Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I am a Stanford trained Physician with a specialization in Psychiatry. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy or "CBT." CBT is a very well researched form of counseling that is highly effective for depression, anxiety, insomnia and many other conditions. I love what I do and previously served as the Director of Evidence Based Practice and Ongoing Education in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Behavioral Medicine. I conducted research, taught, and saw patients at Stanford for more than a decade and I received numerous awards for excellence in these areas. I was trained for more than ten years with a person named Stewart Agras, and another named David Burns - they are pioneers in Behavioral Medicine and CBT. I was very blessed to have excellent mentors and training. I have extensive experience sharing this experience with those students I have consulted with in higher education at Stanford and in the University of California. I have worked all of my career with undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical students and believe that these formative years are critical times in the formation of a person, and they are often challenging times. I am warm, friendly and approachable. I laugh frequently (and often cry) with my patients. My family is from Italy where sincerity and the authentic sharing of emotions is valued and respected. Parlo un 'po l'italiano ma non molto bene! (I speak a little Italian but not very well!) I am very conservative with respect to use of medications and prefer to help students develop skills in managing life stressors by getting trained in CBT. This art is disappearing sadly in my field as brief medication checks are much more lucrative to clinics but there is a cost to the patient in this reductionist approach! I am very comfortable and prefer to help persons manage stress with CBT alone without medications as it can provide a lot of sophisticated and lasting protections that are well supported in the scientific research literature. As professionals, we should do what is right and not what is most profitable as we take the Hippocratic oath to defend our patients. I can add medications if they are indicated and supported by good research when CBT is not helping on its own as I am a physician trained in all scientifically supported modalities of providing support. I respect my patients' values in this. If we can work through though times without medicines, I really try to encourage that, and, for many persons willing to grow through stress, it is definitely achievable, and strongly supported by randomized controlled trials (fancy studies used to test treatments for effectiveness). There is substantial evidence that suggests that this approach is very important in reducing risk for relapse in the long term. I love helping students build confidence in themselves when the circumstances are really challenging and have many, many patients who have reached out to me over many years thanking me for the times we spent together getting through the roughest of times. I don't have a lot of material wealth. The pictures and post cards of so many smiling, happy, and good persons graduating, getting married, getting started in their careers, and getting started with their families and overall being in a good, secure place are the real treasures that I have collected in my career. I am a practicing Catholic and am very comfortable incorporating faith in treating my patients. Many persons are referred to me when seeking a caring Catholic Psychiatrist who is highly trained in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to promote resilience and virtue when life becomes really challenging. I am sadly quite familiar with the pain of having lost very precious persons in my life including my own dear wife to devastating metastatic cancer at an extremely young age. That was tough and occurred shortly after we lost our infant daughter. I have two beautiful college aged children who are doing very well despite all of the things our family was beset with. We came together and got through. Faith, family and fellowship can be crucial sources of support when things feel really overwhelming. I was highly trained in CBT and combining this with the above made all of the difference. I will encourage you also to protect yourself with these types of resources when all seems lost. Note that I do not manage ADD or ADHD or prescribe habit forming medications or perform evaluations for these conditions or autism spectrum disorder. I do see students who need to use their insurance through Headway and MyCatholicDoctor at the links below: Headway: https://care.headway.co/providers/anthony-mascola-m-d?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=201271 MyCatholicDoctor.com https://mycatholicdoctor.com/resources/doctors/anthony-mascola-md/ Accepting insurance in private practice in Psychiatry is unfortunately not very common. The majority of the most highly qualified Psychiatrists and Psychologists forego seeing patients with insurance as it is really tough to manage coordinating insurance in a small practice and does not reimburse well. This does not feel right to me as when life is hardest, finances are tight. My Italian family were poor and commercial fishermen and I am sworn as a Catholic to help persons when they don't have a lot of resources. The portals above are trying to help persons who are seeking help who don't have a lot of money to get connected to really good care. If you are going through a tough time and looking for someone who is both qualified and kind to support and encourage you, then don't wait any longer. Don't go through this alone! Please reach out and call me. I have spent all of my life training to help you! I promise I will support you and push you to find strength that you don't even realize you have. You can't realize it when you are stressed and often working with a professional person can help. Be prepared to work though, as sometimes this means facing a fear you'd rather avoid, or examining uncomfortable patterns of thoughts and behavior. I need a willing collaborator and promise you that I want ask you to do more than you can. I know from a lot of my own life experience how devastating stress can be but I also want to be honest and real and genuine and effective. I don't see passive treatment reduce suffering effectively in the long run. I don't want my students to suffer their whole life. I want my students to grow and recover, just like a good coach or teacher. You are smart, you have a good head on your shoulders and if we can learn from the circumstances that evoke stress we will be able to overcome stress in the future. Those who do not train in CBT are often on medications for years and suffer a great deal with a very high rate of relapse. Taking time to train in CBT is a more challenging treatment but it can develop powerful skills that will help you for your whole life! If while reading this you get a good feeling inside, then please schedule a free fifteen-minute visit to see if it is a good fit for you. If you are looking for a really caring Psychiatrist who is warm and kind, highly qualified, who really enjoys helping persons find their strength with a healthy, proactive, evidence based and highly effective approach to dealing with stress, you will not be disappointed!

Have stress and anxiety affected how you show up in work/school or in relationships with family and friends? Over time, constant exposure to work or life stressors can accumulate until we can no longer ignore the signs, and we recognize that something needs to be done. I am trained in EMDR therapy from an EMDRIA approved training to treat various levels of traumatic or difficult experiences. In EMDR therapy we can look at how your past experiences have impacted your view of self and others. Often times, our bodies can hold on to stress that we are not aware of, which is why the mind-body connection will be important in our work together in you healing from trauma and stress. I can also provide Christian counseling upon request. If you’re interested in learning more the next step is to call or email to set up a free 15 to 20-minute phone consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you!

I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, histories of trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, work issues, and low self-esteem. I also work with people who are looking for support in processing and understanding difficulties related to cultural identity. This includes issues pertaining to race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, and second-generation Americans. Lasting personal change can develop within empathically-attuned relationships. This belief forms the basis for my work. My style is warm and collaborative, with a relational psychodynamic approach. We'll pay close attention to your story and inner experiences while always attending to how things play out in current relationships.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

At Bridges Therapy Group, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or simply seeking personal growth, our dedicated team of over 30 experienced and compassionate mental health professionals is here to guide and support you on your path toward healing and happiness. Our practice uses a fully virtual model to offer affordable, accessible and effective mental health care for individuals across the state of California. We recognize the profound personal connection between a client and therapist and our dedicated client care team takes pride in understanding your individual needs and preferences ensuring a seamless connection with a client-centered therapeutic ally whose expertise and style aligns precisely with what you’re seeking. Are you ready to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier you? There is hope for a better future. Call or send us a message to speak to someone today. We look forward to being a part of your healing journey!

Well Coast provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment, including psychotherapy and medication management. We provide ADHD assessments and treatment. We also specialize in anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma / PTSD and other mental health concerns. Both in-person and convenient videoconference appointments are available. We accept most PPO insurances, including Anthem Blue Cross, UC SHIP, Aetna, Optum / United Healthcare, Tricare, Tri-West VA CCN and Medicare. Our providers are all LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families by compassionately serving their mental health needs, while empowering their everyday lives through education and community support. Clients can self-schedule online with the provider of their choice at https://www.wellcoastmedical.com by clicking "Find a provider" at the top of the website.

From the outside, it may look like you have everything under control. You're responsible, capable, and driven. But beneath the accomplishments, your mind rarely slows down. You're constantly thinking about what's next, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or feeling guilty when you try to rest. I specialize in working with driven young adults and professionals struggling with chronic anxiety, perfectionism, and self-imposed pressure. Many of my clients feel exhausted by overthinking, overwhelmed by expectations, and frustrated that success hasn't brought the peace or confidence they hoped for. Together, we'll work to quiet the constant mental noise, build self-trust, and create a healthier relationship with stress and achievement. Therapy is about helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and developing practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and LGBTQ+ affirming. Many clients begin therapy feeling overwhelmed by pressure and responsibility. Over time, they often find themselves carrying less emotional weight, responding to challenges with greater confidence, and creating a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you're ready to stop carrying it all alone, I'd be honored to connect.

Welcome. Taking the first step to getting help can feel daunting. Thank you for being here. Sometimes, life can feel like a whirlwind of unexpected events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and empty inside. Whatever it is that you have experienced, know that you have the right to find peace and tranquility. Encountering trauma is scary, but know that you are not alone. Know that YOU are valuable and worthy of living a peaceful life with meaning. Naturally, I incorporate a spiritually holistic approach and strive to connect people to what feels good to their soul. Overall, my approach is mostly centered around your distinct needs. I believe individuals need a warm, safe, and sacred space to begin the healing process. Your experience is important to me and my hope is to maintain a sacred space to help you explore challenges and find some understanding. My role is to be your anchor as we walk through difficult moments. My goal is to be your guide and provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to find clarity. I strongly believe every person has natural strengths that make them resilient and my hope is to find these within you. It would be an honor to sit with you. If there is anything that resonates with you here. Let’s connect.

I am a clinical psychologist and provide evidence-based treatment for problems including anxiety (and related disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and trichotillomania), depression and many other conditions, such as trauma and grief, substance abuse, adjustment difficulties or problems in interpersonal relationships. While I work with adults of all ages, I specialize in working with young adults (ages 18-28) and have worked in several college counseling centers, including Princeton University, where I completed my post-doctoral residency. Taking a holistic approach, I make sure that we focus not only on the symptoms but on your overall wellbeing. I create a safe and warm environment, where we work as a team to help you live a meaningful life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to help answer any questions that you may have prior to start of treatment.

At our practice, we understand that navigating university life while balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity can feel like a lot to carry. We specifically specialize in supporting Hispanic and Latin students, providing a culturally affirming space where your background is celebrated and understood. Our team of therapists helps students navigate anxiety, academic pressure, life transitions, and generational differences. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in our community and offer a warm, bilingual, and judgment-free space where you can feel seen and heard.

Hi, I’m Madison Steele, LMFT, specializing in eating disorders and related challenges. Since 2019, I’ve worked with individuals across various settings, supporting them at different life stages. I recognize that disordered eating often intertwines with broader emotional issues, and my approach is client-centered and judgment-free. I collaborate with registered dietitians to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the diverse experiences that shape our relationships with food and self. I’m here to meet you where you are and support your journey to holistic well-being.

Do you… worry you’re disappointing the people you love? feel pulled between your own needs and everyone else’s expectations? wonder who you’d be if you stopped trying so hard to get everything right? You may have spent years adapting, achieving, and taking care of others. But beneath the anxiety, and doubt, there’s a quieter question waiting to be heard: What would it look like to let go? The idea of being your authentic self terrifies you, but part of you knows… something needs to change. Perhaps… • You’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and are making sense of yourself in a new way. • You identify as an immigrant or third-culture adult trying to reconcile different cultures, values, and expectations. • You’ve spent much of your life battling anxiety, perfectionism, or the pressure to always do more. If you’re tired of coping and want to start living, I’m here for you.

Greetings! College is an exciting time in your life, full of curiosity, learning, new social connection, and perhaps even a newfound freedom and independence. It can also be a little daunting: adjusting to being away from home, heavy homework loads, financial stressors and other issues which may arise. It is NORMAL to go through a period of adjustment! If you are feeling overwhelmed and would like a compassionate, patient and trustworthy support person in your life, a qualified and licensed mental therapist can help you navigate this new territory. Please contact me directly to schedule a session!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in just one part of your life can often start to affect other aspects of your existence. Low self-esteem or depression can creep into relationships, anxiety can keep you up all night, or relationship issues can impact how well you perform in school. Your past experiences are a filter through which you see the present moment and it can sometimes feel very confusing. When you don’t want to worry your family or friends or find it just too difficult to share with them, negative thoughts can leave you feeling especially alone and isolated and as if no one could possibly understand what you're experiencing. You are not your symptoms. Being heard and seen in a safe, compassionate and culturally sensitive environment can help you make sense of how you're feeling - especially when that treatment is tailored to your needs. My priority is to empower you to reach your goals by helping heal the emotional wounds that are holding you back or causing you pain.

What is it you need the most, in order to feel more satisfied with your life, to grow as a person, to grow closer to others, or to feel less anxious or depressed? We cannot always see ourselves clearly from the inside looking out. It can be very helpful to work with a professional therapist with specialized skill and training to discover, work through, and resolve complex experiences we carry with us that can negatively impact our life in ways that are difficult to comprehend on our own.

As an advocate for BIPOC, Queer, Trans identities, & Women’s rights, I am passionate about providing therapeutic care that honors your unique experiences & identities. My mission is to create a welcoming environment where your voice is heard, your struggles are validated, & your growth is celebrated.

College can feel like a lot. You may be dealing with stress, anxiety, pressure to perform, relationship issues, or just feeling overwhelmed and not like yourself. I’m Susan Farber, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 25 years of experience. I work with college students to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions so you can function better day to day. My approach is practical and supportive. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with mind–body techniques to help you manage anxiety, improve focus, and regulate stress. You’ll learn tools you can actually use—whether it’s getting through exams, handling social or relationship stress, or dealing with burnout. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. If something feels off, overwhelming, or too much to carry on your own, this is a space to sort it out and get back to feeling more like yourself. I offer in-person sessions in Santa Barbara and Solvang, as well as telehealth throughout California.

My experience covers a wide variety of presenting concerns and backgrounds. Working for a decade in higher education I spent a great deal of time with high achievers who were managing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and identity concerns. I am a strengths based, person centered therapist at my core, who utilizes perspectives and interventions from many areas of treatment, e.g., identity development models, systems theory, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe people often have the answers for themselves if given the proper conditions for reflection and growth.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life stressors or struggling with confusing emotions? Has stress or anxiety started to affect the way you think, feel, or interact with the people around you? Maybe you’re facing ongoing pressure from family or relationship conflicts and need support coping. I specialize in helping individuals navigating the impact of stress, anxiety, adjustment challenges, communication difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I also support individuals experiencing burnout, depression, substance use, or the effects of trauma. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore and process emotions, thoughts, and behaviors together. I work with individuals wanting to: >Develop a more balanced relationship with themselves and others >Challenge old patterns and create new, healthier ones >Embrace changes that have or will occur >Learn and Apply practical tools and strategies to cope with ongoing stressors My Approach: My approach combines relational, holistic, and practical strategies to give you tools for short-term relief while also creating lasting change. We’ll explore how your environment and past experiences have shaped you, and find new ways to cope, regulate emotions, and express your needs. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and clarify the goals that matter most to you—working at a pace that feels right for you.