Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hey we get it. Life’s a lot right now. Between classes, work, family pressure, figuring out who you are, and trying to keep it together… it’s overwhelming. You might be anxious, stuck, burnt out, or just tired of pretending you're okay. At Freedom Within, we’re here to help you sort through all of it. Relationships, trauma, stress, identity, future plans, anxiety, we cover it all. No judgment. Just support that makes sense for where you’re at. We will help you cut through the BS and come out the other side with a better sense of self, identity and purpose. We have several different therapists and match you with the one who gets you. Someone you can feel safe talking to about even your most challenging struggles. We also offer nutrition counseling for those wanting to explore changes to diet and their impact on your mood and overall health! You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s figure it out together.

Thank you for finding your way here. I hope you find the emotional and relational support need for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and online teletherapy . Schedule a 15-minute initial consultation today. Serving all of California via teletherapy. Our personal journey is both joyous and challenging. Life brings us things where sometimes we become lost and struggle. During these times, we may need to reach out to someone who is caring and nurturing - someone who will listen and is knowledgeable. As a depth-oriented and body centered psychotherapist, I believe that creating a deeper connection between our physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual self, we can move forward in life with greater ease and experience the world anew. We have the opportunity to become more authentic with our self, others, and life. My goal during our sessions is to create a container that is safe, caring, and trusting. By working together, you will become better able to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges in your life. You will become more receptive to the possibilities that await you and better able to move toward goals that bring greater satisfaction and commitment in your life. I look forward to meeting with you. You are welcome to make an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute session so we can get to know one another.

I have made it my life's mission to learn what it means to live well, passionately and intentionally, so I may live the best life I am capable of living. Part of that mission is to support others through a similar journey, showing them that they are worth loving by attending to their holistic needs--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I deeply believe I can only lead people in their growth process as far as I’ve been willing to go myself. The “success” I feel as a psychologist is directly connected to my capacity to live my life with the love, intention, and courage I’m trying to model. Though I have the clinical background to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues, I have a special interest in working with personal growth and existential issues, relational issues, self-acceptance, mens issues, and college-age/young adult issues.

Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with young adults looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. I help individuals by first identifying the negative patterns that are holding you back and then establishing a plan to move things forward. I emphasize a strengths-based approach in my practice. I have specialized training and experience treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance/alcohol abuse, and trauma. My office is conveniently located in La Jolla and is walking distance to UCSD. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have and to explore if I am the right fit for you or your family. Telehealth services provided through Doxy.me; super bills provided for insurance reimbursement. I look forward to speaking with you.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you. My practice specializes in treating individuals, couples and families, and through years of experience, I’m confident that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future.

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

I help college and graduate students navigate relationships, family expectations, identity, academic and career stress, and major life transitions. My approach is relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in helping you better understand yourself and your patterns so you can feel more connected, confident, and clear about what comes next. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist with a background in both mental health and law, I understand that the challenges students face often involve more than one part of their lives. I provide a supportive space to work through relationships, belonging, cultural or family pressures, uncertainty, and change.

As an effective professional, I assist clients in reaching their goals. My therapeutic style emanates warmth, compassion and professionalism. My approach is collaborative, authentic and client-centered. I empower clients by building upon their strengths. I provide a safe, caring and nonjudgmental environment. Each session promotes personal growth and success!

Dr. Ray and her team of therapists are committed to providing their clientele with support AND direction to help cultivate real changes in their lives, and they work together as a community to create an atmosphere of positive growth and change. The overall value of this company is to assist each client in a way that it has a lasting impact on bettering the overall community in which we live. ​Let Advanced Health Care join with you to create a healthier, happier, and more productive life. Whatever YOUR goals may be, let US help you to achieve them. Whether you dream to be a happier person, to have better relationships, to feel less anxious, to be a better parent, to stop an unhealthy habit, or to simply understand yourself better, we are here for you. Whatever YOUR goals may be, our team can help you to achieve them.

Life is often full of surprises, ups and downs, and unexpected challenges. In times of struggles and uncertainties, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength to reach out for help and experience positive transformation. As a first generation Chinese American, I experienced first-hand the challenges of relational brokenness and intergenerational trauma. Through my own healing journey, I had to unpack the roots of my inner critic and learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship with myself and others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, which has deepened my commitment to creating a compassionate space where healing can happen. It is my hope that we can collaborate and work through the pains of life and create a life that you have envisioned. In my clinical work, I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unresolved emotional injuries, AAPI/BIPOC mental health, intergenerational and relational trauma. I approach my clinical work through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) in my clinical work and tailor my treatment to each person’s unique journey.

If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or having trouble coping with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. You may be struggling to find balance in your life, or noticing that attachment and trauma from childhood is impacting you presently. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one, are navigating a new chapter of life that has you feeling anxious, or just feel like you are stuck in a rut and need someone to talk to. I work with adults and teens/adolescents on addressing anxiety and depression, unpacking past experiences, improving emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries with loved ones, healthy self-esteem, and more. As a therapist, I provide a challenge-support environment where I encourage you to reflect and explore your values while providing empathy, warmth, and humor. Therapy can be scary because we are asked to go outside our comfort zones, but growth stems from change. I utilize a myriad of theoretical approaches to find a style that works best for you. For LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, I provide gender and sexuality affirming therapy and can work with you on identity exploration, navigating queer relationships, or coping with the impact of stigma, discrimination, and bias. My therapy office is an accepting and safe space for queer folk.

Helping you get unstuck from Anxiety, OCD and Trauma and learn to live a more fulfilled life. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck obsessing? There is hope and you are not alone. ERP, CBT, EMDR and Mindfulness Skills are treatment methods used to help you live a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you get freedom over issues that are holding you back from your true potential and goals in life. With over 14 years of experience I can help and guide you to learn to break free from old patterns and negative thoughts to tune into our true resilience.

FREE consultations! Are you feeling stuck in negative thoughts, intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don't serve your best interest? Are you hoping to build more meaning and joy in your life? You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to "have it all together". We're here to join you on this journey to discover healing and build a balanced life. Our goal is to help you find compassion for yourself, develop skills to help you navigate life stressors, identify how you can become the best version of yourself, and be confident in the resilient person you are. We work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image issues, life transitions, and trauma who want to build a better future. We have been told by clients our therapists are warm, caring, skilled, and authentic. We primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients achieve more skillful ways of coping. If you want to work towards positive change in mind and body wellness, we're ready when you are.

College can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, lonely, or overwhelming. If you're dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, family issues, or just feeling stuck, you're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m a therapist who helps people work through tough emotions, build stronger relationships, and feel more like themselves again. Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried it before, we’ll work together in a way that feels safe, honest, and helpful. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. Let’s talk.

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many are high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of themselves on the inside. They often care deeply about their relationships and may be navigating repeated conflict, trust issues, or a life transition that’s prompting them to want something different, even if they’re not fully sure what that looks like yet. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, and focused on real change. I help clients slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and build practical tools they can use in everyday life. Clients who are open to reflection, honest conversations, and gradual growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am direct and respectful in my professional approach to every person I treat. I view our work as a collaborative effort and will do my best to meet you where you are at. Together we will create a treatment plan that will best meet your needs. I specialize in working with patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss and grief. I also have expertise studying the emotional strain associated with immigration and growing up the child of immigrants.

We have immediate availability. Our practice has 4 therapists diverse across gender, ethnicity, age and experience. We aim to be a one stop therapeutic environment to serve everyone in the household. In addition to what is listed, we focus on relationships, sexuality, experimentation, identity exploration, loss of friendships, death of a pet, unexpected medical issues or injuries. We know the challenges as former young people (although we still have a 20-something in our practice!) and now as parents. There is so much pressure and worry now and about the future. We invite you to give us the opportunity to be your safe space away from the expectations of school, work and family. Therapy is 1 hour to be yourself with no expectations, just kindness and care. We look forward to being that space for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.