Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hi! My name is Dr. Ben Ross, & I’m a clinical psychologist (PSY32948). I practice individual and couple psychotherapy in Orange County, CA. I work with people 14+ struggling with a range of difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, phase of life issues, relationship concerns, mood instability, individuation and identity formation, and personality disturbances. I'm also interested in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, artists and creatives, musicians struggling with music performance anxiety, and young adults forging their path in life. I strive to foster a relational therapeutic environment in which my patients have an outlet to express parts of their mind that they have not yet put to words. Expression of these inner thoughts and feelings can facilitate relief from stress that can otherwise manifest in painful psychological and physiological symptoms. This process can make way for meaningful transformations to occur.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

What are you like when you're at your best? Let's get you back to that baseline together. I believe you're the expert in yourself, and sometimes, you need some help to get reconnected to the full super powered You. We can explore sleep, self care, healthy boundaries, self esteem, joyfulness and balance. What do you want to focus on? Reach out and schedule a free 20 min secured google meet consult. Send an email, text or leave a vmail and let me know what questions you have. My website is below.

My journey into the field of mental health began with a deep seated passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. Through my exposure to stories of resilience and recovery shared by individuals who had benefited from therapy and my own personal journey into healing, I became inspired to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy, where I could make a tangible impact on people’s lives by helping them to navigate complex emotional and interpersonal issues. The opportunity to facilitate positive change and foster healthy relationships is what ultimately inspires and motivates me every day and for the past decade that I have been helping individuals and couples. Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with diverse populations and have built an earnest interest to the importance of cultural sensitivities. To ensure that you feel heard and understood, I prioritize creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely. Active listening is at the core of my practice-I pay close attention to verbal and no-verbal cues, which allows me to grasp the nuances of your experiences. I strive to maintain an open dialogue to help you remain encouraged to communicate openly about your thoughts and feelings. By showing empathy and providing feedback tailored to your specific situations, I can align my therapeutic approach to fit your unique needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative, blending evidence-based practices such as DBT, Attachment-based, EFT, Trauma-informed, Schema Therapy, Somatic psychotherapy, Humanistic, Existential and Narrative. Building trust and a solid therapeutic alliance is fundamental to successful therapy. I begin by establishing rapport from the very first session, showing genuine care and concern for your well-being. Transparency is key-I clearly outline the therapy process and encourage questions, which helps demystify what therapy entails and sets mutual expectations. consistency, reliability and collaboration in our interactions further reinforce trust in the process. By maintaining confidentiality and showing respect for boundaries we can cultivate a confidential and supportive environment. I aspire to involve you in setting therapy goals and developing strategies while reinforcing your agency in our journey together. Through consistency, empathy, and active collaboration, I aim to build a lasting partnership that supports your healing journey. Lic # 132196

As an individual who has some life experiences behind her, I understand the value of mental health services, and the importance of finding the right fit. I have a strong background in the field of social work, and appreciate the process of collaboration, being present and accompanying an individual in their journey of well-being. I strive to fully engage with you, not just to hear and to listen, but to be curious and inquisitive, to ask questions and to foster open communication. At the first session, I hope to convey to you that this is a safe and supportive spot to be heard, to speak up, and as we continue to meet, trust will be established. Building trust takes time as we get to know each other and establish rapport. I hope to meet you where you are at, to understand what will make you comfortable as we learn how to communicate. I never rush or apply pressure for you to act a certain way or provide information that you may not feel comfortable sharing. I welcome your questions and to please speak up.

I specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

Experiencing genuine empathy in my own life deeply shaped the therapist I am today. I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel truly seen, heard, and understood. That experience inspires me to offer the same compassionate space to every person I work with. In our work together, you will be met with warmth, curiosity, and respect—never judgment. I believe healing begins in a safe relationship where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns at your own pace. Therapy is not about “fixing” you; it is about supporting you in reconnecting with your authentic self. Life’s transitions, grief, stress, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, yet they can also open the door to growth. Together, we will gently explore the coping strategies and protective patterns that have helped you survive, while discovering new ways to move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. My hope is to create a welcoming space where you can breathe deeply, feel supported, and step into meaningful change with confidence.

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.

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 provide telehealth/video sessions in California, Colorado, and Utah. I have a special interest in working with college students and young adults. As an LCSW I have provided counseling and psychotherapy to adults for over 35 years. I am certified in treating complex trauma and my approach includes teaching coping tools, insight development, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience helping young adults, including healing from trauma, anxiety, stress management, and chronic & acute health conditions.

If you’re seeking therapy, you might wonder what it could look like—how it feels to sit with someone who truly understands you and helps you untangle the knots in your life. I’m a therapist who loves guiding people through their challenges with warmth, compassion, and encouragement. My approach to therapy is all about collaboration, focusing on your strengths, and weaving together evidence-based practices tailored just for you. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or a big life shift, I’m here to help you find your footing and move forward in your life in a way that feels meaningful. I specialize in an integrative, strength-based style of therapy, drawing from a rich toolkit of techniques to suit your unique needs. Think of it as a custom roadmap: we start with where you are and chart a course to meet your goals. I rely heavily on evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shift limiting thought patterns; Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore the different parts of yourself; and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to release stuck trauma. Mindfulness helps keep you anchored in the present moment, while Sensorimotor (Somatic) Psychotherapy bridges the mind and body when words fall short. My philosophy is holistic—mind, body, and soul are all partners in healing. I’m client-centered and humanistic, meaning you’re the expert on being you. You bring the raw material of your life experiences and I bring tools, training, experience, and a steadfast presence to help you sculpt something new. I believe therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about tapping into your inner wisdom to foster growth. This may mean healing old wounds or stepping into your most authentic self. Therapy with me is about connection—to yourself, to others, and to a life that lights you up. How do I approach this process? With empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for your personal journey. I start by creating a safe space where you’re truly seen and heard and can explore all parts of yourself: your fears, hopes, and everything in between. There is no judgment. From this place of acceptance of what is, we’ll set some practical and attainable goals. I’m big on education, transparency, and ensuring therapy meets your needs, so you’ll always know what’s happening and why each step of the way. You can expect a balance of gentle support and practical guidance as we track your emotions, spot relational patterns, and loosen the grip of limiting beliefs. It might get uncomfortable sitting with some of the tough stuff, but I’ll be right here helping you navigate it with clarity, sensitivity, and support. I’ve worked with all kinds of people—students with ADHD, survivors of trauma, corporate professionals, creatives, and more—across ages, cultures, and identities. My passion lies in helping you not just cope, but thrive. With me, you’re not just a client—you’re a partner in a process that celebrates who you are! Let’s build something meaningful together.

Your mental health journey is more than a clinical experience – it's a unique and meaningful story. I work with college students every day as a professor in a nursing program in addition to working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. That allows me to have a unique understanding of the challenges you face. It can be tough to balance school, work, athletics, and life in general. It takes courage to access support for your mental health - I look forward to working with you. I offer therapy and medication management for individuals of all ages with concerns such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, Insomnia, and more.

Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual. In my practice, I provide online individual trauma therapy to adults residing in California. Examples of trauma I help clients heal from include childhood and/or adult abuse, death of a loved one, witness of violence, intergenerational trauma, natural disasters, combat, discrimination, and life transitions such as adjusting to college. Some of the therapy approaches include EMDR, CBT, EFT tapping. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist shows you’re on the path to healing from trauma. Therapy is not always comfortable or easy. Even if you have been in therapy before, it can feel overwhelming to start the process with someone new. Finding the right fit and connection with a therapist is important for your healing journey. To schedule a free 15-min. consultation: https://www.traumahealingtherapyca.com

Elizabeth is a licensed psychologist who aims to provide a caring, person-centered approach while delivering effective and high quality evidence-based psychotherapy. As a therapist, she is guided and motivated by her desire to help people pursue health and meaning throughout the course of their lives. She celebrates diversity and welcomes feedback so that she can better adapt her treatment approach to your individual needs.

Hi, I’m Veronica. I believe that life feels best when we prioritize taking care of ourselves. I specialize in supporting women struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or high sensitivity to embrace their whole self with compassion and acceptance by using a therapy approach that is supportive, informative, and sometimes even a little fun. My goal is to help you tune into your innermost needs and show up for yourself in ways you never have before!

I believe that healing begins with a trusting, supportive relationship. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered. I am committed to walking alongside you as we work together toward greater insight, resilience, and wellbeing. Your growth matters to me, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly—what is essential is invisible to the eye” (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). As a therapist, I work to see people with my heart and hold a hopeful space of unconditional compassion and empathy. As a trauma survivor with personal experiences in therapy, I’m aware of how vulnerable and uncertain starting with a new therapist can be. I honor the courage and openness it takes to begin any healing process. Creating safety in the therapeutic relationship is essential to me. I believe everyone has the capacity for healing already within them, and I work to empower people to connect with themselves and their unique strengths. I believe we are relational beings, and our different experiences with attachment can have profound effects on us. I value flexibility and creativity in my therapeutic style, and I draw from and integrate diverse approaches to discover what resonates with each different person. It is important to me to be intentional and considerate when holding space for culture and how different forces of marginalization affect mental health, and I work to be culturally responsive and attuned. My approach is continuously curious and trauma-informed, and one of my many passions is affirmatively supporting people around intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds. As a therapist and a human being, I try to embody a tree. This means moving slow, breathing deep, and being grounded enough to nourish connection. My favorite place on earth is the old growth forest! I also love to surf and meditate, and I appreciate breathwork and somatic/body-based techniques along my own healing path. I’ve been working in mental health for about thirteen years. I received my bachelor’s degree in English from University of California, Santa Barbara, and I finished my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California State University, Long Beach, where I also started writing poems for people on an old typewriter. I view therapy as a poetic process where someone gets to tell their story and shape its continuation to best honor their soul. We all need to be heard, seen, and believed in, and as a therapist, I work to cultivate this heartfelt connection.

The thing that inspires me most to work in mental healthcare is my desire to help people live the best lives they possibly can. I have always believed that the relationship you have with your clients is the most important foundational part of successful therapy. I foster that by providing a warm, inviting, non-judgmental space for my clients to be open and to feel heard, validated and supported. With my clients, I try to make sure they feel understood and like they know what to expect as we work through the healing process.

You may be reading this because you’ve experienced a very difficult loss or transition in your life. Maybe you have lost a loved one or a pregnancy. Perhaps you are struggling as you or a relative begin hospice care or approach the end stage of a disease. You might be grieving a beloved pet or the end of a meaningful relationship. Loss, although universal, can feel isolating and unbearable to endure. I can help you cope - you don't need to go through this alone. Through my work helping others navigate hard times, I’ve been described as a “bright light in a time of darkness.” I’m a warm and welcoming therapist with a deep understanding and capability for helping people who are struggling. Therapy with me is informed by five years spent as a hospice social worker and extensive grief and loss training. I am licensed in Illinois, New Jersey, California and Florida for online therapy. I provide therapy through a secure and convenient telehealth platform (online video conferencing). I hope you will contact me for a free 15-minute consultation on how we may work together to support you. Please note, the hours listed on this profile are in Central Time Zone.