Therapists for college students near San Francisco, CA

Welcome! I’m Alexa, an associate marriage & family therapist committed to helping individuals, families, and couples feel more embodied, present, and authentic. My practice includes cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care to support each client’s process. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client. I am experienced in working with individuals navigating addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, and effects of trauma. As someone with lived experience in overcoming addiction and eating disorders, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate life with ineffective coping skills and am open to sharing my experience with clients when appropriate or helpful. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in various mental health and substance use treatment settings, supporting individuals and their families navigating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, I have experience collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive support throughout the therapeutic process.

I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s health, trauma, and anxiety. I have several years experience working in university counseling and am passionate about college mental health. My approach is warm and collaborative with a focus on fostering confidence, balance, and self compassion.

I work with students and young adults who feel like they’re figuring life out without a roadmap, whether you are a first-generation, LGBTQ+, or anyone carrying pressure to succeed while quietly feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of their direction. My own path wasn’t traditional; I dropped out of high school due to circumstances beyond my control before finding mentorship, earning my GED, and becoming a first-generation college graduate from UCLA. I know what it feels like to question your purpose, to feel unseen, or to believe everyone else has it together except you. With over 13 years in education as a teacher, counselor, and mental health specialist — and more than 7 years providing psychotherapy to transitional-aged youth and adults, I bring both lived experience and professional training to our work. I created Easy Peasy Counseling because life isn’t actually “easy peasy,” but I believe even the messy, heavy seasons can become meaningful and transformative with the right support. Therapy with me is about partnership, empowerment, and helping you rediscover the resilient, capable parts of yourself that may have been dimmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions. Let's get to work together so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

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I love working with college students. The transition to college can be a lot to manage. There are so many new experiences, pressures, and decisions, which can become overwhelming. I was in college the first time I met with a therapist. As exciting as life was, it was also one of the most difficult times. Reaching out for help had an enormously positive impact on my life; significant enough that it led me to pursue a career as a therapist. I consider my style to be patient, flexible, and caring. I am ready to meet you where you are at, no matter how big or small your challenges or goals may be. I am here to support you.

I specialize in supporting young adults through life transitions—starting college, changing careers, managing relationships, becoming a parent, or navigating new independence. Your twenties and thirties (and beyond) can feel exciting, overwhelming, and uncertain. If life feels messy, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you make sense of your experiences, explore who you’re becoming, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

Hello! I'm a wellness-based therapist drawing from many modalities to provide a space that feels caring, and safe for growth and change. Some issues I treat frequently are: anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-esteem/self-worth, anger and communication struggles, difficulty regulating emotions, dating/relationship issues, substance abuse. Please feel free to reach out to ask any further questions about my practice, or to see if we're a good fit! ***Please note that I have availability outside of the listed times for remote sessions***

**Therapy that honors who you are and who you're becoming.** College can be an exciting time, but it can also be confusing, lonely, overwhelming, or just straight-up messy. As a therapist with over ten years of experience, I love working with college students as they navigate anxiety, depression, identity exploration, academic and life stress, trauma, and big transitions. My goal is to offer a space that feels safe, grounded, and affirming, where you can be fully yourself and work toward what matters most to you. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, mindfulness, and solution-focused work to support your growth and healing. I also bring a trauma-informed lens to all I do and strive to adapt therapy to meet your unique needs and goals. As a white therapist deeply committed to racial justice, I actively work to dismantle white supremacy in my practice, relationships, and within myself. I welcome clients of color and am committed to providing a space where you feel safe, valued, and respected. This is lifelong work I approach with humility, openness, and a lot of care. I am also passionate about working with LGBTQ+ students and have experience supporting queer, trans, and gender-expansive young people in finding safety, clarity, and connection. Therapy is a place to slow down, tune in, and make meaning. I feel lucky to do this work and would love to hear from you if it feels like we might be a good fit.

Update 8/25/24: I am still accepting new patients. Online video appointments for adult and adolescent patients throughout California. In network with Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Optum and Oxford. Private pay option also available.

I work with students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or relational issues. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. My goal is to empower you to heal and be comfortable being your truest self, while breaking free from harmful patterns and expanding your natural ability to experience inner joy, and achieve your fullest potential.

Are you experiencing a difficult time managing life these days? Do you feel overwhelmed and not even sure where to start to make positive changes? Everyone goes through challenges in life and there is no shame in admitting you could use some support. It takes courage to reach out for help, and I applaud you for taking that first step. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety or depression, those who are having a difficult time balancing life demands, or difficulty dealing with distressing life events. I work collaboratively with clients to work on what they choose to work on. I employ strength-based practices to help improve mood and self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and help you move into a more well-balanced and happy life. You deserve a more peaceful, enjoyable life! I am currently meeting with clients both in-person and through telehealth. My office is in the village of La Jolla, which is easily accessible by public transportation. I offer a free 20 minute consultation call to make sure we're a good fit. Please reach out either by phone, email or through my website to schedule your free call and we'll chat about ways I can support you.

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With a holistic training, I encourage balance and perspective to ease the stress of transitions, overwhelming feelings and situations. Shifting away from judgment about our emotions is often the key to helping us move through them and heal, instead of feeling stuck. We can grow your capacity and confidence to manage the challenges of life.

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College can be an overwhelming time with academic pressure and navigating challenging personal and social situations. You don’t have to stay stuck in patterns or situations that aren’t working. If anxiety, depression, focus challenges, trauma, queer identity questions, or feeling disconnected are making college life harder, therapy can offer support in understanding what’s going on and finding more sustainable ways to feel calmer, clearer, and more able to manage daily life and relationships. In our work together, we’ll gently explore the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and build awareness and skills that create more choice and flexibility in how you respond to stress, emotions, and relationships. We’ll pay attention not only to thoughts and feelings, but also to your body and nervous system, helping you feel more grounded and aligned with what matters most to you. Therapy with me is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for your unique story. You won’t be judged or rushed, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and responsive to your needs. You can expect a warm, respectful relationship; space to explore both present challenges and past experiences; and practical support for feeling safer in your body and more capable in daily life. There is room for difficult emotions, without pressure to “fix” everything right away. Whether you’re navigating daily overwhelm or seeking deeper healing, therapy can help you feel more connected and alive.

I have experienced the stress of managing life and school first hand. I specialize in identifying coping skills that will help you manage any anxiety and difficulties so you can focus on school and your personal life and relationships. Book a consultation call free to see if I may be a good fit for you.

Chelsea Sterling is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Her clinical experiences include providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling and psychosocial assessments through work in short-term acute residential treatment (START) programs, outpatient mental health clinics and an alcohol treatment facility. She is a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Chelsea has expertise in the following modalities: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).

I work best with students who feel constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or like life is harder for them than it seems to be for everyone else. Many of the students I support have spent years being told they’re “just anxious,” “too sensitive,” or “not trying hard enough,” even though they know something deeper is going on. They may struggle with focus, motivation, emotional overwhelm, sensory overload, or feeling like they have to present a certain version of themselves to get by. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. Therapy with me focuses on helping you understand how your brain works, reduce self-blame, and build tools that actually fit your capacity so school and life feel more manageable.

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Dr. Miller has been practicing privately as a Clinical Psychologist for 20 years. Prior to becoming licensed as a psychologist, Dr. Miller served on staff at Rady Children's Hospital's world-renowned Chadwick Center for Children and Families. ​ Dr. Miller earned her Masters and Doctoral training from the California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego, specializing in youth, families, and trauma. Dr. Miller received her B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Developmental Psychology. ​ Dr. Miller's professional and personal interests are in Trauma-Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Treatment, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, General Stress Disorders, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Meditation, Depressive and Anxiety Disorders. While she is specially trained to treat youth, she welcomes clients of all ages who are suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma (remote/recent), life transitions, individual and families dealing with the disease of addiction, and those seeking personal growth. ​ Dr. Miller has extensive experience working with military families, active duty and retired service members, and is trained to provide specialized treatment to veterans suffering from PTSD. She is honored to serve America's Service Members and their families. ​ While Dr. Miller's treatment approaches are tailored to each individual, her interventions are rooted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Humanistic Psychology, and Insight Oriented Therapy. Dr. Miller strives to provide trauma-sensitive and culturally sensitive treatment in an effort to hold a safe space for clients to trust and allow their stories to be heard and appreciated. ​ Dr. Miller's mindfulness training began as a participant in an 8-week MBSR course at UC San Diego. Since that time she has followed this journey of mindfulness training and become a Certified MBSR Teacher at UCSD's Center for Mindfulness where she has facilitated over 30, 8-week mindfulness courses. She is currently in training to become a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher. On a personal note, Dr. Miller loves learning--reading, listening to books and podcasts, and browsing the internet in search of inspiration. She also finds immense value in slowing down, meditating daily, naps, and practicing gratitude for all the good. She especially likes spending time at home with her husband and children, her pets Barney, Goose, Bubbs & Luna, or with a good book. May We All Be Healthy May We All Be Safe May We All Be At Peace May We All Be Happy May We All Be Free From Suffering