Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Santa Cruz Therapy Collective (SCTC) is a place for support, healing, and growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making sure you connect to a therapist who understands and can help you overcome your struggles. We’re trained in science-backed techniques that help you become more mindful, reflective, and connected as you build resilience, manage distress, and feel more fulfilled. As a therapy client at SCTC, you’ll have engaging, thought-provoking sessions that give you clarity, perspective, and self-compassion.

I was drawn to the field of therapy because I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and resilience. Over time, I witnessed how meaningful it can be for people to have a space where they feel truly heard and supported through life’s most difficult moments. I am inspired by the strength individuals show in facing their challenges, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. Seeking therapy is an important step toward growth and healing, and I am committed to providing a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. My clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues related to self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and attachment-focused work. I work with clients to not only address current symptoms but also to identify and process underlying patterns that may be contributing to ongoing distress. With experience in both treatment facility and private practice settings, I bring a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical presentations. I am dedicated to helping clients develop insight, build effective coping strategies, and foster lasting personal growth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful work in therapy. From the very beginning, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. I approach each client with genuine curiosity, empathy, and non-judgment, allowing us to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Through open communication, collaboration, and consistency, we work together to create a partnership where you feel supported in exploring difficult emotions and experiences. I am committed to honoring your unique story while helping you gain new insight and develop effective tools to support your growth. Working together will be a collaborative process where we move at a pace that feels right for you. In the beginning, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, learning about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and what feels important to you. Building trust takes time, and I truly respect that.

My name is Wendy Silva, I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering Teletherapy in the State of California. I work with individuals who may be going through difficult times and may be struggling with managing their responses. You may be noticing patterns that continue to perpetuate thoughts and emotions that can be difficult to understand. In therapy, we can work together in identifying and understanding the “origen” of our patterns and work towards embracing growth, healing, and change. I believe therapy should be a safe space to process your emotions and thoughts without feeling judge and I aim to create a safe and trusting therapeutic space to facilitate growth and healing. I utilized an eclectic approach, utilizing therapeutic approaches and interventions that tailor to my clients needs. With that being said, I mostly work from a psychodynamic therapeutic approach and my focus is to support the client with self-reflection, self-examination and explore the source of your challenges. I will support you with identifying and implementing effective coping skills to live a healthy emotional lifestyle.

Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion. I work with adults, elders, couples, adolescents, children, and immigrant/bicultural families. I collaborate with caregivers to ensure gains in therapy are translated into other contexts. Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma/dissociation, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, and career transitions.

Are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from school, work, extracurriculars, finances, and everything else? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping college women manage stress and heal from trauma with compassionate, evidence-based care. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, I bring experience from residential treatment centers, school-based programs, and nonprofit organizations. I provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Faith-Based Therapy for clients seeking a spiritual lens. I’m also trained in EMDR therapy for clients looking to process and heal from traumatic experiences.

My personal identities include: child of immigrants, millennial, cis woman, queer, & mostly able bodied. I find joy in working with: fat/larger bodied folks, the global majority/children of immigrants, & 2SLGBTQIA+. I found that navigating both my culture and what society expected of me was in a lot of ways harmful to my mental health and safety. I continue to go on my own journey of therapy, finding safe community and exploring my own biases. I often watch anime, play video games, board games, and love to bring those into session if appropriate. The topics, tools and space we create together are to support your exploration. Our clinical space will be filled with self compassion so that we can integrate your mind, body, and soul in healing relationships with your own body and others. Through my living/ed experience as a fat person of color, I welcome conversations about intersectionality and systemic oppression. I have spent the majority of my career supporting people of color navigate through different phases of life, especially in college years. We will explore safety in the body, grounding, expressing complex thoughts/feelings, family dynamics and patterns that may or may not serve you anymore. My hope is that you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, celebrate who you are, and recognize the tools you have to support your wellness. My clinical approach: fat liberation, anti-racist, intersectional lens, and sex positive.

Our mission at Faithlift and Hope, LLC is to instill a seed of hope in each of our clients while lifting them up in their emotional, mental and even spiritual life. We welcome all people of gender, race, age, sexual identity, and spiritual backgrounds. We utilize any and all resources like familial, social, and places of worship while integrating psycho-educational resources in a mental health setting to give clients efficient support that can help them uplift themselves and learn to hope again. We welcome all communities to find healing while ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

Do you struggle with motivation and focus troubles that affects more than just your ability to get your homework done? Do you feel overwhelmed by basic tasks that you can’t seem to get started? Do you ever wonder that life could be better, your mind a little quieter? Now more than ever, young adults, are feeling overwhelmed with the life presented to them, with ADHD diagnosis becoming more frequent. I believe you can find the motivation to get control of your life again. I work primarily with young adults with ADHD and we can work on your goals together. We will start with learning how your struggles manifest uniquely in your life I approach therapy from a humanistic/person centered place, with true Unconditional Positive Regard towards you as a client and human. We will collaboratively create a plan to work towards your goals together. When we are struggling, we need a place to show up in all versions of ourselves without judgement, and I strive to create that environment for you

Dr. Bruett provides warm, compassionate, collaborative care that is backed by science, and loves working with college and graduate students. She has specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, exposure and response prevention, emotion focused family therapy, and other evidence-based practices. She provides care to individual of all backgrounds and identities. She is licensed in Massachusetts and California.

I am a dedicated therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions and more. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience, I offer personalized support in a warm and nurturing virtual environment. Your well-being is my priority, and 1 am committed to providing you with the guidance and tools needed to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Together, we'll explore your unique journey, uncovering insights and developing strategies for meaningful growth and healing. Whether you're facing overwhelming emotions, navigating major life changes, or seeking clarity and direction, 1 am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, towards a more fulfilling and empowered Life.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Washington. With years of experience in outpatient and residential mental health settings, I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan. I have a strong background in treating substance use disorders, implementing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and leading innovative programs such as ketamine therapy. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based care, aiming to empower patients on their mental health journey. I am passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. My experience in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care has reinforced my belief in the power of comprehensive, patient-centered treatment. I am especially inspired by the resilience of my patients and the opportunity to provide them with support, tools, and interventions that improve their well-being. I take a holistic and individualized approach, considering each patient’s unique needs, background, and goals. I engage in shared decision-making, providing education about treatment options and working collaboratively to develop a plan that aligns with their values. I integrate medication management with supportive psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to ensure well-rounded care.

I was inspired to become a therapist because I’ve always believed in using your voice to strengthen what has been there underneath and to overcome challenges. Life can be very challenging and difficult to navigate, and you do not have to go through it alone-I am here for you. I entered this field because I am a true believer in being able to hold a safe space to talk about the difficulties that springs up in life. I always believed in being able to hear others, educate, and encourage resilience and being a therapist was a perfect way to offer these strengths. I enter each session with care, compassion and knowing that it can be very difficult to open up to another person and to be vulnerable. I want to reassure you that I am with you from the start to the end in our sessions and throughout this journey. I will actively listen, support, provide a non judgmental space and encourage advocacy and healing. I pay close attention to what is being shared, I will ask questions, clarify, and point out things “in the now” as they are happening, tuning in with your verbal and non verbal communication. I will meet you where you are with respect, attentiveness, being present and engaged. Together, we’ll create a space where your voice matters, your experiences are validated, and you can feel supported as you explore, heal, and grow. In our sessions you can trust I am fully present and no problem is too big to be talked about. I invite honest conversations knowing you are in a safe space that respects confidentiality at all times. Every journey is unique and it requires a unique approach and I am committed to using different evidence based treatment tailored to your needs. I take a holistic approach keeping in mind your culture, values, and life experiences. Our therapeutic alliance is important so I frequently check-in and encourage you to apply the skills learned to help you grow. I have seen through out my 11 years in the mental heath field the growth and healing that can come when someone is ready to take on this journey.

I am Jamula (Jamalah) Taylor; a woman, a mother, and a therapist. I became a therapist to help people who look like me to be okay with being vulnerable and to support their healing. I am a member of Growth and Change Counseling. We understand that our mental health conditions are related to the break down in our relationships and that we can’t simply make depression, anxiety, or other problems go away by simply treating the symptoms. We have to get down to the roots of the problems in order to help people effectively heal. There is no problem I am not willing and able to face with you. Call me, it starts with a conversation!

Hello, Taking the step towards therapy can be a big one, sometimes filled with anxiety or fear. I try to alleviate any concerns and provide a safe place for you to work toward your goals. I specialize in mood issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, and I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. I utilize a blend of therapy models including CBT, DBT and EMDR. Reach out today to set up a free consultation. I look forward to working with you.

My role as a therapist is to support you in exploring your personal story and observing your inner experiences. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space using warmth, humor and gentle awareness for you to feel accepted and understood. I use narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness techniques to collaborate with you. This approach allows you to reauthor your story with compassion and insight, drawing from your strengths and values to cultivate resilience.

Are you a chronic "people pleaser," feeling stuck in your relationships, or just wishing that things in your life could be different? I help adults learn to be more in control of their thoughts, feelings, and moods so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. I'll help you find new ways of understanding and coping to get you feeling better and more able to handle life's ups and downs. No matter if your stresses are recent or longstanding, together we will work on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so you are free to live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with young adults who are dealing with self-esteem issues, perfectionism, difficulty setting and holding boundaries in relationships, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have training to help those in painful relationships feel validated, learn to recognize harmful patterns, and develop skills to create healthier connections. We'll work best together if you are driven to improve your mood and relationships through hard work and humor. I absolutely love teaching others skills and gaining a different perspective about the world. If you're ready to grow, change, and laugh a lot, contact me today for a free consultation and find out how I can help you build a life that makes your heart sing.

Other than helping others create change and learn to love themselves because they deserve to, I want to help others understand themselves on a deeper level. In my professional experience, I see how much clarity and knowledge about ourselves can foster our relationships within ourselves and with others. I ensure that my client feel heard and understood by providing an affirming, open minded, and empathetic approach. I find it important to actively listen to my clients and paraphrase or summarize what they had said to make sure I heard them right. I create a non-judgmental and encouraging space that allows for my clients to open up and express themselves authentically.

I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. Supporting emotional healing and identity development is deeply meaningful to me. My goal is to help you build self-understanding, strengthen self-worth, develop healthy relationships, and feel more grounded and confident in your life.

Our clinicians are trained in numerous evidence based and best practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care.

Navigating life’s transitions can feel overwhelming—whether it’s moving to a new city, starting college, getting married, going through a divorce, changing careers, or grieving a loss. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly when these challenges arise during times of change. At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change begins with a strong, genuine relationship between therapist and client. What makes my practice unique is my commitment to helping clients discover and connect with their authentic selves. So often, conflict and distress arise when we feel out of alignment with who we truly are—or when we’re not even sure who that self is. My goal is to help you move toward a life where you feel more genuine, grounded, and whole. I strive to create a space where you feel both validated and challenged, using an integrative approach that draws from psychodynamic, narrative, and emotion-focused therapies. Together, we will explore patterns, reframe perspectives, and connect with the parts of yourself that feel most authentic. In our early sessions, you can expect us to spend time building trust, exploring what brings you to therapy, and clarifying your goals. We’ll focus on understanding your unique story and laying the foundation for the work ahead, at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy, to me, is about introducing you to yourself—sometimes for the very first time. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.