Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Survivor of trauma. Struggling with addiction. Creative. Do at least two of these three describe you? If you're struggling to get sober, you're fearful about the impact sobriety might have on your creativity (and life in general). If you're in early sobriety, you're trying to gain your footing in a new landscape. If you're a trauma survivor, you're confused as to why your insight & sensitivity aren't helping you get to that light at the end of the tunnel. What do you do if your pain is too great to manage on your own? Working with me, you will be accepted & listened to carefully & perceptively. You will feel much more grounded & centered. I adapt my style to fit you and aim to treat you with a balance of gentleness and active encouragement.

Attending college can be an incredible new experience, but it can also bring with it a whole host of new challenges and stressors. In my practice, I consider all facets of your life that contribute to your unique perspective and experience. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to set goals, identify and process emotions, learn and practice healthy communication skills, deepen insight, expand your sense of self, and affect positive change in your life. We will collaborate and tailor your therapy sessions to fit your individual needs; I have experience working with individuals, couples, and groups on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, and trauma. I have a warm, practical style and am particularly oriented to helping you adjust to new stressors and life changes, both big and small.

I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.

Our agency strives to empower students on their quest to achieve balance between their academic studies and personal lives. Our strength based approach enables our clients to develop strategies that are healthy and serve as the foundation for effective life long coping skills. Our expertise in learning disabilities, autism, ADHD and educationally related anxiety, depression, and ethnically diverse learners supports our efforts to individualize treatment and assessment plans to meet the unique needs of our clients. We look forward to partnering with you on your educational journey!

If you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles, I’m here to support your journey toward healing and self-understanding. Therapy is a process, and I’m committed to helping you build resilience and stronger connections every step of the way.

“I’m the loneliest girl in the world,” you think to yourself while lying in bed at night. Your parents, partner, and friends are of absolutely no help. In fact, when you go to them with your problems, they only make things worse—offering their BS life advice or making it all about themselves. Ugh. Once again, you feel alone—utterly alone. Your heart breaks when a friend cancels plans and then you criticize yourself vehemently for being “so sensitive” and for expecting so much of others. To comfort yourself, you seek food, booze, or zoning out on Netflix but nothing works. What’s a 20-something girl with her whole life ahead of her to do? It may feel like this is “it” for the rest of your life—a lonely existence—but it’s not. I help women just like you to attain the connection, confidence, and contentment you crave. By working through what lead to your loneliness, feeling “all the feels,” and finding ways to show up for yourself, you will transform from being utterly lonely to simply…happy. You’ve been feeling lonely for far too long. It’s time, sis. Nothing’s worked but therapy will. Pick up the phone and give me a call. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation for you to ask questions and make sure we have “good vibes.” Next, we will schedule our initial session and officially put an end to your lonely existence.

Welcome! I’m Alexa, an associate marriage & family therapist committed to helping individuals, families, and couples feel more embodied, present, and authentic. My practice includes cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care to support each client’s process. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client. I am experienced in working with individuals navigating addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, and effects of trauma. As someone with lived experience in overcoming addiction and eating disorders, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate life with ineffective coping skills and am open to sharing my experience with clients when appropriate or helpful. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in various mental health and substance use treatment settings, supporting individuals and their families navigating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, I have experience collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive support throughout the therapeutic process.

Are you looking for a way to find peace in the midst of pain? Ready to heal your wounds and come through stronger than before? I help adults with depression, anxiety, or trauma to reconnect with themselves and develop resilience, even when they feel they have already tried everything. Clients have described me as warm, compassionate, and genuine. I create a space where you can feel safe and understood, but also feel empowered to take risks and sometimes stretch beyond your comfort zone. I believe in every person’s ability to create the life they envision. I am a licensed clinical therapist specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety; and early attachment/relationship problems. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as other client-centered approaches to help my clients build psychological flexibility and become more in touch with their values. I am fluent in English, Tagalog, and Visayan/Cebuano. As a Filipino American, I am sensitive to immigrant and multicultural issues. I understand the emotional struggles and complexities of immigrating to a new country. My office in downtown Vallejo is accessible to disabled clients and can be reached by bus or car, with ample parking.

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.

Anxiety, depression and trauma can have a ripple effect throughout your whole life felt far beyond the obvious symptoms themselves. Perhaps you experience a paralyzing level of perfectionism ruled by lists and tasks or maybe you overschedule yourself to avoid thinking and feeling. Trauma can manifest itself in many ways and can have a significant impact on your daily life. In my practice, I specialize in working with young adults, individuals with childhood trauma and adult survivors of sexual and gender based violence with a focus on navigating daily life, relationships and boundaries to overcome these difficulties. I utilize a trauma informed approach and empower clients to be the expert of their own experience. My role is to provide the tools and support needed to reach collaboratively set goals. I pull from various evidence based practices to create a unique treatment approach for each client. Additionally, I'm in training to be an AASECT certified sex therapist. While I speak German, Armenian and Farsi, all services are provided in English. Therapy is a unique and highly vulnerable environment that can be intimidating to navigate at first. I am happy to schedule an initial free 15 minute consultation call to discuss your concerns and to determine if I am the best fit for your needs.

Hi, I'm Cienna! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Ever since working in Orange County, I've become passionate about helping college students/young adults. From 18-30 is such a special time, but can also come with a lot of ups and downs. I've learned so much during my 20's, and I love to help others navigate similar challenges. In my work, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a lot of mindfulness education. I believe that therapy is best when clients are seen holistically. I am Level 3 Trained in Somatic Experiencing, which helps me utilize the body as another tool in healing. I am also a person-centered therapist, which means I really want to specialize my treatment based off each unique client. I believe that you and I are equals, and we work together so that you have the best experience possible. I cherish the therapeutic relationship and am constantly honored and humbled by the work I do, and the ways clients allow me to join them in such a special way. If you're wanting support with~ -dealing with depression/anxiety -navigating romantic/platonic/familial relationships -finding who you are and understanding yourself better -figuring out what you want in life -balancing responsibilities and self-care -building a stronger relationship with yourself ~then I'd love to hear from you! If you think I'd be a good fit, reach out and we can talk further on how I can best support you.

I see patients only virtually, but can see anyone whose residence is in California, or anyone who is out of the country (USA). My website has information about what I do.

Hi! I'm Justine Short, MS, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. For over 10 years, I continue to have a passion for helping people in finding their inner strength in order to make positive and lasting life changes. I view my role as a therapist to walk alongside and guide others to reach their full potential. My desire is to help others become self-aware, feel confident, and reach for hope so that they can thrive in their everyday lives.

I am a licensed professional counselor in California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Currently, I am doing remote counseling only. I have experience in trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, addiction, anger management and life transitions. I am multi-culturally sensitive and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I was born in El Paso, Texas and both my parents are Mexican-American. I am bilingual Spanish/English. I moved to California in 2021 after living in Arizona for 30 years where I was faculty at Phoenix College teaching Psychology, Sociology and Women's Studies. I have Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (ASU) and an MA in Counseling (OU). I believe life is not about the destination but about the journey. Sometimes we run into rough spots along the way. Let me walk beside you for a while until you get past the rough spots and are able to continue on your own. Counseling is a process that you control by telling me what you want to accomplish and then we work together to get there. Sharing your story with a stranger is sometimes hard. I want to be your ally in therapy and provide a safe space where you can talk and be yourself without fear of judgment. I promise to be honest with you and support you as you explore who you are and who you want to be. I will work to earn your trust and to shine a light on the road ahead as we travel.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you were looking for a sign to try therapy, consider this that sign. Life feels hard, and everyone and everything feels overwhelming. You just want to feel better but don't even know where to begin. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. So let's talk. Even better, let's collaborate. I have a relaxed style based on science but led by empathy and humor. I commonly help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions, or even just a case of the "blahs." Our work together will be as unique as you are to pinpoint and address your personal goals. I commonly I pull from evidence-based treatments including cognitive and psychodynamic therapies geared to target unhelpful thoughts, build up your coping skills or work through past and current patterns. During our sessions, you can expect to feel safe, seen, and fully embraced- just as you are. I look forward to connecting with you to learn how we can enhance your well-being, alleviate the stress and pain you may be experiencing and find your joy again.

My approach to therapy is one that focuses on connection and sharing. I combine "humanistic" and "CBT" technique; to put it simply, I want you to feel heard and understood and I want to help you enhance your ability to go inward, examine your thoughts, and tolerate your emotions. Other modalities I pull from are IFS, EMDR and DBT. I specialize in treating trauma and eating disorders. *I am EMDR trained by an EMDRIA approved training facility

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.

College can be a daunting experience, for many the first time away from home. Imagine feeling in control of your life again and confident in yourself to leave your house, dorm, or apartment and not worry about what others think about you. Like your living space but not your housemates so much suddenly? We can help you learn how to set better boundaries and communicate them to others more adaptively so that you can enjoy your space and those you're living with, again. Imagine feeling able to manage your emotions enough to get through a whole day and not feel controlled by them. Imagine having your life back. It’s possible. One of the hardest things about finding a therapist is the concern about feeling judged for needing help. Know that my role is only in empowering you to remember what you are capable of, and I do so from a very supportive and nonjudgmental approach. Let's explore together what is blocking you from feeling able to fix this on your own. My approach is meant to create a safe space in which you feel comfortable processing the feelings that have been preventing you from achieving your goals for yourself. I help you achieve those short-term goals that bring you here, while planting seeds of empowerment so that one day you will feel self-confident and capable on your own once again. Over the years I've had many clients from a variety of backgrounds let me know they have found me to be the "safest" and "easiest person to talk to" about uncomfortable things, I'm just one human doing my best to help other humans through their own Life journey. Shoot a message or call w/ any questions you may have. Free 15 min ph consults. LBTQIA affirming.