Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

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I believe that in order to truly be able to help my clients I must always present as my authentic self. What that means is that you can expect me to share my honest thoughts and opinions, to be direct & concise, to incorporate humor as often as possible, and I won’t shy away from discomfort or conflict. While at the same time balancing that by providing you with unconditional positive regard, empathy, and support. I 100% believe that in order for therapy to be effective the client-therapist relationship must be genuine and both parties must carry mutual respect and trust for each other. This is something I strive to create and build-up starting from our first several interactions; as well as something I work hard to maintain up until our very last session. I am trauma informed therapist that specializes in working with professionals in the helping field (ie. first responders, educators, nurses, therapists, etc), with parents and children with behavioral issues, and have extensive experience working with BIPOC, immigrants, and AAPI communities. In our first session, we'll talk through what brought you in and get clear on what you want to walk away with — so we're aligned on what this space is for and what my role will be. Together we'll build a plan with intention and direction, not open-ended sessions that drift. Over time, the goal isn't just to feel less anxious or triggered. It's to trust yourself again, hold your story with compassion, and move through the world without needing to translate yourself.

College can be a lot. Between classes, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or stuck. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself without feeling judged. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-confidence, past trauma, academic stress, or major life changes, I’m here to help you work through it. Together, we’ll focus on practical tools and strategies that can help you feel more confident, balanced, and in control of your life.You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Come as you are, and we’ll take it one step at a time.

I specialize in providing psychological services to children and adolescents. These include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy. Assessments can be invaluable tools that provide diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and the basis for academic accommodations. The therapeutic interventions I provide to young clients can be used to address a range of common challenges including, but not limited to emotional dysregulation and behavior problems. Based on the client, therapy may take various forms and could entail a talk or play-based approach. I regularly integrate parent or family sessions when appropriate.

If you feel everything deeply, have been called “too sensitive,” or your mind never seems to turn off, you’re in the right place. You may have spent so much time understanding others and making sense of the world around you, but rarely feel that same care or depth of understanding reflected back to you. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I understand what it's like to experience the world this way. Our work will focus on helping you untangle what’s going on beneath the surface so you can better understand your emotions, trust your instincts, and move through life with more self-trust and clarity. I specialize in Highly Sensitive People, children, Gen Z (teens & young adults), and neurodivergence/ADHD. Together, we’ll explore patterns, past experiences, and the emotional landscape shaping your life. My approach is warm, deeply attuned, and insight-oriented, grounded in a strengths-based, emotionally-focused, and attachment-aware approach. Clients often say I have “big sister energy”: I notice what’s unspoken, help make sense of complicated emotions, and always have your back. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands your depth and can help you turn your sensitivity into a strength, I would be honored to support you. Book a consultation through my website today.

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.

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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!

About me I specialize in counseling for diverse college students, student-athletes, and working professionals in healthcare, business, engineering and scientific disciplines. I collaborate with clients to help them resolve anxiety, life transitions, work-life concerns, family or relationship conflict, bereavement, and trauma. ​​My experience spans inpatient, community counseling, employee assistance (EAP), university counseling (CAPS), and D1 athletics settings. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, an MBA from Babson College, and completed advanced training in Sport Psychology, CBT, ACT, and IPSRT modalities. My Approach My practice helps high performers overcome the complex stressors of their profession and personal lives using an integrated wellness perspective that combines evidence-based therapy, sport psychology, and holistic mind-body interventions. Taking a person-centered approach that considers unique multicultural identities, I am passionate about helping clients realize their unidentified strengths and resiliency, so they can maximize their compassion at work, in their relationships, and in themselves.

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If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.

Hola, and welcome! As a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where college and university students can openly share their experiences and focus on their mental health. Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, life transitions, relationships, or feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps—especially as a student balancing so much—so I want to recognize the courage it takes to be here. Over the past 13 years, I’ve worked in community mental health supporting young people and adults through life’s challenges. My goal is to meet you where you are and work alongside you so you can feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout your journey—in school and beyond.

Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind. I am adept at devising individualized care strategies that incorporate cutting-edge medical interventions, delivered with professionalism and sensitivity. My commitment is to assist patients in managing complex health issues as well as providing support through emotional and psychological challenges. Fluent in English and Spanish, I am dedicated to making high-quality healthcare accessible to diverse populations. Together, we can pursue a path to optimal health and enriched quality of life.

I work best with college students who are trying to find their place in the world while managing anxiety, depression, or questions about identity. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are learning how to navigate relationships, family expectations, and self-acceptance. In our work together, we focus on understanding what’s beneath your stress and self-criticism, building confidence, and helping you feel more grounded and authentic in your life. My goal is to create a space where you can explore who you are without judgment.

My role as a therapist is to support you in exploring your personal story and observing your inner experiences. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space using warmth, humor and gentle awareness for you to feel accepted and understood. I use narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness techniques to collaborate with you. This approach allows you to reauthor your story with compassion and insight, drawing from your strengths and values to cultivate resilience.

I'm a licensed therapist who works with children, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges (including ADHD, oppositional defiant behaviors, and self-harm), school-related difficulties, self-esteem concerns, stress, substance use, relationship issues, trauma/PTSD, and major life transitions. I help clients strengthen their ability to cope with mental health symptoms and life stressors so they can reconnect with their strengths, move toward healing, and become the best version of themselves. I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs, recognizing that no two healing journeys look the same. My practice is shaped by my background as a former teacher and current school psychologist, where I merged my love for education with my passion for mental health. This experience allows me to bring a trauma-informed, person-centered lens to my work. I am trained in Brainspotting, a powerful modality that helps process trauma and supports emotional regulation. I am deeply passionate about helping others find hope that moves beyond an abstract idea and becomes something tangible and actionable. I believe lasting change is possible when individuals have access to a safe space, compassionate support, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.

There are many things that can lead a person to seek therapy. You may be experiencing a persistent feeling of fear but just can't put your finger on where it’s coming from. Perhaps you've been feeling anxious about being judged harshly by others or have been struggling with feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or loss of control. Bearing the weight of these experiences can often feel exhausting. But, you do not have to be alone in these struggles. Taking the first step to seek help can feel vulnerable and even scary. I believe that when the right conditions are present healing of the heart, mind, body, and soul can – and will – occur. Reach out today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you feeling overwhelmed as your family navigates the chaos of crisis stabilization, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient care? I specialize in supporting individuals and families who are coming from—or preparing to transition to—higher levels of care. Whether your loved one is returning home from a treatment center or you're facing the possibility of a higher level of support, I help families rebuild trust, restore communication, and make sense of what’s happened. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, my approach is trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and grounded in compassion. I offer a safe space for individuals to heal, understand their story, and decide how they want to move forward. I help caregivers make space for their own pain while staying steady and supportive in the face of family struggles. This work is hard—and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m not here to sugarcoat the process—but I do believe in healing, resilience, and the power of showing up differently. If your family is navigating a major transition or still feeling the aftershocks of trauma, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s work together to create a path forward.

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.