Therapists for college students near 94110
Marsaides Mercier
Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.
Ava Cazares, M.S., LMFT
Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain. Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood. My approach has two phases. First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences. Once we understand the why, we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase. Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope. The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch; you are already her. Let’s find your way back to yourself.
Better Mindset Therapy
Better Mindset Therapy strives to create an authentic, welcoming atmosphere for her clients to explore their lives in a new way. She has experience helping children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, and more. Here we use the therapeutic relationship to explore your early life experiences and bring unconscious thoughts and patterns into the conscious awareness.
Carlton Hemphill
Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 34-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice, with a concentration on child and family dynamics. I have been working in the field since 2015 and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapeutic approach is grounded in behavioral and cognitive theories, focusing on how your recent experiences, environment, and thought patterns shape your current emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how these elements influence your present life, helping you make meaningful changes and move forward with confidence. I also integrate existential perspectives to help you explore your purpose, values, and fulfillment. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we focus on what’s happening in your life right now. Through direct, thought-provoking questions and unbiased feedback, I’ll help you gain clarity and make informed decisions. This process is centered on your insights, growth, and goals, and I’ll respect your pace and direction as we work together.
Michelle Fehlman
Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m a licensed therapist who works well with students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to handle everything they’re carrying, whether that’s stress, relationship challenges, family pressure, or emotions that feel too big or confusing. My approach is calm, real, and collaborative. I help you understand what’s happening inside, make sense of patterns that no longer serve you, and build clarity and confidence in how you move through your life and relationships. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Just come as you are, we’ll navigate it together.
Jamie Sansivero
I work with college students navigating life’s many transitions, offering a supportive space to process challenges and build resilience. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, managing academic stress, or facing uncertainty about your next steps, I provide a warm, collaborative approach tailored to your needs. I also specialize in supporting women through a range of experiences, including identity shifts, relationships, fertility journeys, pregnancy, and postpartum adjustment. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to move forward with confidence.
Darcy Dittrich Psychotherapy
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Virginia Sanchez
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Sequoia Counseling Collective
Life gets complicated. Relationships strain, grief accumulates, anxiety takes hold, and sometimes the weight of simply being human becomes more than any one person should carry alone. Whatever brought you here – a specific struggle, a quiet sense that something needs to change, or simply the courage to finally reach out – you’ve come to the right place. Sequoia Counseling Collective is a group therapy practice offering compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and couples. Our team of skilled therapists specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and relationship challenges. We draw from a range of proven approaches including EMDR, EFT, the Gottman Method, CBT, ACT, and animal assisted therapy to provide care that is thoughtfully tailored to you.
Susan Farber
College can feel like a lot. You may be dealing with stress, anxiety, pressure to perform, relationship issues, or just feeling overwhelmed and not like yourself. I’m Susan Farber, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 25 years of experience. I work with college students to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions so you can function better day to day. My approach is practical and supportive. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with mind–body techniques to help you manage anxiety, improve focus, and regulate stress. You’ll learn tools you can actually use—whether it’s getting through exams, handling social or relationship stress, or dealing with burnout. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. If something feels off, overwhelming, or too much to carry on your own, this is a space to sort it out and get back to feeling more like yourself. I offer in-person sessions in Santa Barbara and Solvang, as well as telehealth throughout California.
BRAVE Wellness Studio
Tired of talk therapy that goes nowhere? You’ve seen therapist after therapist, each one listens, nods, and takes notes… but where are the practical tools for real change? If you're craving more than just conversation, you're not alone and BRAVE Wellness Studio is here to help! Holistic psychotherapy treats you as a whole person, not a diagnosis. We blend talk therapy with body-based and mindfulness techniques to uncover root causes, build awareness, and support real healing. We also offer Ketamine Assisted Therapy. Sessions are relaxed, empowering conversations that help you reclaim control. You're not broken, and you don’t have to do this alone. If you're ready to feel more connected, supported, and in control of your healing journey, we're here to walk with you. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and reclaim your BRAVEry!
Milka Galvez
I am Milka Galvez, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my master’s degree in nursing from Walden University. My vision of a world where mental well-being is prioritized and breaking down societal stigmas surrounding mental health inspires me to work in the field of mental health care. I start by fostering a trusting relationship where patients feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. This is achieved through active listening and open-ended questions during initial assessments to gather insights about their personal beliefs, cultural background and past experiences with mental health care. I then work in collaborative goal setting, flexible treatment approaches and continuous feedback and adjustment.
Mike Pugh
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Jerry Kao
** Click on the Website link below to see my current openings*** Hello there! Are you longing for relief from the weight of depression or the grip of anxiety? Perhaps you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling lost or stuck in life's labyrinth. Know that your journey matters, and I'm here to guide you through it. I specialize in supporting individuals facing the challenges of depression and anxiety. I offer a compassionate approach to help you on your path to healing. I also work with those who feel adrift, helping them rediscover their purpose and direction. My therapeutic approach is as unique as you and your story (we are all different and unique in our own ways after all!). Our sessions will be dynamic and engaging. Bring a pen and notebook, as we'll co-create strategies and insights to propel you toward healing and growth. With a background that includes EMDR therapy training, Certified Breath Coach, and expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I bring a diverse toolbox to our partnership. Your well-being is my priority, and together, we'll illuminate your path toward a brighter, more fulfilling life. I hope you've caught a glimpse of the transformative journey we can embark on together. When you're ready, take that courageous step forward to a life of greater meaning and well-being by reaching out to me. Let's embark on a journey for a brighter tomorrow together!
Sam Naimi, psychoanalyst, LCSW
I help people understand themselves with profound depth, not just with symptom management. If you're ready to look at patterns, relationships, and what keeps you stuck, this work is for you. Can you dream of a life no longer haunted by your past? Are you feeling limited in your relationships? Contemporary psychoanalysis offers a unique space to understand not only what has happened to you, but how your history continues to shape your inner world, often outside of conscious awareness. I help people understand themselves with profound depth; not just with symptom management. If you're ready to look at patterns, relationships, and what keeps you painfully stuck, this work is for you. Therapy is an emancipatory undertaking: the aim is not to help you become better adjusted to what has constrained you, but to help you become less beholden to it in the long run. I bring warmth, candor, and sustained attention to the room. My specialties include contemporary dream interpretation; dissociation; depression; and trauma, in all its forms.
Dr. Sandra Alfaro Beltran
Seeking therapy can be a difficult and intimidating process, and usually this decision comes from experiencing adversity. While the process of healing is difficult, the reward of emotional wellness and positive growth is worth the journey. Therefore, my goal is to provide a space that is welcoming, safe, and supportive in order to assist you in creating long-lasting change. I welcome individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and belief systems. I have experience working with children and adults in many areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, blended families, parenting, grief and so much more. My work consists of using a person-centered approach while incorporating other modalities. This means I aim to provide you support, acceptance, and empathy while assisting you to work on areas that are not allowing you to become the person you would like to be. For some, that means being fulfilled, in loving relationships, living a positive life, etc. I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you to help you process experiences, reclaim skills you already possess, or assist you in creating a new set of skills that will help you maintain your therapeutic progress. Together we can develop a treatment plan that is centered on meeting your specific needs in a way that centers the whole person.
John Liptak
I became a therapist because I want to help people become their best selves. I always want to help you feel understood, safe, and supported, in a completely non-judgmental space, especially if these things are already lacking in your life. You should know that you can talk to me without fear of judgement and that I care about you, and all of my clients. I have experience with both children and adults. All ages are welcome! I make an effort to meet clients where they are and ask what they hope to gain from their time with me. I try to build trust by taking a nonjudgmental approach of positive regard for all my clients. I will tailor my approach to the situation and to what the client wants. For some that will mean more empathetic listening, for others it may mean more praise, positive feedback, coping skills, increasing awareness, reframing a situation or a certain level of coaching. I find that everyone is different and has different needs, so I adjust my approach accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you soon!
Lisa Rogers
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Mindful Evolutions
Mindful Evolutions was started as a way to help adults, teens, and couples within the area feel happier and healthier through therapy. Each therapist has their own skills they bring to their clients. At Mindful Evolutions we happily welcome into our practices people from many communities and cultures. We provide counseling for all kinds of relationships including LGBTQ, multi-cultural, poly, kink, and heterosexual. Because we believe all people in a family need support, we have a therapist for everyone.
Julia McMullen Kharkar
Hi there! I'm glad you're here. Starting therapy takes a lot of vulnerability, and finding the right fit is vital. With over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, I have supported clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of mental health needs. With experience working in a college counseling center, I am particularly passionate about supporting college and graduate students. I have often worked with students around issues such as identity, life transitions/adjustment, academic stress, international student issues, trauma/PTSD, family/relationship issues, and anxiety. I also specialize in perinatal mental health and military/veterans. I use an eclectic approach, integrating a variety of therapeutic styles to customize the approach to best fit your individual needs. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as pulling from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I use an attachment-based approach to manage and understand relationship challenges. I tend to use a more open-ended, processing-based style to help build insight, while also suggesting worksheets or concrete exercises from time to time when they might be helpful. I take a warm, gentle, and non-judgmental approach to create a sense of safety and build trust as we get to know each other, and to encourage your autonomy and help you feel empowered in therapy. I greatly value a client-centered and collaborative approach and want you to be in the driver's seat, and will often ask for feedback about our goals together and what approaches and techniques may or may not resonate with you.