Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
Hi! I am Jen and welcome to my page. For over 15 years, I’ve worked in mental health across clinics, schools, and private practice, supporting teens, young adults, and adults in navigating life’s challenges. My passion lies in helping people build the tools, insight, and confidence they need to move through difficult times and create meaningful change. I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing: Anxiety and panic Depression and low motivation Social anxiety and performance fears Attachment and relationship difficulties Life transitions and identity changes. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support values-based living, and trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to reduce anxiety through gradual, supported exposure. I also integrate attachment-focused strategies to help clients strengthen their self-worth, communication skills, and ability to create secure, healthy relationships. In our sessions, you can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space where we’ll work together to clarify your goals, develop practical coping skills, and address the underlying patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you’re facing overwhelming stress, struggling with self-esteem, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others, I’m here to help you find a path forward. If you’re ready to take the next step toward change, I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.
You matter! Practical Tools on How to Survive and excel in College! Brief-Solution Focused Therapy to Turn your Life into a Success Story! You can be happy in spite of everything! How to live a long and healthy life. Therapy Reminds us how Brave we are. Licensed for 30 years, I can show you highly effective practical communication tools so you can experience joy, let go of anger and hurt and the disappointment that so often can get in the way of loving relationships. You will find a new level of confidence which will allow you to experience more joy and more happiness in your most important and sometimes confounding relationships. My therapeutic approach will help you overcome day-to-day anxiety, and defeat negative thoughts that too often lead to depression. If you struggle with problems in relationships or within yourself, with addiction, compulsion, or worry, dread and fear, you can call me.
Feeling stuck and empty? Worrying about relationships and feeling lonely? Anxiety and sadness? Overeating, using drugs or alcohol to cope? You are not alone and we can help. Individuals, couples, families. Ages 16 to adult.
I work best with college and graduate students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally stuck, or disconnected from themselves. Many of the students I support are navigating academic pressure, relationship stress, family dynamics, identity questions, or major life transitions. Some feel like they’re constantly “pushing through,” even when they’re exhausted or unsure of what they want. In therapy, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can slow down, understand what’s coming up for you, and learn practical ways to cope, set boundaries, and feel more grounded. My approach is collaborative, honest, and focused on helping you feel more confident and emotionally steady in your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and supportive while also offering real tools you can use outside of sessions, we may be a good fit.
Therapy is about learning to love yourself and grow despite your mistakes. It is about finding the joy in giving without expecting anything in return. It is about welcoming your struggles with the same strength and enthusiasm that you welcome your victories, for it is through our struggles that we grow. Healthy Minds Counseling Services will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move towards a new direction in your life, we look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feeling empowered to grow and be on a positive path to an overall well-being.
I currently have limited availability; please reach out to inquire of openings (as of 06/17/2026). Growing up Asian American in San Francisco, I had the privilege of feeling like “the majority” rather than feeling like “the minority.” When my mental health took a turn in my teen years, I was fortunate to have an Asian school-based therapist who reminded me of a “cool Asian aunt.” I remember feeling at ease seeing someone who looked like me in a space I thought was only meant for white people or people who were “that crazy.” This therapist showed me that therapy could be warm, kind, and even involve the humor I needed to say the hard stuff. She showed me that people like us could receive support and care through a listening ear. (I thought the only kind of care Asian elders gave was via cut fruit.) Years later, I hope to share this same safe experience as the person now sitting in the therapist’s chair. Whether you are living out your parents’ dreams or just trying to make it through the week, I can help you explore whether your path aligns with your values and supports your growth. I promise I won’t sass you the way my former Asian auntie-like therapist might, but I’ll make sure we keep it light where it needs to be, and hold space where it’s dark. We will discover who you are and what you need, with the utmost care (and a dash of humor, because therapy is hard enough as it is).
Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.
Hello! Are you feeling distracted, overwhelmed, easily triggered, lacking motivation, or struggling in relationships? Are you ready for change but unsure where to start? You are not alone, and I am here to support and guide you. My goal is to help you develop effective coping strategies and reclaim your life.
I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I can make therapy accessible to fit your active life as a college student. I have completed several continuing educational trainings in areas such as DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, infant mental health, and many more. My experience and expertise includes higher-education, research on cultural and clinical practice, professional development, trauma, and depression. I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I work to help you navigate through challenges, changes, and transitions of life. I utilize a strengths-based eclectic approach that involves CBT, and various modalities that are tailored to you based on your needs and goals. I am passionate and committed to help clients on their personal journey to healing, change, and growth!
Hi there! My name is Lucia Fernandez and I've been practicing for over 13 years now. I specialize in healthy anxiety, depression from a trauma informed lens and utilizing strengths to empower you through move through areas that make you feel stuck. I supervise MFT interns both in my practice and in the school system. I have provided crisis counseling and work with students and adults with high needs who are struggling with functioning in day to day life. I'm relatable and utilize a humanistic approach to help you feel at ease by considering your individual needs. My treatment approach is customizable to meet your mental health needs.
Do you struggle with trusting others or with feelings of not being "enough"? Have you experienced trauma or difficult relationships? Have you ever used substances to numb stress or to distract? Sometimes your brain is your worst enemy. You question your worthiness and your lovability. There is pain from your past that has led you to build up walls to protect yourself from being hurt again. But here you are, done feeling stuck. You want to have deep connections. You want to feel confident and successful. I support people who have experienced self doubt, pain, and trauma begin to heal so that they can thrive in their lives. Together we break the cycle of anxiety and disconnection. There will be compassion and some laughs along the way. You will find your hope. You will find your way to creating success and improving relationships. EMDR, IFS, & CBT offered. Everyone deserves therapy. We all deserve time when we are truly seen and validated. Many of us like to think we can handle things on our own. Maybe we were told by people in our lives “suck it up" and be tougher. But life gets messy sometimes and we can't do it alone. Let's navigate this together. Give yourself this gift. As a former Associate Director for a college counseling center, students are a population that I truly enjoy working with. I look forward to connecting with you. Appointments can conveniently be scheduled directly through website, through email, or by phone. This practice is inclusive and welcoming to all genders, races, countries of origin, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and body sizes.
Life happens. Everything is running smoothly in our lives and then something occurs that throws us off balance: a relationship breakup, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce, or a trauma. Instead of a single event, it can also be the buildup of stress or the accumulation of various life experiences. Sometimes we just want to learn more about ourselves. It can even be a wound from our past from which we have difficulty healing. All of us experience obstacles in our lives that can become overwhelming. With whatever difficulties you may be facing, we can work together to achieve your therapeutic goals, whether they be to lessen the experience of unpleasant feelings or to better understand what you are going through. It is my goal that you feel more empowered so that you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Hello and thank you for stopping by! I received my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University (2019) and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California (2010). I am a faith based therapist who works with high functioning individuals, youth/adolescents, adults in college and the work force, people with health challenges, and those facing various issues, such as improving communication, enhancing relationships, gaining clarity, and feeling stuck. My specialties include adjustment difficulties, spirituality, loss and grief, life stressors, relationship issues, first generation, school issues, attachment and immigration trauma. I adapt my treatment approach to each individual client, and though I often use a psychodynamic approach with cognitive behavioral interventions, and stress reduction techniques, I frequently use techniques from family systems, object relations, humanistic therapy, narrative therapy, and client-centered. I'm a good match for individuals longing to connect with themselves, partners figuring out how to be true to themselves in a committed relationship, and parents wanting to be more conscious parents. I offer therapy sessions in English and Spanish via telehealth only. Please note that I am a self-pay practice. I am not an in-network provider with any insurance, nor do I work directly with insurance companies. Being a self-pay practice helps maintain the utmost level of privacy for my clients. I find it essential to let you know that insurance companies require a formal diagnosis to apply for reimbursement. The insurance company may also request your therapy records. The diagnosis would stay in your insurance records without the possibility to amend or change it, even after the circumstances in your life improves. Self-pay provides and allows the provision of services without the restrictions of insurance regulations, insurance adjusters, or their third party adjusting agencies. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California: LCSW # 79259
Welcome, I'm glad you made it. I am a psychotherapist specializing in individual work around emotional awareness, attachment, relationships, anxiety and depression. I work within a specific model of therapy called AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), which is informed by the latest research on neuroscience, attachment, relationships, emotion, and how change happens in therapy, through the relationship and within the nervous system and the brain. I choose to receive weekly consultation from an expertly trained AEDP therapist who helps me to help you. I am constantly learning and expanding my knowledge and skill base as a therapist. My clients experience a deeper sense of safety, security and confidence in themselves, their relationships and the world. My clients often decrease their anxiety, depression, or unwanted worry by learning to recognize, and be with feelings in a way that feels tolerable and leads to positive feeling states of relief, calm, clarity, self-understanding, growth and compassion. If there is any part of you that has felt like you are too much or not enough, I think I can help. I look forward to connecting to you if it's feeling right.
Wellspace SF is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, happy and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide individualized and innovative support centered on the whole person. Therapist specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, "quarterlife crises" and life transitions, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, depression, imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, dating + relationships, career indecision, disordered eating, body image, children of emotionally immature parents, sleep disorders, and more. Our integrative services also include health and nutrition coaching, life and relationship coaching, and career coaching. We offer complementary consultations with all of our clinicians, in-person + virtual appointments, and a convenient downtown SF location for our local clients.
Are you struggling to feel connected to an authentic and confidence sense of self? Do you often feel lonely, bored, or empty even though you have things in your life that should be bringing you fulfillment? Do you feel paralyzed by uncertainty or having to make decisions in your life? Maybe it seems that all areas of your life are being impacted by the internal chaos you are experiencing? I believe that happiness shouldn't be this hard, that there is a reason that you are struggling. Understanding the underlying reasons for your current symptoms, and the beliefs that formed them, can help you to make changes to your current life. I have 10+ yrs of experience as a trauma-informed expert in eating disorders and body image issues. I have extensive experience with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA+, infertility, trauma, grief, etc. I am certified in ERP for OCD and Lifespan Integration Therapy for Trauma. My approach is based primarily on CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioral therapy), and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). I utilize attachment based theory to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present. "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama
San Jose Behavioral Health offers Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for adults 18+ with a primary mental health diagnosis. Our PHP services are Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm, while we offer IOP services either 3 or 5 days per week, from 9am-12:30pm. While in treatment, individuals will engage in group therapy with the addition of individual sessions weekly with a therapist, psychiatrist and registered nurse. Treatment is an average of 6-8 weeks long, with individuals who begin in PHP stepping down to IOP prior to graduation. Currently we are offering services a both in person and via tele. Please take a look at our website for more information.
Very often feels that if one area of your life is going well, another takes a nose dive. Often the clients I work with are determined, successful and focused but still, something feels like it is not correctly aligned. Many of my clients struggle with relationships, feeling comfortable with others, anxiety and depression. College is a formative time but can very often feel that you are alone trying to figure everything out: what do I want to do? How do I separate what I want from what my parents, friends, professors or peers want? Do I feel ready to be an "adult?" Therapy can help you figure out who you are and where you want to go. Most importantly, meeting with a therapist can help you make sense of it all.
Before I became a psychotherapist I was a neuroscientist with the focus on neuropsychology. My approach in therapy is informed by my understanding of the brain/mind/body interplay. I practice solution-oriented evidence-based approaches, and enjoy working with high-functioning clients who want to boost their resilience and emotional intelligence.