Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Great to meet you! As a board-certified licensed therapist, I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a variety of backgrounds. My primary goal is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. I believe that our past influences our present, especially when faced with challenging life experiences. Together, within our built safe space, we will explore how your past experiences influence your current thoughts and behaviors - to improve your awareness and identify areas for positive change. I believe in balancing validation and empathy with a directive, solution-focused approach that offers specific strategies to enact change. I treat anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-harm/suicidal ideation, substance use, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, identity development, and life transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches because it is important to me to adapt my style to honor the current needs of each of my clients. I always begin our work together with an introductory session, when you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We’ll work together, collaborate on your goals and create a plan that feels most comfortable to you. Building trust is important to our therapeutic relationship, and will take our time easing into processing your thoughts and experiences. I will remain committed to supporting and guiding as we work together to make your goals a reality.

Hi, I’m glad you found me! Life can be so stressful and maybe you’ve been experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, symptoms of past trauma, grief and loss, chronic pain, or another current challenge. I want to help create a safe space where we can work through it together. I use my training and experience for a trauma-informed and compassionate approach. I often work with individuals who identify as caretakers, highly sensitive, people pleasers, and perfectionists. Give yourself the much needed self-care and send me an email so we can talk more about what’s been coming up for you. Getting started can be hard, but I’m here to be with you every step of the way.

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in trauma, adoption, and challenging life experiences, my approach is relational and integrative. I work exclusively online with teens and adults in California who have had significant adverse childhood experiences or recent stressful or traumatic events. Life transitions can trigger old emotional wounds, contributing to anxiety or depression in adulthood. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from symptoms of past trauma is EMDR therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can provide lasting relief from disturbing memories, reactivity, anxiety, excessive worries, and other emotional distress stemming from adverse experiences in the past. This evidence-based integrative brief psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective. Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as an effective trauma treatment; the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of  Defense placed EMDR therapy in the "A" category as "strongly recommended" for trauma.

Eating disorders can feel hopeless, but they aren’t. Whether this is your first time seeking help, or your umpteenth time, I believe that everyone can recover. There are many reasons eating disorders are invited into your life. Just as there are many reasons why a person develops an eating disorder, the way you recover will be just as unique. If there was a one size fits all solution, that would perhaps be as deceptive as the problem itself. Whether it’s perfectionism, judgment, loneliness, self-improvement, health, fear, family issues… Together we will discover what invites these problems into your life, and begin to find what recovery means for them. I have been in the battle with food and weight, caught in the war zone of an eating disorder, and come out the other side. Now recovered, I love working with individuals and their loved ones to find their own version of recovery, and find out what is keeping you stuck from living the life you desire. Through conversations, we will create space to discover your preferences, hopes and desires. Many of my clients have described me as the “anti-therapist,” which is a description I wear with pride. I bring enthusiasm, improvisation, imagination, and creativity into each session. My ability to think outside the nine dots and ask questions that others may not enables me to develop creative solutions with clients to help untangle what many would consider to be complicated problems. I believe in (and embrace) experimentation: the freedom to test things out and see how they fit, to explore the various facets of yourself, and to allow for complexities, and contradictions, and messiness… all the stuff the eating disorder hates and recovery needs. Eating disorders, are strong, they need something stronger to overpower them. I want to help discover what that is for you.

Hey I'm Ari (she/her) and I am glad you've stumbled on my profile. Early adulthood is a time of intense change, individuation, social pressure, and self-doubt. I support teens and young adults with identity exploration, improving relationships with themselves and others, building resilience, and much more. If you're a college student looking for some mental health support, I'm looking forward to connecting with you to see if we may be a good fit. While I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and presenting concerns, I have specialized training in supporting the mental health of LGBTQIA+, transgender & gender diverse adolescents and adults. Being a student is difficult enough as it is, but having to navigate gender, sexuality, identity, and relationships on top of these stressors is a lot. I help college-age students to improve their mental health in the midst of social, structural and institutional barriers. With a holistic understanding of the impact that societal oppression has on mental health I am dedicated to healing, wellness & joy. Our time together will be collaborative & affirming, and we will co-create a supportive space for you to increase self-understanding, improve your relationship with yourself and others, build resiliency and develop tangible tools you can use to improve your mental health. Finding a therapist you mesh with can be a process that takes time, resources and energy. I understand how important it is to work with a therapist who shows up as a whole, authentic person, so I prioritize genuine connection in our work. I invite you to contact me with questions you may have about working together and to schedule a no-cost 15 minute consultation so we can get to know one another. Head over to my website for more information about how I work.

Profound change occurs at its best in the context of supportive, empathetic, and insightful relationship. Throughout our lives we will all reach certain times where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, and disconnected from ourselves and our relationships. Maybe this has been you for some time, or maybe this is a more recent state that feels jarring. Wherever you are today, psychotherapy can be the confidential and safe place to show up just as you are. We will work together to uncover and shift the negative patterns keeping you stuck and develop skills to apply off the couch and into your life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you a person of color, LGBTQ, or woman-identified student in medicine or science? Have you been wearing that superhero cape for far too long? Ready to feel more peace in your life? You’ve come to the right place. I’m Dr. Lindsey Brooks and I work with underrepresented achievers. I’ll help you feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. In my former position at UCSF Student Health, I worked with hundreds of students on these issues and I'd be thrilled to offer you support. I accept the Lyra Health Plan which now provides in-network benefits for all University of California students. You might be thinking to yourself: ”I need to keep it all together”, “If I just work harder and push myself more, then everything will be okay”, “I have to stay strong for my family” or “No one understands all this crap I deal with every day”. Everyone around you sees you as a success, yet something still feels like it’s missing. We will work together to help you feel more at ease, empowered, and maybe even allow yourself to be imperfect once in a while. When you begin to accept all the parts of yourself with compassion, things begin to change. You find your voice. I look forward to discovering your voice together. If you are seeking a therapist who is: social justice minded, an anti-racist ally, sex positive, feminist, bisexual+ affirming, and who has experience working with students in science and medicine, let’s talk. Schedule a FREE 20 minute phone consultation with me on my website: www.drlindseytherapy.com

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I meet clients virtually to quiet negative self-talk and build resilience in their nervous systems using a patent pending somatic processing tool. With a stronger nervous system, it’s easier to not be overwhelmed, in fact your baseline becomes calm, less triggered, and more balanced. Clients routinely report resolution of panic attacks; resolving the underlying causes of the negative self talk; resolving the root causes of anxiety, depression, rage, and numbness; having better relationships; and understanding their emotions better. This transformative work addresses the nonverbal impact of stressful/traumatic experiences including feelings, sensations, emotions, muscle tension, numbness and dissociation; the areas where talking is not effective. Benefits typically begin with the first session. We use CBD, medical cannabis, or ketamine assisted virtual sessions to activate brain areas that facilitate safely processing emotions, and make new brain cell connections (associated with learning and working around blocks) among many other benefits. Many patients complain about the emotional numbness and other symptoms caused by their psych medications. Because I am a medical doctor, as patients improve I am able to help wean them off of their meds when appropriate. Insurance is not accepted, but sliding scale payments are. Learn more at: http://www.slipflowtherapy.com/patients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am a therapist working in private practice in Saratoga. My style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I have a relational focus and I value how attachment influences each individual and the process of therapy. My clients seek to change what is difficult and what isn’t working in their life. Many struggle with the impacts of trauma interfering with their day to day life. Others may struggle with feeling stuck or emotionally overwhelmed. They may be experiencing a challenging dynamic in their relationships or a lack of connectedness to others. My clients are looking to transform their life, achieve personal growth, and to heal. It takes courage to recognize each of our own unique needs and struggles, and I admire the strength it takes to reach out for support and help. I believe that all individuals have the ability to change, and that personal growth is possible for everyone. If you are ready to take the first step toward your path of healing, please contact me. I am currently offering in person services on Wednesdays.

Are constant changes making you feel lost and disconnected from loved ones? You're not alone. Many college students feel the same way—lonely, unworthy, and sometimes just getting out of bed feels impossible. I get it, and I'm here to help you navigate through it. Let’s work together to find fulfillment in your life. We’ll focus on managing your emotions, building healthy relationships, and understanding your past and present to empower you to live authentically. I believe in your ability to heal and grow. I offer teletherapy sessions designed to fit into your busy college schedule. My approach is compassionate and nonjudgmental, prioritizing your needs and goals. I strive to create a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and positivity. I'm excited to meet you—come as you are, and let’s heal together!

I'm an educational psychologist who specializes in assessment and coaching. I assess for learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, and other mental health issues that get in the way of learning or being successful at school. I can help you understand your learning profile and help you both get and be able to effectively utilize accommodations to support you at your school. I also am an ADHD specialist and I do "executive function coaching" which is basically coaching to help you manage your life from your homework, to your life at home, to your job. Additionally I can help you explore and prepare for your transition to post secondary education or to work. Many students do not know what they want to do once they leave high school or college. I can help you explore your options and choose a route. Think of me as your wellness coach for education and young adulthood success!

As a therapist and Board-Certified Psychiatrist, I strive to approach each individual with empathy, curiosity, and respect. My extensive work with people from diverse economic, gender, sexual, cultural, and racial backgrounds gives me a unique lens through which I understand the complexities of human behavior, mental health, and healing. Our mental health is not only influenced by individual experiences but also by the broader context of society, culture, and history. This holistic perspective allows me to connect with clients in a meaningful way and offer individualized approaches to the healing journey. I received my Medical Degree from NYU School of Medicine, and completed my residency training in Psychiatry at UCLA-Olive View in Los Angeles. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress management. I believe in the power of healing—whether through therapy, medications, or a combination of approaches. While medication is not for everyone, I have seen it play a crucial role in treatment for many people. If we determine that it would be beneficial to try a medication, we will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits before starting. There will be regular check-ins to ensure it is serving its purpose. And ultimately the decision about whether or not to take a medication I prescribe is yours and yours alone.

Working with individuals who feel they need some extra support to tackle challenges that life throws at them is my passion. I believe that through the relationship and work between client and therapist, behaviors can be adjusted, relationships can be mended, unhealthy coping skills can be identified and reworked, and healthy change can occur. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where individuals can succeed in making positive growth in their lives. Taking a straightforward, honest, relaxed and empathetic approach to supporting clients frees clients to open up, discover their strengths and make the most of therapy.

Starting or continuing college can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you’re navigating new independence, academic pressures, identity exploration, or unexpected challenges, it’s a lot to hold on your own. For years, I’ve supported my community in a variety of settings—from community clinics to crisis counseling—and I understand how life transitions can impact mental health. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ students and those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. My time as a 911 crisis counselor especially taught me how to hold space during some of life’s most difficult moments. In my practice, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental environment where your story matters. I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, tailored to your unique needs, all grounded in a humanistic framework that values self-exploration, growth, and discovering your full potential. Together, we can work on building insight, breaking unhelpful patterns, and creating new ways forward—so you leave each session feeling more grounded, confident, and ready for what’s next.

The Almaden Valley Counseling Service envisions a community where everyone has access to affordable mental health counseling. AVCS is a community-based, nonprofit counseling agency committed to meeting the mental health concerns of all ages.