Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Are you feeling anxious, fearful, or sad? Do you struggle with negative self talk? Are family dynamics painful right now? I can help. I am well versed in the problems that college students from a variety of backgrounds face. I have over a decade of experience helping clients to better manage difficult feelings, improve relationships, and feel good about themselves. I use a variety of tools such as mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and other interventions that will help you express and process core emotions on a deeper level. I look forward to helping you feel better, gain insight, and work toward having a meaningful life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, life-transitions, parenting or relationship concerns, adjustment difficulties, body image issues, self-esteem building, racial & cultural identity, academic/work challenges, trauma, family of origin issues, and stress management. I am passionate about providing services to a diverse community, specifically those who may feel marginalized or struggle to access services. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, utilizing a caring and collaborative approach to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Taking the first step to seek therapy can be scary and challenging, yet exciting and hopeful too.

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

Whether you need support through a big life change, you’re ready to address recent and/or past trauma, or would like to understand yourself and your relationships better, I bring an engaged, empathic, non-judgmental attitude to our time together. My approach is collaborative, attachment focused, and trauma informed; I will seek and welcome your feedback throughout our time working together to make sure you agree with and understand how we're working on your concerns.

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.

Life can feel like it’s constantly throwing curveballs, and sometimes it can be hard to deal with all that’s going on. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by school, friendships, or just life in general, you're not alone. Together, we'll talk through what's been bothering you and get to the root of it. I teach you tools to help you reframe negative thoughts, manage stress, and cope with emotions in a healthy way, while also feeling validated in your emotions. It's about finding strategies that actually work for YOU so you can start feeling better, more in control, and ready to take on life with confidence. I’m passionate about working with college students to give them a positive therapy experience and equip them with coping tools for life. With experience in education and the community, my goal is to help clients learn skills that’ll support them now and in the future, so they’re ready for life’s challenges and know when to ask for help. I know life can feel overwhelming, and it's tough to handle everything on your own. You don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to provide a safe space where you can be heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll work through the stress and build the confidence you need. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s take that first step together.

If you are anxious, stressed or feeling stuck, I can help. I have extensive training and experience with enhancing athletic performance, drug-free ADHD help, and brainwave biofeedback "neurofeedback" training. I love seeing clients excel in athletics and academics. Treatment is personalized for you, with high tech options to calm your body and mind. Let's work on increasing your overall well-being. Feel free text 657-215-0004 today.

Hello, I am Kathleen Mates-Youngman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, International Speaker and Author of Best Selling COUPLES THERAPY WORKBOOK. I have worked for Student Psychological Services at Chapman University, as well as students from other local universities, and find it very important and rewarding to help with the many social & emotional challenges during the college years,

I support high-achieving professionals and students in Orange County and virtually across California in managing anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and burnout. Together, we’ll tackle setting boundaries, achieving work-life balance, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and navigating the pressure of high expectations. The goal isn't to give up optimizing your routine or lower your ambitions, but rather to find a sustainable, cohesive way to meet your demands without being run into the ground. My approach blends warmth, humor, and a nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen. Therapy works best when it’s based in genuine connection. A place where you don’t have to pretend to “have it all together.” I make no claims to perfection, and I won't hold you that claim either. Whether it’s workaholism, overwhelm, or simply finding balance, support is just one click away. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today.

My name is Sandra Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA. I work with young adults/teens and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitional changes, relationship issues, peer-related issues, stress, and family issues. I am trained in various evidence-based models of treatment and utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to optimize the needs of the clients that I serve. I have a collaborative approach to goal setting with clients. I work with the client to see what they would like to get out of therapy and what changes they want to make. I typically work well with young adults and teens who are willing to explore and make changes in their life. My communication style is very calm, empathetic, open minded, direct, personable, and I enjoy using humor as appropriate. I want my clients to feel comfortable and like they can be themselves when we work together. Please reach out if you have specific schedule questions.

I work with people in transition or who are preparing for change. Artists, actors and writers. Those in bereavement. Or who are living with a catastrophic health-related diagnosis, recent or of long duration. Caregivers. Mental health interns who need to explore their own issues in order to practice mindfully. Folks who are using substances more than they want. People who want to decrease their distress but who also have a curiosity about its sources. People who want to talk with someone about the most important thing in the world, perhaps to discover what that is. My specialty is the intuitive analysis of what is most important to you. My experience has shown me that we carry within us the answers we're looking for. My skill is in eliciting these answers and reflecting them back to you so you recognize them. I've been trained in Depth psychology, Narrative psychology and Cognitive Behavior therapy, in dream analysis and evidence-based practices like Seeking Safety. In addition to private practice I've directed multiple community mental health and recovery programs, as well as provided training and clinical supervision to new therapists.

Julie has been in practice for over 25 years, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—The most effective and well studied modality of psychotherapy. Dr. Osborn worked at UCI Neuropsychiatric Center in Orange, CA for over 10 years. She volunteers for Families Forward in Irvine offering counseling to families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Mycbtpodcast was started in 3/2020 and has listeners from all over the world. It is a free resource to learn CBT tools. Dr. Osborn is a Certified TEAM Therapist: LEVEL 2 and has been featured on many reputable publications such as the OC Metro and the OC Register as well as been invited as a guest therapist on the Dr. Phil Show. In 2006 Dr. Osborn was included in Empires “Who’s Who Honors Edition 2005-2006 for Outstanding Professionals in their field”.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of diverse experience in mental health, including work at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and UC San Diego. My career spans roles in clinical practice, research, and education, giving me a broad perspective on mental health challenges and treatment approaches. I have worked extensively with veterans, trauma survivors, and individuals navigating intimate partner violence (IPV) or relationship-related concerns, as well as adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. I provide trauma-informed, evidence-based, and integrative therapy that blends modern psychotherapies with mindfulness and Zen Buddhist principles. This approach helps students build resilience, self-compassion, and clarity. Therapy is tailored to each individual, offering practical tools for managing stress, navigating relationships, and balancing academic and personal demands. I offer secure telehealth sessions across California, making it easy for students to access support alongside their studies. My goal is to create a safe, understanding space where students can explore challenges, develop coping strategies, and strengthen a sense of purpose and well-being during this formative stage of life.

It would be an honor to be with you on your journey, whether it is to deepen self understanding and acceptance, explore relationships or manage anxiety and depression. It is your journey and your space so we will work together to find the best path and the most useful tools for you. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience working with a diverse and amazing variety of people. I spent many years working with teens and young adults in supportive housing, emergency shelters, schools and in private practice. The backbone of my training and the way I work is Psychodynamic Therapy. I believe finding the root of any issue is important for one to be able to grow and thrive. I also use many tools that incorporate mindfulness and body awareness. I have also completed an extensive training on providing trauma informed care and strive to make my practice safe and supportive for all. I am committed, as a provider, as a woman, and as a citizen of the world to creating a safe, inclusive space for all who I work, live, and play with.

Have you or a loved one struggled with drug or alcohol dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel

Hi, I am Anna McDonald. I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in assisting individuals and couples to work through life's conflicts. I do so through a multi-faceted approach, focusing first on the unique strengths of my clients and then collaborating with them to be empowered and move through these challenges. Therapy with me is more than just, “How does that make you feel?” and nodding my head. Instead, I am an individual working to empower my clients with research-based knowledge to improve their life conditions.

I work with non-linear thinkers who are searching for a therapist with intuitive wisdom who cherishes the divergent path. I specializes in connecting with ADHDers who have always felt different even if others couldn't tell. My clients are notoriously curious and adept improvisors, who are playfully creative, but they still feel perpetually out-of-sync with the world around them. They charm others with their insight and levity, and save the biting criticisms for themselves. So they end up feeling like anxious imposters, waiting to be exposed. Acquiescing to others has helped you get by without too many catastrophes, but deep down you can't keep convincing yourself that you're okay with just getting by. There's a deeper itch that's beckoning you into an alternative way of being. Yes, still different, but personal, integrated, aligned with your soul. I approach therapy as the life-changing work that it is, and while there's a serious commitment to exploring one's psyche, it doesn't mean you or I are required to take ourselves too seriously. Excavating one's own lived experience and the difficulty of navigating a world not built for you is not for the faint of heart, yet we continue to be curious, adapt, and play. I am intentional in creating and holding space for clients to find and share a more authentic version of themselves. Clients are well-met when they bring curiosity about their distinct approach to life, courage to speak what has been left unsaid, and compassion to nurture a deeper truth about themselves.

Calling all people pleasers, perfectionists + overanalyzers. Does this sound familiar? You keep saying yes when you should say no. You are always pushing yourself to your limits + putting everyone else first. You hold yourself to impossible standards. You are anxious + tired. It doesn't have to be like this. We can work together to regain your sense of peace, find clarity and insight, heal from past hurts and move towards a life of deeper connection and authenticity with yourself + others. Imagine if your needs and wants mattered and actually got put first for once. Imagine what it would be like to say no and not feel guilty. Imagine feeling an internal sense of calm. All of this is possible. If you are looking to heal, grow + experience lasting change, I can help. Therapy with me is relatable, collaborative + non-judgmental. There will always be space here for you to be fully seen + heard. If you are ready to dive in and start making some changes, let's do it! A beautiful life awaits you. I’m 100% telehealth and available to work with anyone in the state of CA. My specialities are people pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, and self-esteem. If it sounds like we'd be a good fit, please visit my website (www.HoldingPlaceTherapy.com) to schedule your free, no obligation 15 minute phone consult today!