Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I am Dr. Taide Mier-Vera. A bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on research, practice, and education for the promotion of mental health. I have been helping children, youth and adults in community mental health and school settings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, California for over 12 years. My approach is to attend to the whole person (mind, body, soul). My education, continuous training, professional experience and missionary work has helped me develop cultural competence. I am passionate about learning about other cultures to better understand others and their stories. Furthermore, I am committed to ongoing training and education so that I can provide evidenced-based and top quality services.

I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Therapeutically, I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office. I am extensively trained and mentored in interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Bowen family systems theory. I further provide therapy in Portuguese.

About Me. Hi, My name is Alissa Young and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy services to College Students and Young Adults within the State of California. A little bit about me, I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Clients would describe me as a ‘safe space’, where clients can feel validated and supported when sharing their challenges and seeking mental health support. Clients also describe me as motivating, comfortable, and strengths-based focused. I truly value hosting a therapeutic space where both parties are engaging in a confidential safe space, as their authentic selves - judgment free zone. My Ideal Client. If you searched terms such as “Therapist for College Students”, “Black Female Therapists”, “BIPOC Therapist”, and “EMDR Therapist in California”, you’re probably in the right place! My ideal clients are the students, parents, and professionals that feel a sense of connectedness when they read more about me. My ideal client is the person I see in the mirror - which is pretty amazing and full of resiliency and strength, ready for open and honest conversations - ready for CHANGE!

I like to take a holistic approach when evaluating patient needs: our bodies and our minds are intrinsically connected; when one part is not working properly, it will affect the other parts. We must therefore look at the whole picture to try and see what is really going on. You know yourself the best: you are the expert! Whether you feel depressed, anxious, out of sorts; not sure what's really going on, but you do not feel like yourself anymore; perhaps you want to function better? You have not been sleeping well lately. You can't enjoy yourself anymore. Your friends are worried about you? Schedule a 15 min complimentary consultation to see if you could be a candidate for treatment. Send me an email: SDDNP@Proton.me Ana Popoca-Logue, DNP San Diego Doctor of Nursing Practice Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner **Serving California Residents via Telepsychiatry**

I work with adults and adolescents who are often times struggling with anxiety or depression. Sometimes, there aren't obvious symptoms; instead, there's a sense that something seems to be interfering with their ability to be happy, their relationships, or the life they want to live. I help people see themselves from a new angle, uncovering unconscious beliefs and seeing the collective parts of themselves from a new and accepting perspective. I am accepting new remote clients in California and remote and/or in-person clients in Oregon. Please visit my website to learn more.

Do you feel lost, unsure what to do with your life? Do you struggle with managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, or shame? Are you tired of feeling stuck in patterns that harm your relationships with others and with yourself? Is your unhealed childhood trauma or religious trauma impacting you negatively? Do you have a relentless inner critic that takes the joy out of life? If so, I am here to help. I provide compassionate, evidence-based support to aid in healing trauma, managing difficult emotions, and decreasing sexual shame. I guide people in compassionately reconnecting with themselves, helping them heal whatever is in the way of them living their most authentic life. My approach is warm and non-pathologizing. IFS is the primary modality I use to guide clients into deep healing. While religious trauma, sexual shame, and CPTSD are my primary focus, I support people experiencing an array of challenges. I am Level 1 & 2 trained in IFS and working on a certification in Religious Trauma Studies. I provide both individual and group therapy online throughout California. I aim to create a space of safety and gentleness. With the right tools and support, healing is possible. We can create lives that are authentic, safe, and free.

I believe that we each possess a great deal of wisdom that offers guidance in simple (though not necessarily easy) ways for us to embody. Therapy can offer time and space to be heard, seen, and supported exactly as you are, so that you may find a way to move towards where you would like to go. Whatever brings you to therapy, my intention is to hold an open, curious and safe space for you to connect more deeply with your experience and for us to collaborate in finding ways to support you. Some of my areas of interest and experience include: life transitions, anxiety and depression, grief, relationship challenges, self-doubt/"inner critic" and perfectionism, searching for life goals and directions, personal growth. I was trained in Somatic Psychotherapy and also have a background in bodywork, approaching therapy from a holistic lens that welcomes the whole person.

Hello, I am Kathleen Mates-Youngman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, International Speaker and Author of Best Selling COUPLES THERAPY WORKBOOK. I have worked for Student Psychological Services at Chapman University, as well as students from other local universities, and find it very important and rewarding to help with the many social & emotional challenges during the college years,

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I’m a California-licensed LMFT with 15 years of experience across cultural, community, and non-profit settings. Fluent in Spanish, I offer collaborative, client-centered care using evidence-based methods like CBT, family systems, trauma-focused CBT, and strengths-based strategies to support your unique journey.

Hello and welcome to Bellator Psychological. We created the trauma clinic that the San Diego Police and Fire departments use for their intensive PTSD care. We are expert providers of trauma care and other mental health issues that can interfere with success and daily functioning. If you’re looking for quality Private Counseling sessions with providers who care, then you’ve come to the right place. We guide our patients every step of the way and implement methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Clearing away obstacles and dysfunction can occur faster than expected and allow us to engage life with a clear mind, a healthy view, and joy. We specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, crisis, codependency, substance abuse, and family/relational. We are trained in the evidence-based trauma therapies highly recommended by the American Psychological Association for treating PTSD, including CPT, PE, and EMDR. Whether you are looking for intensive treatment or personal growth, most clients discover their ability to reach far beyond the basic skills necessary to achieve their initial goals. There can be a lot of joy in understanding ourselves and growing into the person that we can be proud of. The journey is judgement free and at any pace that we need to take it.

PHILOSOPHY I believe meaningful connections are at the center of the human experience. We are social beings that thrive when we feel accepted, connected, and loved. These feelings can give us the confidence to show up in the world as our authentic selves and embrace our uniqueness. When we have a deeper understanding of ourselves and engage in unconditional self-acceptance, we gain a greater capacity to have fulfilling relationships. APPROACH My clients find my style humorous and compassionate as well as engaging and down-to-earth. My approach is holistic, engaging in all aspects of your wellness, with consideration for your mind, body, spirit, and heart. Thinking of my client’s needs, I use an eclectic and integrative method, pulling from traditional, innovative, and evidence-based techniques. Some of the modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My objective is to help my clients feel better as soon as possible, so I maintain a Solutions-Focused framework, offering direct feedback, actionable steps, and strategies to cope with current stressors. I am committed to having a therapeutic lens that is culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, health at every size acceptance, and social justice oriented. My ultimate goal is to assist you in identifying your unique gifts and using them to actualize your best self in the world.

Jessica C. Lief, MSW, LCSW, MLS Speciality: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Harm, Substance Use LCSW and Psychotherapist Jessica C. Lief, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, and substance use. Jessica completed psychoanalytic training through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) Program. She also completed the advanced clinical supervision training program through Smith College School for Social Work. Her approach is primarily psychodynamic but combines aspects of self-psychology, feminist/womanist theories, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, mindful self-compassion, and mindfulness. She is particularly interested in the treatment of eating disorders as a social justice issue, as they relate to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also adept at treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her grief and loss work is broad but focuses on motherless daughters, maternal grief and wounding, and emotional abandonment. Jessica also works with individuals who have experienced miscarriage, fertility-related issues, post-partum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as post-partum PTSD. She also works with individuals undergoing IVF and who have struggled with women’s health issues, such as Endometriosis and PCOS, as well as individuals who are pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. Jessica’s favorite part of being a therapist is guiding each client in their transformation and witnessing each step as it is achieved. Jessica will work with the client to identify what is deeply meaningful and important in that person’s life. The client will develop concrete skills to get their needs met directly. Jessica will help the client to develop powerful, inner resources, including self-compassion, emotion regulation techniques, radical self-acceptance, and confidence. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in literature, nonfiction writing, and French. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in Social Work from New York University. She also earned a Master of Studies in Law with a concentration in Health Law with high honors from UC Law San Francisco. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate in social work program through Simmons University. LCSW# 87286 “Jessica’s style has been described as nurturing, empathetic, and empowering. She is direct, authentic and will never blame you for your suffering. She enjoys using humor in psychotherapy.”

Black Lives Matter. I will listen to you, get to know you as a person, identify strengths, build self- awareness, and create a safe environment where positive change happens. I like to view therapy as a puzzle, we have some missing pieces, we have some broken pieces, and we have some whole pieces, lets work together to put the puzzle back together. My background is in treating, but not limited to: anxiety, attachment issues, trauma, emotional regulation, grief/loss and women’s issues. My office is a safe place where all are accepted and treated with compassion. Some of the treatment modalities I practice include: trauma informed, CBT, play therapy, attachment based, mindfulness, and solution focused

Hello/Saludos! I welcome you to the start of your therapy journey and your desire to heal and learn about yourself. At times, navigating our lives and relationships can be hard, and we might feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed. Therapy can be one way to get the support you need to feel better, grow, and thrive in your life and relationships. I will happily help you achieve that. I really love working with college students and was very fortunate to do so during both my internship at the counseling center at Ohio University, and my postdoc at the counseling center UC Merced. Your psychotherapy journey with me will be collaborative, where you lead the way, and I will serve as your co-pilot. I work from an integrative, multiculturally centered, and tailored approach to meet your needs. I will support you from a compassionate, non-judgmental, and caring stance. Our work together will highlight areas in your life needing attention and care, and identify behaviors no longer serving you, so you feel relief from anxiety, conflict, emotional fluctuations, frustration, low mood, sadness, and stress. You will notice improvements in your self-esteem and relationships. I look forward to working with you and providing support to help you thrive and feel better. I love being a therapist and witnessing the transformation that can happen in therapy. I am a bilingual therapist and offer therapy in both English and Spanish. I want you to live your best life, as they say/como dicen. Sería un placer trabajar con usted y apoyarle para que prospere en su vida.

My name is Christine Minakakis and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges and stress as well as challenges specific to immigrants or adult children of immigrants around issues of cultural identity and belonging. Whether you were diagnosed as a child, just last week, or are contemplating ADHD for the first time, our work together can help you understand, embrace, and celebrate your neurodivergent mind. If I were to define my approach to therapy in three words it would be: collaborative, solutions-focused, and supportive. I see my role as your therapist as helping you clarify your goals, values, and priorities and for me to provide the catalyst for insight and skills-building to help you achieve those goals. My clients often tell me that they feel much better even after one session! You’ll leave our first session feeling heard, supported, and cared for - and probably a little bit lighter. I’ll ask many question to begin to get to know you, but we’ll go at a pace and a depth that feels safe and comfortable for you each step of the way.

Feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, social anxiety, or navigating big life changes? As an online therapist specializing in women's wellness, I understand the unique challenges you face. Whether it's stress about grades, relationship drama, finding your identity, or just feeling constantly on edge, you don't have to go through it alone. My approach is all about helping you find your footing and thrive during these formative years. I offer a deeply compassionate space, but I'll also gently challenge you to explore what's truly going on, fostering genuine growth and lasting change. I integrate somatic techniques (connecting mind and body) with other holistic modalities and talk-therapy to help you build resilience, manage stress, and feel more grounded. We'll work on practical coping tools, strengthening your boundaries, and cultivating self-compassion so you can navigate college life with more ease and confidence. Imagine feeling more present in your classes, more connected in your friendships, and more aligned with your authentic self. You deserve a college experience that feels nourishing and empowering. As a California Telehealth Therapist, I provide convenient and accessible online support, fitting into your busy schedule. Let's work together to help you thrive, not just survive, your college journey. Reach out for a free consultation to see how we can make your college years your best years yet!

Hi ! Thanks for stopping by. Life can feel so confusing and hard to navigate at times. I work to help you learn more about yourself so you can better navigate the challenges in life. When we build awareness of our experiences we have more possibilities for change. I use a non-judgemental, supportive approach and aim to help you create space and develop tools to feel more at home with yourself. I look forward to learning how I can best support you in whatever you are going through right now.

Ombu Counseling specializes in helping those facing new challenges in life, those in the process of negotiating their place in an adoptive environment, and those seeking to assert themselves in relationships, groups and/or families in which conflicting values, beliefs and expectations prevail. Major life transitions are challenging, especially when they provoke questions about one’s identity, culture, core-values and sense of belonging. Trying to figure this out can result in feelings of confusion and emotional exhaustion. Counseling offers a process for reflecting on such questions and space for containing the emotions they produce.

As a queer-identifying clinician, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and inclusive approach to therapy, honoring the diverse identities and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. I am deeply committed to building genuine rapport and trust, creating a therapeutic space where clients feel fully seen, supported, and valued in their authentic selves. My practice is grounded in LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming principles, informed by my B.A. in Women’s Studies and its emphasis on social justice, intersectionality, and feminist frameworks. My graduate training in Depth Psychology has enriched my understanding of the unconscious forces that shape our inner and relational worlds. From a psychodynamic perspective, I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, motivations, and early trauma that influences their emotional lives and relationships. In addition to psychodynamic work, I integrate Family Systems theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities, approaches that support clients in navigating internal conflicts and relational dynamics with clarity, compassion, and self-leadership. My skills in attunement, active listening, and culturally competent, curious counseling allow me to adapt to each client’s unique needs and strengths. Whether you are seeking support for LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent identity exploration, relationship concerns, trauma healing, or personal growth, I strive to offer a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration; one that fosters healing, resilience, and empowerment. If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect and see if we’re a good fit.