Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

My practice is dedicated to working with people who are seeking emotional emancipation. They desire to claim or reclaim their lives after traumatic experiences or relational struggles that have left them feeling down, anxious, lonely, confused or scared and often don't really know how to begin to be different in the midst of all of these feelings. Working with me means exploring together the experiences that make you who you are by looking both at what your life is like today and how your past is informing that life. From this vantage, you can learn to make choices for yourself, freeing the yourself to engage in a life of your own making. I offer a free consultation and my fee is $300.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience treating adolescents and adults. My approach to psychotherapy is warm, empathic, and compassionate. I treat each individual professionally and with respect. I appreciate the uniqueness of each patient and emphasize listening closely and thoughtfully, as we all possess the ability to tell our story regarding our strengths and our challenges, even when we sometimes do not realize it. I strive to create a safe environment where you can feel open to express and explore your feelings and experiences, without judgment or emphasis on what is “right” or “wrong.” I believe that therapy is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and to express our feelings freely, in an effort to learn new methods of dealing with problems, being in relationships, and pursuing our dreams. My private practice is largely informed by modern psychoanalytic theory. I provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. I integrate themes of social justice throughout my practice, and am particularly thoughtful about the role that various cultural identifications, and their intersection, play in mental health and treatment. I also provide education, consultation, and training to professionals and students. A central aspect of my clinical thinking focuses on the role of power, privilege, and cultural dominance. Knowledge, concepts, and meaning are not developed on a solely individual basis, but rather are created through coordination and communication with others. Language is fundamentally important – it is the most essential way in which we construct reality. Our psychological experiences, including emotions, thoughts, somatic/bodily sensations, are subsequently developed within this context. I view problems in living, therefore, as relational, contextual, interpretive, and situated within the dominant discourse, expression, response, and cultural norms.

I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that clients want to change, are the experts in their own desires and goals, and have the resources and inner strengths to overcome their mental health issues. My goal is to assist clients to move towards a future that they want by successfully addressing any issues that they might be facing or having difficulty resolving. 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.

My ideal client feels overwhelmed by the "trial and error" of mental health treatment and seeks a grounded, scientific approach to relief. They may be struggling with persistent anxiety, mood instability, or burnout, feeling like their current strategies aren't enough. They need a provider who respects their autonomy and looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Their goal is to regain mental clarity and emotional resilience through a plan that balances clinical safety with their personal values for long-term health. I specialize in evidence-based medication management integrated with holistic values. By combining the latest clinical findings with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress resilience, I help you achieve optimal outcomes. I offer precise, data-driven care designed to minimize side effects while maximizing your quality of life and mental well-being. You deserve to feel supported by a provider who truly listens and views you as a partner in your own healing. Taking the first step can be daunting, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I invite you to reach out so we can discuss how a collaborative, science-backed approach can help you reclaim your balance and thrive.

I help individuals in recognizing patterns they may not be aware of so that they are able to have better insight and control over their emotions and behaviors. I provide a curious and compassionate presence in your journey of self-exploration and self-understanding. I believe each one of us is capable of making changes in our lives to overcome the obstacles and barriers that prevent us from being our most authentic selves. I use a client-centered approach which begins with unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding. I believe this is important to build rapport and create a foundation of trust. I use a variety of theories and interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Relational therapy, and Strengths-Based therapy to support individuals in achieving their goals. If you are ready to do the work, you’ll be surprised at how therapy can help you figure out the next steps and grow in ways that you didn’t think were possible. I look forward to the opportunity to help you in your journey of self-exploration and internal growth. 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.

I help my clients to develop new strategies that allow them to cope, heal, and pursue what is important to them. I would describe my therapeutic approach as collaborative, supportive, genuine, and goal-oriented. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. I believe it is important to learn about the relationships among our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With this knowledge we can identify and practice a combination of acceptance and change skills to move forward in a desired direction. I am trained in the delivery of multiple evidence-based therapies, and I use my training to help my clients achieve their goals. Knowledge, science, and ongoing self-reflection guide my therapeutic approach and therapy sessions are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, struggling in relationships, or questioning who you are and where you're going, you’re not alone. College can bring a lot of pressure—academically, socially, and internally. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're going through, and feel more like yourself again. Together, we’ll work to understand patterns that may be holding you back, build tools to manage stress and anxiety, and support you in developing a stronger sense of identity, confidence, and direction. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more able to navigate your life with clarity and self-trust.

I went into psychology to address what I believe is a growing imbalance of work/life stress and personal guilt in modern day society. I want to help clients struggling with this both individually and as couples or families. Experiences from past careers has given me an appreciation for diverse learning methods and cultural attitudes, as well as how to be flexible and creative in my coaching with clients of all ages. Managing the ups and downs of any chronic condition is the unacknowledged full-time job of millions of people, and yet there is little credit given for it. I am here to be supportive, inventive, encouraging, and sympathetic to clients struggling with the ongoing stress of managing their lives, and help them lead an enjoyable life no matter what they may be handling. I believe that when people connect, lives get better. I have always been an advocate for others’ growth, and enjoy helping people gain insight into themselves and their world. As a marriage and family therapist, I help individuals address elements of their lives and themselves that are interfering with their relationships. As an individual therapist, I focus on unlocking and identifying core motivations and strengths in clients that are unique to them, and which often provide clients with the direction or guidance they are seeking. My psychotherapy practice is tailored to give clients exactly the kind of supportive opportunity they need to focus inward, realign with their personal needs, and heal from stress as they learn to manage it. I have a warm communication style that clients describe as encouraging, analytical, and direct. I use a Cognitive Behavioral approach, with elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy to explore deeper memories, and Solution-Focused principles to create measurable progress between sessions.

I understand that it can be nerve-racking to begin this process, and I commend you for taking your first steps in starting therapy! I'm a licensed therapist and I have been working in the field for over 20 years. I specialize in working with adults and teens, ages 15 and up. I am here to help you develop tools to cope, feel empowered and supported. Together, we can work towards improving your sleep, feeling less worried and anxious, improve self-esteem, and have healthier friendships and relationships. I utilize evidenced-based and strength-based interventions, including teaching mindfulness, that help people struggling with life adjustments, and issues such as women's health, school and work stress, anxiety, depression, and racial identity (such as helping multiracial people navigate stressors). While therapy can be challenging, we can still enjoy ourselves and even laugh in a safe and supportive space. I look forward to meeting you!

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.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

In more recent years, my practice has expanded due to high demand for treating trauma, depression and anxiety related issues. I started my career working with at risk probation youth in residential placement. It was then I knew the future was in our children’s hands. I dove deeper into the world of community mental health with the goal of helping our youth and their families overcome life burdens that led to dysfunctional behaviors in the communities. I worked collaboratively with the Department of Mental Health, The Department of Child and Family Services, Los Angeles County Probation Department, and non-profit organizations for over 15 years. Throughout the years, I have trained extensively in childhood and adolescent social-emotional development and parent/child relational issues. I have also specialized in helping adolescent, adults, and families cope with generational trauma and its impact on their current functioning. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is comprehensive approach that addresses the physiological storage of memory and how it informs our experiences. EMDR is a widely researched model that has been proven to resolve an individual’s most severe and deeply rooted disturbances. My main objective is to build a strong rapport with all my clients. I believe a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of any successful treatment plan. I am committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment where you will feel confident in exploring and processing how to overcome life barriers and achieve ultimate fulfillment. I look forward to meeting you! 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.

My focus is to help individuals work through their unresolved issues that may be interfering in their present lives, reduce negative emotions, identify and build on their strengths, increase insight/awareness of themselves, and develop positive coping skills they can use to successfully manage life stressors. There are times in our lives when we can benefit from having a therapist to help guide us through various life challenges. I approach my work with individuals by developing a therapeutic alliance and work collaboratively towards their treatment goals. My therapeutic approach is eclectic depending on the needs of the individual however, I often incorporate Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which I have observed to be very effective in promoting positive change and growth. 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.

My years of specialized training and experience have equipped me with skills in various therapeutic approaches. I have a background in treating co-occurring disorders (substance abuse treatment and mental health). I customize my approach to meet the needs and presenting problems of my clients and direct their treatment to establish a therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate the bridge to health. I continuously strive to maintain an engaging spirit and good humor; I am able to engage clients from various backgrounds in their quest to learn, improve and emerge as more effective human beings. I am able to see and appreciate my clients personal power, unique gifts and assist them in seeing the light out of the darkness. 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.

Are you looking for a therapist who is sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-friendly, and kink-knowledgeable? I am a sex-positive, kink/BDSM-knowledgeable therapist who specializes in working with adults in polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships; queer, trans, and non-binary individuals. I am trained in EMDR, sex therapy, EFT couples therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness and somatic techniques to help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and other challenges. I also have a background in the arts, and love working with people in filmmaking, visual arts, and other creative fields. My therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and warm but direct. Laughter, tears, swearing, dark humor, movie references, and stories about your pets are all welcome in sessions with me!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of work experience across a variety of treatment settings including community based agencies, schools and medical facilities, with individuals and groups across the life span. Prior to becoming a licensed therapist, I worked for over a decade as a Medical Social Worker providing therapeutic interventions to patients with chronic illness who were dealing with the challenges of everyday life compounded by the weight of their illness. It was with this experience that I discovered my passion in helping clients struggling with depression and anxiety and that which propelled me into clinical practice. My therapy style is client-centered and strengths-based as well as collaborative and experimental. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Psycho-education in my approach with clients. I look forward to partnering with you to help you through the difficult transitions in your life.