Therapists for college students near 92093
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.
Kayleigh Swetland
I come from a trauma-informed theoretical orientation. I believe that attachment is often the root of many challenges. I work from a cognitive-behavioral lens with a narrative approach. I am informed by psychodynamic and social-emotional developmental models (Piaget, Erickson, Freud, Maslow). I also use techniques and interventions integrating art, worksheets, media, and psychoeducational books or articles. I have training in motivational interviewing, adoption competency certification, ASIST suicide training, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic, art, and narrative therapies. Ultimately though, rapport and relationship are the building blocks of a strong therapeutic alliance and identifying the client’s theory of change and providing treatment through the lens that they most identify with is the approach I take and why I have an eclectic therapeutic repertoire. 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.
Kofi Omane
I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 9 years of experience in the field of mental health, I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, stress management, and ADHD. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others, seeing close friends struggle with their mental health silently, and the scientific aspects of psychiatry – combination of neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology offers unique and intellectually stimulating challenges. Ultimately, it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contributing to their recovery and well-being. My approach is centered on understanding you as a whole person. I believe that effective mental health care goes beyond symptoms and diagnoses. By listening to your unique story, exploring your individual strengths, and collaborating on personalized treatment plans, we can take steps toward a brighter, more balanced future. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: grief, men’s issues, racial identity, deprescribing
Aligned Minds Care
I’m Sarah N. Karamat, a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#29329) and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) through Evergreen Certifications. I provide individual telehealth therapy to adults across California. You may be managing ADHD-related stress, feeling stretched by responsibilities, or trying to balance your own needs with family, cultural and career expectations. I offer a warm, collaborative space to explore those pressures and work toward practical changes that fit your life. My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Together, we can work on coping, boundaries, self-understanding and the everyday challenges that leave you feeling overwhelmed. I offer services in English, Urdu and Hindi through Aligned Minds Care, also doing business as Aligned Minds Alliance for Culturally Competent Care.
Gregory Gooden
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.
Ninnette Gutierrez
Navigating life’s challenges can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about making difficult choices. If you seek to regain balance, find direction, build resiliency, make meaningful change, and find deep self-connection, then I'm glad you’re here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in supporting BIPOC and Latinx individuals and families to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship and parenting struggles. I will guide you through the therapy process and support you in finding solutions, inner peace, and new connections within yourself and with others. My approach combines empathy, mindfulness, and somatic practices to support healing and growth. I am trauma-informed and incorporate mindfulness-based techniques, Brainspotting, Trauma Resiliency Model, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Together, we’ll strengthen your mind-body connection and empower you with tools to build resilience and thrive. Therapy is a space for authenticity, safety, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll explore challenges and create strategies to support your growth. If you’re ready to step into healing with warmth and compassion, I’m here to guide you. Let’s embark on this journey toward your empowered and grounded self. Let's connect!
Melissa Berschauer
I love working with young adults. Life inevitably brings challenges and difficult times. Deciding to begin therapy is a sign of strength, but it can also feel intimidating. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive. We will work together to help you build a life that is meaningful, healthy and balanced no matter what challenges you may face in your personal life or in your relationships. Please reach out via phone, text or email. My favorite session is the first session, when I get to meet you!
Mitra Golriz
I have a special interest in helping individuals who have experienced cultural transitions, war, immigration and trauma with years of experience helping families from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. I am multilingual and provided two years of live TV show in a local TV station in Orange County offering psychoeducation to Farsi speaking communities around the world to decrease stigma about mental illness and empower and inspire families and individuals to recognize mental illness and seek professional help when needed. My practice is based on collaboration, positive thinking, and learning to replace negative and dysfunctional thoughts with positive and functional ones. 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.
Amie Aguilar
From the very first meeting, I approach each client with a deep respect for their lived experience and an understanding that beginning therapy can feel both vulnerable and courageous. My intention in that initial session is to create a space that feels grounded, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, where clients can begin to share at their own pace. I focus on listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and gaining a holistic understanding of what brings them in, while also attending to their strengths, values, and hopes for change. Establishing a sense of safety and trust is central, as I view the therapeutic relationship itself as a meaningful foundation for growth. My path toward becoming a therapist was shaped by a longstanding curiosity about human behavior, emotional resilience, and the ways people make meaning of their experiences. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges in a purposeful and compassionate way. I have been particularly inspired by witnessing how individuals can develop insight, shift patterns, and reconnect with their sense of agency when provided with the right support. This work continues to be deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to walk alongside clients as they navigate change, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater well-being. I approach the development of trust and a strong therapeutic alliance as an intentional, ongoing process grounded in consistency, transparency, and genuine attunement. I prioritize active listening and strive to understand the client’s experience from their perspective, reflecting both content and emotion to communicate empathy and validation. I am mindful to move at a pace that feels comfortable for the client, recognizing that trust develops over time and cannot be rushed. Ultimately, I view the therapeutic alliance as the foundation of effective therapy, and I remain committed to fostering a relationship in which clients feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their process. One personal detail I sometimes share is my appreciation for incorporating music into my daily routine as a way to feel grounded and centered. I find that music can be a simple yet meaningful way to regulate mood, create a sense of calm, and reconnect with the present moment.
Samson Shulman
I believe in the transformative power of art and deeply understand the challenges creatives face—addiction, burnout, anxiety, procrastination, and the search for identity in an ever-evolving world. With over 15 years in the music industry— working for Interscope, Atlantic, The Tonight Show, and as an artist manager—I combine deep industry insight with a master's in clinical psychology. This unique blend allows me to offer a holistic, personalized approach as a therapist and substance use disorder counselor, helping artists find clarity, resilience, and creative fulfillment. As a creative, you may find yourself balancing big emotions while keeping up with the demands of your work. Maybe you're struggling with burnout, self-doubt, or the thousand other aspects that make being a creative challenging in today's world. I’d be honored to walk with you on this next chapter of your journey. In 2020, I launched Connection is Magic, a top-ranked Spotify podcast where artists and entertainment industry leaders share vulnerably about their triumphs and setbacks. These powerful conversations have uncovered profound life lessons and transformative wisdom, which now shape the heart of my clinical approach.
Sarah Arnall
The world is in upheaval but I believe in the common thread of humanity and I think acknowledging the agency we have over our own lives is one of the most important tasks we all share right now which we often need help with. Most of us have found ourselves vulnerable to the anguish of uncertainty in our lives, and it is my privilege as a therapist to help others work on living more directed, conscious & meaningful lives. My role as a therapist is to facilitate a safe space that embraces vulnerability and is accountable, honest, and authentic. I encourage feedback while embracing a non-judgmental approach, and believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance to affect deep and abiding change. My intention is to humbly hold a safe space for my clients and to utilize the skills, education, and training I have to offer them alternative ways of assessing, defining, and managing the various challenges in their lives. I believe in the lived experiences of my clients and make an effort to build trust in open and non-intrusive ways. I am a proponent of seeking self-regulation through nature and enjoy spending time outside to find balance in my daily life. This aligns with my therapeutic approach, which recognizes the profound impact of the environment on mental well-being and utilizes grounding techniques inspired by the natural world to help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
New Wave Youth and Family Therapy Services
At New Wave Youth and Family Therapy Services, we provide affordable, trauma-focused mental health care to children, adolescents, and families. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we combine evidence-based therapies with compassionate, culturally inclusive care to make healing accessible for all. With in-person and telehealth services, we're building a healthier, more resilient community—one individual and family at a time.
Shobha George
I have experience working with all demographics but mostly with adults that struggle with a variety of issues, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychotic disorders, stress management, family conflicts, relationship, behavioral and other mental health problems. My approach to you as a client is simple, meet you where you are. I use an eclectic theoretical approach that fits your needs, and one that makes you feel the most comfortable. I believe while seeking help you have goals to attain and it is my job to help you get there. It is my honor to use my expertise, skills, and knowledge to support you in that 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.
Logical Behavioral Health
Logical Behavioral Health providers are a team of dedicated behavioral health professionals who understand and prioritize your care above all else. We believe that in certain cases, good care even means providing an appropriate referral to someone outside of our office if our providers are not the best fit for your behavioral health care needs. We believe that collaboration is an important aspect of good care and have committed ourselves to collaborating with other health care professionals in your lives so that you can have the best integrated health care network working for you. The overall course of treatment will ultimately utilize a collaborative approach in helping you achieve mutually formulated treatment goals between you and your provider. Goals will include a reduction of symptoms and an improvement in functioning. If, during the course of treatment, you believe that you need a referral to a psychiatrist or other health care professional, we have the resources to help provide you with the most appropriate referral to optimize your care.
Maya Borgueta, PsyD
I'm a former CAPS therapist (SCU, UCSC, & CU Boulder) who loves working with students! I specialize in support for women of color, 1st and 2nd gen immigrants, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My clients are often struggling with work-school-life balance and burnout, family and relationship issues, and the challenges of straddling two or more cultural environments and expectations. I strive to take an intersectional, inclusive approach in my work because I know how much our outside world influences our mental health—for better and for worse. (AKA, therapy is political, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!)
Svetlana "Lana" Skornyakov
I have always had a strong desire to help others, and working in the field of mental health has given me a meaningful way to live out that purpose. I truly consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s journey—to support them as they navigate challenges, grow, and move toward their full potential. Being able to positively impact others’ lives, even in small ways, is what continues to inspire me every day as a therapist. In our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I do this by actively listening, reflecting your emotions, asking clarifying questions, and always focusing on your perspective and needs. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard and understood, not just by what you say, but by the meaning behind your experiences. I also use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), when appropriate. EMDR can be especially helpful for processing difficult or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. Building trust is a process that takes time, and I approach it with patience, consistency, and openness. In the beginning, we’ll focus on getting to know you—your experiences, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that collaboration is key. I encourage you to share feedback about our work and our relationship at any time, and I want you to know that your voice is always welcomed and valued. My role is to support and guide you while respecting that this is your journey. As trust develops, we can explore deeper challenges, build meaningful coping skills, and, if it feels like a good fit, incorporate EMDR to help process past experiences and support lasting healing and change. One lighthearted thing I like to share is that I really enjoy finding small ways to relax and recharge—whether that’s watching a favorite show, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to unwind. I think those simple moments are so important, and I often encourage clients to find what helps them feel grounded and refreshed, too.
Luceli Salazar
I became a clinical counselor because I believe healing begins when someone feels authentically heard. Life can be incredibly loud, leaving us feeling disconnected from what matters the most. I provide a quiet, attentive space dedicated to your voice and your experiences. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or deep challenges, my goal is to ensure you feel fully understood and supported during life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important and I foster transparency in my work. I seek to have genuine curiosity to collaborate in having clients identify connections in thought process, emotions, and behaviors. This process is your journey, and you are the expert on your own life. I follow your lead, respecting the pace that feels right for you. This collaborative approach ensures that our work together is grounded in safety, dignity, and a shared sense of purpose. If it rains during our session, I might look out a window for a second because that ‘rain smell’ is my favorite.
Noah Buchanan
I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to how people make sense of pain, identity, survival, and the patterns that shape how they relate to themselves and others. Before entering this field, I worked in settings where I supported people in crisis and helped connect them with care and resources. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to help people stabilize through difficult moments, I wanted to support deeper, longer-term healing, especially around trauma, relationships, and identity. I’ve also become especially interested in couples work and relational patterns—how people affect one another, how cycles of conflict or distance develop, and how repair becomes possible. A lot of emotional pain shows up in relationships, and I’m interested in helping people slow those moments down so they can understand what’s happening underneath reactivity and disconnection. Alongside that, I’m committed to working with neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and OCD, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I’m interested in how people navigate differences in attention, regulation, intrusive thoughts, identity, and communication, especially in systems that haven’t always understood or accommodated those experiences. My goal is to create a space where those differences aren’t pathologized, but understood in context. Feeling heard is something we build actively in the room, not something that just happens automatically. I slow the process down when needed so each person has space to fully express what they’re experiencing, especially in moments where emotions are high, communication feels stuck, or patterns start repeating. I listen for both what is said directly and what might be happening underneath needs, fears, protective responses, and the meaning each person is making of the situation. In couples work, I pay close attention to the interaction itself: how cycles form, where disconnection happens, and what each person may be protecting or trying to communicate through their reactions. With trauma, neurodivergence, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ experiences, I also stay attentive to how past environments may have shaped how safe it feels to speak openly, regulate emotions, or be fully seen. I check in regularly to make sure I’m understanding each of you accurately, and I welcome correction if something doesn’t land right. The goal is for both of you to feel that your experience is taken seriously, even when your perspectives differ. Working together is a collaborative process where we look at what’s bringing you in, what patterns are repeating, and how those patterns show up both individually and between you as a couple. I don’t approach therapy as something I’m doing to you, but as something we’re actively building together over time. Trust develops through consistency, clarity, and responsiveness. I aim to create a structured but flexible space where we can slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath conflict, shutdown, or overwhelm. In couples work, that often means tracking the interaction in real time and helping both partners feel understood without losing sight of accountability or impact. With neurodivergence, ADHD, and OCD in particular, I also pay attention to how attention, impulse, certainty, doubt, and regulation affect communication and relationships. With trauma and LGBTQ+ clients, I focus on creating a space where safety, respect, and identity are not assumed or questioned, but actively supported. Throughout our work, I check in about how the process is feeling and adjust as needed so therapy remains useful, grounded, and aligned with what matters most to you. Outside of therapy, I like having creative outlets and noticing small, grounding moments in everyday life. I also spend time with my dog, a Beagle, Frenchie, who has a lot of personality and a strong opinion about absolutely everything. She’s a good reminder that even in deeper work around trauma, relationships, and identity, there’s still space for humor, warmth, and moments that don’t feel so heavy.
Chloe Lankshear
If you are a student anywhere in California, who is having a hard time and you're open to working online, I could be a good fit for you. If there's something you're struggling with internally like adjusting to being in California, or you're having relationship issues with a partner, family or others, I aim to create a safe place for you to gain clarity and find a positive way forward. This could include developing more tools and better coping skills.
Aracely Reyes
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.