Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

As a youth, I recall many instances when I experienced intense anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts, – but I did so in isolation, without adequate support. Mental health services were not available and not commonly accessed in my community. As a young woman I used dance and movement, and other forms of creative expression (such as writing and singing), as my means to manage emotions. I became a psychotherapist to ensure that I could be supportive to those in similar situations – to help support people in not feeling alone with the difficult aspects of life and relationships. No one should have to fight their mental health battles alone. The integration of somatic (body-focused) psychotherapy has allowed me to support others while giving them the gift that I have discovered through a life of movement – the gift of understanding the role of the body in allowing for healing. Through the use of the body in psychotherapy clients can learn how to find balance in their mind while finding peace in their emotional landscape. I believe I support clients in feeling heard and understood through using a deep curiosity to delve into each aspect of their lives. I use a collaborative approach to support clients from exactly where they are starting from. I listen intently for new ways of hearing the shared information, the client’s story. In this process, I ask questions to weave together the thread of their thoughts and concerns as it creates a path towards their progress and growth. I hold the larger picture of who they are to support the process of highlighting insights into ways of getting from where they are to where they want to be. In this way, I am deeply understanding their process of growth while empowering them to make changes in their life. I use a warm and engaging process of building connection with clients. I find it is important to face and embrace our emotional selves, allowing ourselves to be fully authentic to cultivate growth. I foster an environment that supports this authenticity and growth through using my own eccentric and eclectic approach. From within the safety of this relationship I am able to challenge clients with humor while creating space for depth. I am able to flow with what is relevant in the moment while holding their expanded story to support.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

I have been in practice over 25 years. I particularly specialize in helping young adults transition into adulthood. I understand the added stressors of this period of time including moving away from home, individuating and understanding oneself, figuring out goals for the future, and navigating personal relationships. I see problems from a family and systemic perspective in order to help create dynamic change. I work to help clients expand their understanding of themselves and discover opportunities for growth and change, often in the context of their relationships and families. I focus on helping clients change destructive relationship patterns, choose healthier lifestyles, and engage in fulfilling relationships. In addition to my educational and clinical experience, I have travelled extensively and have incorporated my knowledge of different cultures into my work as well. I believe in understanding and respecting a client’s individual and cultural diversity in all aspects of the clinical relationship.

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.

Hello! My name is Priscilla (she/her) and I am licensed to practice as a therapist in both Oregon and California. My practice centers on the dignity, safety, and belonging we each deserve. Many of my clients struggle with self-esteem, feeling like they belong, decision-making, and boundary setting. I help clients find ways to counter self-doubt so that they feel more empowered and comfortable trusting themselves. Sometimes, my clients discover that their patterns of thinking are tied to earlier events that may have been painful. I am here to be a safe, compassionate guide. I look forward to connecting with you!

Feeling alone, gripped in anxiety and despair and other painful emotions, you might not think that anyone could possibly understand or help. As an experienced mental health professional, I know how to listen to your unique story and how to help you disentangle from the symptoms that are holding you back. Using intuitive listening skills and coming from a place of deep empathy, I will work with you, teaching you how to integrate new thinking and being skills into your life. Using Acceptance and Integration Training and depth psychotherapy, along with my extensive experience with a wide variety of people, I will help you feel better and get back on your feet towards living the life you want. I aim to help you discover your own unique inner wisdom, building awareness and emotional health for life. I work with each client individually and collaboratively to create long-term and short-term goals. For many clients the goals often include disentangling from anxiety and depression symptoms. This includes building new skills and habits that can be used on a daily basis to feel good and to prevent the symptoms from reoccurring. My clients report feeling peaceful, powerful, whole, hopeful and grounded after a session of Acceptance and Integration techniques.

I have been working with students and professionals for 8 years, supporting them in engaging in community, guiding them towards more confidence, contentment, and joy in their lives. I have worked with students holding diverse identities, exploring their sexuality, queerness, and gender. I understand the challenges you face from being a high achieving, high functioning, self-aware, and motivated person while finding yourself in an environment that is pushing you to your limits. It is within you to still feel joy, balance, and energy within these walls, and in your body.

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.

My goal as a therapist is to empower clients by working collaboratively and to help them learn and find the tools and skills to help themselves reach success. I aspire to provide compassionate and culturally competent care and support clients in reaching their goals. I do my best to ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore and process their thoughts feelings and emotions. As a therapist my goal is to be present and grounded in the moment to provide whatever support is needed. I believe that in order to build trust there needs to be understanding and connection. Finding common ground and being curious are integral parts of my work.

Hi, I’m Caitlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW and LICSW) and founder of Tiny Cottage Therapy. I offer online therapy for college students and young adults across California and Washington who are navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and cultural or family expectations. College can bring a lot of pressure: to do well, to meet expectations, to have everything figured out. I provide a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s been feeling heavy, learning tools to manage stress, and building more balance and self-trust. I take a warm, collaborative approach and focus on what feels most important to you. We’ll start where you are. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself as you move through this season of life. Most of the students I work with share a few things in common: they care deeply, try their best, and often feel pressure to keep it all together — even when they’re exhausted. They might overthink things, struggle to set boundaries, or feel torn between their own needs and what’s expected of them. Many of my clients identify as Asian American, AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and are trying to balance family, culture, and school while figuring out who they want to be. Others are high achievers or caretakers who want to learn how to slow down, manage anxiety, and build a healthier relationship with themselves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” or like you’re living your life on autopilot, therapy can be a place to pause, make sense of things, and start finding your own rhythm again.

Welcome to my practice! If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. I offer telepsychiatric medication management services to adult patients (ages 18 years+) who reside in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington state. Specialties include treating members of Sexual and Gender Minorities / 2SLGBTQIA+, emerging/young adult populations, creative professionals, and educators. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering my patients kind, affirming, personalized psychiatric care. I do not prescribe controlled substances. The practice is in-network with select insurance companies in CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA. I also accept self-pay patients from CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA who may be able to collect reimbursement from their insurance companies, if they have out-of-network benefits.

Get the healing you need to let your best self shine. Spark All Wellness is a private therapy practice in San Francisco specializing in psychotherapy services for children, teens, families, young adults & mothers. We strive to help people through difficult life situations, trauma, and the challenges of life transitions– specializing in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy & Trauma-Informed Yoga and offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Hi, I’m Veronica. I believe that life feels best when we prioritize taking care of ourselves. I specialize in supporting women struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or high sensitivity to embrace their whole self with compassion and acceptance by using a therapy approach that is supportive, informative, and sometimes even a little fun. My goal is to help you tune into your innermost needs and show up for yourself in ways you never have before!

I help women explore the complexities of mental health, womanhood, and modern life. I provide a safe space for women to share their challenges, triumphs, and experiences. I provide a range of psychotherapy services that empower women to take control of their mental health. I am committed to helping women reach their highest potential and live their best lives.

I love working with students who are struggling with adhd, their identity, the transition into adulthood, and the very real anxiety that comes from that! I've worked with clients who've suffered from trauma, mental health disorders, and lack of social acceptance. I love being a safe place were you can share what's impacting you and find acceptance, support, tools to help you take control of your life, and gain confidence in moving forward with your plans and dreams

I help clients who are feeling stuck in a state of stress, are struggling to feel connected, and dealing with low-self worth. We’ll process trauma and difficult emotions using a mind-body approach. I work with clients to understand the root of their symptoms and how the past impacted them so that they can regulate their nervous system, improve their self-worth, and get out of that survival state and into the present moment. I’m certified in Brainspotting which is a tool that allows us to process difficult emotions and past experiences that our minds and bodies may be holding onto (and keeping us stuck). I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and am passionate about working with helpers (people who prioritize something else over themselves). Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation call today (:

Hello/Hola, I am Candy! It takes courage to address your emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. One of the hardest challenges in life is to discover a new path when you're feeling stuck. You have just taken the hardest step by seeking support from an experienced licensed mental health professional. If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions or have experienced a traumatic event, I want you to know that you're not alone. I use tele-therapy to offer a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings and underlying issues that may be contributing to your well-being. Se necesita de mucha valentía para lidiar con su bienestar emocional, espiritual y mental. Uno de los desafíos más difíciles de la vida es descubrir un nuevo camino cuando nos sentimos estancado. Tu acabas de dar el paso más difícil al buscar el apoyo de una profesional de salud mental con experiencia. Si estás lidiando con ansiedad, depresión, estrés, transiciones de vida o has pasado por un evento traumático, quiero que sepas que no estás solo. Yo utilizo la terapia para ofrecer un espacio seguro y sin prejuicios donde podemos explorar tus pensamientos, sentimientos y problemas subyacentes que pueden estar influenciando a tu bienestar.

Having worked in hospitals, behavioral/mental health, and in the homes of the elderly and disabled for the past 21 years, I will bring a depth of knowledge and experience to your therapy journey. My friendly down to earth, and “strengths based” approach helps clients balance their goals, wishes and desires with options. I can help you find new ways to cope, to handle life’s challenges, to connect with others and have happy, secure friendships and relationships. It may not be easy, and it may not happen overnight, but I assure you that the ability to change and grow is within yourself!

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.