Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! I’m Nadine! My mission is to help you course-correct to a life you feel comfortable with. We are going to research what lights you up, what feels wrong or miserable, and why this is going on for you right now. Then we will create small steps you can take towards feeling better. This hopelessness won’t last forever. And you will feel confident and competent again. You are in the middle, and the middle is always shitty and confusing, and disorienting. Together we can find where you are getting stuck. We can work on ways to help you get grounded and remember who you are. I will help you stretch and strengthen your ability to feel and navigate the big emotions that arise while narrating your story of trauma.

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).

Many of the students I work best with seem like they’re keeping up on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out. You might be juggling academic pressure, relationships, or big life decisions while feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many have tried to push through or talk things out, but still feel caught in the same patterns. If you’re looking to better understand yourself and feel more balanced, supported, and grounded, we may be a good fit.

I once heard someone doing a lecture say, “we know what we believe when we hear what we say.” This would definitely inform the kind of therapy you would experience with me. I view the client as the one who has the answers, and we’re working together to solve a mystery. One of my roles is to help my client tell the story, point out clues being overlooked, gently challenge entrenched beliefs, provide unconditional positive regard, and help the client make sense of their difficulties and their world. Our work together would be collaborative. I’m not a “sit, nod, and take notes” therapist. I’m interactive, and socratic, and relational. I view thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a lens of curiosity; wondering what beliefs are behind them; helping to root out dynamics that help those things persist. Often we are stuck in a distorted comfort in familiar pain and we simply cannot see it without someone reflecting that in the room. I am an integrative (drawing from multiple therapeutic orientations) humanist-existential therapist; an enthusiastic cheerleader. I will bring humor and validation into the session. I’m passionate about brain chemistry. I am social-justice oriented. I am also trauma-informed. While I work in many different focuses of psychotherapy, I find that the most pervasive themes in my work with clients include: adjustment to life changes, problems with alcohol and substance use (and the way that co-occurring mental health issues interact with it), LGBTQIA+ topics, issues of neurodiversity, anxiety and depression, personality disorders, identity & esteem development, and healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes. I am experienced, both professionally and personally, working with a variety of relationship configurations and am highly comfortable talking about issues of sex positivity and non-standard definitions of families and relationships such as polyamory and non-monogamy. I am a licensed therapist, an addiction professional, a bit of a technology geek, and a fellow traveler in recovery. In addition to those things, I am Compliance Officer at an all women’s addiction treatment center where I’ve worked in various capacities ranging from counselor to director since 2010. I have also been an adjunct professor in the Master’s program at Pacific Oaks College, an adjunct professor for Glendale College’s Drug Studies program, and I served on the board of the California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE). I am a member of CAMFT at both the state level and in the San Gabriel Valley chapter.

**ACCEPTING NEW CIGNA OR CASH CLIENTS** My focus is to provide support for infant massage, children, individuals, couples, parent/child dyadic relations, family systems, or other non-traditional relationships (best friends, co-workers, "trouples", etc.) to find healing and identify each individual's inner strengths and connections. I achieve this by providing a safe "neutral" space, listening to your concerns, identifying rooted issues, and processing to foster growth. I provide various strategies for processing trauma, in addition to traditional talk therapy, such as sand tray, dyadic art, therapeutic play, etc. As a LGBTQ affirming therapist, I am open minded to all walks of life and relationship choices. I am not here to judge your choices. We focus on relational systems and assist each member in creating mindfulness in their choices. We will work on identifying generational patterns that contribute to behaviors and patterns. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey, for as long as you will allow me. No Hablo Espanol.

Combining the imagination of a poet with the skills of a psychologist, Dr. Owen (she/her) is an engaged and active listener. She sees the goal of therapy as helping students reduce current distress, resolve symptoms, and enhance their sense of passion and purpose. Dr. Owen uses insight-oriented and existential perspectives to deepen conversations, including informed consideration of family, societal, racial, gender/sexual orientation, and cultural dynamics that may be impacting you. This approach helps provide a through-line of inquiry across sessions. To help people start feeling better in the short-term, Dr. Owen uses the skill-sets of cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and somatic work to address things impacting your ability to function in school and to work toward feeling better day to Dr. Owen is a secular therapist who also specializes in working with exvangelicals—people who have grown up in or left fundamentalist religious churches or spiritual groups—as well as anyone who is on a path of deconstruction, i.e., deeply examining their religious/spiritual beliefs or faith. Dr. Owen has been in academia herself, having worked at a community college, a state university, and a small, highly selective liberal arts college, so she understands things unique to academia you may be struggling with. Common issues include navigating political issues with graduate students, undergrad challenges such as choosing a major and dating, worries about career, and working through cultural and identity issues. For students residing in Hawai’i, Dr. Owen is able to accept HMSA insurance.

Hey, I'm Shavonne! I'm a Licensed Clinical Therapist and I’m passionate about helping teens and young adults feel more secure in themselves and in their relationships. I help my clients acknowledge and feel confident in their desires and boundaries to gain a secure sense of self and build more mutually balanced, fulfilling relationships. I provide individualized therapy that focuses on helping you discover more about your internal experiences - your stories, narratives, motivations, strengths, and desires. Together, we will work to find your intuitive voice, build your internal sense of self-worth, push through the discomfort and resistance of change, and develop practices that alter the dynamics of your relationships, including the one you have with yourself. My role is to create a safe space for you to uncover your true desires in life and build the skills you need to work towards them. Therapy is an opportunity for us to create, discover, explore, and practice. I will hold the space for the full range of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions that encompass your humanness, and I ask that you show up as an active collaborator and participant in the change you want to see.

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

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and my work is focused Eating Disorder Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Prenatal and Postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have extensive experience in both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment providing eating disorder therapy, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring disorders. I have a unique treatment approach to Binge Eating Disorder Therapy as a recovered person and therapist. I deeply understand the struggles of eating disorder recovery and the complexities of treatment.

Hello, my name is Corinne Boulger and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working at Monroe therapy. I love working individuals who are going through major life transitions and walking alongside them as they navigate the unknown. I am excited about supporting my clients to live a life in alignment with their authentic self. Sometimes life stressors like depression, anxiety, or difficult relationships can make the path ahead seem daunting. In our work together you don't have to face these things alone.

I am a mental health therapist who has been practicing since 2010. I provide my clients with skills and tools to assist them in meeting their goals. I have a person-centered approach which means we focus on where you are at and work towards where you want to be. I have extensive training in treating trauma and I am certified to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I work in providing relief from trauma symptoms caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am a Level 2 Trained Gottman therapist which emphasizes building stronger relationships and giving skills to deal with issues successfully as they arise. I have experience working with couples, families, and individuals. My goal is to help my clients on their path towards healing. If you are ready to make a positive change then I am here to help.

As a certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I offer a supportive and collaborative approach to mental health care, combining medication management with practical therapeutic guidance to help you reach your goals.

Hi there! I’m Lisa Chung (she/her), a psychodynamic therapist, nature enthusiast, verbose writer, and sweet treat indulger. I believe feeling deeply understood can have a profound effect on our health, well-being, and ability to be in relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. My hope for my patients is that we can co-create something that allows you to discover the parts of yourself yet unknown—the strength, talents, resilience, as well as the fears, doubts and grief that make up the entirety of who you are. In doing so, I can help you to come into loving acceptance of the more ingrained aspects of your personality and work on modifying thought patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving you. I recognize that making the decision to come to therapy is a courageous step, and not always easy. I consider it an honor that you would trust me with walking along side you on your recovery path.

Overwhelmed with the stress and demands of trying to be successful? Spending too much time feeling anxious about close relationships and exams? Discussing the things that are getting you down, holding you back, with a therapist is often very helpful. I am a supportive listener who will guide you toward therapy goals without judgement or criticism. I support neurodivergent thinking, harnessing ADHD strengths, and encourage creative development.

Life transitions can be overwhelming, especially during the college years when so much is changing at once. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, chronic health concerns, or trauma from the past, you don’t have to face it alone. I help students build confidence, balance, and emotional resilience through compassionate and evidence-based therapy. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, heal from what’s holding you back, and move forward with a stronger sense of peace and purpose.

If you've found this page, life has likely taken an unexpected turn. You’re realizing that the way you've gone through life is not working for you anymore, and you don’t know why. Maybe it’s hard to describe how you feel, but you know that you need to make some changes. I help individuals and couples unpack and release unhelpful beliefs or burdens that keep them stuck. People come to me seeking someone who is highly trained, kind, and honest—someone who's done their own work and can help compassionately guide them through theirs. I switched careers to become a psychologist because therapy has been so transformative for me. You CAN create peace, authenticity, and a life that you are proud of. My expertise is in addiction issues, relationship challenges, childhood trauma, depression, and burnout. I also provide Christian counseling for clients who want that form of help. In our sessions, you can expect to feel safe, understood, and free to show up as your true self. If any of this resonates with you, I am so glad that you're here. Taking this step towards seeking help is a courageous and kind choice and it is my passion to help you on this journey. Schedule a free consultation today.

I am a psychotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings. I received my psychotherapy training at the San Francisco State University and graduated in 2012. After working at a private counseling center for 6 years, I opened my private practice in 2018 as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ adults and Asian adults. My areas of interests include gay/lesbian and gender issues, sexuality. I have history of interest in issues of race and culture and their intersection with psychoanalysis.

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.”