Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

I joined Thriving Campus because college students are faced with a variety of challenges, including adjusting to being in college and becoming self-sufficient as a young adult, and these challenges have an impact on the mental health of college students. I find it is very important to work with college students to meet them where they are currently and help them build on their strengths in order to navigate college life and its challenges.

I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. Early in my career I had many mentors who encouraged me to become a therapist, they believed in me. In some moment, I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I use the phrase, validate the other person’s reality that may be different from your own. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated. My first response is over time. I think trust is built with consistency. I tend to follow a consistent pattern in session, I try to have a beginning, middle and end to every session. The beginning can be more of a welcoming and social experience. The middle can be sharing and revealing the deeper part of a person and what they are going through. This can feel emotional and intense at times. The end, is closure. I will help a client have some closure at the end of every session. I talk to the client about next steps, how will you spend the time after the session, and confirm when we will meet next.

Hello, and Welcome! If you are navigating the unique pressures of student life, you know that this pivotal chapter comes with an incredible amount of stress. It is a time of massive growth, but it can also feel deeply overwhelming. Many of the students who find their way to my practice share very similar struggles, and you are not alone in navigating them. You might find that we are a great fit to work together if you are experiencing any of the following: Anxiety and Overthinking: Your mind rarely takes a break. The constant pressure to excel, maintain your GPA, or secure the next big opportunity has left you feeling completely burnt out, anxious, or like you are never doing "enough." Depression and Low Energy: You are feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or weighed down by the sheer volume of responsibilities, making it hard to show up for your classes or yourself. Navigating ADHD in School: You struggle with focus, procrastination, or time management, and the unstructured nature of college life is making it incredibly difficult to stay on top of everything. Peer Relationships and Social Pressure: Managing roommates, family expectations, friendships, or dating while trying to maintain your own identity and boundaries feels increasingly complicated. Career Counseling and "What's Next?": You are feeling lost or stressed about your future career path, major choices, or transitioning into the professional world after graduation. How We Will Work Together Therapy with me isn't about rigid clinical checklists or more assigned "homework." It is a collaborative, down-to-earth space where you can let your guard down and just be yourself. Together, we will look at what is currently draining your energy and figure out practical, realistic ways to help you feel more grounded, focused, and in control of your life. You don't have to navigate the weight of this chapter entirely on your own.

Marc is a seasoned clinician who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his work with clients. CBT focuses on exploring relationships among a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT Marc actively works with clients to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. By addressing these patterns, the client and Marc work together to develop constructive ways of thinking that will produce healthier behaviors and beliefs. For instance, CBT can help clients replace thoughts that lead to low self-esteem ("I can't do anything right") with positive expectations ("I can do this most of the time, based on my prior experiences"). The core principles of CBT are identifying negative or false beliefs and testing or restructuring them. Oftentimes clients being treated with CBT will have homework in between sessions where they practice replacing negative thoughts with more realistic thoughts based on prior experiences or record their negative thoughts in a journal. Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a considerable amount of scientific data supporting its use.

Elizabeth is a licensed psychologist who aims to provide a caring, person-centered approach while delivering effective and high quality evidence-based psychotherapy. As a therapist, she is guided and motivated by her desire to help people pursue health and meaning throughout the course of their lives. She celebrates diversity and welcomes feedback so that she can better adapt her treatment approach to your individual needs.

I’m inspired on a daily basis when I witness the transformative power therapy. I have a deep desire to help, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s important for me to establish a safe and trusting environment where you feel heard, understood, respected, so we can foster a sense of collaboration to facilitate healing and positive change. I do this by meeting you where you currently are in your life and utilizing evidence-based approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, plus Mindfulness, to process through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, life transitions, self-improvement, and career related stress. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important things in therapy. I build trust and strength in the relationship through empathy and listening. I make a great effort to get an understanding of your personal story and how it may be currently impacting you, while being supportive and validating.

I'm Olivia Hanley, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I completed my MSW at USC and have spent the last four years doing this work because I believe people deserve real, substantive support — not a one-size-fits-all approach. I specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and the identity shift that comes with motherhood), anxiety and trauma in teens and adults, and play-based therapy for children and adolescents. I work with clients across California via telehealth and am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health. I tend to attract clients who are high-functioning but quietly struggling — moms who look like they have it together, teens who internalize everything, and adults who've been "fine" for a long time and are finally ready not to be. I'm direct, curious, and warm. I will challenge you — gently — when it's useful.

You may be feeling pressure with the challenges of college and what the future holds, difficulty adjusting to new adult roles, and responsibilities. You might feel frustrated with the social norms of dating, friends, and family. I help young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood by gaining self-awareness and figuring out their calling and purpose in life. I specialize in working with young adults who struggle with anxiety, grief, sport performance anxiety, healthy relationships, dating issues, and self esteem. My approach to therapy is to create a space where young adults can be open to discuss and identify new values and beliefs and be confident going into adulthood. Through young adult therapy, I help emerging adults have self-compassion to go through those trial and errors with acceptance and forgiveness. Therapy is a good opportunity to explore who you want to be, set goals for the future, and create strong meaningful relationships. If you want to be more confident with living on your own and creating your new future, contact me today to schedule your first appointment.

My ideal client struggles with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and negative self-talk, often rooted in past experiences. These internal blocks keep them from reaching their potential in personal, professional, or creative areas. They deeply desire to feel empowered, build confidence, and take meaningful action toward their goals. They seek support to overcome limiting beliefs, develop resilience, and create a life they feel proud of—one where they trust themselves and feel in control.

Hi! I am a licensed therapist practicing in person in Santa Cruz, Ca as well as virtually throughout the state of California. I primarily work with neurodivergent individuals (ages 13+), individuals looking to process trauma, and individuals/families looking to learn new coping skills. Take a peek at my website and reach out with any questions!

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) based in California, I am passionate about supporting young adults and first-generation individuals as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, and depression. My background includes clinical practice and consulting for schools and community-based organizations, helping them build effective service delivery models. I deeply value the healing journey and believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients are empowered to find clarity, resilience, and a sense of centeredness in their lives.

We are proud to be BIPOC therapists serving our diverse community. Our practice is dedicated to creating a safe, understanding, and culturally responsive space for all clients. Whether you’re seeking support for stress, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, we are here to walk alongside you on your journey. Services available in English & Spanish | In-person & Telehealth. If you are currently going through a difficult situation, experiencing a life transition, or need support in reducing symptoms interfering with your day-to-day life. We are here to support you, listen unconditionally, and offer you skills that may help you cope with your current situation more effectively. Creating a safe place for our clients is important for us because we believe that in doing so our clients can become their authentic selves and reveal their deepest fears or secrets while being met with compassion and acceptance. Our clinicians are trauma informed and use evidence-based interventions to support our clients in improving their symptoms. You have taken a big step in searching for help and we understand this was not easy. We encourage you to give us a call to see if we are a match and discuss ways that we can support you. We offer a free 15-minute consultation. We can work collaboratively to help you reach attainable goals.

Living life as a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe you’ve been feeling depressed for a while and haven’t been able to find a way out of it. Maybe anxiety has been holding you back from really showing up in your life the way you want to for too long. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in life, have lost your sense of purpose, or can’t seem to find your path. Whatever it is that brings you here, we’re happy you found us. We are located in Riverside, CA for in person sessions and offer telehealth session throughout California and Colorado. We are passionate about helping you create a life worth living. We work with people on a diverse range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, lack of fulfillment, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, career challenges, work/life balance, grief, personal growth and LGBTQ issues. We know how hard being a human can be. Whatever challenge you are facing, we’re here to help you navigate it authentically with presence, integrity, and intention.

My name is Dr. Noah Lau Branson and I am a biracial licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy and counseling services in Pasadena, California. My practice is largely online and thus I provide services to people throughout California. I specialize in working with people and couples with mixed backgrounds (bi and multi-cultural/ethnic/racial) and other types of complex identity formation (religion/spirituality, LGBTQ+, SES). In addition, I have specialties in developmental and relational trauma, helping professionals (therapists, teachers, medical practitioners, pastors), and men’s issues. As a therapist, I believe reducing your symptoms is just the first step. I want to help you discover the roots of your pain, make meaning of your story, create healthy relationships with yourself and others, and take steps to live well.

Are you often feeling worried and anxious? Are you finding it hard to manage all of the responsibilities in life? Perhaps, you're feeling stuck or stagnant in life, and seeking purpose and direction. You’re not alone—and you deserve to feel peace, gratitude, and fulfillment in your relationships, your work, and your personal life. Change is possible. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger to navigating life transitions, identity formation, parenting and/or grief, I am here to walk with you and empower you to live in freedom. My goal is to help you reconnect—with yourself and with others. I lead with empathy, curiosity and compassion and take the time to understand who you are and the experiences that have shaped you in this world. I team with you to identify goals that fit your needs and equip you to live an empowered life that feels most authentically you. I have a heart for people and helping people live fuller, more connected lives is my passion. Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, feel truly heard, and take steps toward the life you’ve been longing for. Let’s take the first step together. Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.

Being able to help others learn how to thrive, not just survive, in their lives and find fulfilment are just a few of the reasons I love my job! Change can feel like hard work and I‘m honored to be able to help make change more accessible to those wanting to grow into their potential. I strive to provide a safe place to empower and encourage members in finding and growing into your best you. My techniques are highly strength-based and I use collaboration with members to reach their goals. You are the expert of you and I am here to help you build awareness and skills that fit for you and your needs. I specialize in an eclectic mode of therapy which means I like to create a session that is unique to you, your needs, and your goals. I use evidence-based skills and practices from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Humanistic or Person-Centered Therapy. I am a believer in the holistic treatment of the mind-body-spirit connection and a strong advocate for self-care and awareness. I work with individual adults with many experiences and life circumstances such as medical or chronic health and pain issues, burnout (work or personal), ethical non-monogamous relationships, and much more.

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.

Are you feeling stuck, struggling to identify or make progress toward goals, or constantly fighting with critical self-talk? Are difficulties with executive functioning, motivation, or attention keeping you from reaching your potential and showing up in the way you want to with others? Are anxious thoughts or feelings getting in the way of the life you want for yourself? I help clients identify what matters most to them and support them along their path toward making intentional and meaningful changes. My therapy approach aims to help you better understand yourself, build skills for success, and develop greater confidence and self-compassion. I use an evidence-based, strengths focused approach to support clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, relationships, boundary setting, body image concerns, OCD, depression, and life transitions. I also provide psychoeducational and psychological testing for ADHD, Learning Disorders, executive functioning challenges, and emotional concerns. Reaching out for support can be a big step and I look forward to helping make the process as easy and personalized as possible.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.