Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Hi there, are you experiencing stress in your relationships or in life transitions? Are you feeling a lot of worry or sad moods? I may be able to help. I have a compassionate approach to navigating these struggles and skills in regulating emotions. Feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult or if you have any questions

Hi, my name is Yu-Nien (Pulinda). I am a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (APU '21) who's worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a wide range of ages. I enjoying working with clients from various walks of life. My clients are often experiencing difficulties coping with emotions, feeling confused about their distress, desiring a space for authenticity and warmth, and a nonjudgmental environment. I welcome all who are experiencing various struggles in life and will support you on taking the first step towards healing. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client's unique circumstances and life experiences. The therapeutic modalities I commonly draw from include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Grief Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Psychodynamic Therapy. As a Taiwanese bilingual (English and Mandarin) social worker, I believe in meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. Through our journey together, I will walk alongside you as you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and healing. 您好，我是妤寧(Pulinda)，持有加州認證Licensed Clinical Social Worker執照。在我的臨床工作經驗中，我曾與來自不同背景及各年齡層的個案合作，因此特別關注每一位來談者的獨特性，也享受了解個案不同的人生歷程與生活經驗。我發現許多個案前來尋求協助，是因為他們正在面對情緒調適上的困難、對自身的情緒困擾感到困惑，或渴望擁有一個能夠真誠表達自我、被理解、並感受到溫暖與接納的空間。我希望能提供一個不帶批判且安全的環境，讓個案能自在地探索自己的經驗與內在世界。在壓力源無處不在的世界，我們可以一起溫柔的面對焦慮、憂鬱、創傷及失去，一起消化，找到跟練習適合您的情緒穩定方法，強大您的心理能量。 我的治療取向採整合式方法，並依據每位個案獨特的處境、需求與生命經驗量身調整。我常運用的治療模式包括接納與承諾治療（Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT）、認知行為治療（Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT）、悲傷與失落治療、正念取向介入，以及心理動力治療（Psychodynamic Therapy）。我相信有意義的改變建立於治療關係中的平等關係，因此我會與個案密切合作，確保治療方向符合其目標、價值觀與需求。我也特別著重找回每個來談者的自我共情（self-compassion），這也是更能療癒自己的方法之一。 我來自台灣，所以能夠流利的用英文及國語跟您合作。但我也在其他不同國家生活及移民過，所以我體會過在不同文化環境跟關係中適應和尋找自我的過程。我會考量到每位個案所處的人生階段及困擾，並尊重其獨特的生命經驗。如果我們有緣合作，我將陪伴在您身旁，協助您建立心理韌性、深化自我理解，並找到實用的，以促進持續的成長與療癒。我歡迎所有正面臨人生挑戰的人，並願意陪伴您踏出療癒旅程的第一步。

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!

Each individual has their own story, values and spiritual preferences. As a warm and genuine, therapist, I believe in creating a safe space to guide you through insight and self exploration, in order to obtain healing and peace. As a woman of faith I appreciate when clients integrate spiritual beliefs and values in treatment. I love helping strong women who have survived pain, to help them re-write their life story with joy, confidence and faith -Psalms 30:11. I enjoy supporting pre-marital couples who are deeply in love. Serving as a facilitator to explore and establish clear expectations prior to saying, "I do".

Botaitis Therapy Group is a dedicated team of therapists offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of individuals, couples and families in California. We provide in-person counseling in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, as well as online therapy options for those throughout California. This flexibility can make therapy more accessible to people with various preferences and circumstances. Our therapy group offers a holistic approach for diverse mental health and relationship issues. We have skilled professionals to assist various age groups and relationship dynamics, tailoring therapy as needed. Quality care and compassion are central to our practice. If you have questions or need more details about Botaitis Therapy Group, please don't hesitate to inquire.

I became a therapist because I genuinely love people. I believe we could all use a little help sometimes. We humans are complex and unique individuals with a wide range of emotions, and vast experiences that have, & continue to, shape us. My goal is to create a space conducive to safety, growth and acceptance. I support you, and am rooting for you! I believe collaboration is key in our work together, and that you are the expert on you. I create individualized treatment plans and curate interventions based on your likes and experiences. I will never force you to do, or talk about anything you don’t want to. I understand therapy can be an intimidating process, so I am happy to move at your pace. With that being said, I know how beneficial it can be to move outside of our comfort zones – so it is a part of my role to encourage you to do so. But as you confront any difficult emotions/experiences/new skills, I will be right there with you. I’m here for you. The therapeutic relationship is a unique and special one. I believe in being honest and authentic with you – as well as offering compassion and empathy. I like to tie in your likes and interests into treatment in order to make difficult concepts easy to understand and approach. I know what a difference it can make to feel heard and understood. I can provide a listening ear, paired with professional expertise in order to help you feel validated, and learn to understand & help yourself better. Just like you, I’m a human too. Although I can’t know exactly what you are feeling or dealing with, I do know what it’s like to feel angry, alone, discouraged, anxious or misunderstood. When life gets me down, I find peace through various ways, including – connecting with nature, hugging my cat, coloring, or watching one of my favorite movies.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, family conflict, life transitions, behavioral concerns, self-esteem challenges, and stress related to school, work, and personal relationships. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, attachment-based interventions, and family systems therapy. Together, we will identify strengths, develop practical coping skills, and work toward goals that align with your values and vision for your life. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and resilience.

Making change and discovering new understandings can work together to fulfill purpose and find meaning in life. Whether it is emotional relief or emotional depth, it is figuring out what one needs to feel whole. With over 10 years of experience in crisis settings, including emergency mental health and trauma care, I use an eclectic approach to guide you through creative adjustments that foster personal growth and problem-solving. Let’s embark on this journey together! I prioritize empathic attunement to achieve detailed understanding of the person, the relationships, and the environment. By contextualizing one’s experiences we can shift our perspective around thoughts, actions, behaviors, and relationships. Prepare to share! By utilizing the tenets of Gestalt therapy, I revere the person for who they are and aim to create a collaborative process of exploration and insight. I honor the therapeutic space, holding a safe outlet for your innermost thoughts and feelings. Only through a shared space of deep understanding and acceptance can therapy truly be a mechanism of success. Unlock Your Potential with Personalized Therapy!

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

Intercultural Psychological Services is a group practice of multicultural, multilingual, therapists led by clinical psychologist Elizabeth A. Willems, PsyD. We are highly-trained and offer psychological services including therapy, consulting, assessment, as well as training opportunities for psychology graduate students. We hail from Mexico and the USA. We virtually serve clients located across the globe.

As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.

I specialize working with gender and sexuality, anyone struggling through life transitions and change, folks who identify as highly sensitive people. I also focus on using self compassion techniques and perspectives and provide trauma informed, social justice/feminist oriented, and culturally attuned care. I fully enjoy both of us benefiting from building a meaningful relationship together, because I see it as an honor to be a part of your journey towards self actualization and well-being. I’m personable, transparent, enjoy humor, connection and appreciate depth. I'd honestly love to hear from you!

I specialize in therapy for neurodivergent adults — particularly those with ADHD or autism diagnosed later in life — who are navigating burnout, confusion about how their mind works, repeating relationship patterns, or substance use that once helped but now contributes to stress. I also work with trauma, mood concerns, and co-occurring challenges that intersect with neurodivergence. My approach is assessment-informed and collaborative, combining insight with practical tools to help you understand yourself more deeply and build meaningful, sustainable change.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!

If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or having trouble coping with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. You may be struggling to find balance in your life, or noticing that attachment and trauma from childhood is impacting you presently. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one, are navigating a new chapter of life that has you feeling anxious, or just feel like you are stuck in a rut and need someone to talk to. I work with adults and teens/adolescents on addressing anxiety and depression, unpacking past experiences, improving emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries with loved ones, healthy self-esteem, and more. As a therapist, I provide a challenge-support environment where I encourage you to reflect and explore your values while providing empathy, warmth, and humor. Therapy can be scary because we are asked to go outside our comfort zones, but growth stems from change. I utilize a myriad of theoretical approaches to find a style that works best for you. For LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, I provide gender and sexuality affirming therapy and can work with you on identity exploration, navigating queer relationships, or coping with the impact of stigma, discrimination, and bias. My therapy office is an accepting and safe space for queer folk.

In these challenging times, I am inspired by helping clients find their strengths and provide a safe space for healing to achieve their mental health goals. I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being, personal growth, and life balance. As a Filipino American Therapist, I aim to understand unique challenges and different cultural perspectives, providing compassion and culturally affirming space for clients of all backgrounds. I approach each session with warmth, understanding, and respect to all clients, while establishing clear boundaries and allowing clients to open up at their own pace.

Hi there, I'm Rajiv, a trusted marriage and family therapist proudly serving Orange County, CA, and currently affiliated with Uram Family Therapy. My journey in this field includes invaluable experience gained at the UCI Child Development School, where I taught social skills and emotional regulation through the UCI Department of Pediatrics. My passion lies in supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate through challenges such as depression, anxiety, and life changes. I bring a diverse set of skills to the table, incorporating proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help my clients achieve their goals. I firmly believe that no matter what life throws at you, with the right guidance, you can transform challenges into valuable learning opportunities. I'm dedicated to creating personalized therapy plans that reshape attitudes, empowering you to confidently navigate life's transitions. My commitment to community service knows no bounds. As a child at heart, I love delving into the emotions that define us. Outside of work, you'll catch me engaging in sports activities and playing video games, elements I seamlessly integrate into the therapeutic environment. I'm a family guy through and through, finding immense joy in exploring the world with my wife and son. On a lighter note, I'm a dog lover and proud owner of two adorable canines, Chewie and Charlie. Spending quality time outdoors with them is a regular part of my routine. If you're looking for someone to talk to or seeking guidance through life's difficulties, I'm here to lend a helping hand. My goal is to help you feel capable in adversity, embrace life's changes, discover your hidden strengths, and learn to bounce back from challenges with courage. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.

I have been in practice as a marriage and family therapist for nearly a decade, and focus on serving adolescents, college students, and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, loss, and co-occurring concerns. I emphasize self-compassion and self-acceptance in my therapeutic work, and tailor my treatment to help people create and live values-based lives that are congruent with their identities and goals. I am passionate about working with API and Indigenous students, and those transitioning to the mainland from Hawaii. Providing culturally competent services is a priority for me, and I take pride in continuously honing my multicultural counseling skillset. Outside of therapy, I enjoy trout fishing, hiking, and playing retro video games. Please note I offer telehealth sessions Monday through Thursday, and offer in-person sessions on Friday. Please contact me directly for in-person availability on Saturday. My telehealth fee is $175 and in-person is $200.