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Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

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Andrea Guttman
Marriage & Family Therapist
El Cajon, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi! I’m Andrea, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Tulipa Therapy. I have over 15 years of experience in community mental health, juvenile justice, and school system settings. I work with adults and teens and love holding space for people and their experiences. I’m certified in maternal mental health and my specialties include, anxiety, burnout, grief/loss, life transitions, perfectionism, self-esteem, motherhood, and parenting. I use a holistic and client-centered approach and prioritize creating safe and compassionate spaces where you can show up exactly as you are in the present moment. My focus is on you—you lead the way, and we go at a pace that feels right for you. It’s really important to me that you feel comfortable every step of the way. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important piece to successful therapy. It’s really important to me that you feel safe and comfortable because that trust is the foundation for everything we'll do together. My role is to support you, listen without judgment, and help guide you through whatever you’re facing. Too often, struggles are faced in isolation, and I don’t want you to carry the weight alone. Healing is hard but so worth it, and I am here to walk this path with you.

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Elevating Mental Health
Pre-Licensed Professional
Sunnyvale, CA
Accepting new clients

I hold certification for integrative psychiatric care and ADHD treatment. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from State University of New York Upstate Medical University where I received comprehensive training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of psychiatric care. My education equipped me with knowledge of mental health disorders, advanced clinical skills, and evidence-based treatment approaches. This rigorous academic background, combined with hands-on clinical experience across diverse settings, has prepared me to offer compassionate and effective care to individuals with a wide range of mental health needs.

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Alex Rowell
Psychologist
Corvallis, OR
Accepting new clients

You have taken a big and brave first step into bettering yourself and addressing your mental well-being. I have worked with individuals from various different backgrounds and identities treating a wide array of mental conditions. In our collaborative work together, we will process and explore barriers that may be inhibiting you from your full human potential. Counseling can feel like a scary and overwhelming experience, but know that this is the first step to bettering yourself. Counseling can improve both your personal relationships with family and friends and give you a sense of fulfillment in your life. Together we can build a working relationship to discover ways to reduce your current condition while examining patterns that affect your interpersonal relationships based on cognitive processes. I practice from a psychodynamic framework, which is defined as exploring people's emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors that are outside of our awareness. *Please note that I am only seeing students via Telehealth as my practice is now 100% remote.* My areas of interests and expertise include working with adults, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work burnout, trauma, interpersonal relationships, men and masculinities, gender identity, new fatherhood, porn addiction, and self-compassion. I aim to create a safe space to process aspects that may seem like a hindrance to reaching your full potential.

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Well-Mamas Counseling
Group practice
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

To provide access to education, support, and therapeutic healing to nurture, thrive and influence the overall wellness of mothers and their growing families. Well-Mamas Counseling is therapeutic space where individuals in different phases of their mothering journey can be supported by mental health professionals to overcome the challenges of the many transitions that happen in life. Our goal is to support families in forming authentic relationships.

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Mindful Evolutions
Group practice
Fremont, CA
Accepting new clients

Mindful Evolutions was started as a way to help adults, teens, and couples within the area feel happier and healthier through therapy. Each therapist has their own skills they bring to their clients. At Mindful Evolutions we happily welcome into our practices people from many communities and cultures. We provide counseling for all kinds of relationships including LGBTQ, multi-cultural, poly, kink, and heterosexual. Because we believe all people in a family need support, we have a therapist for everyone.

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Melissa Berschauer
Marriage & Family Therapist
Aliso Viejo, CA
Accepting new clients

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!

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Farrah Dalal
Marriage & Family Therapist
Corvallis, OR
Accepting new clients

I have worked with many University Students struggling with the adjustment and stress of a Masters or PHD program. I work in Downtown Corvallis offering in person or online sessions. Most of my clients come in with stress anxiety, depression, diversity issues, and trauma

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Coastal Minds Counseling
Group practice
Newport Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

At Coastal Minds, our mission is to offer an inviting and perpetually safe place to be, regardless of who you are. Above all, we do this by welcoming you just as you are: no judgment, no criticism, no standards to meet or uphold. In a world where you often have to be someone or something else, this is a place where you can show up and be really, truly you.

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Mariya Kholodova
Psychologist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

If you are seeking psychotherapy to improve your self-esteem, process trauma, manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, process loss or a difficult life transition, get a handle on your anger, improve your academic performance, learn to be more assertive, or improve your relationships with others, I can help. In a warm and supportive environment we will work together to foster insight and build the skills needed to deal successfully with life's unpredictable stressors. I provide long and short-term psychotherapy for a wide range of concerns, using insight-oriented, skills-based, and mindfulness-based approaches.

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Jeff Schanowitz
Psychologist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

If you are considering therapy, I'd be glad to provide you with a free consultation over the phone. I believe that the relationship between the client and therapist plays a significant role in helping people overcome school stress, painful emotional experiences, destructive interpersonal patterns, and other obstacles that get in the way of us experiencing our lives from a place of openness and security. I work closely with student clients to explore the role that their unique circumstances play in how they see themselves and others. My approach to treatment relies on non-judgment, compassion, and respect for all of my clients. I utilize various therapeutic approaches and provide psychological testing, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and psychodynamic interventions. Your needs matter, and I will work to stay attuned to them throughout the treatment. I have fifteen years of experience treating college students, adults, children, and adolescents in various treatment settings. Through working in a collaborative and integrative manner, and treating the whole individual, I aim to help those I work with negotiate your unique place vis a vis your relationships and your greater environment. I believe that this approach can lead to lasting and meaningful changes in one's life.

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Lawrence Leung
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

I am a CA-based therapist providing virtual therapy for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults with depression. I take an individualized and depth-based approach, following each client's lead and exploring how past relationships and experiences impact the present and future. I excel with first-timers to therapy, as well as folks who have been in therapy before and found the worksheet- and skills-based approaches unhelpful.

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Joan Cantor Backer
Marriage & Family Therapist
Laguna Hills, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Lynn Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

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Rebecca Peng
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

I have over a decade of experience serving young adults/adults struggling with issues related to identity, culture, addiction, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. These issues can greatly impact a person's capacity to manage school and work performance and create interpersonal/relationship difficulties. I have a specialty serving individuals from Asian American/immigrant/people of color communities.

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Sean O'Hara Psy.D
Psychologist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

Sean O’Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a Board Certified Licensed Psychologist living in San Diego, California, with over 30 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O’Hara has 2 convenient office locations in San Diego County, Rancho Bernardo, California and La Jolla, California. Dr. O’Hara also frequently travels throughout the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O’Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and rock concert tours. Dr. O'Hara accepts many insurances through Headway.co https://care.headway.co/providers/sean-o-hara-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=135088

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Marlene Alvarez
Licensed Professional Counselor
Shavano Park, TX
Accepting new clients

While in therapy, it is crucial that clients develop an increased understanding about the working relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions. I enjoy helping clients learn to practice emotion regulation, develop healthy coping skills, and empower them to take an active role in their lives leading to positive outcomes outside of therapy. I recognize the difficulty in talking to a stranger about intimate and personal topics, and I acknowledge the strength that it takes to freely discuss these events in an open manner. I provide an open space, where clients feel at ease sharing their lives in a confidential setting. It is well researched that a successful therapy outcome is highly linked to a positive therapeutic rapport. I strive to make you feel safe, heard, respected, and valued. I am aware of the complexities life brings and the many paths it can take, both positive and negative, my hope is that while in my care, I provide you with a reliable safe space to further develop your personal growth.

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Diane Patton Gaither
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Jose, CA
Accepting new clients

I love working with college students navigating this important chapter in their lives. I understand a lot of the challenges many students encounter during this time in their lives and have a variety of ways to offer support. Some of the ways I can offer support are by helping students understand the underlying issues fueling the challenges they are facing as well as learning coping tools and finding access to resources or practices that can benefit them and help them move through the places they feel stuck to obtain their bigger goals. I offer a variety of techniques and ways of working with students, including but not limited to, tools based, interventions, dream work and hypnotherapy which can be especially helpful in resolving ineffective habits that get in the way day-to-day.

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Emily St. Amant Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Clarksville, TN
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Tennessee and California, and I provide therapy virtually to students in both states. I work with people who are dealing with things like stress, difficult transitions and circumstances, traumatic events, relationship problems, grief, discrimination, and systemic marginalization. I specialize in working with people seeking recovery from the abuse they experienced in their families, intimate relationships, workplaces, religious and faith communities, and also survivors of cults and other high-demand/control groups. Additionally, I work with those who are living with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, suicide risk, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also specialize in working with people seeking recovery from substance use, and I welcome clients who are active substance users. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a safe, affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups. Being a military spouse myself, I am honored to work with active military members, their families, and veterans. Feel free to check out my website to learn more about my experience and specialties. Those who work with me can expect to experience a safe and supportive space. My approach is very down-to-earth, and I aim to use research-backed therapy interventions in a way that’s accessible and helpful. I believe no two people need the same approach. There is no universal formula for creating positive change. Your path is your own. The job of a counselor is to help you find your footing and support you on your unique journey. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Please reach out to get that scheduled, or if you have any questions you’d like to ask first.

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Ly Franshaua Pipkins, PsyD
Psychologist
Oakland, CA
Accepting new clients

For first-generation college graduates, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from internal self-doubt. It’s inherited. It’s cultural. It’s systemic. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1 You worked hard to “make it”—but deep down, part of you still feels like you arrived somewhere your nervous system was never taught to fully belong.When you’re the first in your family to move through colleges, graduate programs, and other institutional spaces that were unfamiliar to those who raised you, the pressure rarely stays confined to earning the degree. THERAPY CAN HELP: Together, we’ll quiet the doubt So you can feel at home in your own success. Through relational-cultural therapy and nervous system-based care (such as Brainspotting), we will work together to shift you from a place of persistent self-doubt to deep, grounded self-trust. Using a culturally responsive lens, I help first-gens move from harsh self-criticism to authentic self-compassion—providing a space where you never have to explain or defend your lived experience. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1

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Pear Tree Family Therapy, Inc.
Group practice
Vista, CA
Accepting new clients

We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional overwhelm in adolescents and adults, often those who are high-functioning but feeling stuck, stressed, or disconnected. Our approach is collaborative and tailored, combining insight-oriented therapy with practical tools to improve emotional regulation, reduce distress, and increase clarity. We help clients identify underlying patterns while building sustainable coping strategies. The goal is greater stability, self-trust, and a more grounded sense of direction in daily life and relationships.

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