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College Student Counseling in Los Gatos, CA

Therapy for College Students

Introduction to College Counseling

Specialized Therapy for College Students in Los Gatos

College should be the best years of your life—but what happens when you’re overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Whether you’re struggling with academic pressure, social challenges, homesickness, or questioning your path, I provide specialized therapy that helps college students in Los Gatos develop resilience, manage stress, and rediscover their confidence. With flexible scheduling and both in-person and online options, therapy can fit into your busy college life.

  • Therapy that fits your schedule (evenings/weekends)
  • Confidential support (privacy from parents if over 18)
  • Affordable session options
  • Understanding of college-specific challenges

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

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Navigating the world of higher education can be both exciting and overwhelming for students and young adults in Los Gatos. College counseling offers a dedicated space for individuals to address the unique academic, emotional, and personal challenges that often arise during this pivotal stage of life. With the support of experienced counselors, students can develop greater self-awareness, build resilience, and learn strategies to manage the pressures of academic life, family expectations, and evolving relationships.

College counseling in Los Gatos focuses on the whole person—helping students not only achieve academic success but also prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. Through personalized support, students are empowered to explore their values, set meaningful goals, and strengthen their relationships with family and friends. This process encourages growth, fosters a sense of purpose, and equips young adults with the tools they need to thrive both in college and beyond. By addressing concerns early and developing healthy coping strategies, students can lead more balanced, fulfilling lives and build a strong foundation for their future.

Discover how specialized college counseling in Los Gatos supports students and young adults through academic, emotional, and personal challenges.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult

Support for Anxiety, Depression, and School Stress

Teachers, along with counselors and family, play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and well-being, helping them cope with anxiety, depression, and school stress.

I support college students and young people struggling with anxiety, depression, and school stress. My commitment is to provide quality mental health service and comprehensive care, ensuring students receive the support and treatment they need.

Are you Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or Motivation? I Can Help.

In 2022, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem – yet only about 40% of those same students got the therapy they needed. (Healthy Minds Study) This is a major problem! Navigating young adulthood can be overwhelming. As a licensed psychologist in Los Gatos, CA, my professional experience and reputation as an excellent therapist allow me to provide specialized counseling for young adults facing emotional, academic, and social challenges. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, procrastination, or low self-esteem, I offer compassionate, evidence-based support to help them thrive. Together, we can foster hope for positive change and growth.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Common Challenges Students Face Today

Common Challenges Students Face Today

Young adulthood is a critical stage of development, and students today face increasing pressures that can impact their mental health. Some of the most common issues I help college students work through include:
  • Academic pressure and procrastination
  • Anxiety, ADHD, and chronic stress
  • College applications & admissions stress
  • Burn out, loneliness, and loss of identity
  • Low self-esteem and body image concerns
  • Depression, motivation and mood swings
  • Social anxiety, relationships issues and peer pressure
  • Trouble staying organized and focused
  • Difficulty managing screen time and emotional regulation
  • Mental health challenges among high school students, including academic stress and anxiety

How do you know if you may benefit from therapy?

If you are withdrawing, struggling to stay motivated, experiencing emotional ups and downs, or seem overwhelmed by school or social pressures, college counseling can provide you with the tools and support they need to regain balance and confidence. I offer a safe space for young adults to express their feelings and work through challenges related to their life experiences. Evidence-based interventions, such as CBT and DBT, are used to address issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. Students are also connected with resources to support their mental health and academic success. Therapy can help students improve their decision making in both academic and personal life. Over my career I have helped hundreds of students overcome various challenges they were facing.

My Approach to Young Person Therapy

With more than 30 years of experience as a psychologist working with young adults, couples and families in the Los Gatos area, I take a developmental and strength-based approach to college counseling. Young adult therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each young adult, using age-appropriate methods and approaches that are effective for adolescents and adults. A key focus of young adult therapy is supporting identity exploration and personal growth during this pivotal stage. My work focuses on:

  • Helping to understand and express emotions
  • Guidance through new and frightening life stages
  • Developing routines that support organization, health and motivation
  • Coaching through academic stress and performance anxiety
  • Improving self-confidence, coping skills, and communication skills
  • Supporting healthy relationships with family, lovers, and peers

I believe in building trust with college students by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel heard and understood. My approach considers the whole person, integrating the mind body connection to support overall wellness.

Ready to feel better? Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

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Types of Therapy for Students

I work with clients in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell and San Jose and offer a variety of evidence-based approaches designed to address the unique mental health challenges faced by young people today. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective for building emotional regulation and healthy coping skills.

These therapy modalities are tailored to support young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, bad memories, low self-esteem, and body image concerns. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I empower young adults to manage stress, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to thrive both in and out of college. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, or simply need support navigating life’s challenges, I can provide the tools and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence. I have helped many young people through the challenging college admissions process and in leaving home successfully. Additionally, I work with the 49ers and enjoy working with athletes.

Organizing the Chaos: Tackling Procrastination and School Stress

 

Organizing the Chaos: Tackling Procrastination and School Stress

Procrastination and lack of structure can derail a person’s confidence and academic success. I specialize in helping young adults become what I call “Activators” individuals who initiate, persist, and complete their goals. Often getting started on tasks is the most important as once we get started, we tend to follow through to completion.

As someone who personally struggled with procrastination in the past, I know how transformational it can be to develop tools that promote routines, progress and goal achievement. Together, we’ll create personalized systems and habits that help you move from stuck to success. Remember my trademark “go from a maze to Amazing.”

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult

Support for Mood Challenges, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Resilience

Many young adults struggle with low self-esteem and difficult emotions they haven’t yet learned to process. I help students:

  • Identify core emotions like sadness, anger, fear, or frustration
  • Recognize and manage the physical sensations that accompany strong emotions or anxiety
  • Develop emotional regulation and communication skills
  • Build the courage to express their needs and set effective boundaries
  • Strengthen their self-worth and belief in themselves

College is hard, no need to make it harder. Prioritize your mental health, so that stress doesn’t control your schedule, self-doubt doesn’t shape your decisions, and burnout doesn’t steal your motivation. Whether its mood swings, low self-esteem, or simply feeling “off” – you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy and family support can be especially helpful in improving self-esteem and emotional resilience. Therapy can help you reset, build resilience, and show up as your best self.

Relationship Challenges

College is a time of significant transition, and with it comes a host of relationship challenges that can impact a student’s mental health and well-being. In Los Gatos, students often find themselves navigating new friendships, romantic relationships, and the social pressures that come with campus life. Balancing these relationships alongside academic responsibilities can be stressful, and it’s common for students to feel uncertain about how to handle conflicts, set boundaries, or communicate their needs effectively.

College counselors provide essential support in helping students understand and manage these relationship challenges. By fostering open communication and self-reflection, counselors guide students in developing healthy relationship skills, managing anxiety, and building supportive connections. Exploring issues related to identity, intimacy, and independence allows students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, leading to more meaningful and positive relationships. With the right strategies and support, students can overcome social pressures, reduce stress, and create a network of relationships that enhance their academic and personal growth.

Navigating friendships, romantic relationships, and social pressures unique to college life.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult

Support for Mood Challenges, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Resilience

Many young adults struggle with low self-esteem and difficult emotions they haven’t yet learned to process. I help students:

  • Identify core emotions like sadness, anger, fear, or frustration
  • Recognize and manage the physical sensations that accompany strong emotions or anxiety
  • Develop emotional regulation and communication skills
  • Build the courage to express their needs and set effective boundaries
  • Strengthen their self-worth and belief in themselves

College is hard, no need to make it harder. Prioritize your mental health, so that stress doesn’t control your schedule, self-doubt doesn’t shape your decisions, and burnout doesn’t steal your motivation. Whether its mood swings, low self-esteem, or simply feeling “off” – you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy and family support can be especially helpful in improving self-esteem and emotional resilience. Therapy can help you reset, build resilience, and show up as your best self.

Relationship Challenges

College is a time of significant transition, and with it comes a host of relationship challenges that can impact a student’s mental health and well-being. In Los Gatos, students often find themselves navigating new friendships, romantic relationships, and the social pressures that come with campus life. Balancing these relationships alongside academic responsibilities can be stressful, and it’s common for students to feel uncertain about how to handle conflicts, set boundaries, or communicate their needs effectively.

College counselors provide essential support in helping students understand and manage these relationship challenges. By fostering open communication and self-reflection, counselors guide students in developing healthy relationship skills, managing anxiety, and building supportive connections. Exploring issues related to identity, intimacy, and independence allows students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, leading to more meaningful and positive relationships. With the right strategies and support, students can overcome social pressures, reduce stress, and create a network of relationships that enhance their academic and personal growth.

Navigating friendships, romantic relationships, and social pressures unique to college life.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult

Parent Involvement and Family Communication

If requested, I found that many families in Los Gatos (and surrounding areas) benefit from improving face-to-face communication, reducing digital distractions, and creating a home environment that fosters connection and emotional safety. Positive family relationships are crucial for students’ mental health, as they provide a foundation for emotional well-being. Family members can offer essential emotional support, helping to prevent or manage depression among students. The family environment has a significant impact on the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, influencing their development and resilience. Involving parents also helps families resolve conflicts more effectively, strengthening relationships and supporting healthier interactions.

“Families that talk in person together, flourish together.”

Building a Support Network

A strong support network is essential for students as they navigate academic stress, social anxiety, and the pressures of growing up in Silicon Valley. Community plays a vital role in providing support for students, ensuring that services and resources are accessible to all local residents. Different communities contribute to the well-being of their residents by offering social services, fostering inclusivity, and creating environments where students feel supported.

Therapy sessions, whether individual or group—offer a supportive environment where young adults can connect with others, share their experiences, and learn healthy boundaries. Involving family, friends, and other professionals can help students be supported in managing stress, overcoming self-doubt, and building the confidence to face challenges like school refusal, panic attacks, and peer pressure. I work with MDs and psychiatrists if needed.

Self-Care for Students

Self-care is a vital part of maintaining mental, physical and emotional well-being for young adults. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation – such as yoga, meditation, or creative hobbies – can help manage anxiety and depression. Establishing healthy routines, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, supports mood regulation and overall health.

I work with young people to develop personalized self-care plans that fit their unique needs and preferences. Whether through in-person or virtual therapy sessions, students are encouraged to prioritize self-care, which can lead to improved body image, greater resilience, and a stronger sense of self. By making self-care a regular part of their lives, students are better equipped to handle stress and the ups and downs of young adulthood.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult

Let’s Help You Thrive

Let’s Help You Thrive

If you’re looking for a therapist in Los Gatos, CA, (or the surrounding areas) I’d be honored to work with you. My counseling services offer both in-person and virtual sessions tailored to meet your unique emotional, behavioral and academic needs. I also collaborate with other therapists to ensure you can receive comprehensive support from a network of mental health professionals.

I proudly serve students from the Bay Area, making my services accessible for those traveling from nearby cities and ensuring regional connectivity for families throughout the area.

Don’t wait for things to get worse. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Together, we can help create a safer, more supportive world for students.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of therapy for college students and young adults?
Therapy offers students vital support during a challenging and transformative time. Working with a licensed therapist, Dr. Patrice Wolters, can help students manage uneasiness, depression, academic pressure, and relationship stress. Counseling promotes emotional resilience, builds coping strategies, and improves self-confidence—allowing students to thrive both academically and personally. If you’re a student in Los Gatos, CA, college counseling can provide tools to better navigate your mental health and stay focused on your goals.
How does counseling help with academic stress?

Academic stress can lead to fear, burnout, and procrastination, all of which impact a student’s success and mental health. College counseling helps students identify the root causes of stress and teaches evidence-based strategies—like time management, emotional regulation, and goal-setting—to reduce overwhelm. Dr. Wolters provides personalized therapy services in Los Gatos to help students manage school demands and build routines that promote focus, motivation, and well-being.

Can parents be involved in the student therapy session?
Yes, parent involvement can be a valuable part of the therapeutic process—especially when students are still building independence. With the student’s consent, therapy services may include sessions that improve communication, strengthen family dynamics, and support emotional safety at home. For students in Los Gatos and surrounding areas, Dr. Wolters offers guidance for families seeking to create supportive environments that empower young adults to grow and succeed.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies depending on each student’s needs, goals, and level of distress. Some students benefit from short-term counseling focused on specific issues like academic stress or relationship concerns, while others engage in longer-term therapy to work through deeper emotional patterns or identity development. During your initial consultation, Dr. Wolters will help you determine what timeline makes the most sense for your situation.
What should I expect during the first therapy session?
The first session is a chance for you to share what’s been going on, ask questions, and get comfortable. Dr. Wolters will ask about your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. Together, you’ll begin developing a plan that supports your mental health, academic goals, and personal growth. There’s no pressure to have it all figured out—the first step is simply showing up and being open.

Conclusion

Taking the step to seek college counseling in Los Gatos is an investment in your mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. With compassionate, personalized support, students and young adults can develop the self-awareness and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of college life—from managing anxiety and depression to building strong relationships and achieving academic goals.

College counseling services in Los Gatos offer easy access to experienced professionals who understand the unique pressures facing today’s students. By focusing on personal growth, emotional well-being, and relationship development, counseling empowers individuals to create a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Whether you’re facing specific concerns or simply looking for guidance and support, college counseling provides a safe space to explore your feelings, develop effective strategies, and build a brighter future. The benefits—improved mental health, stronger relationships, and greater academic achievement—can have a lasting, positive impact on every aspect of your life.

Take the next step toward emotional well-being and academic success with compassionate college counseling in Los Gatos.

Contact me today to schedule a free phone consultation.

Schedule a Consult