Therapists for college students near 94305

Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”

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Navigating life’s transitions can often feel lonely, overwhelming, and even hopeless. Whether you’re mourning the loss of an important relationship, shifting into a new job or role, adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, or simply trying to stay afloat amidst a sea of relentless responsibilities and challenges, you may become paralyzed by your thoughts and worries and begin to lose the sense of joy and contentment you used to feel. As a recent undergraduate and graduate student myself, I completely understand how this feels. I chose to specialize in young adult life transitions so that I can offer guidance and support to students going through issues such as relational conflict, anxiety, depression, body image, and identity development. Together, we will navigate towards self confidence and personal growth by focusing on finding balance, coping with difficult thoughts and emotions, and striving towards a life that aligns with your personal values and prioritizes what truly matters to you. I use an eclectic approach to customize therapy in order to help you uncover your innate capacity for growth and fulfillment. I offer fully remote services and convenient scheduling to accommodate what works best for you. Choosing the path towards growth requires tremendous strength and resilience, so take the first step today.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I completed my doctoral training specializing in psychiatry at Columbia University School of Nursing in 2019. I have experience providing psychiatric care to a diverse set of patient populations across a variety of settings. I enjoy treating patients who may be experiencing a range of life's difficulties and welcome clients with new-onset or acute conditions, as well as individuals suffering from more chronic, long-term conditions. I take an empathetic, holistic, and patient-centric approach to patient care. By combining expertise in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, I will work closely with you to set realistic goals and create individualized treatment plans that will aid in achieving your fullest potential.

My goal is to provide high-quality, client-centered care grounded in a humanistic approach. I view each individual holistically, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Through a warm, empathetic presence, I support clients in building insight, resilience, and meaningful growth. I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential and move toward a more self-actualized and fulfilling life. My background has been varied in both community mental health and inpatient settings. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with neurodivergence such as ADHD or Autism, as well as mood disturbances such as depression or bipolar . I am also certified in working with grief and supporting individuals with the loss of a loved one, job, or relationship. I would love to support you in your mental health care and journey toward wellness.

Do you need help juggling a busy schedule or an active lifestyle? Are you overwhelmed with life's circumstances while trying to manage your personal, professional, and private life? Feel like you are losing control? Feel isolated and alone or so stressed and anxious that it affects your daily activities? Do you use the arts (dancing, acting, singing, music, painting, drawing, or writing) or other creative means to escape or heal? If any of these resonate with you, allow me to help you. Conquering these emotions is a task you no longer have to do alone. For over 30 years, I have been working with teens and adults on these specific issues and more. I've guided creatives and out-of-the-box thinkers like you through the intricate landscape of their emotions and challenges. Using a therapeutic approach explicitly customized for you, I assist you in unraveling communication barriers, navigating relationship complexities, and managing the overwhelming stress of your dynamic lifestyle. Together, we explore creative insights, identify and release roadblocks, and develop tailored coping mechanisms. Life's circumstances can be overwhelming, especially when you feel out of control, isolated, stressed, and stuck, affecting every aspect of your daily activities. I understand the challenges of anxiety and self-doubt and the search for calm amid chaos. If you're lost, let's explore emotions, uncover strengths, and forge a path toward clarity. My approach is holistic, eclectic, strength-focused, and tailored, with you at the center of your journey. I provide a safe space where you can freely and creatively address your life challenges and, in doing so, empower you to explore your feelings, identify your options, discuss steps, discover your inner strength, and guide you toward the clarity you seek.

Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Have you experienced trauma or difficult relationships? Have you ever used substances to numb stress or to distract? Sometimes your brain is your worst enemy. You question your worthiness and your lovability. There is pain from your past that has led you to build up walls to protect yourself from being hurt again. But here you are, done feeling stuck. You want to have deep connections. You want to feel confident and successful. I support people who have experienced self doubt, pain, and trauma begin to heal so that they can thrive in their lives. Together we break the cycle of anxiety and disconnection. There will be compassion and some laughs along the way. You will find your hope. You will find your way to creating success and improving relationships. EMDR, IFS, & CBT offered. Everyone deserves therapy. We all deserve time when we are truly seen and validated. Many of us like to think we can handle things on our own. Maybe we were told by people in our lives “suck it up" and be tougher. But life gets messy sometimes and we can't do it alone. Let's navigate this together. Give yourself this gift. As a former Associate Director for a college counseling center, students are a population that I truly enjoy working with. I look forward to connecting with you. Appointments can conveniently be scheduled directly through website, through email, or by phone. This practice is inclusive and welcoming to all genders, races, countries of origin, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and body sizes.

San Jose Behavioral Health offers Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for adults 18+ with a primary mental health diagnosis. Our PHP services are Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm, while we offer IOP services either 3 or 5 days per week, from 9am-12:30pm. While in treatment, individuals will engage in group therapy with the addition of individual sessions weekly with a therapist, psychiatrist and registered nurse. Treatment is an average of 6-8 weeks long, with individuals who begin in PHP stepping down to IOP prior to graduation. Currently we are offering services a both in person and via tele. Please take a look at our website for more information.

If you are looking for a knowledgeable, honest, and compassionate therapist who can help you change dysfunctional patterns in your life, please reach out to me. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, college students, and working professionals who struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma-related symptoms. By using an empathic, direct, and science-based approach, I have been able to help countless clients navigate difficulties related to relationships, job stress, academic anxiety, identity development, perfectionism, and social anxiety among other issues.

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I offer straightforward help with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. It starts by developing a holistic understanding of your situation and history. With that shared perspective, we'll work together to find the best way to resolve your current challenges. Our work together may involve finding a kinder way of relating to yourself and more effective ways of connecting with others and getting their support. If it requires developing new skills, I offer help through mindfulness, breathing practices, biofeedback, relaxation, and thought management. I'm confident that by learning to think and act differently, and addressing obstacles to change, you will gain more control over your life and start feeling better.

Very often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients struggle with relationships, feeling comfortable with others, anxiety and depression. College is a formative time but can very often feel that you are alone trying to figure everything out: what do I want to do? How do I separate what I want from what my parents, friends, professors or peers want? Do I feel ready to be an "adult?" Therapy can help you figure out who you are and where you want to go. Most importantly, meeting with a therapist can help you make sense of it all.

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As a QTPOC clinician, my passion is working with folks who experience multilayered marginalized identities to help us all learn, grow, and evolve.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed — by anxiety, school, grief, trauma, or just trying to hold it together — I want you to know you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone trying to support a loved one, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. I’m a social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. My path has taken me through schools, nonprofit organizations, and community-based programs, where I’ve worked with people facing a wide range of challenges. Most recently, I’ve been providing therapy and social-emotional support to high school students with IEPs—helping them work through anxiety, school refusal, complex trauma, and the everyday pressures of growing up. I have also worked with their parents to plan and implement optimal care. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Northridge in 2017. During that time, I had the opportunity to develop an animal-assisted therapy program at a juvenile detention center, which really deepened my belief in creative, holistic approaches to healing. My background also includes working closely with survivors of domestic violence and supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. My approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and client-centered. I’ll meet you exactly where you are. I believe healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and I strive to create that kind of space in our work together. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, emotional support, or simply someone who gets it, I’m here to help you move toward healing and lasting growth. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see if I am the right fit for what you need.

When was the last time you had a moment to take a step back and think about if you're living the life you actually want to live? That third (or fifth, or seventh) cup of coffee may help you keep your head above water, but it can't give you the space or energy to figure out where to start, let alone where to go. Therapy is a space to figure out what’s not working, and give you the tools you need to build the life you want. More than that, therapy can be the space to figure out how you can be the person that you really want to be. You deserve therapy that is tailored exactly to you, because your goals and your dreams are unique. I specialize in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders, and especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. We'll work together to help you process and overcome the pain and obstacles that keep you from being the person that you want to be, so that you can fully participate in and enjoy your own life. Brandon Sanderson wrote "the most important step a person can take is always the next one." You've already taken the first one by looking at therapists to contact! If you think I'll be a good fit for you, send me an email to set up a free consultation. You don't have to take the next steps alone.

Finding solace and stillness in the fast-paced post-covid world has been difficult for many of us. Finding time to reflect on where you are in your life and where you want to be can be difficult to find time for. I am here to listen and help you find intentional space. My areas of practice focus on adults experiencing grief, loss, relationship issues, identity issues, academic stress, or intimate partner violence. I am equipped to help unpack how you experience the weight of social injustice, systemic racism or intergenerational trauma. My practice includes a lens of relational psychotherapy and research-informed interventions for people who have Depression, Anxiety, or PTSD. I have postgraduate training in Brainspotting, Eye Movement Densistization (EMDR) and Safe & Sound Protocol which are designed to help people process stressful Life experiences in a different way than just talk therapy. Throughout each session, I incorporate best practices from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy as a means to support you in maximizing your fullest potential. I am committed to your healing process, whatever that may look like and I believe that stepping into your authenticity will foster sustainable growth.

My primary focus is meeting every client’s need to be seen, valued, and heard. I believe first and foremost in establishing a positive relationship and from there continuing to meet needs as continued levels of respect and trust are established. It is my goal to meet someone where they are at, and therefore different techniques will be helpful for different people. There are times where direct, actionable steps are appropriate, and there are times when what you really need is to sit and process your feelings. I can help navigate these things with you and give you the tools to go forward confidently.

Hi there! I'm glad you're here. Starting therapy takes a lot of vulnerability, and finding the right fit is vital. With over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, I have supported clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of mental health needs. With experience working in a college counseling center, I am particularly passionate about supporting college and graduate students. I have often worked with students around issues such as identity, life transitions/adjustment, academic stress, international student issues, trauma/PTSD, family/relationship issues, and anxiety. I also specialize in perinatal mental health and military/veterans. I use an eclectic approach, integrating a variety of therapeutic styles to customize the approach to best fit your individual needs. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as pulling from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I use an attachment-based approach to manage and understand relationship challenges. I tend to use a more open-ended, processing-based style to help build insight, while also suggesting worksheets or concrete exercises from time to time when they might be helpful. I take a warm, gentle, and non-judgmental approach to create a sense of safety and build trust as we get to know each other, and to encourage your autonomy and help you feel empowered in therapy. I greatly value a client-centered and collaborative approach and want you to be in the driver's seat, and will often ask for feedback about our goals together and what approaches and techniques may or may not resonate with you.