Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

I became a therapist because I genuinely love seeing people’s lives improve and expand in ways that feel meaningful to them. There is something incredibly powerful about watching someone move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed, to feeling more clear, confident, and hopeful. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, and feel truly safe, heard, and understood – without fear of judgement. I feel therapy should be a collaborative process where we work together to explore what you’re going through, and develop practical tools to help you move toward the life you want. Wherever you’re starting from, I’m here to support you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. I will help you feel heard and understood by creating a safe space where you can show up exactly as you are, and speak openly about whatever you’re going through, without fear of judgment. From the very beginning, my focus is on truly listening, taking time to understand your experiences, your perspective, and what matters to you most. I approach our work together with compassion and curiosity, and I’ll check in with you to make sure you feel supported and understood. As we build that trust we’ll work collaboratively to explore what’s been holding you back, and develop practical tools to help you move forward toward the life you want. My goal is for you to feel not only heard, but genuinely supported, respected, and empowered through our work together. I’m someone who appreciates meaningful conversation, quiet moments, and really getting to know people below the surface. I find this creates a comfortable, grounded environment where you can feel safe and at ease, being yourself, without any pressure to “perform”. I like spending quiet moments in nature. My favorite routine is drinking my morning coffee outside with my dogs, meditation, reflecting on hope and positivity, and listening to music is also inspirational for me.

Feeling scared, overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you are? Not sure who you are, how you fit in to this confusing world, or how you'll survive get these weird times? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. As a therapist, I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. I help with navigating a neurotypical world, identity exploration, complex trauma (CPTSD), life transitions, & more. Whether you're untangling childhood wounds, exploring your identity, or the feeling that the world that wasn’t built with you in mind, therapy can be a space to slow down, take a breath, and begin healing. As a relational therapist, I care a lot about the connection between us. Think "bestie on FaceTime" - but with real clinical training to help you! I'm person centered, which means you're the boss! I use a feminist approach because your identities matters. I'm direct (but kind!), which means I'll give you my opinion or a gentle nudge when appropriate too! I also incorporate parts work and feminist therapy into my work and enjoy using play (even with adults!). No matter where you are with your mental health, I'm ready to offer you a helping hand and listening ear. Healing and growing are ongoing journeys, I'd love to walk along side you through yours. Let's connect!

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.

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Hi, and welcome — I’m really glad you’re here. Seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you or your relationship are carrying the weight of anxiety, trauma, disconnection, identity questions, or cultural pressures that are hard to name. I work with young adults and couples navigating emotional and relational challenges — including trauma, identity development, communication struggles, family conflict, neurodiversity, and learning disabilities. Whether you’re adjusting to college, career transitions, independence, or partnership changes, we’ll focus on building clarity, confidence, and steadier coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, ACT, DBT, and EMDR. I tailor each session to meet you where you are, helping you build awareness, resilience, and stronger, more secure connections. I bring deep respect for the cultural identities, values, and lived experiences that shape each person and relationship. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported — where therapy isn’t just about symptom relief, but about fostering authenticity, self-trust, and growth. This is your journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Our 1:1 therapy sessions meet your needs, in-person or via telehealth. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with you to create your individualized treatment plan. Our programs include multiple areas of development, including independence, communication, self-help, social-emotional, and academic skills. 1:1 nutrition counseling with a Registered Dietician (RD) is also available. For more information, please visit our website and contact us.

Talk Therapy for Students Are you feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork or are you missing your family and friends back home? Our team is here to help you find the tools and coping skills to get your mind right. Leaving home, starting university, and finding new friends can be some of the most intense pressures and stressors to manage. Our team can help you Discover new coping skills Specialize techniques to manage anxiety and depression, and negative thought loops Increase your support system that will help you manage and decrease stress Talk about your past present or fear of the future Learn new ways to manage trauma Set new goals and follow through! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! College is an exciting time filled with new experiences, opportunities, and growth. However, it can also be a challenging period, particularly for students who may face academic pressure, financial stress, relationship difficulties, or mental health issues. These stressors can quickly pile up and take a toll on a student’s well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or burnout. As experienced therapists, we have seen firsthand the unique challenges that college students face. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of academic success, building healthy relationships, or finding your place in the world, college can be a time of intense stress and uncertainty. That’s why we believe that therapy is the most powerful tool for college students who are looking to enhance their well-being and achieve their goals. Our overarching goal is to help students to develop a better understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and provide them with the tools they need to overcome the challenges they face. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or even relationship issues, therapy can help you to gain a new perspective, improve your coping skills, and increase your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. Our number one priority is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express yourself and work towards achieving your goals. We know that every college student is unique, and take a personalized approach to therapy, tailoring our methods to fit your individual needs and goals. So, if you’re a college student looking to improve your well-being, increase your self-awareness, and achieve your full potential, we encourage you to consider therapy. We’re here to help.

Michelle Kennedy Welcome. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. Hello, my name is Michelle Kennedy, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work with Couples. Have you been feeling uneasy around your partner? Do you feel like you're constantly on edge and moments from an argument? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid all conflicts in their relationships instead of dealing with them. This avoidance can lead to resentment between partners, which can cause more frequent fighting and lead to long-term problems.

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Welcome! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to support you on your journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. I believe that therapy is a transformative process that can help us navigate life's challenges and discover our true potential. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? These can be symptoms of your life being impacted by past events. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. Together we will create a safe space where you can feel and be heard. As we explore and reprocess past traumas, we begin to lighten the emotional burden we’ve carried, and sense of relief is experienced. I utilize EMDR, CBT, Somatic Experiencing Therapy and other approaches to assist adults with developing insight and feeling empowered to change behaviors and thoughts that no longer serve them. Remember, healing is possible, and you deserve a life filled with hope, resilience, and recovery. Let’s start with a quick phone call to better understand each other. I offer free 15 minute consultations.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to be here. I know that struggling with anxiety is exhausting. You're awake at night and your body can't relax. You feel exhausted and tired on a regular basis. On the outside you seem successful, but on the inside you want to scream from all the pressure and feel stuck. Your relationships are also not where you want it to be - feeling disconnected, struggling with the same issues, and the thought that something’s missing. You want things to change, but don't know how to get there.

These are times of upheavel. Novel coronavirus pandemic, climate chaos, & violence on BIPOC and LGBTQ folks reinforced by our systems. Isolation induced depression. Overwhelm, numbness, and agitation with systems brutality and uncertainty. Despair with job and wage insecurity and loss. Lowered immunity and illness exacerbated by chronic fear, anxiety, oppression, and exhaustion. Unprocessed grief and anticipatory grief. In this time of uncertainty and great systems upheavel, we need to be intentional and creative in (re)connecting with each other and ourselves, families, and communities. Video sessions during this unprecedented time in the safety and comfort of your home. **Special outreach and focus to healthcare workers, elders, parents, people of color, and others on the frontlines — to pause and (re)ground in our day-to-day.** We need mending to sustain and to (re)imagine what is possible, for ourselves, families, communities, and systems.

Hello, My name is Lisa Chester-Schyman and I'm an LMFT practicing in Los Angeles, California. I provide a safe and compassionate environment to support you in your life journey and its many challenges. Through our work together you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, which will allow you to navigate your life with more ease, manage stress, change and transitions, and live a life filled with meaning. Together we will explore your true nature and I will support you to find more comfort in your life by teaching you tools to overcome obstacles to your emotional well-being. Our collaboration will allow you to move through the more challenging times in your life with a greater sense of ease. I work with adults, teens, and adolescents. I specialize in grief and loss, relational issues, transition and trauma. I believe the relationship between a client and therapist is essential in creating personal healing. I nurture a trusting relationship where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without any judgment. From this safe place we will explore what coping mechanisms will best help you and I will help guide you through. I would love to help you on your journey especially during this very difficult time in life and the world. Looking forward to working with you.

Diaspora (dai·a·spr·uh) Therapy Group was founded by members of the BIPOC and QTPOC. We believe in authentic communication and living your truth. Our goal is to help you find your voice and take up space in a world that can be challenging to navigate. As individuals who have experienced these challenges firsthand, we're here to virtually "hold your hand" throughout your healing journey. Though we're based in San Diego, CA, we offer telehealth services throughout California and Arizona.

I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.

A major inspiration for me was my five years as a Director of Programs for a Los Angeles nonprofit, where I supported youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as those recovering from trafficking situations. Through that work, I saw how powerful it is when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I was especially drawn to helping young people and families navigate complex emotions and relationships. That experience led me to become a therapist so I could continue supporting children, families, and couples in building stronger connections, healing, and growth. My approach is very client-centered, which means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to be yourself. I listen closely, reflect back what I’m hearing, and check in often to make sure I’m understanding your experience accurately. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I make sure each person feels included, valued, and supported. I also integrate creativity and flexibility into sessions, because not everyone expresses themselves best through words alone. Working together is collaborative—you are the expert on your life. My role is to support and guide you. With couples and families, that often means helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a deeper understanding of one another. With children, I may incorporate play, art, or creative activities to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Trust is built over time through consistency, openness, and respect. I show up authentically, follow through, and create a nonjudgmental space where you can share at your own pace. I also invite feedback so we can adjust our work together in a way that feels most helpful to you. I love incorporating creativity into my own life—I’m always exploring new art activities or creative projects. I often bring that energy into sessions, especially with kids and families, because it can make the process feel more engaging and even a little fun at times.

I’m passionate about promoting growth. I’m excited to work with you and support you on your journey to self-healing and personal development. My goal is to create a safe space where everyone feels seen, heard, and in a non-judgmental environment. I understand how hard that first step can be, and I would love to walk this journey with you.

My goal as a therapist is to empower clients by working collaboratively and to help them learn and find the tools and skills to help themselves reach success. I aspire to provide compassionate and culturally competent care and support clients in reaching their goals. I do my best to ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore and process their thoughts feelings and emotions. As a therapist my goal is to be present and grounded in the moment to provide whatever support is needed. I believe that in order to build trust there needs to be understanding and connection. Finding common ground and being curious are integral parts of my work.

Are you feeling overwhelmed managing anxiety or stress? It is time to regain control and find tranquility. Picture a safe, confidential space where you can freely discuss these challenges. As your therapist, I will offer you that safe space to express yourself authentically and feel more in charge in your life. While current stressors may feel overwhelming, remember, they do not dictate your future. My expertise lies in guiding clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and more. I obtained certifications in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, Incredible Years Program (Parenting Program: School Age Basic Program & the Child Training: Small Group Dinosaur Curriculum). Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, Seeking Safety, & Gottman Level 2. These evidence-based practices have proven highly effective in my approach to treating diverse populations and addressing various mental health issues. Reaching out for help is a courageous step toward your healing journey. Starting therapy might feel intimidating initially, but I'm here to support and guide you.