Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

I worked in the field as a mental health RN for 13 years before continuing my education to become a PMHNP. I believe that mental health plays a significant role in a person’s overall well-being including physical health, emotional health, and ability to navigate life’s often challenging hurdles that many silently face. I aspire to continue offering hope and support to anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being using the most up-to-date traditional and holistic practices tailored to meet my client’s needs. My core philosophy is based on a humanistic approach, which focuses on finding each person’s unique potential and ability to overcome their difficulties through positive personal growth. I use this patient-centered approach to help my clients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. I also encourage my clients to participate in therapy and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication management as this has proven to be the most effective method to long-term stability. I work closely with each client to ensure they can access any helpful resources that may benefit their treatment. I use a patient-centered care approach to help my patients meet their individual goals by empowering them to focus on their strengths rather than shortcomings. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, CBT-I, holistic approaches to psychiatry, trauma-informed care, eating disorders, first responders, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

As an immigrant who identifies as Chinese/Chinese American, I understand the challenges and nuances of growing up bicultural and have helped individuals/families navigate these issues. I am committed to understanding each client’s unique experiences with various identities (e.g., culture, race, ethnicity, gender), as well as the intersectionality of these identities, family values, and belief systems. As a result, I view my clients as whole people, rather than just focusing on diagnoses and symptoms. I approach each client with curiosity and am committed to helping you connect with yourself and others, nourish your growth, and flourish in all areas of your life. My approach is warm, collaborative, direct, open, and honest. I have worked with the following: ASD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, academic stress, emotion regulation issues, life transitions, identity development, gender/racial/sexual identity, family conflict, and LGBTQ+ issues. I utilize an integrative approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based treatments when warranted.

Hi! I’m Dr. Ruth Rayikanti, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and the Founder of A Blank Canvas. My greatest passion is helping people find clarity, confidence, and deep inner peace so they can live life with intent, purpose and presence. I was raised in San Francisco and went to UC Davis for my undergraduate studies. After earning my medical degree at Ross University, I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a year of specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente. But beyond credentials, what truly defines my approach is that I take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored uniquely to you as a whole person. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with high-achieving individuals including students who are navigating life transitions, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Whether you’re managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking to connect with who you truly are, together we will explore solutions that create real, meaningful change in your life. Outside of my private practice, I founded A Blank Canvas, a wellness platform dedicated to mindfulness, inner peace, and peak performance. This space is designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves in a deeper way and realign with their purpose. I believe within each of us lies a blank canvas – a place of infinite potential waiting to be expressed. If you’re seeking a psychiatrist who sees you beyond your symptoms and will partner with you to create lasting transformation, I invite you to reach out. I look forward to connecting with you. Be well!

I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem. I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that it is important to understand individuals within a social context as we cannot separate our strengths and challenges from our environment, culture, and social location. My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Trauma focused therapy for adults, teens, and relationships. LGBTQ+, polyamory, and kink affirmative and knowledgeable care. Harm reduction for substance use and high risk behaviors. Strategies for young and emerging professionals who are mostly soaring, but feeling stuck. EMDR and Ketamine Assisted Therapy also offered. Schedule a complimentary consultation via our website.

Starting college can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Many students I work with struggle with the transition to greater independence, academic pressures, and the challenge of building new friendships and relationships. It’s common to feel anxious, down, or unsure of how to balance it all. In our sessions, I create a supportive space where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Together, we’ll work on understanding and managing stress, easing anxiety and depression, and navigating the ups and downs of college life. Whether it’s handling the workload, dealing with homesickness, or managing new romantic and social experiences, my goal is to help you feel grounded, confident, and better equipped for this chapter in your life.

Becoming the parent of a child with autism was a catalyst that fundamentally reshaped my world. Initially, I attempted to navigate the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child in isolation, drowning in a sea of anxiety, grief, and anger. It wasn’t until I sought therapy and connected with a community of parents on the same emotional rollercoaster that the fog lifted. Therapy — and the support of others who understood — changed everything. That experience led me to this work. From the moment you log on for your telehealth appointment, the space belongs entirely to you. It is a place where you can cry, laugh, and share your highs and lows without fear of judgment. You don’t need to have a plan or know exactly where to start; just being here is the beginning of discovery. You will be seen, you will be heard, and we will take this first step together. I believe therapy works best when we walk the path together. My approach is built on your strengths and tailored to your unique needs. You will always be met with acceptance, empathy, and respect—never judgment. Rather than giving you answers, I am here to help you uncover your own truth and take the lead in your healing. I want you to leave our time together feeling deeply seen, supported, and ready to move forward with confidence. I’ve recently discovered a quiet peace in making soap and candles. There is something beautiful about the way we must melt down solid wax to reshape it, or how we must wait patiently for soap to cure before it is ready. It reminds me so much of therapy. We need time to soften, space to be molded, and patience to let our new insights settle. It has taught me that healing is a craft—one that simply cannot be rushed.

For me, becoming a therapist was really about wanting to support people through difficult and sometimes lonely parts of their lives. I’ve always been drawn to deep conversations and understanding what makes people feel seen, heard, and safe. Over time, I realized that being present for someone-without judgement-can be incredibly powerful. I wanted to offer that space where people can explore their story, grow, and feel more connected to themselves. It’s a privilege to be part of that process. My priority is to create a space where you can be fully yourself-without pressure, judgment, or expectation. I’ll be listening closely not just to your words, but also to what’s underneath-your emotions, your experiences, your patterns. I’ll check in with you often to make sure I’m understanding you the way you want to be understood, not just how I interpret things. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you, and if there’s ever a moment you don’t feel heard or something doesn’t feel right, I want to know. This is your space, and your voice matters here. In the beginning, it’s really about getting to know you-what’s going on in your life, what’s important to you, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I won’t push you to share anything before you’re ready. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Building trust takes time, so I focus on showing up consistently, being real with you, and making sure you feel safe to be yourself. I’ll check in with you often about how things are going-what’s helpful, what’s not, what you want more or less of. This a therapeutic partnership, and I want it to feel like we’re working together-not me telling you what to do, but us exploring things side by side.

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

For first-generation college graduates, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from internal self-doubt. It’s inherited. It’s cultural. It’s systemic. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1 You worked hard to “make it”—but deep down, part of you still feels like you arrived somewhere your nervous system was never taught to fully belong.When you’re the first in your family to move through colleges, graduate programs, and other institutional spaces that were unfamiliar to those who raised you, the pressure rarely stays confined to earning the degree. THERAPY CAN HELP: Together, we’ll quiet the doubt So you can feel at home in your own success. Through relational-cultural therapy and nervous system-based care (such as Brainspotting), we will work together to shift you from a place of persistent self-doubt to deep, grounded self-trust. Using a culturally responsive lens, I help first-gens move from harsh self-criticism to authentic self-compassion—providing a space where you never have to explain or defend your lived experience. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1

Hi, I’m Madison Steele, LMFT, specializing in eating disorders and related challenges. Since 2019, I’ve worked with individuals across various settings, supporting them at different life stages. I recognize that disordered eating often intertwines with broader emotional issues, and my approach is client-centered and judgment-free. I collaborate with registered dietitians to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the diverse experiences that shape our relationships with food and self. I’m here to meet you where you are and support your journey to holistic well-being.

You may understand your patterns—people-pleasing, self-criticism, or struggles with food—but still feel stuck. I help you work through the deeper patterns driving these experiences so you can feel less shame and build a stronger sense of self-worth.

I help people learn how to take care of themselves. ​​ ​ In our sessions, you will develop the skills to navigate family dynamics, understand your needs, communicate boundaries, and build self-trust and self-esteem. ​ So, whether you identify as a conflict avoider, people pleaser, overachiever, perfectionist, or anxious attacher, I can help you figure out who you are, what you want, and who you want to be.

Hi my name is Nekea (nuh-key-yah). As a woman of color, I understand how the different parts of “who we are”, our experiences, identities, and relationships, shape the way we see and move through the world. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real, where you can show up fully without judgment. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultural perspectives. My work is especially centered on supporting women, people of color, adolescents, and public figures as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re healing from grief, processing trauma, or learning to set boundaries and care for yourself in new ways, my goal is to help you reconnect with your voice and your sense of self. Therapy, to me, is both a place of reflection and empowerment, a space to better understand your story and to write new chapters with clarity and confidence.

Providing culturally sensitive, inclusive and trauma informed therapy for individuals with anxiety, depression, relational trauma, intergenerational family trauma, perfectionism/high achieving, low self esteem and relationship issues.

Have stress and anxiety affected how you show up in work/school or in relationships with family and friends? Over time, constant exposure to work or life stressors can accumulate until we can no longer ignore the signs, and we recognize that something needs to be done. I am trained in EMDR therapy from an EMDRIA approved training to treat various levels of traumatic or difficult experiences. In EMDR therapy we can look at how your past experiences have impacted your view of self and others. Often times, our bodies can hold on to stress that we are not aware of, which is why the mind-body connection will be important in our work together in you healing from trauma and stress. I can also provide Christian counseling upon request. If you’re interested in learning more the next step is to call or email to set up a free 15 to 20-minute phone consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Is that painful experience or worried thought stuck on repeat in your mind? Maybe it was a scary incident, negative comment, embarrassing moment or even a sports injury. Or maybe you feel incredibly nervous about exams or public speaking. Regardless, you're tired of it bothering you so much. And you're fed up with your fear stopping you from doing what you really want to do, including performing at your best. But you're ready to feel calm again. You're ready to perform without stumbling & questioning your self-worth again. And most of all, you want to perform with ease, reclaim joy and confidently move forward. I want to help you get there. I specialize in helping adults, including other therapists, who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, performance anxiety and burnout, and want to feel safe, confident and joyful again. Clients come to me looking for a non-traditional approach to help them heal profoundly. We'll work at your pace & you don't have to discuss details of your painful experience(s) if you choose. With 15 years of experience and as a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I can help you connect to your inner healing potential. I have been a client myself so I honor the courage it takes to start looking for a therapist. I can't wait to hear from you. Call/text/email today to schedule a free 15 min consult! (please don't include sensitive info in a text).

Hi, I’m Olajumoke Adeyemi, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C). I offer integrated mental health care, combining talk therapy, medication management, and compassionate support. I work with women, adults, and young adults facing emotional pain, life transitions, trauma, and identity challenges. My goal is to help you feel supported and empowered to rediscover your voice and capacity to thrive. I address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. I also offer Christian counseling. I have a relational, integrative, and trauma-informed approach, meeting you where you are and collaborating on your goals. My therapy style is warm and down-to-earth, blending modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. I also provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a comprehensive approach to your care. In our sessions, you can expect an honest, gentle, and safe space to unpack what's weighing on you. We'll explore root causes, develop coping tools, and gain clarity for a more connected and authentic life. I am passionate about human connection and healing, and my own experiences shape my approach. I advocate for accessible, culturally affirming mental health care. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk the path alone. If this resonates, please reach out. I’d be honored to support you.

Looking for a fresh approach to therapy? Student life is beyond stressful, and sometimes words are not enough. My approach is collaborative and creative. We step outside traditional talk therapy by incorporating drama therapy and other creative arts to imagine new possibilities, gain practical tools, and reawaken joy. Healing Arts Counseling Center specializes in depression, anxiety, life and cultural transitions, chronic illness/disability and neurodivergence.