Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I worked in the college counseling setting for many years, and left it private practice and for a better life-work balance. In my practice, I mostly work with active duty servicemembers and their families; however, my heart still beats for the college students. I would describe myself as a multiculturally-focused, feminist, strength-based relational therapist. I am queer and gender-affirming therapist and I do a lot of trauma work.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area, both in non-profit agencies, schools and in my private practice. My therapeutic style is authentic, warm, supportive and interactive and my focus is to collaborate with my clients to create realistic goals, personal growth, and meaningful change. I am unique in that I balance listening and reflecting with offering concrete ideas and interventions, and am honest and straightforward when I sense resistance or ambivalence that might be keeping the client from moving forward. I am passionate about helping adults struggling with depression and anxiety as the symptoms can be extremely challenging to overcome and they can create significant emotional pain, isolation and affect quality of life. I also specialize in working with young adults, relationship issues, substance abuse, grief and life/career transitions. I feel that therapy is successful when my clients' goals have been reached, effective new coping strategies and communication styles have been developed and they are feeling more fulfilled in their career and personal life. Part of this journey often includes increasing self-care, creating a better work/life balance and focusing on how to experience more joy, gratitude and self-compassion despite life's many challenges. My therapeutic approach is to use an integrative model utilizing Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness aimed at specific symptoms, patterns of behavior and unhelpful core beliefs. Feedback from the client is encouraged and welcomed during the therapeutic process, as I believe it creates a more collaborative and productive experience.

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Many are high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of themselves on the inside. They often care deeply about their relationships and may be navigating repeated conflict, trust issues, or a life transition that’s prompting them to want something different, even if they’re not fully sure what that looks like yet. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, and focused on real change. I help clients slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and build practical tools they can use in everyday life. Clients who are open to reflection, honest conversations, and gradual growth.

Hello, I’m Tessa! I believe that everyone's stories should be heard, their experiences valued, and their strengths recognized. My goal is to create a space where my clients feels safe, understood, and trusted. As a biracial Latinx cisgender woman from a large blended family, my own background influences my approach to therapy. I’ve had the privilege of working with students, parents and families from diverse backgrounds in private practice, community mental health, and school settings. Together, we can navigate challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, life transitions, trauma, loss, identity work, anxiety and depression. Our therapeutic relationship may sometimes look like laughter and smiles, and other times look like facing difficult feelings, delving into your beliefs shaped by cultural and relationships, while honoring your strengths and values that make you, YOU! As your ally and collaborator, I will meet you with compassion, acceptance and empowerment, wherever you are in your journey. We will work together to closely connect you to your goals and preferred sense of self. If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to reach out.

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking a step towards prioritizing yourself through therapy. College can be an amazing time of freedom, self discovery, and growth. It also can be a time of overwhelming change, questioning, and anxiety. Whatever problems you face, I look forward to connecting with you, understanding you, and helping you towards your goals.

I was drawn to the field of therapy because I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and resilience. Over time, I witnessed how meaningful it can be for people to have a space where they feel truly heard and supported through life’s most difficult moments. I am inspired by the strength individuals show in facing their challenges, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. Seeking therapy is an important step toward growth and healing, and I am committed to providing a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. My clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues related to self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and attachment-focused work. I work with clients to not only address current symptoms but also to identify and process underlying patterns that may be contributing to ongoing distress. With experience in both treatment facility and private practice settings, I bring a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical presentations. I am dedicated to helping clients develop insight, build effective coping strategies, and foster lasting personal growth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful work in therapy. From the very beginning, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. I approach each client with genuine curiosity, empathy, and non-judgment, allowing us to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Through open communication, collaboration, and consistency, we work together to create a partnership where you feel supported in exploring difficult emotions and experiences. I am committed to honoring your unique story while helping you gain new insight and develop effective tools to support your growth. Working together will be a collaborative process where we move at a pace that feels right for you. In the beginning, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, learning about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and what feels important to you. Building trust takes time, and I truly respect that.

Hi, my name is Callihan but I go by Calli for short! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide compassionate and individualized counseling that instills hope and encourages clients to be their best selves. I'm passionate about helping you achieve your goals and become your best you!

I am very easygoing and like to provide a relaxed, judgment-free space for my clients to talk about the issues (and successes) currently in their lives. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with clients experiencing Trauma, Bi-Polar, Depression, Anxiety, and persistent mental illness and psychosis. My journey to mental healthcare Like many therapists who chose this path, I have some lived experience with family members who suffer from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping people find the light at the end of the tunnel and see themselves making improvements in their lives. Treatment can be brief (4-12 sessions) with a high focus on identifying the barriers preventing a better quality of life, and problem solving or learning new skills. Other times, treatment can be longer (several months) and more in-depth. It takes time to process how we got to this very spot, and reviewing our trauma and stressors. I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients learn to re-train their thought processes, so that they may find ways to independently identify and intervene in the negative, distorted thoughts that can sometimes rule their lives. My communication style I will always try my hardest to make my clients understand that I will never judge them. I am incredibly empathetic, humorous at time, but when necessary, I have to call out cycles of behavior that continue to hurt my clients. I try to approach all issues from an understanding perspective. My goals for you I enjoy collaborating with my clients on their goals. It's important that my clients buy into their goals, and typically that requires some partnership in the process. Our first session During our first session, I like to gather information on your past and then begin talking about what brings you to therapy. I like to know, if you've tried therapy before, what worked and what didn't? We will discuss diagnosis, goals and objectives, and the expected length of service anticipated to meet those goals.

Sometimes the journey of accomplishing your dreams, well, it isn't exactly as you thought it would be. Juggling academic stress, imposter syndrome, past trauma and family commitments can be overwhelming. Hi my name is Ceila (say-la) and I know too well how isolating the student experience can be, especially as a first generation college student. I hoped we can work together to help easy some of your recent struggles. I accept multiple insurances on Rula and Headway, feel free to reach out for a consultation.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to create a space where patients feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely heard. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, which has given me a strong foundation in caring for individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns. I also hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and have a special interest in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, and other major life transitions. My approach is focused on helping people feel more confident and seen in their day-to-day lives. I was drawn to psychiatry because I’ve always been interested in the connection between mental health, overall well-being, and how deeply our experiences shape us. Working in mental health settings early in my career showed me how important it is for people to feel truly seen, supported, and understood during vulnerable moments. That experience ultimately inspired me to become a psychiatric provider and continue helping people navigate challenges with compassion, education, and practical support. I would describe my approach as collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I believe treatment works best when patients feel comfortable being open and involved in the decision-making process, so I focus on creating a nonjudgmental environment where people feel heard and understood. When working with me, patients can expect thoughtful conversations, education about treatment options, and a balance of compassion and practicality as we work toward goals that feel realistic and meaningful for their everyday life. Outside of work, my favorite role is being a mom. Motherhood has taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and giving myself grace during different seasons of life, which I think naturally carries over into how I connect with patients. I also love spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, and finding little ways to recharge and stay balanced outside of work. I think those moments of connection and normalcy are such an important part of overall mental health.

Hello. I am Courtney. I’ve lived in Ventura County my whole life. Giving back to my community and helping those who need direction is very important to me. I received my undergraduate degree from Cal State Channel Islands University in Psychology. I graduated from Alliant International University with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently working with clients that are young adults, and adults. I have experience working with clients that are: a part of the LGBTQ+ community, mood disorders, anxiety, separation anxiety, ADHD, grief, postpartum depression, and navigating transitional life stages. How I ensure my clients feel heard and understood in sessions is, I tend to ask at the end of my sessions how the session went. It’s important to me my clients’ feel like they are in a safe talking space and they are feeling heard. When working with clients I like to meet the client where they are in their journey to healing. I am passionate about giving my clients the tools to support healthy coping skills and helping clients gain agency in their lives. The types of modalities that I like to use during my sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aspects of Dialectic Behavioral Health (DBT),and strength based therapy.

I support motivated individuals with childhood trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and conflict with family. Perhaps you're exhausted carrying burdens never meant to be yours. My approach is soulful, compassionate, yet unafraid to gently challenge when growth requires it. I specialize in depth therapy—exploring underlying beliefs that no longer serve you, rather than just addressing surface symptoms. I meet you where you are and walk together to rise above your current circumstances. I truly believe that you have inner wisdom that can lead you to a place of solace and healing. Together, we'll transform pain into power while honoring your resilience. With over 18 years in the mental health field, I not only extensive clinical experience but also a grounded, empathetic presence shaped by my own journey of growth and healing.

I provide therapy for adolescents and young adults ages 12-25, supporting them through academic, emotional, and social challenges that come with this stage of life. Together we will explore your goals and strengthen coping skills and create lasting tools for managing stress, relationships, and self-esteem in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

Dr. Aundrea helps people navigate life changes and relationship challenges so they can thrive.

Hi, I'm Kerianne! I'm a mixed-race and queer Asian-American therapist. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients with various issues relating to identity development, anxiety, multiculturalism, life transitions, and ADHD. I work collaboratively to cultivate a open, warm, and welcoming space for processing your experiences and beliefs. I often ask a lot of questions to help best understand yourself and what might work best for you.

You’re trying to find your footing after a major loss, a breakup, or a life transition that’s turned everything upside down. Whatever has led you here, one thing is likely true: something has shifted and you’re left trying to make sense of it. I offer a space to process the complex layers of change including grief, transition, and identity exploration. You may be holding the weight of a loss while also trying to figure out who you are and where you’re going. That’s a heavy lift. In our work, we’ll explore how your past has shaped you, how your values can guide you, and how to build a life that both honors what you’ve lost and allows you to stay connected to hope. Through compassion, insight, and gentle challenge, I’ll help you rediscover your worth and reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve missed. This work is personal to me. My own experiences with grief and therapy are what led me here, and they give me a lived understanding of what it’s like to rebuild after loss—not from a textbook, but from my own life. I’m not here to lead from a distance. I’m here to be with you through the work, honoring your process while drawing from what I’ve learned in my own journey. If you’re feeling lost, isolated, or unsure where to start, I want you to know—you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Text, call, or email today and let's take that first step together.

My areas of emphasis are relationships, trans-affirming care, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, trauma, anxiety, sexuality, multi-ethnic/cultural identity & college-related concerns. I support my clients in unlearning shame, setting boundaries without guilt, embracing their identities and cultures with pride, and build more authentic, fulfilling relationships. I offer a compassionate space where you can safely explore yourself, challenge old patterns, and develop new ways of responding that support healing, confidence and lasting change. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide WPATH assessments and letters for gender affirming surgeries. Therapy with me is collaborative, affirming, and driven by the desire to support you in healing through your resilience and empowerment. I integrate psychodynamic and action-oriented methods and my approach is liberation-based, anti-racist and trauma-informed.

My role as a therapist is to support you in exploring your personal story and observing your inner experiences. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space using warmth, humor and gentle awareness for you to feel accepted and understood. I use narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness techniques to collaborate with you. This approach allows you to reauthor your story with compassion and insight, drawing from your strengths and values to cultivate resilience.

Hello, fellow human! Are you struggling with finding love, social anxiety, or a rocky relationship? You want love and acceptance, but finding and keeping human connections is hard. You know you need tools, a plan, and confidence to use them. Where can you find reliable advice? The Relationship Center can help. We help socially anxious professionals, singles seeking loving relationships, and couples adjusting to major life transitions. We offer online therapy, dating coaching, and couples counseling in the Bay Area and across California. At the Relationship Center, our relationship therapists have supported countless individuals and couples just like you to better understand themselves and discover the tools they need to find happiness. Ready to build confidence and find companionship? Apply for a free 30-minute consultation today!