Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Welcome to Thrive! We are a group practice serving San Diego and the greater CA area as we are now offering online only sessions due to Covid19. We love working with college students and young adults and everyone in our office specializes in this age group. We tend to work with diverse clients in terms of their experiences and needs but always approach our work from a fun, collaborative, and client centered perspective. We focus on building relationships with our clients as our most important goal and then working towards the goals that client chooses. Plus, since there are 6 of us at Thrive, I believe that most students can find a therapist at Thrive who will be a good fit for them!

I am a passionate and caring therapist who uses a lens of self-compassion to help you address and resolve issues or challenges that are negatively impacting quality of life. By changing the negative inner voice to a kinder, more compassionate voice we'll work together toward a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

My passion for working in this field stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of mental well-being. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and I am honored to support individuals in achieving this. Witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate mental health challenges is profoundly inspiring. It fuels my commitment to provide compassionate support and evidence-based interventions that empower them to overcome obstacles and thrive. By fostering empathy, awareness, and de-stigmatization, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I do this by practicing active listening, which involves giving my full attention to what the client is saying—both verbally and non-verbally. I reflect back what I hear to ensure I understand their perspective and emotions accurately. I also ask clarifying questions when necessary and validate their experiences, showing that I respect their feelings and struggles. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I help clients feel safe to share more openly. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where they feel accepted and understood, which fosters trust and the ability to make progress in therapy. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This begins with being genuinely present and engaged in our sessions, listening actively, and responding with empathy. I also ensure that I maintain clear communication about the therapy process, respecting the client’s pace and autonomy. By being consistent, reliable, and transparent about goals and boundaries, clients are more likely to feel secure and confident in the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I validate their experiences and emotions, which helps to foster mutual respect and understanding. Over time, this collaborative and supportive dynamic allows us to work together toward meaningful change.

With over 15 years of combined experience providing mental health services, our practice provides knowledge and experience specific to working with college-aged folks. There are a lot of challenges and transitions that come with the passage of teen to adult. Recent studies suggest over 40% of college students experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Our therapists provide guidance and tools to help you find a healing path toward wholeness and happiness. In addition, we provide expertise in the domains of identity and gender, sexual health and relationships, substance use, and trauma. We look forward to hearing from you and connecting you with the therapist who can best fit your needs.

Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy while maintaining a whole system perspective. This approach helps the client better understand their internal experiences both as influenced by their own history and beliefs as well as the environment in which they live. I have found that my approach works best with adults living with the experience of anxiety, stress and depression. We often work to cope with the stress of daily life, relationship difficulties or working toward a goal of creating a better life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. We will work together to explore the direction in which our time together will take. We will take the time to discover what we would like to accomplish and begin to explore the path toward these goals. In our first session together we will take the time to get to know one another. We will work to better understand the needs and goals being brought into our space together. We will also begin to explore some of the options to move forward in our journey toward these goals. I have always aspired to be a calming and helpful presence to those with whom I spend time. I feel nourished by the experience of aiding others on their path toward their goals and am looking forward to working with you in the near future.

I enjoy assisting people to heal quickly, empower them learn to live life to their fullest, change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive and learn these skills by role playing, practicing and becoming successful. I want people to be successful in communication, being assertive and improving relationships at the workplace, and in personal relationships with friends, partners and family. I use empathy, clarify their thoughts and feelings and ask them what they want to improve in therapy, what they see as being successful and learning new skills and establishing new habits that they want to achieve. I encourage people to be honest about their feelings to themselves and to others. I listen to my clients and try to empathize with whatever hurts them and causes them emotional pain.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My name is Jovelyn, but I go by Jovi. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a diverse background working with families, children, teens, and adults. I’m passionate about supporting clients on their journey toward personal growth, inner peace, and life satisfaction. My approach is direct, caring, genuine, and often infused with humor. I understand therapy can feel intimidating, but if you’re open and ready to do the work, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Nobody teaches you how to fight fair, ask for what you need, or love someone without losing yourself. Estes Therapy does. Founded by licensed marriage and family therapist Jennine Estes Powell, our practice helps young adults build healthier patterns before the hard stuff becomes the default. Whether you are navigating your first serious relationship, processing attachment wounds from home, or just trying to understand why you keep ending up in the same situations, we have therapists who get it and know how to help.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Healing and growth often begin with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual therapist fluent in both Vietnamese and English, I bring over 14 years of experience supporting individuals across multiple stages of life, with a special focus on older adults and young adults navigating life transitions, relationships, identity, grief, and emotional healing. Clients often appreciate that I’m not simply someone who nods and listens. I’m an active collaborator in the therapy process. Together, we explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck so you can gain deeper insight, heal at the root, and move toward the version of yourself you want to become. Some of the most meaningful feedback I’ve received from clients includes: “I’ve never thought of it that way before,” “I could hear your voice echoing in my head and I knew what I needed to do,” and “You’ve opened my mind to things I never realized before.” Those moments of realization, when clients uncover the root of a pattern, reconnect with themselves, or discover purpose within painful experiences, are some of the most fulfilling parts of the work I do. My greatest joy is witnessing a person’s transformation toward deeper self-love, stronger self-trust, and greater discernment in how they move through relationships, choices, and life itself. I believe healing is not about becoming someone entirely new, but about returning to yourself with more clarity, compassion, and intention. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a proud plant mom, an actively involved auntie to my adorable niece and nephew, and currently obsessed with perfecting homemade matcha lattes. Small rituals like these remind me how healing often lives in the everyday moments.

Are you and your partner disconnected? Have tons of resentment? Feeling like roommates? Having the same conflict over and over again? Constantly met with defensiveness? Feeling like you are always misunderstood? Scared to bring things up because they'll "get upset" or shut down? Don't know where to start? If you are facing any of these challenges, you are not alone. Some conflicts in relationships never fully go away, but they don't have to keep hurting you. We can unpack whats really happening beneath the surface so the conflict stops feeling destructive and we can get the change you've been hoping for. I provide telehealth therapy for couples who want real and structured change, not just a therapist who is a mediator or referee. I use the Gottman Method, which is a research-based intervention with 50 years of research on how couples communicate and connect. I will bring those tools to every session to help you repair your relationship. Healing and change are possible, even when it feels difficult and uncertain. My approach is warm, structured, direct, and collaborative. I’ll help you understand why patterns keep showing up and give you tools you can actually use outside of session. Therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and start making changes that last.

Do you often feel unheard, unseen, or unimportant within your relationships? Maybe you identify as hyper-independent or a people-pleaser, finding it hard to prioritize your own needs and often overthinking interactions. These patterns can feel isolating and deeply anxiety-provoking, and they often have roots in complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or growing up in environments where emotional needs were minimized or unmet. Perhaps you already “logically” connected these dots, yet you still feel stuck. That’s because complex trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just the logical brain. I specialize in trauma-processing therapy, including EMDR, to help you safely process traumatic experiences and release the emotional burdens that come with them. I also integrate Narrative Therapy to help you reconnect with a sense of identity that reflects your true values, voice, and strengths. Therapy with me feels collaborative, safe, meaningful, and relieving. As a fourth-generation Japanese American therapist, I understand how cultural expectations around family, responsibility, and respect can make healing feel complicated. I help clients explore ways to preserve their emotional well-being, while still honoring the relationships and values that matter most to them. If you’re ready to break old patterns, feel more confident in yourself, and strengthen your relationships, I hear you and I see you. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

I have made it my life's mission to learn what it means to live well, passionately and intentionally, so I may live the best life I am capable of living. Part of that mission is to support others through a similar journey, showing them that they are worth loving by attending to their holistic needs--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I deeply believe I can only lead people in their growth process as far as I’ve been willing to go myself. The “success” I feel as a psychologist is directly connected to my capacity to live my life with the love, intention, and courage I’m trying to model. Though I have the clinical background to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues, I have a special interest in working with personal growth and existential issues, relational issues, self-acceptance, mens issues, and college-age/young adult issues.

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

I am a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC) with a strong academic foundation and over 13 years of professional experience. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, I bring a deep understanding of human behaviors and emotions to my practice. My therapeutic approach is characterized by my commitment to working from a relational lens, fostering genuine connections to facilitate healing and growth. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I have honed my expertise in helping individuals such as yourself, navigate life's challenges and complexities. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational therapy, which focuses on the therapeutic relationship itself as a catalyst for change. By creating a safe and empathetic environment, I enable my clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within the context of their relationships, both past and present. With a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and unique stories of my clients, I tailor therapeutic interventions to address each individual's specific needs and goals. My warm and collaborative demeanor cultivates a therapeutic partnership that promotes self-discovery and personal transformation.

We provide therapy for children, teens, and adults in San Diego, CA. We specialize in Anxiety and ADHD and treat a wide range of issues including stress management, depression, grief/loss, LGBTQ+ and relational issues. Please view our website and providers' pages for more information.

Sean O’Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a Board Certified Licensed Psychologist living in San Diego, California, with over 30 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O’Hara has 2 convenient office locations in San Diego County, Rancho Bernardo, California and La Jolla, California. Dr. O’Hara also frequently travels throughout the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O’Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and rock concert tours. Dr. O'Hara accepts many insurances through Headway.co https://care.headway.co/providers/sean-o-hara-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=135088

⯌Premarital & couples therapy ⯌Attachment based dating & parenting ⯌Codependency & emotional maturity ⯌Personal work for therapists ⯌Grief & loss, life stage transitions ⯌Trauma & EMDR therapy ⯌Anorexia, bulimia, & binge eating ⯌Adult children of alcoholics/addicts ⯌Internet & video game addiction ⯌Sexual addiction & sex worker regret Welcome! Our focus is on how difficult issues like mental illness and relationship conflict are influenced by your family of origin and early attachment experiences with your parents. Sessions with us are focused on learning the lessons that you should have gotten from your family. Combined therapy sessions with Bernard & Priscilla available now! This is an innovative method where the treating clinicians are themselves a married couple. This approach includes the perspectives from multiple professionals to address your goals in a highly specialized setting, and can reduce clients’ perceptions of bias from the therapist. We are providing services through telehealth video, and in person in Mission Valley, San Diego. For inquiries, please use email for initial contact and include a brief description of your primary concern and goals. We can then arrange a free video consultation to determine if we are a good fit and discuss next steps!

Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with young adults looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. I help individuals by first identifying the negative patterns that are holding you back and then establishing a plan to move things forward. I emphasize a strengths-based approach in my practice. I have specialized training and experience treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance/alcohol abuse, and trauma. My office is conveniently located in La Jolla and is walking distance to UCSD. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have and to explore if I am the right fit for you or your family. Telehealth services provided through Doxy.me; super bills provided for insurance reimbursement. I look forward to speaking with you.