and to understand your life from your perspective. I believe that with the appropriate therapeutic support, we can all become more skilled at navigating through difficult times, as well make effective and enduring life changes. Honesty, kindness, and humor are core values of mine. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Ross Edward Farley III
I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional. The root cause of the distress is my focus because it demands such intricate and tactful navigation. When it comes to therapy, I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I also believe in client accountability and responsibility in the therapeutic process. When we address the things in life which are no longer working, we are making a conscious choice to do something different. If there is a desire to enact real change, and to work diligently to enact said change, then I am here and ready to work alongside. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Kaela Pangburn
I will work with you to help you understand how you function internally and externally. I value clients reclaiming power over their bodies and lives. I can assist you in building a greater capacity for self-awareness and regulation. I provide an honest and empathetic approach to treatment. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Alexander Walters
My experience includes working with adult addicts for an outpatient treatment center, couples and families through the school-based and special education programs at a family services agency, and one-on-one therapeutic sessions with adults utilizing both in-person and virtual modes of service. My style is client-centered and focused on affirming the client's strengths, reframing negative or challenging thoughts, and guidance of the client towards goal achievement. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Stone & Sapling Psychotherapy
College is supposed to feel like progress. A lot of the time it just feels like pressure: grades, expectations, figuring out who you're becoming, and doing it all while looking like you've got it handled. From the outside, you seem responsible and on track. Inside, your mind doesn't slow down: replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, feeling guilty for resting even when you're exhausted. I work with students and young adults dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, and the kind of self-imposed pressure that doesn't ease up even when things are going okay. A lot of the people I see are worn down by overthinking and frustrated that doing everything "right" hasn't actually made them feel better. Together, we'll figure out what's keeping that cycle going and build tools you can actually use like before an exam, in a hard conversation, or just on a day that feels like too much. My approach is practical, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming. No jargon, no script. Most people start out feeling like they're carrying more than they can hold. Over time, that tends to get lighter through more confidence in your own decisions, less dread before the hard stuff, and a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside. If you're ready to stop carrying this alone, I'd be glad to connect.