Therapists for college students near San Diego State University

Advanced Psychiatry Associates (APA) is currently accepting new patients and referrals across Northern California, the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California, with both in-person and telehealth (virtual) availability statewide. We are a psychiatry group with 32 clinic locations and over 70 providers, offering timely, student-centered behavioral health care. Most new patients can be scheduled within 3–7 days, helping reduce delays in care for students in need of support. We specialize in working with college and university students, including those experiencing: • Anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns • Bipolar disorder and mood disorders • ADHD and focus-related challenges • Trauma and adjustment issues • Medication access or continuity of care gaps Services include: • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnosis • Medication management • Individual therapy (short-term and ongoing) • Spravato (Esketamine) and TMS for treatment-resistant depression • Telehealth and in-person visits for flexible scheduling We are experienced in coordinating care with university counseling centers, case managers, and student health services, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity of care. Insurance Accepted: We accept most major plans, including UC SHIP, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Medi-Cal managed care plans, and more.

I am a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to helping people increase communication and decrease unhelpful behavior patterns that limit self expression. My primary therapeutic orientations are psychodynamic, narrative, humanistic and mindfulness based modalities. My approach is reflective, insight-oriented, and practical, helping clients strengthen self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and confidence while leading in ways that feel authentic and grounded. I have a deep commitment to creating emotionally safe, collaborative therapeutic relationships. I am known for integrating evidence-based frameworks with mindfulness and somatic practices to support meaningful, sustainable change.

Early adulthood can be a confusing, tumultuous time. You may be forging an identity, dealing with instability in living situations, academics, career, or relationships, and perhaps caught up in the painful effects of complex trauma from childhood and adolescence. Financial and career stress in a confusing economy doesn't help. I resonate most with young adults struggling with family of origin issues, discrimination, and experiences of trauma and loss. These issues and experiences often lead to depression, anxiety, and worries about not being good enough or able to make healthy decisions. I am able to be present when you are hopeless and help you see the good within. My approach flexible and catered to your needs. What brings you to therapy is a focus, but I also acknowledge that the past informs the present. We may take that past on directly or keep it in mind as a minor theme. Insight combined with action are often the keys to change.

Dr. Padla was born in New Jersey and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After this, he received a Master’s Degree at Virginia Tech before attending medical school at Rutger’s Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. He then did his psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Institute of Living in Hartford Connecticut. During his years of private practice he has specialized in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, pain management and obesity medicine. He has trained physician’s assistants while being an adjunct professor in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University. He retired in 2017 after being Chief of Psychiatry at Doctor’s Hospitals of Indiana. After a brief retirement of six months, he was lured out of retirement and became the psychiatrist at the Sacramento Native American Health Center where he currently still works. Dennis Padla, MD Experience (background and professional journey) Time with APA (how long you’ve been part of the team) Personal note (2–3 lines about yourself outside of work) Certificates & licenses (list of credentials) Specialization (your focus areas in psychiatry/mental health) Title (your professional title as you’d like it to appear) Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, Forensic, Psychiatry, Pain Management and Obesity Medicine

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

Dr. Hayes attended college at Johns Hopkins University, and medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. He completed training in Adult psychiatry at George Washington University and the University of Maryland before relocating to California in the mid-1990s, for additional training in a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at UCLA. Dr. Hayes later received an MBA in 2002 at the University of California, Irvine where his classmates awarded him the Best Team Player award. In 2010, he became a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association at their annual meeting in New Orleans, La. Dr. Hayes is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology where he was certified in Adult Psychiatry in 1999, and re-certified in 2009 and 2019. He has previously held an academic position at UCLA as a Clinical Instructor. Dr. Hayes is a member of AAPL-The American Academy of Psychiatry & Law and The American Psychiatric Association-where he has presented at their annual meetings across the country and abroad. He has also been a frequent presenter at the annual Western Claims Conference in Palm Springs, California. He is a 4th generation Washingtonian (DC) but has lived in southern California since 1994. He is an advocate for the homeless and LGBTQ communities. His main hobby is travel, and he has visited over 40 countries on 6 continents. Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, and Forensic Psychiatry, Obesity Medicine and Pain Management

Lisa Taylor is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She completed her undergrad degree in Nursing at Brigham Young University and Master’s degree in Nursing at Texas Tech University. Experience includes Medical-Surgical, Neuro, Renal, ICU, OR nursing, Clinical Transplant Coordinator (kidney, pancreas), with pre, post and living donor care and management, Clinical Manager of Signature Suites VIP hospital floor in Houston. As an FNP, working in Family Practice and Internal Medicine gives her an in depth understanding of the problems we can face. Currently in psychiatry, I provide treatment options and medication management for ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other common mental health conditions. Genetic testing and Spravato are also offered through our facility. I love working with my patients. I appreciate life’s challenges and I provide teaching, support, encouragement and treatment options for health and well-being.

Kelli Gramlich, PMHNP, has been with APA since February 2025. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a deep interest in holistic health, she integrates traditional and alternative approaches into her treatment plans. She earned her Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, and is currently pursuing an Integrative Psychiatry Certification through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) to enhance her comprehensive care abilities. Originally from Kansas City, Kelli was inspired to enter mental health care by close friends and family struggling with mental health challenges. She believes mental health is closely connected to overall well-being, including quality sleep, exercise, sunlight, and nutrition, and is committed to helping her patients restructure habits to achieve optimal health. Her philosophy is simple: we all need a little help from time to time, and together, she works with patients to live their best, most balanced lives.

Hi, I’m YanYan. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner certified by both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as well as a physician assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). I completed my education at the University of California-Davis and the University of Texas, and I’ve found my true passion in mental health care. I have been with Advanced Psychiatry Associates for seven years. As a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to guide you through your mental health journey and help you discover effective coping skills to manage life’s challenges. I’m here to support you every step of the way. I ensure each patient has a tailored treatment plan to meet their needs. I specialize in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I approach each of my patients with compassion and make it a priority to really listen and understand their needs. I grew up in Shanghai, China and also has bachelor’s degrees in English literature and Chinese literature. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hiking. I hope I can use my skills to help you through the life journey.

Hi, I’m Debbie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, now welcoming new clients for telehealth visits. I offer a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where we can work together to understand your needs and help you feel your best—all from the comfort of your home. During our sessions, I take time to explore areas such as mood, anxiety, sleep, focus, trauma, and substance use, so we can create a personalized plan that works for you. I provide brief psychotherapy using supportive therapy, CBT-informed techniques, and motivational interviewing.

I am a therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on creating a grounded, supportive space where people can feel safe exploring their inner world. My approach is rooted in mindfulness-based CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and feminist therapy, with an emphasis on understanding how past experiences, relationships, and systems of power shape the way we move through life. I take a holistic and relational approach to therapy. We will focus on recognizing how past experiences, relationships, and larger social systems can shape the ways we think, feel, and move through life. Together, we can identify patterns, process past experiences, and build healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to yourself and others. My style is warm, relational, and thoughtful, with the goal of helping clients feel more connected to themselves, build resilience, and feel more confident in their ability to grow and heal.

Are you navigating a major life transition, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or struggling to set boundaries with others? You may identify with people-pleasing patterns, relationship struggles, or feel exhausted from anxiety or unresolved trauma. I help adults move from overwhelm to clarity, reconnecting with inner stability, emotional balance, and healthier relationships. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and somatic work. We’ll explore family dynamics, emotional triggers, and how your environment has shaped your patterns while building practical tools like grounding. As a holistic, trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in: life transitions & identity shifts; relationship challenges; EMDR & trauma processing; body-based & somatic healing; and women’s issues. What you can expect is a compassionate, judgment-free space with a blend of talk therapy and somatic tools to regulate your nervous system and support your needs. I understand that your journey is uniquely yours. Your path toward healing and a deeper sense of self-worth is within reach. I invite you to explore what a transformative journey might feel like by booking a free 15-minute Zoom call to explore whether we’re a good fit. You can go to my website to schedule your consultation directly or send me an email.

Kyra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who works with adults moving through trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. She offers a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental space, and she is especially glad to support LGBTQ clients and anyone exploring questions of identity. Kyra also has real experience with substance use, relationship struggles, and the heavier feelings that can be hard to carry alone. Her work draws on acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, all held within a person centered and trauma informed approach. She helps you build practical tools while making room for the deeper feelings underneath, and she moves at your pace. Kyra sees you as the expert on your own life and her role as a steady, collaborative guide. Kyra sees clients through WellQor, which offers online therapy across California. To get started, fill out the Get Started form on the WellQor website. A member of the front office team will then text you with next steps and help you find a time to meet, so the first step stays simple and there is no pressure to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Hi! I'm Sara, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Mexico with 23 years of experience. I was drawn to this work by growing up on the Navajo Reservation, where I saw so many people struggling with their mental health and not enough resources to help them. I set out on a career path that would bring relief to my community and to every client I meet. I believe therapy can be a gift for both the client and the therapist. I truly enjoy this work, and I find a lot of meaning in hearing my clients' stories and being a witness to the positive change that can happen along the way. As you begin this journey, you'll have the chance to explore and build a stronger connection with yourself. We will work together to find answers to the problems you're facing and put what we learn into practice in ways that genuinely help. I won't claim to have all the answers, but I am very good at helping you find them. If you're feeling stressed, confused, or frustrated, come talk it out with me. I would love to get to know you. I work with WellQor, which provides online therapy in California and New Mexico. To get started, visit the WellQor website and fill out the Get Started form. A patient liaison will then text you with next steps and help schedule your first session. Looking forward to meeting you!

Young adulthood can feel like a collision of expectations, identity shifts, relationship changes, and questions about who you’re becoming. You may be navigating sexuality, faith, family roles, loneliness or the pressure to “get it right,” all while trying to build a life that feels authentic and grounded. Sometimes being a young adult feels like simple “survival.” When identities, transitions, pressures and confusion stack up, we feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Paralyzing, pressured, performance-focused. Relationships can strained or feel shallow. Loneliness becomes painful. Shame, confusion, or self doubt can creep in. You might feel caught between the person you’ve been and the person you’re trying to grow into — without a clear roadmap. I’m a therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting young adults through the complexities of identity, relationships, and major life transitions. My work is grounded in expertise in human sexuality, women’s and men’s issues, and a deep commitment to being both LGBTQIA+ affirming and religiously affirming. I sometimes use forgiveness as a therapeutic tool — not to excuse harm, but to help clients release what no longer serves them and reclaim their emotional freedom. I’m trained in a wide range of modern talk therapies, allowing me to tailor treatment to your needs. Whether your concerns are related to sex or sexuality, gender, roles, faith or religion, religious trauma, relationships and finding your grown-up people, loneliness and confusion, bonding, infertility and birth trauma, or navigating new relationships – I have the experience and expertise to be your guide. I am passionate about men’s issues, gender wellbeing and women’s issues, and am a LGBTQIA+ ally. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, creating a space where you can explore your story, strengthen or form your adult relationships, and step into the next chapter of your life with clarity and confidence.

In network telehealth psychiatry for Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California. We know college can be overwhelming, but the right support can make all the difference. At Iroko Psychiatry, we specialize in helping college and graduate students thrive, with particular expertise in ADHD, including comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and practical strategies to improve focus, organization, time management, and academic performance. We also provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, sleep difficulties, and life transitions that commonly affect students. Founded by Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Henry Onyeaka, our practice offers personalized, measurement-based treatment through convenient virtual appointments, making it easier to get expert mental health care that fits your busy academic schedule. Our goal isn't just to help you feel better. We are here to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond.

At Acen, we are dedicated to restoring balance through compassionate, holistic mental health care tailored to every stage of life. Our approach blends evidence-based treatment with a deep understanding of each individual’s unique experiences, challenges, and goals. We believe mental wellness is not just about managing symptoms, but about creating a foundation for lasting growth, resilience, and overall well-being. We offer personalized care that integrates therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support in a safe and inclusive environment. With flexible in-person and telehealth options, we make care accessible and convenient. Our commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and expertise—helping you build a healthier, more balanced life.

Many of the students I work with appear to have everything under control, yet privately feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves. You may be struggling with stress, perfectionism, relationships, family expectations, loneliness, depression, or major life transitions. Some students are navigating identity, independence, or the challenges of balancing academics, work, and personal life, or simply feel stuck in patterns they don't fully understand. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can better understand yourself, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

Blanca Guerra believes in fostering a non-judgmental environment where clients can speak freely about life's challenges, no matter how difficult or embarrassing. She has extensive experience listening with empathy and compassion, building trust through genuine care and understanding. Blanca's therapy approach is always person-centered, drawing on cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients discover their inner strength and resilience. She understands firsthand how life can become overwhelming, but encourages clients to believe in their ability to shape their perceptions and realities. Outside of her professional life, Blanca enjoys sewing costumes for Renaissance and Victorian festivals and is an enthusiastic participant in Comicon. Her supportive and client-focused philosophy ensures that everyone she works with feels heard, respected, and empowered on their journey toward healing.

Brenda Valenzuela is a dedicated therapist who places building trust and engagement at the core of her practice. She takes a humanistic approach, focusing on understanding each individual's unique perspective and experiences. Brenda strives to create an environment rooted in empathy, respect, and authenticity, ensuring clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. Her warm, inclusive style centers on meeting clients where they are, using thoughtful questions to tailor each session to their needs. Brenda is committed to fostering genuine connections, celebrating progress, and guiding clients through growth and healing. Outside of her professional life, Brenda is a mom, who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including her goldendoodle and fiancé, a firefighter in Southern California. She values family time, walks, farmers markets, and library visits, bringing the same warmth and authenticity to her personal life as she does to her work.