Therapists for college students near UCLA

College can be exciting, meaningful, and full of possibility. It can also be really hard. Maybe you're trying to keep up with classes while working, navigating friendships or relationships, figuring out your future, and feeling like everyone else has it together except you. On the outside, you seem capable. Inside, you're anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or constantly questioning yourself. I work with college students and young adults who care deeply, think deeply, and often put a lot of pressure on themselves. Many are navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship challenges, or simply trying to figure out who they are outside of everyone else's expectations. Therapy offers a space to slow down. Together, we'll explore what's contributing to the stress—not just what's happening today, but the patterns that may have shaped how you relate to yourself. I integrate somatic and insight-oriented therapy to help you better understand your emotions, reconnect with your body, and build greater confidence in yourself and the decisions you're making. My hope is that therapy becomes one place where you don't have to have everything figured out. A place where you can breathe, feel supported, and develop a stronger sense of who you are beneath the pressure to perform. If that sounds like what you're looking for, I'd love to connect.

With 13 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, I enjoy the opportunity to create a safer space for people to explore personal growth, discover ways to thrive with unique challenges and give themselves permission to live at their own pace. I specialize in Trauma informed care, EMDR and Process arts. I come from a person centered approach. I enjoy helping people work through traumas such as auto accidents, sexual trauma, assaults, medical trauma and abuse. I help people find ways to manage and navigate bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, chronic pain and psychosis. I have specialized training and volunteer in spaces to support the LGBTQ, kinky, poly and disabled populations.

I gladly provide support to students/young adults navigating college stressors while also exploring who they are, how their family has impacted them, their relationships with others, and where they want to go in life. We might explore things like anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, relationship health/skills, sexuality, spirituality, stress, trauma, racial identity, home/belonging - just to name a few areas. If you need support, please reach out for a free consultation!

I love working with young adults. Life inevitably brings challenges and difficult times. Deciding to begin therapy is a sign of strength, but it can also feel intimidating. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive. We will work together to help you build a life that is meaningful, healthy and balanced no matter what challenges you may face in your personal life or in your relationships. Please reach out via phone, text or email. My favorite session is the first session, when I get to meet you!

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whom specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I received my Master’s of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and my Post Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Cincinnati. My clinical experience has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to a vast array of mental conditions and to work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life and overall wellbeing. I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety and ADHD. Psychiatry became my passion when I realized the disparity of services and care provided within our mental health care system. I believe it’s an honor and a privilege to work alongside individuals on their path to wellness. My goal is for each and every member to feel safe, empowered and heard. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others attain a life they deserve and desire. I listen to each patient’s concerns and approach their care as a concerted effort. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, chronic illness, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Many students struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges while trying to balance school, work, and personal life. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what’s going on and feel heard. Together, we can work on practical strategies to help you manage stress, improve relationships, and feel more confident navigating this stage of your life. Reaching out for support can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

As a therapist, I find inspiration in helping individuals tap into resilience and strength as they navigate their mental health journeys. Witnessing their transformations and moments of clarity, hope, and healing fuels my passion for this field. I am motivated by the opportunity to create a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions, knowing that every conversation and intervention holds the potential to spark meaningful change in their lives. Ultimately, it is the privilege of walking alongside others in their struggles and triumphs that drives my commitment to the mental health profession. As a therapist, I prioritize creating a safe and empathetic space where clients feel fully understood and validated. I actively listen, maintaining eye contact and using reflective statements to convey that I am engaged in their experiences. I encourage open dialogue and ask clarifying questions, ensuring clients feel comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts. My goal is to foster a trusting relationship where clients know their voices are valued and their feelings matter. As a therapist, I prioritize building trust and rapport with my clients to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. I believe that establishing a genuine connection fosters open communication, allows for deeper exploration of personal challenges, and ultimately enhances the therapeutic process. By actively listening, validating their experiences, and demonstrating empathy, I aim to empower clients and help them feel valued and understood throughout their journey.

Ben’s professional training is as a Depth Psychotherapist, which means that his approach to helping others through difficult times always takes Soul into consideration when addressing the issues that his clients bring to their sessions. His work with others is also strongly influenced by his 36 years of meditation practice, which has developed into an ability to work with others with depth and wisdom.

I specialize in working with young adults, adults, and couples. I take an integrative, person-centered approach to therapy, believing that every client is unique and the expert on their own experiences. In session, you can expect a non-judgmental and welcoming environment where you can express your authentic self. I strive to foster rapport through a balance of both humor and conversation.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a degree in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado. Mindfulness informs all aspects of my work, including my emphasis on creating a space of compassion and curiosity in which we can explore, experiment, and journey together. You can't do anything "wrong" in therapy; everything that happens can be mined for wisdom. I have primarily worked with people to address issues related to anxiety, depression, self-concept, and life transitions. I see therapy sessions as a balance between processing and skill-building, in which there is enough open space to explore and also enough direction to come away with concrete action steps to create the desired change. In addition to mindfulness, I have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I frequently guide my clients in getting to know and work with "parts" of themselves. I bring a trauma-informed approach to all sessions, in which safety, empowerment, and self-compassion are held paramount. For trauma-specific work, I utilize my training in EMDR therapy to provide targeted interventions designed to desensitize and reprocess traumatic experiences in the brain. Above all else, I hold a steadfast hope for the ability of each and every person to heal and grow. It is truly an honor and privilege to join my clients in that journey.

My name is Mayra Almanza, owner and founder of Contigo Counseling Inc. I've been in the mental health field for over 10 years. My goal is to provide equitable and accessible service for all. My focus is working with BIPOC individuals who would benefit from being with a therapist that may be able to understand their experience based on that shared identity.

I specialize in helping adults work through unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, problem gambling, hoarding, phobias, and grief. I also support clients with stress management and navigating life’s everyday challenges. I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I am licensed to provide telehealth services to clients in both California and North Carolina. I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. I’m passionate about this work because I have the privilege of walking beside people on their healing journey. Witnessing the shift from feeling stuck in painful patterns to gaining true freedom and self-understanding is something I never take for granted. Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about being heard, seen, and supported as you grow and heal.

Do you find yourself asking “why is life so fucking hard?” Are you experiencing challenges in life or a relationship? I specialize in working with adults that are feeling like their lives or relationships are off track. I will help you identify what is important to you, how to communicate your wants and needs, and how to start aligning your life with your values. Together, we will get to know you and what’s getting in the way of living the life you want. We will develop new ways of looking at your problems and create solutions together. We will talk about who you are, what your values are, and who you want to be moving forward. I believe we can change when we feel safe, cared for, and understood. I tailor my approach to your needs to address depression or anxiety caused by trauma, relationship issues, or other life challenges. Your services are about you & what you need. I’ll help you explore your life in a way that you feel understood and safe as you learn and grow. I know that life can be overwhelming. Sometimes what we need is a place to unload & get some fresh perspective (or a kick in the ass). I started my private practice because I wanted to create a life in line with my values. Are you ready for that life? Schedule a consult & lets see if we are good fit for each other. The consult is free, and so are the jokes!

Being a student is demanding. Add athletics, performances, or other high-pressure activities, and it can feel like you're constantly balancing expectations from every direction. You may be managing anxiety, stress, performance pressure, perfectionism, injury recovery, relationship challenges, or simply trying to figure out who you are beyond your sport. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm Buffy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced training and certification in Sports Social Work. I specialize in supporting student-athletes and young adults through the unique challenges that come with balancing academics, athletics, and everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions, we'll work together to better understand your experiences, develop practical coping skills, and build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. My goal is to help you thrive—not just in your sport, but in every area of your life.

I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. Early in my career I had many mentors who encouraged me to become a therapist, they believed in me. In some moment, I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I use the phrase, validate the other person’s reality that may be different from your own. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated. My first response is over time. I think trust is built with consistency. I tend to follow a consistent pattern in session, I try to have a beginning, middle and end to every session. The beginning can be more of a welcoming and social experience. The middle can be sharing and revealing the deeper part of a person and what they are going through. This can feel emotional and intense at times. The end, is closure. I will help a client have some closure at the end of every session. I talk to the client about next steps, how will you spend the time after the session, and confirm when we will meet next.

Are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from school, work, extracurriculars, finances, and everything else? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping college women manage stress and heal from trauma with compassionate, evidence-based care. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, I bring experience from residential treatment centers, school-based programs, and nonprofit organizations. I provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Faith-Based Therapy for clients seeking a spiritual lens. I’m also trained in EMDR therapy for clients looking to process and heal from traumatic experiences.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and know how much pressure comes with going to school in CA. I had mental health challenges that started in high school and continued through college. I was worried my self-worth, mood, and grades wouldn't recover, but working with a therapist helped a ton to get myself feeling like myself again. I offer an optimistic, collaborative approach to mental health. I believe you're the expert on your own life and experiences. I'm here to help you build confidence in your own intuitions and expand on what's possible from there. Like a sculptor carving out a work from stone, we start with the raw materials. In our case, it begins with unfiltered venting and time to feel. From there, we chisel away at the frustration and pain to find what these experiences are really telling you about your needs and who you are. Then, we make a plan to act with integrity. It's hard work, but it's empowering to remember the agency you have over your own life.

I've been in private practice for 25 years and in mental health for nearly 40 years - I see all populations, youth, college, male, female, couples, families, specializing in Relationship Work, Codependency, Anxiety, Depression and Stress Management - my tools are primarily Mindfulness Based Protocol, Emotional Regulation and CBT & DBT