Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! We provide culturally competent individual therapy and couples counseling. Our focus is to provide you with a space where you feel safe to engage in the therapeutic process. The types of therapy and services we provide include EMDR therapy, therapy for Latin/x/e and BIPOC, therapy for LGBTQ+, therapy for depression and anxiety, and therapy to address relationship issues.

I find inspiration in helping others that are struggling with mental health problems. My clients have my attention, support, and feel heard and validated. I also collaborate with them to address their problems or distress. As a registered therapist, I strive to meet the client where they are at in life and help them move forward in their individual goals. I work with people from all age groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, states of life (pregnancy), and the LGBTQ population. I have experience working with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, grief and loss, trauma symptomatology, medical conditions, and dual diagnoses. I have a passion for reaching out, connecting and relieving mental suffering. I have specialized training working in the following areas: CBT, DBT, Clinical Sexology training in Florida, and TRAUMA training in SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), EMDR. I have worked with couples using the Gottman method, attachment issues and communication skills. My PhD is in international psychology and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds.

First, I want to honor that you being here is a huge step as you look to improve your emotional wellbeing. My trauma-informed approach provides short-term, solution-focused, and culturally responsive cognitive therapy. I enjoy working with students and understand the stressors of dealing with school, work, family, and other life events! My goal is to use effective techniques to help you achieve your goals. My practice aims to provide affirmative psychotherapy for the LGBTQI community. Being a first-generation college grad myself, I can relate to the frustrations and feelings of isolation that can come up. My goal is to guide you on strategies to manage anxiety, depression, life adjustments, trauma, acculturation, "imposter syndrome," and first-generation higher education adjustment. I look forward to working with you. ****All telehealth services can only be provided in the state of California.****

I have had the honor of working as a therapist for 30 years in various settings such as a battered women’s shelter, Child Abuse Reunification programs and the Private Sector. My style as a therapist is calm, empathic and compassionate while using my training, experience and humor to assist my clients on their journey of growth and healing. My practice is focused on helping individuals and couples live a more connected and authentic life, overcoming trauma, managing anxiety and depression, and creating a life that they have always dreamed of. I specialize in working with women and young adults who are moving away from a negative relationship or who are in transitional stages of their lives. I work collaboratively with the client to explore the patterns in their life that are inhibiting them from living the life they desire. I focus on the whole person, mind body and soul to heal the pain from the past and create new and more effective means of communicating with others and in the world in which they live. In my practice I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy and Visualization to provide the most effective ways to regain balance and mental health.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

You want to feel like a team again. But lately, it’s been harder to talk without tension or connect without effort. Under the surface, something’s missing: trust that your relationship is solid, the comfort of being understood and appreciated, or the closeness that makes you feel like you’re truly in it together. Couples counseling helps you shift out of reactive cycles and into meaningful connection. You’ll learn to communicate with care, listen with empathy, and build a foundation that is steady and supportive so your relationship feels like home again. I see couples in person in San Luis Obispo and online across California, Washington, Florida, and South Carolina.

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to do more, work harder, and question whether we’re ever “enough.” For many students, that pressure leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. But thriving isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of who you are and what you need. This work often extends into your relationships, your identity, and your sense of direction. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, explore what’s weighing on you, and develop a more grounded, sustainable way forward.

My clients are vibrant, interesting, intelligent, and high-functioning people who sometimes face challenges with overthinking, self-esteem, emotional regulation, maintaining relationships, and self-compassion. People often reach out to me when they’re struggling to navigate a life transition, work or school-related stress, establishing boundaries and/or balance, or are seeking support in shifting patterns that are no longer serving them. I have worked with young adults, millennials, elders, tech professionals, non-profit professionals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as caregivers and people living with chronic pain. My approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. This allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and preferences. My goal is to create a secure therapeutic relationship where you can freely explore all parts of yourself. In recognition of the importance of accessibility, I offer tele-health therapy sessions. This means you can receive support from the comfort of your own space, making mental health care more accessible and convenient for you. I understand that finding a therapist can be an overwhelming process. I value the time and energy that you are putting into seeking the best support for you and would welcome an opportunity to speak in an initial free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a fit for working together.

I am warm & straight forward. I will ask you questions to help you find your own authentic answers. I work with adults & couples from a variety of communities who feel stuck, who want to understand themselves, heal & grow. I find importance in childhood wounds that affect our present day. I will help you reframe perspectives so you can look at things in a way which serve you better while connecting to parts of yourself you may have kept hidden. Boundaries are good for everyone. Establishing boundaries might feel uncomfortable, you may not even know you are entitled to have them or fear abandonment if you did, we can work on that. I speak plainly and provide a non-judgmental, safe environment where we can explore what's going on in your world at your pace using traditional talk therapy and/ or EMDR. I use an eclectic approach drawing on multiple theoretical orientations in order to tailor the most effective treatment for you to develop self love, learn new coping skills, heal and grow.Whether you are navigating relationship issues, life transitions or trying to understand why you are in pain, it is healing to be seen, heard & accepted.This is what I strive to create in our therapeutic relationship while you learn to break repetitive destructive patterns &develop a compassionate understanding of yourself. I am interested to learn about you

My name is Sandra Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA. I work with young adults/teens and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitional changes, relationship issues, peer-related issues, stress, and family issues. I am trained in various evidence-based models of treatment and utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to optimize the needs of the clients that I serve. I have a collaborative approach to goal setting with clients. I work with the client to see what they would like to get out of therapy and what changes they want to make. I typically work well with young adults and teens who are willing to explore and make changes in their life. My communication style is very calm, empathetic, open minded, direct, personable, and I enjoy using humor as appropriate. I want my clients to feel comfortable and like they can be themselves when we work together. Please reach out if you have specific schedule questions.

Change is within reach. Are you struggling with burnout, anxiety, or depression? Do you feel trapped or overwhelmed by difficult emotions? Change is possible if you’re yearning for a shift in your life. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative journeys, helping them break free from limiting patterns and heal past wounds that stand in the way of fulfillment. In my therapy sessions, you’ll find a safe haven—an open, compassionate, judgment-free space. Together, we’ll explore your inner world, uncover hidden truths, and develop new coping skills. Your authentic self awaits. My areas of focus include anxiety, childhood trauma, relationship challenges, women’s issues, and existential concerns. I help clients reclaim their vitality to live peaceful, heart-centered lives. My work with women centers on empowering them to embrace self-worth and inner strength. I utilize EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Hakomi Mindfulness techniques. I offer a holistic, personalized approach that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, I work with ketamine (KAP) and offer preparation and integration sessions for medicine journeys with psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca. Reach out today to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

Working in mental health comes from a deep desire to help others. I have always been extremely curious and passionate about learning how the mind works and what drives certain behaviors. I am inspired by human resilience and I am privileged to be in a field where I am able to support others discover, learn about themselves, and heal from generational wounds, unhealthy patterns, and so forth. I genuinely believe that you as the client are the expert of your own life and I am here to guide you through your individual journey and human growth. I provide a comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment space. My approach is collaborative and deeply rooted in trying to help you understand yourself better and where certain obstacles in your life may be coming from and how to make changes in order to create a fulfilling life. In sessions, you will notice that I will meet you where you are and guide you to continue moving forward. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be and so I try to create a safe, warm and culturally competent environment where you can be yourself. You will also notice that sometimes I will use humor, a direct approach, and I will read the room to explore whether you want to be challenged, given suggestions, or simply be heard and validated. I foster open communication, encourage honesty and transparency, ensuring that you feel heard and understood. I enjoy working with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, from young adults to older adults who are struggling with life transitions, existential challenges, relationship issues, self-esteem, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help individuals heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Witnessing people transform—whether overcoming trauma, managing stress, feeling better about oneself, or improving relationships—gives me a deep sense of purpose. I am passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles and gain the tools to thrive. The resilience in each of us and the power of healing inspire me daily, and drive me to continually refine my approach and use effective methods like EMDR and mindfulness to support lasting change and well-being. Since 1992 I have worked in private practice, agencies, and hospital settings with a wide range of people who seek help in handling stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, transition, stage of life issues, relationship concerns, body image concerns, compulsive eating, and crises. A main specialty is recovery from trauma and abuse and I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)–a very effective tool–as well as techniques from other trauma therapies. I have an integrative approach and use tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress management and skill-building; cognitive-behavioral elements; parts work; focusing on strengths; and psycho-education. I am warm and approachable and my clients say that I make them feel safe and accepted. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. To ensure clients feel heard and understood, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where active listening is central. I validate their feelings, reflect back their words and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration. I regularly check in with clients for feedback on our work together, ensuring our approach is collaborative and aligned with their needs and goals. By integrating various therapeutic tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I offer a personalized approach that fosters trust and empathy, which helps clients feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and heard. I demonstrate empathy, consistency, and respect, which helps people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I am warm and compassionate and clients sense this. I honor each person’s experience and story. I am very comfortable with emotions and the truth of one’s experience, which helps clients be comfortable with their truth and sharing that with me. I actively listen and validate the emotions, while also being transparent about the therapeutic process. By tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and using techniques like EMDR, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, I foster collaboration and a sense of empowerment. Regular check-ins and feedback ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the client’s goals, reinforcing the trust and partnership essential to effective healing.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

You may be used to holding everything together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in your own thoughts. Maybe you overthink everything, have trouble relaxing, feel irritable or disconnected, or find yourself carrying stress long after the moment has passed. I provide online therapy for adults in California navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. I help clients better understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck while building coping skills they can use in daily life. Our work may include exploring anxious thoughts, stress responses, avoidance, self-criticism, boundaries, emotional regulation, and the depression or burnout that can come with long-term anxiety. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you already feel overwhelmed. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can briefly discuss what you are looking for, whether online therapy may be a good fit, scheduling availability, fees, and insurance options.

I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care. I can provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgery. I work well with folks who are self-aware but sometimes "to a fault." You find feelings hard but really want to work on "feel the feelings!" You are willing to take risks and be real when something is hard. You want a change but feel stuck, and are down to try both new and old things. You want to be a better person/friend/partner/coworker/child/etc. My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing. I know how hard it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of criticism with yourself and others. You may wonder why you can’t seem to change the things that bother you or improve your relationships. I believe that you can find ways to accept what you can’t control, and to change what you can. I would be honored to support you on this journey of growth and healing.

Are you preoccupied with thoughts about food? Are you stuck in a cycle of dieting, bingeing, purging, or exercising and having trouble figuring out how to stop? Are you ashamed about your eating? Hating your body? You can break the cycle, achieve peace with food and your body, and get your life back. We provide treatment aligned with an anti-diet approach called Health At Every Size (R). We specialize in providing research-proven treatments for eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Hi! I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with college students across a range of concerns. College can bring a lot of unexpected demands, struggles, and adjustments, and it can be helpful to speak with someone who can join alongside you as you navigate these experiences. While I specialize in working with stress/anxiety, neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD and Autism), and relationship conflict, I've worked with many college students on their overall adjustment to college life. My therapeutic approach is warm and relational and is grounded in an attachment-based framework. In therapy, we often include a focus on both deepening insight and self-understanding (answering the "why?" questions) with practical tools and strategies you can use to get you to where you want to be (supporting you with the "what now?" focus). I use a self-compassionate lens in my work and integrate evidence-based approaches that are tailored to your individual needs. If you'd like to learn more about my approach or see if we could be a good fit, reach out today for a free consultation call. I look forward to speaking with you.