Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Welcome! My name is Hannah (she/her/hers). I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in fostering healing and resilience, particularly for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual assault, abusive relationships, mass violence, religious trauma and other traumatic experiences. I also work with clients struggling with attachment issues and mood disorders. For couples, I offer emotion-focused and psychodynamic couples therapy. I have extensive experience providing therapy to individuals and couples. I base my work in Psychodynamic Therapy and Existential-Humanistic Therapy. I also use Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and Schema Therapy. I am currently training in EMDR and Hypnotherapy. I aim to provide comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s needs. At the core of my approach is a commitment to understanding each client’s unique experiences and worldviews, shaping a therapeutic journey that cultivates authenticity, meaning, and growth. It’s truly an honor to walk alongside clients on their path to healing.

Encouragers Counseling & Training Centers is a 501c3 nonprofit counseling center that provides mental health services in person or via Telehealth. Our clinicians are specially trained to address issues of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. We are have 2 offices located in Southern California (Corona and Murrieta). Check our website to learn more: EncouragersUSA.org

Laurén (she/her, they/them) supports people of all ages experiencing a variety of mental health concerns including eating issues & disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and problematic sexual behaviors.. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. In her work, she uses modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family based treatment (FBT), emotion focused therapy (EFT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Laurén believes the therapeutic relationship is essential to fostering change, and attends to this connection throughout treatment. She is gender affirming in all of her care, and personally identifies as queer. Professional Experience Laurén’s clinical experience extends across the lifespan, including children, young adults, adults, couples, and families. Laurén spent ten years working in eating disorder treatment centers and supporting eating disorder clinicians in private practice. She approaches therapy with appreciation for each individual’s innate strengths and a desire to partner with them to support attainment of their goals. As a social worker, she is uniquely trained to view the individual from a systems framework, meaning in treatment she accounts for the impact of being a part of their family, community, institution, etc. Laurén believes all people are doing their best with the tools they have. Laurén has a diverse background of work and life experience outside of clinical practice. She has experience as an eating disorder recovery coach which she weaves into her therapy practice when appropriate. She has also worked as a sex educator, which taught her much about the spectrum of sexual behaviors and identities, gender expression, communication and consent, and sexual challenges. Laurén identifies as queer and Health At Every Size aligned, providing an inclusive safe space for all bodies, foods, genders, relationships, and sexualities. In addition to professional background, her personal life has taught her much about resilience and effective coping in the face of adversity. When Laurén’s not working, she enjoys spending time at the beach, gardening, traveling, listening to live music, thrifting, and spending time with her family and pets. Services Provided Laurén provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families residing in California. Supervised my Theresa Chesnut LCSW

ADHD can be complex—your path to understanding it doesn’t have to be. At Sequoia Psychology, we bring clarity to the chaos with warmth, compassion, and clinical expertise. Whether you're seeking answers for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, we offer thoughtful, neurodiversity-affirming ADHD assessments designed to help you move forward with confidence. Anxiety and trauma can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected—but healing is possible. At Sequoia Psychology, therapy is a space to reclaim calm, clarity, and confidence. With warmth, compassion, and evidence-based care, we help adults navigate the lasting impact of trauma and anxiety. Whether you're beginning your healing journey or returning for deeper work, you don’t have to face it alone.

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

Are you a chronic "people pleaser," feeling stuck in your relationships, or just wishing that things in your life could be different? I help adults learn to be more in control of their thoughts, feelings, and moods so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. I'll help you find new ways of understanding and coping to get you feeling better and more able to handle life's ups and downs. No matter if your stresses are recent or longstanding, together we will work on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so you are free to live a more fulfilling life. I specialize in working with young adults who are dealing with self-esteem issues, perfectionism, difficulty setting and holding boundaries in relationships, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have training to help those in painful relationships feel validated, learn to recognize harmful patterns, and develop skills to create healthier connections. We'll work best together if you are driven to improve your mood and relationships through hard work and humor. I absolutely love teaching others skills and gaining a different perspective about the world. If you're ready to grow, change, and laugh a lot, contact me today for a free consultation and find out how I can help you build a life that makes your heart sing.

APPROACH As a psychotherapist, I am committed to helping you realize what you most want from life: fulfilling relationships, relief from self-defeating cycles, and self confidence. Working with me brings the clarity, guidance, and support you need to overcome barriers to contentment. My style is candid and astute, coupled with warmth and humor. I listen deeply and creatively so I can offer a new lens and insight to patterns that have been keeping you stuck. I help you maintain motivation and hope, even in the face of challenge. EXPERIENCE I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20+ years experience working individuals, couples, and families. I use well-founded as well as innovative psychotherapeutic strategies including cognitive-behavioral techniques and psychodynamic approaches. In addition, I provide consultation and supervision to mental health providers.

You want to appear successful & like you have it “all together” but deep down are struggling to feel confident in who you are and are struggling with past challenging experiences. You may be fed up with making mistakes and feeling like a failure - leading to being isolated and disappointed. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to manage stress effectively. You’re ready to overcome your overwhelming thoughts. Most of all, you’re ready to feel empowered and confident to take on life’s high and lows. Clients come to me looking for a therapist who can be a place of connection and vulnerability, because therapy should be a place where you feel safe and seen. Sessions with focus on developing life skills through self-reflection and connection. Together, we create meaningful relationships with others, navigate stress, and discover empowerment. And we always go at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be. As an experienced young adult therapist, I believe that you are worthy of a place to release your emotions, be understood, and given the tools to not only survive, but thrive. You don’t have to continue to struggle in managing it all, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call me today for a 15 minute consult call. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hey- I'm glad you're here. Can I just name that looking for the right therapist for yourself can sometimes be a tad overwhelming? Give yourself some props for working through these profiles-- some of my clients have described it like 'dating' because it can take a while to find someone who you really vibe with- so I'll cut to the chase of who I am, what I do, and what you can expect from sessions with me! I'm a relational and person-centered therapist, meaning, I'm attuned to your needs and goals, act like a dynamic and engaged human in session, and really strongly believe you deserve a space where you can show up fully. I also prioritize the things you need in session to feel comfortable- if that's sitting on the floor, then I'll meet you there! If you need to fidget- I've got some for you. If you want to be burrito-wrapped up under a fuzzy blanket, that's just fine too! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you're getting something out of your time in therapy and we'll work together to create a space that allows for that. A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, inquisitive, and just carrying a lot more than most people realize. They might look like they’re keeping up just fine, but inside they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or questioning where life is headed. Some are navigating grief or the fallout of a breakup, others are dealing with anxiety, burnout, major academic stress, or trying to figure out who they are, where they're headed, and what matters to them. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. In therapy with me, I aim for us to create a space where you can be completely yourself without having to downplay your struggles. I bring warmth, curiosity, and care, and some helpful perspectives and ways of coping that are 100% tailored to you and what you need. You show up, and we’ll take things step-by-step and explore what’s weighing on you and what may help you get through it, together. If anything here resonated with you- I welcome you to reach out and set up a 20 minute free phone call with me and we'll go from there! Best of luck finding the care you're seeking!

Hi, I am passionate about supporting BIPOC students, particularly first-gen college students who are navigating daily life struggles along with the complexities of intersecting identities, navigating systemic oppressions and college/career stressors. I work from a decolonial-Liberation, mujersita framework and utilize my training and experience to support and challenge you to grow in the direction you choose. I have vast experience working with college students. The first part of my career I worked in college counseling centers in both universities and community colleges. I also supervise students in training to be therapists.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hey, I’m Kayla If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or like your brain just won't turn off — you're not alone. Whether you're navigating adulting, college pressure, trauma, identity stuff, or mental health struggles that won’t go away, I’m here to help you figure it out — step by step. I work with young adults (18–24) who are dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, substance use, or just a general feeling of “what now?” Therapy with me is a collaborative space where you can explore your story, build practical tools, and feel more in control of your life — without judgment. My Therapy Style My approach is real, supportive, and skills-based. I’ll meet you where you are — no pressure to “fix” anything overnight. You’ll find that I’m curious, empathetic, and genuine — I believe in showing up as a human, not a cold clinical voice. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. We'll look at what's working and what’s not, figure out how your past may be influencing your present, and build tools to help you manage stress, emotions, and relationships more confidently. <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=42376"></script>

We are a group practice located in Albany, CA, near Berkeley, dedicated to supporting students as they navigate the challenges of academic life and personal growth. We understand that being away from home, managing academic pressures, and dealing with life’s stressors can feel overwhelming at times. Our compassionate therapists specialize in evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Narrative Therapy to help you build resilience, gain clarity, and find balance. Our goal is to create a supportive space where you feel heard and understood, empowering you to move through challenges with greater ease. We accept insurance and are committed to making therapy accessible to students. Whether you're feeling stuck, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to help.

Great to meet you! As a board-certified licensed therapist, I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a variety of backgrounds. My primary goal is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. I believe that our past influences our present, especially when faced with challenging life experiences. Together, within our built safe space, we will explore how your past experiences influence your current thoughts and behaviors - to improve your awareness and identify areas for positive change. I believe in balancing validation and empathy with a directive, solution-focused approach that offers specific strategies to enact change. I treat anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-harm/suicidal ideation, substance use, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, identity development, and life transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches because it is important to me to adapt my style to honor the current needs of each of my clients. I always begin our work together with an introductory session, when you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We’ll work together, collaborate on your goals and create a plan that feels most comfortable to you. Building trust is important to our therapeutic relationship, and will take our time easing into processing your thoughts and experiences. I will remain committed to supporting and guiding as we work together to make your goals a reality.

People-pleaser, perfectionist, anxious, passive. If any of the above phrases or words describe you, guess what? You're reading the right profile. If you're ready to break-out of unhelpful patterns; if you're motivated to start using your voice; even if you're ready to start therapy to see where it takes you - I can be the therapist to help move you in a different direction. If you're looking for someone who is very structured, that's not me. I offer no-frills sessions and am not afraid to (gently, mind you) challenge or question you. I operate collaboratively and conversationally. Anxiety, people-pleasing, all those things I named above are my specialties. If you're a first timer to therapy - I can also help with that! Look, I get it - it's hard to pick someone whom to tell your innermost thoughts. I understand the feeling of uncertainty and the frustration of finding the "right" therapist. If you're willing to reach out to see if we're a good fit, let's talk!

I work with adults of all ages, couples, and adolescents. I offer virtual and in-person sessions at my office in the Castro. I have extensive experience working with college students and graduate students. I can help with a wide range of issues including: anxiety and stress, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, identity issues, transitions, ADHD/neurodivergence, difficulties with regulating alcohol use, gender and sexuality, loneliness, and more.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in helping women heal from past trauma or severe emotional neglect, which impacts their ability to have healthy and satisfying relationships today. I use a combination of trauma processing, mindfulness, visualization, and relational work for healing and attachment repair.

I am here to support you step into your authentic self. The individuals, couples, and family constellations I work with are committed to making real changes in their lives. I will meet you with an unconditional, warm, empathetic environment to soften into while we face and process some of the things that hurt, bewilder, or confuse you the most. By doing so, the goal is to release that which is no longer yours to carry and align with the most authentic version of yourself. Our work includes making meaning of your experiences and relationships. Through our work, patterns and struggles become illuminated and change can come in.