Therapists for college students near 90089

Hello, my name is Dr. Kristine Pickwith, and I work with adults diagnosed with chronic illness or coping with grief related to a break-up or death of a loved one.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and know how much pressure comes with going to school in CA. I had mental health challenges that started in high school and continued through college. I was worried my self-worth, mood, and grades wouldn't recover, but working with a therapist helped a ton to get myself feeling like myself again. I offer an optimistic, collaborative approach to mental health. I believe you're the expert on your own life and experiences. I'm here to help you build confidence in your own intuitions and expand on what's possible from there. Like a sculptor carving out a work from stone, we start with the raw materials. In our case, it begins with unfiltered venting and time to feel. From there, we chisel away at the frustration and pain to find what these experiences are really telling you about your needs and who you are. Then, we make a plan to act with integrity. It's hard work, but it's empowering to remember the agency you have over your own life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

To be honest, “telling your story” or expressing your thoughts and feelings was not always a great experience, was it? Maybe your words (and pain) seemed to fall on deaf ears or somehow become twisted and misconstrued—sometimes used against you. You spoke, which was good, but you were not heard… and that hurts. So you silenced yourself—“maybe I should keep quiet...nobody understands”. Well, as a woman of God (who was once silenced herself), I’ve developed a very heavy conviction to be a listening ear for others who not only wish to speak, but also desire to be HEARD. That, plus understanding, is the beginning of healing and freedom. I enjoy helping individuals, couples and families through past and current challenges using faith-integrated techniques and theoretical approaches. My therapeutic style is purposed to provide you with a safe space to identify and express how your thoughts/beliefs are impacting your emotions and behavior; and thus, your life and relationships with loved ones.

Dr. Ponting is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in treating anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression in adults and children. She focuses on improving mental health during the transition to parenthood, including pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Ponting also works with families with young children ages 2-6 who have experienced a recent traumatic event. Dr. Ponting provides individualized, culturally responsive care aimed at reducing distress and enhancing the capacity to feel positive emotions. Dr. Ponting draws from several evidence-based individual and family therapies and provides services in English and Spanish.

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I believe the therapy process involves forming a relationship with someone who you can share with and trust. A third party who wont judge you, or share/gossip your most intimate secrets or life struggles with others. It's nice having friends and or family to share with, but that isn't always an option, nor is it always safe. I provide my clients with an environment free from judgement where you can let your guard down, vent, share and just be you. Therapy doesn't mean there's something wrong with you, it means you're ready to grow and better understand yourself, others and hopefully life. Isn't that what we're all striving for?

PHILOSOPHY I believe meaningful connections are at the center of the human experience. We are social beings that thrive when we feel accepted, connected, and loved. These feelings can give us the confidence to show up in the world as our authentic selves and embrace our uniqueness. When we have a deeper understanding of ourselves and engage in unconditional self-acceptance, we gain a greater capacity to have fulfilling relationships. APPROACH My clients find my style humorous and compassionate as well as engaging and down-to-earth. My approach is holistic, engaging in all aspects of your wellness, with consideration for your mind, body, spirit, and heart. Thinking of my client’s needs, I use an eclectic and integrative method, pulling from traditional, innovative, and evidence-based techniques. Some of the modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My objective is to help my clients feel better as soon as possible, so I maintain a Solutions-Focused framework, offering direct feedback, actionable steps, and strategies to cope with current stressors. I am committed to having a therapeutic lens that is culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, health at every size acceptance, and social justice oriented. My ultimate goal is to assist you in identifying your unique gifts and using them to actualize your best self in the world.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Lola Sulaimon is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 12+ years of psychiatric experience. She manages a wide range of mental health concerns. She is skilled in medication management and utilizes aspects of psychodynamics, CBT, and stabilization while building a rapport, forming individualized treatment plans, and managing care.

We are a group practice located in Albany, CA, near Berkeley, dedicated to supporting students as they navigate the challenges of academic life and personal growth. We understand that being away from home, managing academic pressures, and dealing with life’s stressors can feel overwhelming at times. Our compassionate therapists specialize in evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Narrative Therapy to help you build resilience, gain clarity, and find balance. Our goal is to create a supportive space where you feel heard and understood, empowering you to move through challenges with greater ease. We accept insurance and are committed to making therapy accessible to students. Whether you're feeling stuck, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to help.

I believe that we are shaped, known, and grow in relationships. Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences — and find greater freedom, vitality, and meaningful connections with yourself and others. With curiosity and openness, I work to create a supportive and collaborative environment. We will work together to make sense of who you are as a person, including the experiences that shape how you relate to yourself and to the world. We can address your present day concerns, and explore how early life experiences impact current circumstances.

I work best with clients who are passionate about self-discovery, social change, and navigating life’s challenges. Many of the individuals I support are exploring identity, facing societal pressures, or advocating for human rights, including LGBTQ+ issues, women’s rights, and other radical movements. College can be a time of immense growth and uncertainty, and I help students manage stress, relationships, and personal identity while balancing academic and social expectations. Whether struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, or navigating systemic injustices, I provide a supportive, affirming space to explore these challenges. My goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves and build resilience in the face of adversity.

You want to appear successful & like you have it “all together” but deep down are struggling to feel confident in who you are and are struggling with past challenging experiences. You may be fed up with making mistakes and feeling like a failure - leading to being isolated and disappointed. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to manage stress effectively. You’re ready to overcome your overwhelming thoughts. Most of all, you’re ready to feel empowered and confident to take on life’s high and lows. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who can be a place of connection and vulnerability, because therapy should be a place where you feel safe and seen. Sessions with focus on developing life skills through self-reflection and connection. Together, we create meaningful relationships with others, navigate stress, and discover empowerment. And we always go at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be. As an experienced young adult therapist, I believe that you are worthy of a place to release your emotions, be understood, and given the tools to not only survive, but thrive. You don’t have to continue to struggle in managing it all, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call me today for a 15 minute consult call. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? One key factor to predict positive change is the trust you have with your therapist. That is my goal. I utilize my cultural sensitivity to understand my clients' struggles. I have experience using mindfulness-based techniques and insight oriented approaches. I have worked with college students and older adults. Together, we will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. I truly believe that we can profoundly better ourselves through the moments in our lives where we face challenges by defining how we will see the problem and take action, rather than letting the problem define how we see ourselves. I will work with you, as a member on your team, to help you live better.

My life experiences have led me to become a mental health psychotherapist. I understand many of the struggles we encounter in life and how important it is to seek support as we try to learn how to change. I treat all people with genuine care and compassion without judgment. I am real, direct, engaged and easy to connect with. My strength is in building trusting relationships in order to work through life’s challenges. I’m warm, have a great sense of humor (which can be a healthy healing agent when appropriate) and has a core belief that we can improve our lives through therapy. I will guide you to find your inner strength and solutions so you feel better about yourself whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, specific habits and behaviors. I have a diverse background of work and life experience. Previously I worked for high-tech companies as an expert in marketing communications. My business experience taught me much about human behavior and managing for successful outcomes using coping skills, assertiveness, and good decision-making. I have also practiced as a trained life coach, which I weave into my therapy practice when appropriate. I believe mental health is the foundation for health itself and worth your investment of time.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My approach is client-centered, and I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families to help them overcome life’s challenges. With an extensive background working with individuals experiencing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression, I can help guide you through difficult emotional landscapes. I also offer support for those experiencing suicidal ideation and provide tools for healing from attachment wounds. Using evidence-based practices, I’ll help you explore your thoughts and behaviors, which can lead to positive change. Together, we’ll build resilience by enhancing your coping strategies, cultivating self-awareness and fostering healthy relationships. My integrative approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), strengths-based techniques, motivational interviewing, and talk therapy to meet your needs. Whether in-person or via telehealth, I offer individual, family, and couples therapy. A trusting and secure therapeutic relationship is essential for healing, and I invite you to take the first step by scheduling a complementary 15-minute introductory call. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together toward your therapeutic goals.