Therapists for college students near San Francisco State University

Hello! I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed in both California and Oregon. I offer telehealth video sessions for young adults, and I’m passionate about supporting those who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, or a desire to build stronger self-esteem, relationships, and communication skills. I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a safe and compassionate space where we can work together to address your unique challenges. My approach integrates mindfulness-based techniques and strengths-based strategies to help you practice and build coping skills that empower you to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are curious and motivated for change. With a background in working with young children and utilizing expressive arts, I bring a creative and holistic perspective to my work with young adults. This allows us to explore unmet needs, deepen self-awareness, and empower you to advocate for your desires and boundaries, both in the present and moving forward. I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together.

Dr. Gaines was born in Chicago, IL and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s from Augustana College. After graduating from Wright State University School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Gaines first began training as a General Surgeon in Detroit, MI. After realizing his true passion was in the field of Psychiatry, Dr. Gaines attended The University of Chicago, where he completed in residency training in adult psychiatry. Upon completion of his residency program, Dr. Gaines spent 8 years working in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) where he helped to establish and run the first inpatient hospital for the individuals in custody. Dr. Gaines continues to provide consultant work for the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) where he assists with BOP first jail-based restoration forensic program at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gaines is a Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology since being Board Certified in 2018. Education: BS in 2003 from Augustana College MD: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Psychiatry Training: The University of Chicago Medical Center Board Certification for American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2018. Illinois Department of Corrections: 2018 – 2026 Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP): 2023- present Advance Psychiatry Associates: 2026 – current

I am a licensed psychotherapist in San Francisco, California. I bring my creativity and intellectual curiosity to a psychodynamic approach to clinical psychology rooted in the tradition of psychoanalysis. My approach as a therapist is honest and direct. I am actively engaged in the process of exploration, listening for the unconscious - for what is said and what is not said. I aspire to collaborate with you to rediscover your authentic self and a renewed sense of aliveness by accessing and reflecting on your own inner wisdom from multiple perspectives. I work with artists, creators, writers and thinkers; highly sensitive people who are deeply affected by the world and whose sensitivities are both their greatest asset and most daunting challenge. Wherever you find yourself in the infinitely varied spectrum of culture, gender, race, sex and religious identity, you are welcome here with me. It is my privilege to join you on this journey. I am here to help you see that everything is possible.

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.

Welcome to my practice! As a psychoanalyst, I am available to students who are interested in understanding themselves and their deepest thoughts and feelings which can often include anxiety and doubt. As a clinical social worker, it is also important to consider each person’s family history and current intellectual and social environment in order to maintain an emotional balance while striving to meet your designated life goals

If you are having difficulty in your personal life or with school, give a call or send an email so we can talk about what you are looking for. I have been in private practice for 40 years, have extensive experience and training, and I know how to help. If you want to know more about me and how I can help you, click on the link to my website below. I look forward to talking with you.

Welcome — I'm so glad you're here. You are so not alone in what you're carrying and you don't have to have it all figured out to move forward; this is exactly where we start. Being in college can be a huge adjustment, one that often comes with anxiety, loneliness, major academic pressure, and figuring out how to build authentic community. Whether you're navigating academic pressure, relationships, family stress, sexuality, gender exploration, or just the uncertainty of what comes next, I want to be in that space with you. Together we'll find insight using creative expression, mind-body connection, and shedding the internalized ideas of who we think we’re supposed to be. This is a place where everything is process over product and where we are actively seeking the imperfect. My approach is rooted in deep empathy, expressive arts, somatic practices, social justice lenses, and whole-person centered frameworks. I specialize in working with identity exploration, neurodiversity, queer folks, as well as young adults navigating the internal and external complexities of college life. We will start our work together with meeting right where you are and will walk together the rest of the way. My goal is to help you find more empowered, centered, and become more connected to yourself and others. Through our time together, however long that might be, my hope is that you're able to explore the many wonderful, scary, and magical layers that we hold. You can find me in my virtual office space or in-person at my Hayes Valley office. When I’m not sitting in the therapist chair, I’m usually guiding expressive arts workshops, working with queer & trans youth, reading multiple books at one time, out enjoying nature, or spending lots of time adventuring. I hope we get to meet soon! "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Jung

Hi there! I'm Mia, and I'm glad you're here. Searching for a therapist can feel daunting, and I applaud your effort and courage in taking this step. My own experiences seeking mental health care during college inform how I show up to this work with students. As a first-generation & low income (FGLI) college graduate, I've personally navigated challenges that can come with learning how to thrive in this new environment. You don't have to do it alone! Some of the themes in my work with folks include anxiety, self-esteem, stress, perfectionism, values and identity, relationship concerns, and career counseling. I offer sliding scale/low fee services. If you think you might benefit from this, please don't hesitate to reach out to me to discuss options. I also offer a free 20-minute phone consultation where you can ask questions and get a feel for whether we'd be a good fit together. If you're interested, you can reach out to me via email and we'll set up a call from there!

I support students who are experiencing stress, both academically and interpersonally. I recognize the layers of pressure that may be coming from family, peers, and yourself. School can be a challenging environment and finding support is not always easy. I provide a space to be heard and for you to process anything that's on your mind. I am warm and nonjudgmental.

There are many things that can lead a person to seek therapy. You may be experiencing a persistent feeling of fear but just can't put your finger on where it’s coming from. Perhaps you've been feeling anxious about being judged harshly by others or have been struggling with feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or loss of control. Bearing the weight of these experiences can often feel exhausting. But, you do not have to be alone in these struggles. Taking the first step to seek help can feel vulnerable and even scary. I believe that when the right conditions are present healing of the heart, mind, body, and soul can – and will – occur. Reach out today.

I help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.

Adulting is hard. As we go through transitions in our lives, it can be a time that is both exciting and stressful. In my work, I enjoy supporting college students as they tackle all the ups and downs that come their way. I especially love helping those who are the first in their families to go to college because I've been in their shoes. In my practice, I specialize helping individuals who have experienced trauma and I love blending my passions for music, dance, fitness, and yoga with my professional experience to help young people find their way, develop, and overcome challenges.

mindfulSF supports students, teens, young adults, couples, and professionals in building resilience, navigating life transitions, and strengthening their mental well-being so they can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in person and online throughout California. Our clinicians use evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion practices. Our areas of focus include OCD, ADHD, autism, generalized and social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, trauma, life and work stress, and parenting and postpartum concerns. We are a queer woman–owned practice committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive care, with a special dedication to serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We embrace and celebrate multicultural diversity and intersectional identities, and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, affirmed, and understood. mindfulSF is a private pay practice with session fees beginning at $200, varying by clinician. If mindfulSF sounds like it may be a good fit, we invite you to visit our website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our intake coordinator to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about our therapists at mindfulSF.com.

Client's that work well with my collaborative style are often people who are struggling with life transitions. I often connect with people who are working to find different methods to manage anxiety and perfectionism. I also hold space in my practice for queer couples.

We all need support to get through difficult times in our lives. Beginning with identifying your goals and areas of focus in therapy, we will work together at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you are struggling with feelings of depression, overwhelm, anxiety, grief or trauma, therapy can create space for transformation and healing. Whether you are looking for a sounding board when facing tough decisions about family, relationships, work or life transition, or you recognize a need for change, the therapeutic process can support you in making the changes you want to see in your life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Certified therapist with 15 years of counseling and psychotherapy experience, I provide short and long-term therapy to adults, adolescents, and families. My approach is individualized, and uses a combination of insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as EMDR. I believe therapy should move at your pace, with a focus identified by you. In a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere, we will work together to access your strengths and supports to find the most effective ways to cope.

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 provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, histories of trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, work issues, and low self-esteem. I also work with people who are looking for support in processing and understanding difficulties related to cultural identity. This includes issues pertaining to race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, and second-generation Americans. Lasting personal change can develop within empathically-attuned relationships. This belief forms the basis for my work. My style is warm and collaborative, with a relational psychodynamic approach. We'll pay close attention to your story and inner experiences while always attending to how things play out in current relationships.

bilingual psychiatrist, medication management, psychotherapy

I see adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family dynamics, and chronic pain or illness. In treatment, I attune to the ways culture, attachment, and trauma influence a person's life. I often work with people who feel "different" and who have experienced deep feelings of otherness. I aim to create a safe space that invites curiosity and creativity, where talking about emotionally-painful topics doesn't feel so unbearable. If you'd like to explore the possibility of working together, please contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.

I help people to resolve anxiety and trauma using a combination of talk therapy and somatic practices. Changing your mind isn’t enough, you have to change the way that you feel in your body. Simple practices like EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT can help you to make lasting changes in your life.