Mental Health Resources For
College Students
in San Diego
At Del Rae Behavioral Health, we do things differently. We combine clinical excellence with compassion, inclusivity, and genuine connection.
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Clinically Reviewed by:
Clinical Director: Sean O’Neill, LMFT
Key Points About Our Mental Health Options For College Students
- Comprehensive outpatient mental health therapy in San Diego
- Evidence-based and innovative therapies including CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, TMS, brain mapping, and sleep studies
- Co-ed mental health treatment with a strong focus on inclusion and client choice
- Relationship-centered therapy that prioritizes safety, trust, and feeling heard
- Holistic therapy options such as yoga, sound healing, and fitness-based outings
- Flexible daytime schedules designed to fit real-life responsibilities
- Ongoing alumni and aftercare support for long-term mental wellness
Mental Health Resources For College Students in San Diego
College is supposed to be one of the most formative and exciting chapters of your life. And it often is, but it can also be one of the hardest. Academic pressure, financial stress, social uncertainty, identity exploration, and the challenge of living away from home for the first time can create a perfect storm of mental health struggles. If you’re a college student in San Diego who’s been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep pushing through on your own.
Del Rae Behavioral Health offers outpatient mental health treatment specifically designed to support young adults, including college students from UCSD, SDSU, USD, and schools throughout San Diego County. We understand the unique pressures of student life because we’ve lived them ourselves. Our founder is a UCSD alumna, and that connection to the Triton community runs deep in everything we do.
The Mental Health Crisis Among College Students
The numbers are striking. In recent years, college campuses across the country have seen dramatic increases in students seeking mental health support. Anxiety and depression are now among the most commonly reported issues by college students, followed closely by stress, relationship difficulties, and academic concerns. Many students also arrive at college with pre-existing mental health conditions, and the transition to college life, with its new demands and reduced support structures, can trigger or worsen those conditions significantly.
For students at UC San Diego, this can be especially pronounced. UCSD’s academic culture is intensely rigorous, and the pressure to perform academically while managing finances, social life, and an uncertain future after graduation can feel crushing. The campus counseling center provides valuable services, but wait times can be long, and the level of care available on campus may not be sufficient for students dealing with more complex or persistent mental health challenges.
That’s where Del Rae Behavioral Health comes in.
Manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
Process trauma and unresolved emotional experiences
Improve emotional regulation and stress management
Strengthen relationships and communication skills
Build self-awareness, confidence, and resilience
Outpatient Mental Health Treatment That Fits Your Schedule
One of the biggest barriers to mental health treatment for college students is time. Between classes, studying, part-time jobs, internships, and social commitments, finding space for weekly therapy, let alone a more intensive program, can feel impossible.
Our outpatient program is designed with this reality in mind. We offer flexible scheduling options that allow you to receive consistent, high-quality mental health support without sacrificing your academic life. Whether you’re dealing with a manageable level of stress that needs ongoing therapeutic support, or you’re in the middle of a more acute crisis that requires structured, multi-week programming, we’ll work with you to find a schedule and level of care that actually works for your life.
Mental Health Challenges Common Among College Students
College students come to Del Rae Behavioral Health with a wide range of concerns. Some of the most common include:
Anxiety: Whether it’s performance anxiety before exams, social anxiety in new environments, or a persistent, generalized sense of worry and dread, anxiety is the most commonly reported mental health concern among college students. Our clinicians are experienced in helping young adults develop effective strategies for managing anxiety and breaking the cycles of avoidance that can make it worse over time.
Depression: College can be a lonely time, even when you’re surrounded by people. Depression in college students often looks different from what we see in older adults, it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, declining academic performance, disrupted sleep, or a loss of interest in things that used to bring joy. We take depression seriously and treat it with the full range of evidence-based tools at our disposal.
Trauma and PTSD: Many college students arrive with histories of trauma, childhood adversity, assault, loss, or other experiences that have left lasting marks on their mental health. Our trauma-informed approach, including EMDR, creates a safe space for healing that doesn’t require you to relive painful experiences unnecessarily.
ADHD and Academic Challenges: The structure of college is very different from high school, and students with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental differences often struggle significantly with the transition. We offer support that addresses both the mental health dimensions of ADHD and the practical challenges it creates in an academic environment.
Identity and Life Transitions: College is a time of profound self-discovery, and that process isn’t always smooth. Questions about identity, values, relationships, and the future can generate real psychological distress. Our therapists are skilled at supporting clients through these transitions with curiosity, openness, and care.
Substance Use: Some students use alcohol or substances as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or social pressure. When substance use begins to interfere with academic performance, relationships, or mental health, it’s important to address the underlying issues driving that behavior, not just the substance use itself.
Insurance Partnerships
A Note to UCSD Students
If you’re a Triton, know that Del Rae Behavioral Health was founded in part by someone who walked the same paths you do. Our founder completed her education at UC San Diego and carries firsthand knowledge of what it means to navigate the academic pressures, the imposter syndrome, and the demanding culture of life at UCSD. That experience shapes the way we approach care for students and young adults, with real empathy, not just clinical professionalism.
We are conveniently located in Sorrento Valley, easily accessible from the UCSD campus. We welcome Tritons, as well as students from SDSU, USD, and other schools throughout San Diego.
Advanced and Innovative Therapy Services
In addition to traditional talk therapy, Del Rae Behavioral Health offers advanced therapeutic options that address mental health from a neurological and physiological perspective. By integrating innovative tools with evidence-based therapy, we address mental health from multiple angles—mind, brain, and body.
Free and Low-Cost Mental Health Resources for College Students
While Del Rae Behavioral Health offers professional outpatient treatment, we also want to make sure students are aware of a broader ecosystem of support:
UC San Diego Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
UCSD’s on-campus counseling center offers individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling, and psychiatric services.
SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services
SDSU offers individual and group therapy, crisis support, and workshops on topics like stress and sleep.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, available 24/7.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 to reach crisis support at any hour.Call or text 988 to reach crisis support at any hour.
NAMI San Diego
Offers peer support programs, educational workshops, and resources specifically designed for young adults
Flexible Outpatient Therapy Scheduling
Designed For Real Life
Accessibility is a key component of effective mental health therapy. Our outpatient program offers flexible daytime scheduling to accommodate work, school, and personal responsibilities. Current therapy schedules include:
Morning Session
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Session
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
While we do not currently offer a night track, our daytime options are designed to make therapy manageable and consistent—helping clients stay engaged without putting their lives on hold.
Continuing Care To Support Your Healing Journey
Mental health therapy is a journey that continues beyond structured mental health treatment. Del Rae Behavioral Health emphasizes alumni involvement and aftercare planning to support lasting progress.
If you’re a college student in San Diego looking for mental health support, we’re here for you. Contact Del Rae Behavioral Health today at (619) 786-1807 or through our website to schedule an initial consultation. Healing doesn’t have to wait until after finals.
How Del Rae Behavioral Health Can Help
At Del Rae Behavioral Health, we do things differently. We combine clinical excellence with compassion, inclusivity, and genuine connection. Our mental health therapy options in San Diego are designed to help clients feel safe, heard, and supported—every minute of the day.
Whether you are seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, our outpatient mental health program offers the structure, flexibility, and personalized care needed to support meaningful change. We are here to help you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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Discover The Del Rae Difference
Del Rae Behavioral Health provides comprehensive outpatient behavioral health treatment in San Diego. Our approach is unique; we prioritize effective, evidence-based practices that truly make a difference in our clients’ lives. By focusing on personalized care and innovative techniques, we ensure that each individual receives the support they need to thrive mentally and emotionally. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you on your journey toward wellness and recovery, utilizing methods that have been proven to work.
