Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.

I love working with college students. The transition to college can be a lot to manage. There are so many new experiences, pressures, and decisions, which can become overwhelming. I was in college the first time I met with a therapist. As exciting as life was, it was also one of the most difficult times. Reaching out for help had an enormously positive impact on my life; significant enough that it led me to pursue a career as a therapist. I consider my style to be patient, flexible, and caring. I am ready to meet you where you are at, no matter how big or small your challenges or goals may be. I am here to support you.

We are trained and practice a variety of models that support you in being your own therapist. We want what we do in the room to translate well into your life. If you are investing in yourself to feel better, then we want you to feel good for the long term. We take you through a process that allows you to understand and decide what changes you want in your mood, relationship, or pesty habit. Then we support you in supporting yourself towards change. We practice TEAM CBT, DBT, EMDR, and ACT. We are well versed in working with various lifestyles, beliefs, and complexions.

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Hola, Hello! My name is Norma Magaña, I am a bilingual, first-generation licensed therapist who works with first-generation college students and adults struggling with anxiety and self-esteem. I offer services in English and Spanish via telehealth. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who can understand them and help them find relief from negative thoughts patterns. Sessions with me are collaborative, where you identify goals you want to focus on and with my guidance, I help you work towards these goals. Together, we identify patterns and take control of your thoughts. And we always go at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be. As an experienced anxiety and self-esteem therapist, I believe that working together on increasing positive mindsets and building confidence are essential tools in your journey. You don’t have to continue feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with your thought patterns, and you don’t have to do it alone. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Hey, I’m Kayla If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or like your brain just won't turn off — you're not alone. Whether you're navigating adulting, college pressure, trauma, identity stuff, or mental health struggles that won’t go away, I’m here to help you figure it out — step by step. I work with young adults (18–24) who are dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, or just a general feeling of “what now?” Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you can explore your story, build practical tools, and feel more in control of your life — without judgment. My Therapy Style My approach is real, supportive, and skills-based. I’ll meet you where you are — no pressure to “fix” anything overnight. You’ll find that I’m curious, empathetic, and genuine — I believe in showing up as a human, not a cold clinical voice. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42376"></script>

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I currently have limited availability; please reach out to inquire of openings (as of 06/17/2026). Growing up Asian American in San Francisco, I had the privilege of feeling like “the majority” rather than feeling like “the minority.” When my mental health took a turn in my teen years, I was fortunate to have an Asian school-based therapist who reminded me of a “cool Asian aunt.” I remember feeling at ease seeing someone who looked like me in a space I thought was only meant for white people or people who were “that crazy.” This therapist showed me that therapy could be warm, kind, and even involve the humor I needed to say the hard stuff. She showed me that people like us could receive support and care through a listening ear. (I thought the only kind of care Asian elders gave was via cut fruit.) Years later, I hope to share this same safe experience as the person now sitting in the therapist’s chair. Whether you are living out your parents’ dreams or just trying to make it through the week, I can help you explore whether your path aligns with your values and supports your growth. I promise I won’t sass you the way my former Asian auntie-like therapist might, but I’ll make sure we keep it light where it needs to be, and hold space where it’s dark. We will discover who you are and what you need, with the utmost care (and a dash of humor, because therapy is hard enough as it is).

We’re a team of licensed therapists who actually get what student life is like. Whether it’s anxiety, family stuff, roommate issues, breakups, burnout, feeling lost, or just needing someone to talk to, we’ve got you. We keep it real, non-judgmental, and actually helpful. No stiff, boring therapy vibes. Just practical support that fits your crazy schedule. In-person or online (telehealth) sessions available. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Ready to feel better? Come chat with us on Thrive or reach out for a free consultation.

Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Adut. I am a psychologist who specializes in fixing sleep problems and improving anxiety. Whether you have a hard time falling asleep, can never manage to go to bed before 3 AM, or have an active mind that keeps you up at night, I'd like to help. First, we'll work together to discover why your sleep first got disrupted, what has kept it disrupted, and what patterns need to be broken to change things for the better. Drawing from up-to-date scientific research, we’ll use gold-standard therapeutic treatments to break you out of the insomnia cycle and set your sleep free.

Danielle Cooper, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center of Behavioral Therapy and Consultation for OCD and Anxiety. Dr. Cooper has unique expertise in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders, having trained and worked alongside internationally recognized leaders in the field as a former Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with college students struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. Drawing upon her clinical expertise, research knowledge, and experience, Dr. Cooper provides the most potent and effective treatments available for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. She also specializes in brief evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for insomnia and nightmares. Dr. Cooper currently offers telehealth appointments to patients in PA, NJ, and CA. Prior to founding CBTCOA, Dr. Cooper was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the world-renowned Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) in the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Cooper also established and was the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD. While at CTSA, she was involved in clinical work, administration, supervision, teaching, research and consultation. Dr. Cooper received her B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University and M.A. in Psychology from Boston University working at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD). She then worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Boston VA. Dr. Cooper obtained her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio University. She completed her clinical internship at the Ann Arbor VA and her post-doctoral fellowship at CTSA. Dr. Cooper has worked in various clinical settings, such as in an academic medical center, a university counseling center, a community mental health center, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, multiple VA medical centers, and private practice. She has received extensive training from leading experts in the field on the assessment and treatment of OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders. She is a certified clinician, consultant, and supervisor in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP) for OCD.

Navigating college life can be a lot! Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, juggling academics and social life, dealing with anxiety or depression, or facing the unique challenges of being a student mom or pregnant/postpartum, it's okay to ask for support. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore these challenges and develop coping strategies. My approach is tailored to your individual needs, drawing from person-centered therapy to ensure you feel heard and understood, interpersonal therapy to help you navigate relationship dynamics, and cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thought patterns. I'm here to support you in building resilience, improving your well-being, and achieving your goals during this important chapter of your life.

I am a licensed psychologist and certified Hendricks Big Leap Coach. One of my specialties is working with both young adults and adults, providing care for individuals struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I work with people who are struggling with career, academic, and sports related issue, and who want to gain clarity on next steps and or enhance their performance and well-being. I have extensive experience with somatic (whole body), client centered, and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) techniques, and have been a licensed psychologist since 2009. My treatment approach is rooted in both evidence-based practices as well as whole-body education and coaching. My academic path has included attending community college before transferring to UC Santa Barbara, where I obtained a B.A. in Biological Sciences. I then earned a M.A. is Transpersonal Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University). Additionally, I earned a Big Leap Coaching Certificate and completed the Leadership and Training program at the Hendricks Institute. I completed by pre-doctoral internship at Santa Clara University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Center providing counseling services to college students. After completing my post-doctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente, I worked at a large hospital setting for 5 years where I became EMDR certified which has become a crucial part of his practice and my clients’ success and progress. In addition, I became certified in body-mind coaching, and this also has become an important part of my practice and facilitating personal and professional growth for his clients. My main goals for my patients include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving overall well-being, and promoting personal growth and resilience. I believe that if my clients are committed to solving their primary issue, concern or potential, then they can overcome any obstacle. I have an unique view and experience with client-centered and somatic psychology that results in long-lasting behavioral changes, improved self-esteem, and enhanced well-being. I have excelled in my practice because I am passionate about helping (with their permission of course) my clients achieve their goals by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I enjoy spending time with my children and wife. I’m also an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoy watching baseball games, and traveling and exploring different cultures. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients and want to assist in empowering them to reach their full potential.

Do you ever feel as though life is even tougher than it should be, or that solutions always seem just out of reach? You're not alone, even though it can feel that way when stress builds up and you're not sure where to turn. Students today face a wide range of challenges on campus, such as demanding classes, financial pressures, and navigating new relationships with professors and peers, not to mention figuring out how you relate to your family, community, or even yourself as you enter adulthood. The uncertainty and decisions can be overwhelming. As a licensed psychologist with almost 8 years of private practice experience in San Francisco, I can help you think through overwhelming situations and develop strategies that will work for you. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and many kinds of life transitions and stress. I believe therapy should provide a welcoming, supportive place to grow and practice relating to thoughts, feelings, and other people in healthier ways. A good therapy session should feel like a satisfying - if challenging, at times! - conversation with someone who really understands your needs and goals.

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You give a lot — to your work, your relationships, your community — and you've started to feel the cost of that. Maybe you're carrying grief that hasn't had space to breathe, navigating your identity in a world that doesn't always make room for you, or stuck in patterns you understand but can't seem to move. My clients are thoughtful, deeply feeling, and are ready for therapy that goes beneath the surface. Together, we work toward something more than coping. We work towards change, compassion, and confidence.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I love to help students succeed academically while keeping life balance. Do you have habits that block you from achieving your potential? As a PhD, I can attest to the challenges students face and I've learned highly effective strategies for addressing adademic stessors. We can all break unhelpful, unconscious patterns and replace them with new models for happiness and success. Working with me, you will learn to recognize your feelings as valuable information and organize your mind so that you can empower your life. I have served clients for over 10 years as a professional coach and therapist. My experience backed by a Doctorate in Depth Psychotherapy, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and certifications as a Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP).