Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

What inspired me to become a therapist is a deep curiosity about people, healing, and how change happens through connection and experience. My work has been shaped by an integrative background that includes Depth Psychology, trauma-informed care, Polyvagal Theory, CBT, ACT, Positive Psychology, Family Systems work, and experience with somatic and experiential approaches, including equine-assisted work and the arts. I’ve also been influenced by academic and lived experiences exploring culture, creativity, and recovery, including work on trauma, addiction recovery, and meaning-making after distress. I aim to make sure you feel heard by really slowing down and staying present with both your words and your emotional experience. I tend to check in often to make sure I’m understanding you correctly and that we’re capturing what feels most important to you. My approach is grounded in attunement, curiosity, and creating a space where your experience is taken seriously without judgment or rushing toward solutions. Working together is a collaborative and relational process that unfolds over time. I draw from somatic, experiential, and trauma-informed frameworks, and we focus on building safety, consistency, and trust first. I often integrate mind-body awareness, reflective dialogue, and practical strategies depending on your needs. My background also includes teaching dance, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to veterans, as well as exploring nonverbal communication and relational dynamics through equine work and movement-based practices. All of this informs how I help clients feel grounded, understood, and supported as they move toward meaningful change at their own pace. I earned my first degree at UW Madison. Sometimes to break the ice with couples, I will let them know that I taught ballroom dancing though mini courses and the University extension to help pay college living expenses. In those days, I often wore combat boots to teach.

If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, empathy, and an ongoing commitment to social justice, I might be the person you’re looking for. My clients come to therapy with a variety of concerns, including healing from trauma, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Others are looking for support around relationships and intimacy. Many of my clients identify as queer, disabled, non-monogamous, or women in STEM. I have specialized experience supporting students who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. I use a somatic, mind-body approach in my work, and view therapy through a liberatory, intersectional lens. If that sounds like a good fit, I invite you to book a free, 20-minute consultation with my practice to learn more!

Feeling seen, heard, and understood is essential to healing. If you’re struggling with life’s challenges, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re facing anxiety, big transitions, grief, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to offer a space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly listened to. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside people as they’ve found clarity, built resilience, and made meaningful changes—whether that’s finding their dream home, growing their family, stepping away from toxic relationships, or discovering a career path that brings them joy. Healing looks different for everyone, and together, we can find what works for you. My practice is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those from diverse cultural experiences. I understand the pain of otherness, the loneliness of feeling invisible, the weight of being overlooked, pushed aside, or silenced, the hiding that can come from not feeling safe to be fully yourself. This space is meant to honor all of who you are. Here, you don’t have to explain or justify your existence; there is room for your story, your identity, and your truth to be seen, heard, and held with care. No matter how painful or overwhelming your emotions may feel, you don’t have to carry them alone. I am accepting new adult patients for in-person therapy in my Marin office, which is only 13 miles north of San Francisco. I also offer telehealth for adults throughout California. Please see my website for more details about me and my practice https://www.drbernecker.com. You can also call for a free 20-minute phone consultation at 415-354-4241.

You have taken a big and brave first step into bettering yourself and addressing your mental well-being. I have worked with individuals from various different backgrounds and identities treating a wide array of mental conditions. In our collaborative work together, we will process and explore barriers that may be inhibiting you from your full human potential. Counseling can feel like a scary and overwhelming experience, but know that this is the first step to bettering yourself. Counseling can improve both your personal relationships with family and friends and give you a sense of fulfillment in your life. Together we can build a working relationship to discover ways to reduce your current condition while examining patterns that affect your interpersonal relationships based on cognitive processes. I practice from a psychodynamic framework, which is defined as exploring people's emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors that are outside of our awareness. *Please note that I am only seeing students via Telehealth as my practice is now 100% remote.* My areas of interests and expertise include working with adults, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work burnout, trauma, interpersonal relationships, men and masculinities, gender identity, new fatherhood, porn addiction, and self-compassion. I aim to create a safe space to process aspects that may seem like a hindrance to reaching your full potential.

Seeing clients overcome their struggles and/or building further insights about themselves, inspires my drive to work in mental health care. I enjoy seeing the progress of clients and their resiliency throughout their treatment. During sessions, I use active listening skills to ensure that clients feel heard. I also continuously reflect back to clients to ensure they are being understood. If needed, I will ask for clarification to ensure I obtain accurate information given that it can play an important role in their treatment. I am transparent with clients about the structure of treatment. I provide the space for clients to share their interests and information about themselves. I also provide clients with time to share delicate information to respect their need for comfort throughout their treatment.

Hi I'm Maddi and I'd love to help you figure out college and all this adulting stuff. Let's face it, adulting is tough. It can feel so overwhelming trying to balance all the things like school, family, friends, errands, chores, work, self-care... Oh ya, and don't forget to make time to eat, sleep, call your mom, and figure out your future. (No pressure or anything!!) I know what it's like to feel like you have to put on a brave face for everyone and pretend that you're doing OK, while deep inside you are freaking out and on the verge of a breakdown. (It's fine, I'm fine, everything's fine...) I know what it's like to feel like you spend all your free time overthinking things, replaying interactions, and worrying that someone is mad at you. (Spoiler alert, they're not!) I want to help you do more than just survive college! Let's work together to help you break free from the self-doubt, stress, and overthinking that keeps you up at night and leaves you feeling exhausted and stuck at the end of the day. Together we can talk through things to make sense of them and find realistic solutions. This way you can leave therapy with an understanding of what's going on, and what you can do to make it better. We got this!! Reach out today and let's schedule a free phone consultation so we can see if I'm the right therapist for you. You can reach me by email or text message.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

Are you struggling to find positivity in and around your life? You may be having a difficult time with your relationship or going through a stressful life transition. Perhaps you're experiencing more downs than ups these days. If you relate to any of these statements I'd be glad to sit down with you, because I care. I want to hear your story and your goals that may feel far away right now. Let's work together to reinvigorate you to start living life with joy again. I have extensive experience assisting adults through life's challenges and many transitions. I also provide tools to couples to help focus on strengths as couples and individuals. The therapy I provide sees our past as our stories, and that as authors of our own stories, we get to decide what the next chapter's theme will be. I want to help you write that next chapter.

Hello, and Welcome! If you are navigating the unique pressures of student life, you know that this pivotal chapter comes with an incredible amount of stress. It is a time of massive growth, but it can also feel deeply overwhelming. Many of the students who find their way to my practice share very similar struggles, and you are not alone in navigating them. You might find that we are a great fit to work together if you are experiencing any of the following: Anxiety and Overthinking: Your mind rarely takes a break. The constant pressure to excel, maintain your GPA, or secure the next big opportunity has left you feeling completely burnt out, anxious, or like you are never doing "enough." Depression and Low Energy: You are feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or weighed down by the sheer volume of responsibilities, making it hard to show up for your classes or yourself. Navigating ADHD in School: You struggle with focus, procrastination, or time management, and the unstructured nature of college life is making it incredibly difficult to stay on top of everything. Peer Relationships and Social Pressure: Managing roommates, family expectations, friendships, or dating while trying to maintain your own identity and boundaries feels increasingly complicated. Career Counseling and "What's Next?": You are feeling lost or stressed about your future career path, major choices, or transitioning into the professional world after graduation. How We Will Work Together Therapy with me isn't about rigid clinical checklists or more assigned "homework." It is a collaborative, down-to-earth space where you can let your guard down and just be yourself. Together, we will look at what is currently draining your energy and figure out practical, realistic ways to help you feel more grounded, focused, and in control of your life. You don't have to navigate the weight of this chapter entirely on your own.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

Are you looking for a therapist who is sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-friendly, and kink-knowledgeable? I am a sex-positive, kink/BDSM-knowledgeable therapist who specializes in working with adults in polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships; queer, trans, and non-binary individuals. I am trained in EMDR, sex therapy, EFT couples therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness and somatic techniques to help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and other challenges. I also have a background in the arts, and love working with people in filmmaking, visual arts, and other creative fields. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and warm but direct. Laughter, tears, swearing, dark humor, movie references, and stories about your pets are all welcome in sessions with me!

I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At Juniper Psychology Group, we provide research-based treatments in a supportive environment for young adults. We know that college-age individuals are navigating a host of challenges and we tailor our consultation, assessment and treatment to our clients’ unique needs and goals. We regularly help college students with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and feelings of depression. Juniper offers both in-person therapy and video sessions. We located in Campbell, CA near the Pruneyard.

Are you struggling with healing from a breakup, living with something nobody around you fully understands, or just trying to make it in school and life? Harper's Haven offers individual therapy and connection groups for postpartum mothers, domestic violence survivors, and those living with chronic illness. Trauma informed care and evidence based care built around your actual life. You deserve more than just getting through the day. We are here to help you get there. Go to our Website to book a free 15 minute consultation.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in depression, navigating the weight of grief, or carrying the invisible wounds of military service, therapy can help you find stability, clarity, and relief. I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. I also have extensive experience supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans and as a veteran myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with military life, whether it’s the stress of deployment, reintegration into civilian life, or managing trauma and loss. My approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I create a space where you’re heard without judgment and supported in making meaningful change. Together, we’ll work at your pace to understand what’s holding you back and build the tools to move forward with strength and resilience. I work from an eclectic approach including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic concepts. I also offer EMDR therapy, which is particularly effective for those impacted by traumatic experiences. Providing client-centered therapy and allowing my clients to feel seen and heard is something that I’m passionate about. I offer support with finding the best strategies to help you cope with feelings of anxiety and depression and feel more prepared to take on life’s stressors. Reach out today and let’s work together to find your path forward.

I support students who are experiencing stress, both academically and interpersonally. I recognize the layers of pressure that may be coming from family, peers, and yourself. School can be a challenging environment and finding support is not always easy. I provide a space to be heard and for you to process anything that's on your mind. I am warm and nonjudgmental.

College is a time of growth, discovery, and new opportunities—but it also comes with challenges. Balancing classes, relationships, and big life decisions can feel overwhelming, but you have the resilience and ability to navigate it all. I’m Dr. Mikaela, and I help students tap into their strengths, build confidence, and develop practical tools to thrive. My approach is down-to-earth, supportive, and action-oriented—we’ll work together to manage stress, set boundaries, and break patterns that no longer serve you. Whether you’re facing academic pressure, relationship challenges, or past experiences that still weigh on you, this is a space to gain clarity, build self-trust, and create a plan that fits your unique journey. Therapy isn’t just about working through struggles—it’s about unlocking your potential and equipping you with the skills to handle life’s ups and downs. If you’re ready to feel more in control and empowered, let’s connect and build resilience together.