Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

I've been in private practice for 25 years and in mental health for nearly 40 years - I see all populations, youth, college, male, female, couples, families, specializing in Relationship Work, Codependency, Anxiety, Depression and Stress Management - my tools are primarily Mindfulness Based Protocol, Emotional Regulation and CBT & DBT

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, trauma, or issues controlling alcohol use… our team can help. Our mission is to provide highly effective, personalized care that empowers and guides you through life’s challenges, transitions, and complications. We support each individual to be the best version of themselves, live a vibrant life, feel supported and less alone by utilizing our experience and evidence-based techniques tailored to meet their needs. Each therapist on my team has their own specialties and unique training. We treat a wide array of client and would love to support you in your therapy process.

We’re a team of licensed therapists who actually get what student life is like. Whether it’s anxiety, family stuff, roommate issues, breakups, burnout, feeling lost, or just needing someone to talk to, we’ve got you. We keep it real, non-judgmental, and actually helpful. No stiff, boring therapy vibes. Just practical support that fits your crazy schedule. In-person or online (telehealth) sessions available. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Ready to feel better? Come chat with us on Thrive or reach out for a free consultation.

I have been described by clients and colleagues as non-judgmental, warm (but direct), validating, and compassionate - I'd like to think that's true, but who am I to say? In any case, my hope is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, heal past wounds or trauma that continue to cause pain today, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves and our "flaws", the freer we are to make meaningful changes in our lives. I work with adults, couples, and sometimes groups. I work with all types of issues, but my specialties include adult children of narcissistic and/or abusive parents, trauma-related disorders, couples therapy, men and masculinity, managing anger, self compassion/acceptance, depression/anxiety, substance use/addiction, and cultural issues (family conflict, intergenerational trauma, issues of identity, etc.). Having been on the other side, I know it's sometimes hard to know what you need, so I offer free phone consultations to help get you started on your path. My website also has resources for self-help - feel free to browse through that as well. And I usually respond quicker to email, so please feel free to message me anytime and we can schedule a time to chat!

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in both medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, and have cared for diverse communities, including Chinese-speaking patients, through my bilingual skills in Mandarin and English. My approach combines compassionate, evidence-based care with personalized treatment plans that empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy teaching, mentoring nursing students, and advocating for mental health awareness. I’m inspired by seeing people rediscover hope, strength, and joy in their lives. Supporting someone through their challenges and watching them grow is an incredible privilege. I believe everyone deserves a safe, understanding space to be heard and supported. I believe the best care happens when treatment is a partnership. I start by listening closely to each person’s story, goals, and concerns, and I work with them to explore options that fit their lifestyle, culture, and comfort level. I present evidence-based choices in clear, simple terms so they can make informed decisions, and together we create a plan that feels both effective and realistic. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, sleep disorders/insomnia, suicidal ideation, academic stress, benzodiazepine tapering, CBT-I, deprescribing, personality disorders, somatic symptoms disorders, trauma-informed care

The first step in any journey takes the courage to start. And you already have! You're here. I know there is still a lot of shame around being vulnerable and asking for help. We live in a world that often demands perfection, high expectations, and pushing ourselves to the max. Struggling with depression, anger, or trauma does not make you a failure. It makes you human. I believe we all have the innate ability to heal ourselves, and therapy can support you in finding that clarity and empowerment. I specialize in adults with anger management, anxiety, depression & trauma. I'd love to help! Contact me today!

I am so happy you are here! Starting therapy can be difficult, but you have already taken the first step! In my last 7+ years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression due to life transitions and/or trauma. In our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and we will work together to set realistic goals to meet your needs.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

Meitri Collaborative is a psychiatric and psychotherapy practice in San Francisco, CA. We believe in warm, excellent, and personalized care. We want to help you live the life you desire and address the obstacles in your way.

Hi, I'm Pak P., LMFT. In my practice, I provide therapy for individuals and couples navigating stress, relationships, and emotional challenges, with a specialized focus on men’s mental health, high-performing professionals, and culturally informed care. For couples, whether you're dating, engaged, or already married, I focus on building support and improving communication. My goal is to identify areas of growth for you as a couple working collaboratively toward positive change. The therapy journey is about connecting with yourself, gaining the confidence to navigate life's changes, and making positive steps toward the life you desire. In my therapeutic approach, I create a unique treatment plan just for you based on the foundations of psychodynamic theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This creates a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience designed for you. Psychodynamic theory helps us to explore your unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the impact they have on your present behaviors and emotions. It provides a rich understanding of the underlying dynamics that influence your thoughts and actions. EFT focuses on the emotional bonds within relationships, emphasizing the importance of creating secure connections and emotional responsiveness. In both individual and couples therapy, psychodynamic theory allows you to better understand the roots of deep-seated patterns. This can help you recognize and address unresolved issues that may be influencing your current struggles. For example, if you are grappling with recurrent relationship difficulties, psychodynamic exploration can help you uncover patterns established in childhood that affect your perception of intimacy and closeness. It’s pretty powerful! For couples counseling, EFT focuses on the emotional dynamics between you and your partner. It helps you identify and reshape negative patterns of interaction. For instance, if you are stuck in a cycle of blame and withdrawal you might learn to express vulnerable emotions and needs breaking the continuous cycle. By integrating psychodynamic theory and EFT, therapy becomes a dynamic and holistic journey. This can help you break free from unhealthy patterns and enter into a new stage of life. Seeking assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes. I look forward to providing you with the support you need in this journey

I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you! I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you. I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.

Hello, I’m Tessa! I believe that everyone's stories should be heard, their experiences valued, and their strengths recognized. My goal is to create a space where my clients feels safe, understood, and trusted. As a biracial Latinx cisgender woman from a large blended family, my own background influences my approach to therapy. I’ve had the privilege of working with students, parents and families from diverse backgrounds in private practice, community mental health, and school settings. Together, we can navigate challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, life transitions, trauma, loss, identity work, anxiety and depression. Our therapeutic relationship may sometimes look like laughter and smiles, and other times look like facing difficult feelings, delving into your beliefs shaped by cultural and relationships, while honoring your strengths and values that make you, YOU! As your ally and collaborator, I will meet you with compassion, acceptance and empowerment, wherever you are in your journey. We will work together to closely connect you to your goals and preferred sense of self. If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to reach out.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I find it an honor to be let into people’s lives to support them in ways that they may not have the opportunity or ability at the moment. It is a meaningful and rewarding experience to be able to help others as others have been there for me. I try to create an open and inviting atmosphere to be yourself where you will be met with active listening and honest conversation while you freely express yourself. I am a transparent person and will consistently show up with the same energy and integrated approach combined with the use of life experience, humor, and education to help build a custom self care plan to thrive in.

I was trained at Yale and Columbia University, and I was a Clinical Associate Professor (affiliate) at Stanford University for 15 years. Recently, the American Psychology Association bestowed me the Fellow status, an honor for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in Clinical Psychology (Division 12). I am also a full Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am very experienced in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition, I have trained and supervised hundreds of psychologists and therapists, including Ph.D. students and post-doctoral trainees in many universities and clinical settings.

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.

I am inspired by providing others with the opportunity to have a safe place and somewhere they can go to feel respected, heard, and understood. I utilize active listening, empathetic communication, and being transparent and honest throughout our work together. I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space to allow the client to feel valued and respected. I also maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality to establish trust and rapport throughout our time working together.

If you are having difficulty in your personal life or with school, give a call or send an email so we can talk about what you are looking for. I have been in private practice for 40 years, have extensive experience and training, and I know how to help. If you want to know more about me and how I can help you, click on the link to my website below. I look forward to talking with you.