Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
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.
Lisa Pedersen
My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques tailored to people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. You can know that for 25 years I've made sure that my clients feel seen, heard, and respected. I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate life's challenges. Know that I'm hanging on every word you say. My many trainings allow me to "pull from my back pocket" strategies to help you get unstuck from patterns that are not allowing you to function optimally. So, if you're triggered, are having problems in your relationships with others, your career, past traumas, or simply know in your heart of hearts you want to make creative change in your life, I'm ready to meet you. More than that? You deserve this time. You deserve to the best version of you. I provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth and cannot wait to begin this work together. 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.
Kelly Medina
From the day to day stressors to the more complex traumas, we can all use a safe space to process our experiences and get a sense of control over our lives. I am so glad you took the time to seek out support, which can be the hardest part of the process. I consider my therapeutic approach to be personable, genuine, and individualized to your needs. I like to support my clients through their own self discoveries and problem solving, which can look different for everyone. Additionally, I believe in a collaborative approach to be able to create a realistic treatment plan. I start by building a relationship with each client since it is proven that a positive therapeutic alliance is vital to progress in treatment. I use a variety of modalities and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. My goal as a therapist is to provide a judgment-free zone to be able to explore, reflect and provide insight on different levels of issues that can lead us to therapy. 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.
Therapy for healing, llc
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Evan Dunn
Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.
James White
If you are a spiritual/religious person, I am committed to helping you use the articles of your faith as a resource in a respectful way, but I do not approach therapy from a religious framework. I am open and accepting of LGBTQ+. I have been doing psychotherapy full time for over 3 decades, so I am a seasoned therapist. My first training was Cognitive-Behavioral, and it remains foundational to how I work with clients, but with experience I have incorporated parts of many other approaches, so "eclectic" is a label that also fits. I believe that education is important early in the therapy process, helping clients identify "what problem(s) are my symptoms trying to solve?" Utilizing our ability to think accurately is basic to constructing approaches to our challenges that are most likely to be successful. I am NOT a passive therapist who will sit with you while you "find your answers within." I've spent my career trying to find out what approaches work best in dealing with our challenges, and I like to think I have found some. I will actively share my thoughts as we explore your life issues. I will use humor in the therapeutic process so if you are looking for a "deadly serious at all times" therapist, I may not be a good fit for you. Ultimately, I am responsible for my "side of the street" in therapy, providing tools, insights, and respectful support with integrity. My clients' "side of the street" include being as open and honest as possible in session, and as brave as possible as you try new (and probably uncomfortable) things in order to improve your life. My best wishes for you to have a successful therapeutic journey. 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.
Talitha Frankenberger
Are you feeling stuck in recurring, painful patterns? Do you find yourself navigating challenges such as anxiety, loss, loneliness, irritation, or spiritual distress? In our personal journeys and closest relationships, we often struggle to lead the lives we truly desire. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help you move from internal conflict to a more satisfying, connected way of living.
James Rosenheim
I describe myself as passionate, open, caring and engaged. I have worked for many years with teens, parents, families, and individuals experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, OCD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am committed to helping each client meet their goals, including working with all other care providers involved. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and have an extensive background in mindfulness. I meet each client where they are at, and collaborate with the client to show up for life in a way that is consistent with their values. 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.
Emadia Smith
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Amanda Rebel
College should be about growth, not just survival. If you're struggling with unpredictable mood swings, overwhelming worry, lots of sadness, or using substances to cope, or climate anxiety, I'm here for you. I work best with students who experience intense emotional ups and downs, find themselves caught in cycles of productivity followed by inability to function, or use alcohol or other substances to manage difficult feelings and thoughts, or those who are preoccupied with climate-related grief or anxiety. I offer a space where you don't need to hide your challenges or pretend to have it all together. We'll focus on getting to know each other, creating a safe space to open up, and increasing coping strategies, such as recognizing early warning signs, building supportive routines, navigating academic pressures, developing genuine connections without relying on substances, and handling the climate crisis with more ease. Whether you're facing mood swings, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, climate distress, or all of these, there's a path forward. Reach out today to take the first step towards change, growth and stability.
San Diego Mountain 2 Coast Therapy
Clients who have experienced trauma, substance abuse and family issues. Struggling with depression and anxiety. Career and college challenges are all important to process. I use various research-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) . I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotions and traumatic experiences. I consider all aspects of an individual and implement a bio-psycho-social-spiritual, culturally-sensitive and client-centered approach with individuals, couples, and families.
Jamie Martos
As a bicultural clinician, I welcome all variations of cultural expression and enjoy working with members of both the BIPOC community and the LGBTQ community. In this therapy journey, you will find me as a friendly, accepting guide who will work with you to find healing and hope. I believe firmly in the importance of a relationship and connection with your therapist as a vehicle for healing and lasting change. As we walk together, I will take care to employ a trauma-informed lens since I believe our pasts have a profound impact on our present and our future. Using this trauma-informed lens, I will be mindful of your current triggers, taking care to move at a pace that feels right to you while also empowering you to take steps toward your future goals. While Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) inform my core approach, I also frequently incorporate practices for mindfulness and self-compassion and techniques from art therapy and Sandtray play therapy into treatment. I am an EMDR-certified therapist through EMDRIA. 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.
Patricia Bevan
Hello, my name is Patricia Bevan. I have always found human behavior interesting. I love getting to know people and listening to their life stories. I find it very rewarding to empower people to achieve their best, support them through their challenges in life, as well as help ease their emotional burdens. My focus is all about "connection." My work is about connecting with clients on a genuine, compassionate and human level.
Crystal Schmidt
I also work with individuals who struggle with gender identity concerns, abuse and trauma (sexual, verbal, physical, emotional), PTSD, depression, anxiety, women's and men's issues, and sexual desire/intimacy/dysfunctions. I work to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere and safe space to work through a vast array of potentially difficult and stigmatizing issues. Using evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. The basis of using a more eclectic therapeutic style is in my understanding that everyone is different and therapy is not a "one size fits all" practice, and I strive to be sensitive to each person's individual needs. I'm experienced in working with individuals who are active in polyamory/open/casual relationships. 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.
Ludmila Divinsky
I have been trained and licensed in the state of California, and in my 20+ years working as a California Licensed Psychologist, I have successfully worked with children, adults, veterans, developmentally disabled individuals. In providing the initial assessment and therapy, my goals are to work collaboratively with the individual in order to develop a treatment plan that is uniquely suited to the individual and their goals. This is vital in order to work through the barriers and traumas and move forward to a significant symptom reduction, personal growth and self-actualization. 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.
Rik Van Antwerpen
It can be hard to face and overcome difficulties alone and feel stuck in a place that may include anxiety, depression, addictions, inauthenticity with others, lack of self-esteem, stress, codependency, and overall life dissatisfaction. Together we can heal and transform the places where you feel stuck as well as learning tools you can use on your own. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques and provide you with a compassionate, warm space where you feel safe, seen and closely attuned to in order to explore and resolve issues together and ultimately engage with life from a more centered, authentic and fulfilled place. 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.
Steve Gratwick
Everyone faces challenges with anxiety, grief, depression or reduced self-esteem at times. I am here to provide caring, empathetic and structured support for when you’re dealing with these issues. You may also want to build upon the progress you’ve made in the past, but finding yourself stuck or without focus. Learning the triggers, tools and strategies to better understand and help manage these hurdles when they come up can have a lasting and positive impact. As a therapist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of diverse individuals and communities. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), I also include Solution-Focused and Strengths-Based concepts in my therapy practice. I look forward to listening to what matters to you, and together developing and supporting your path towards renewed balance and wellness. I also incorporate aspects of Somatic Therapy practices. As a supplement to the other tools we’ll explore, many people find that developing a more mindful, intuitive and body-focused awareness can boost progress towards their therapy and personal goals. This includes guided relaxation and sensory enhancement techniques that can be utilized beyond the therapy session, promoting a more empowered and durable sense of self. Now is a great time to begin taking these affirming steps towards your healthy and resilient future. 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.
Franklin Smith
Greetings from Frank Smith, LMFT. Let me offer a truism: whether positive or negative, most behavior is learned. Behavior often results in patterns. Those patterns can be positive and life affirming. But they can also be maladaptive and impact our happiness and relationships. Do you wonder why can't you break these destructive patterns? I can help you unravel where they came from. Let me be your psychological navigator to help you let go of the past and have a better and more fullling life.
Kayla Rodriguez
Hey, I’m Kayla If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or like your brain just won't turn off — you're not alone. Whether you're navigating adulting, college pressure, trauma, identity stuff, or mental health struggles that won’t go away, I’m here to help you figure it out — step by step. I work with young adults (18–24) who are dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, or just a general feeling of “what now?” Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you can explore your story, build practical tools, and feel more in control of your life — without judgment. My Therapy Style My approach is real, supportive, and skills-based. I’ll meet you where you are — no pressure to “fix” anything overnight. You’ll find that I’m curious, empathetic, and genuine — I believe in showing up as a human, not a cold clinical voice. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42376"></script>
Gabrielle Nabi LMFT
Being a student can feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, work, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, it’s easy to feel anxious, burned out, or stuck. I want you to know that you don’t have to handle it alone. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and build tools that fit your life. It only takes a few sessions to feel more confident and in control. I specialize in strategies for coping with anxiety, panic and depression, as well as the management of ADHD. CBT strategies can be useful to resolve issues of procrastination or perfectionism. Together, we will decide which counseling approach and modality works best for you. I accept most insurance plans, including Cal-Optima/Medicaid. Depending on your particular insurance, I will guide you to schedule through the Headway or Octave platforms. All telehealth sessions are conducted in a private, HIPAA-compliant space.