Therapists for college students near UCLA

I am passionate about helping clients obtained their Highest Potential. I believe in, and have benefited from, therapy to overcome life challenges including childhood trauma. I am an advocate for a client centered therapeutic relationship and enjoy working with individuals from different socioeconomic levels as well as cultural and religious backgrounds. I have a strong belief in the benefits of cultural humility creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for my clients to process their feelings, guide their discovery, learn new skills; which in turn enables them to work towards healing and achieving goals. I am grounded in Spiritual Depth Psychology and cultivate a non-judgmental compassionate space in which the client feels safe. I practice mindfulness in the session and show warms and non-judgment, no matter is shared. I acknowledge if misunderstanding occur and repair ruptures with transparency and humility.

I specialize in helping adults work through unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, problem gambling, hoarding, phobias, and grief. I also support clients with stress management and navigating life’s everyday challenges. I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I am licensed to provide telehealth services to clients in both California and North Carolina. I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. I’m passionate about this work because I have the privilege of walking beside people on their healing journey. Witnessing the shift from feeling stuck in painful patterns to gaining true freedom and self-understanding is something I never take for granted. Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about being heard, seen, and supported as you grow and heal.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada, serving students, young adults, and adults across these states. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, and stress related to school, work, or life transitions. I work best with college students and young adults who want support managing the unique stresses of academic life, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. My ideal students are ready to understand themselves better, develop healthy coping strategies, and create lasting changes, rather than rely on quick fixes. Many students I work with experience: Anxiety, depression, or stress that affects school, work, or social life ADHD, trauma, or mood challenges that make daily routines or academics difficult Feeling overwhelmed by expectations and wanting practical tools to manage responsibilities A desire for collaborative, personalized care that fits their lifestyle and goals I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where students can explore their mental health, learn effective strategies, and work toward long-term well-being. My approach combines therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medications when necessary, always focusing on what works best for each individual.

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience providing quality mental health care and career counseling services. I value supporting clients and the communities I serve by providing individual therapy for LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, body image concerns & disordered eating, ADHD, and career development concerns. My approach focuses on exploring what makes each individual thrive, providing empathy and understanding, free from judgment and societal expectations.

College life is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family pressures, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or alone. Maybe you're struggling with a breakup, grieving someone you’ve lost, feeling disconnected from friends, or just totally burnt out. Maybe you’re questioning your path or feeling like no one really “gets” what you're going through. These moments can feel heavy—but you don’t have to carry them on your own. Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward growth and clarity. I'm here to help you tap into your strengths, make sense of the challenges you're facing, and start building the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good and grounded. I specialize in working with college students, young adults, and teens—and I’m passionate about helping you navigate this messy, meaningful chapter of your life. In our work together, you’ll find a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and take real steps toward feeling more confident, connected, and at peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, academic stress, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re ready for something to shift, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Are you struggling with overcoming depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD due to trauma? For nearly 20 years I have worked with individuals to heal from various traumatic experiences. I look to create an empowering space for all the adults I work with including tailoring therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the individual. In my practice, I provide online individual trauma therapy to adults residing in California. Examples of trauma I help clients heal from include childhood and/or adult abuse, death of a loved one, witness of violence, intergenerational trauma, natural disasters, combat, discrimination, and life transitions such as adjusting to college. Some of the therapy approaches include EMDR, CBT, EFT tapping. Taking this first step of looking for a therapist shows you’re on the path to healing from trauma. Therapy is not always comfortable or easy. Even if you have been in therapy before, it can feel overwhelming to start the process with someone new. Finding the right fit and connection with a therapist is important for your healing journey. To schedule a free 15-min. consultation: https://www.traumahealingtherapyca.com

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

The students I work best with are often balancing a lot at once. They may be trying to keep up with classes, work, family responsibilities, relationships, or uncertainty about their future while also managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Many of the students I see are high-achieving and hardworking, but underneath the surface they feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or like they're carrying more than other people realize. Some are adjusting to college life, navigating major life transitions, or trying to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic stress, confidence, or simply feeling lost, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself, explore what's getting in the way, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond.

Have you ever felt that life has to be okay all the time? Change is a normal part of life that we do not always know how to navigate. Therapy can be the safe space needed to start your journey towards processing these emotions and exploring your personal goals. My goal as a therapist is to provide a non-judgmental environment where my clients feel heard. I use an integrated approach to help my clients explore their personal needs and goals. I have experience working with individuals who are walking through different life transitions. Life has its ups and downs but you do not have to go through it alone. I am here to help you find the tools and support needed along the way.

My clinical approach is multi-disciplinary and rooted in psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, and humanistic psychology. I also have a background in integrative health and wellness, which can contribute to a more in-depth perspective on treatment. In addition, my work is relational and informed by the belief and the research that the essence of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. It is this relationship that can encourage true and thorough transformation. My style is genuine, collaborative, interpersonal, direct, and non-judgemental, and I encourage clients to be true to themselves and transparent. Although treatment is based on an individual's needs and goals, primary objectives in treatment are to help clients (re)connect to their confidence and curiosity and to reinforce their capacity and resiliency.

I have been in practice as a marriage and family therapist for nearly a decade, and focus on serving adolescents, college students, and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, loss, and co-occurring concerns. I emphasize self-compassion and self-acceptance in my therapeutic work, and tailor my treatment to help people create and live values-based lives that are congruent with their identities and goals. I am passionate about working with API and Indigenous students, and those transitioning to the mainland from Hawaii. Providing culturally competent services is a priority for me, and I take pride in continuously honing my multicultural counseling skillset. Outside of therapy, I enjoy trout fishing, hiking, and playing retro video games. Please note I offer telehealth sessions Monday through Thursday, and offer in-person sessions on Friday. Please contact me directly for in-person availability on Saturday. My telehealth fee is $175 and in-person is $200.

As a therapist, I am driven by the desire to help individuals rediscover their voices—whether they feel they have lost it or have never had it in the first place. My therapeutic approach primarily incorporates Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, CBT, and holistic methods, emphasizing the treatment of the whole self. With over 12 years of experience as a social worker, I have advocated for families and children and focused on mental health across clinical, community, and hospital settings. I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting the LBTIQ+ community and other marginalized groups.

You want to feel like a team again. But lately, it’s been harder to talk without tension or connect without effort. Under the surface, something’s missing: trust that your relationship is solid, the comfort of being understood and appreciated, or the closeness that makes you feel like you’re truly in it together. Couples counseling helps you shift out of reactive cycles and into meaningful connection. You’ll learn to communicate with care, listen with empathy, and build a foundation that is steady and supportive so your relationship feels like home again. I see couples in person in San Luis Obispo and online across California, Washington, Florida, and South Carolina.

At The San Francisco Center for Compassion-Focused Therapies, we provide individual, couple, family, and group therapies for adults in California online, and in-person. Our clinicians apply effective and evidence-based psychotherapy methods that are reputable for addressing emotion regulation related challenges, and facilitating self-compassion. Besides providing therapy, we also conduct practice-informed research focusing on compassion and betterment of psychotherapy. Our Center is a place where psychotherapy, training, and research strive on the foundation of one another.

I am inspired to work in the field of mental health care because of my passion for fostering meaningful change in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. My dedication to helping individuals build on their strengths and navigate challenges allows me to empower them to heal, grow, and thrive. Guided by empathy, I aim to create a space where people can feel understood and supported in their journey toward better mental health. To ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can express themselves openly. I approach each session with empathy, active listening, and cultural humility, tailoring my support to honor the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ2+ individuals, low-income families, children, adolescents, and trauma survivors. By validating their feelings, recognizing their strengths, and fostering trust, I help clients feel truly understood and supported throughout their journey. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences. I honor each client’s unique strengths, values, and goals, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual respect. This approach helps establish a strong foundation for meaningful growth and healing, allowing clients to feel supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process.

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) based in California, I am passionate about supporting young adults and first-generation individuals as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, and depression. My background includes clinical practice and consulting for schools and community-based organizations, helping them build effective service delivery models. I deeply value the healing journey and believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients are empowered to find clarity, resilience, and a sense of centeredness in their lives.

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

College life can be tough - talking to someone who understands you can offer real support, so you don't have to navigate your problems alone. Suppose you are struggling between exams, trying to navigate relationships, dealing with identity exploration, anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, or need a space to breathe, reflect, and grow. In that case, you are in the right place. I offer flexible scheduling that accommodates your classes and competitive rates. You can contact us by phone or email to request a brief consultation. If you wish to proceed with scheduling an appointment, please book your first session using the website below.

College is a massive transition, and it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, perfectionism, or the constant anxiety of trying to balance it all. If you are feeling stuck, burnt out, or struggling with racing thoughts, you don’t have to navigate this alone. I am an LMFT practicing via telehealth in California. I specialize in helping college students and young adults manage anxiety, quiet their busy minds, and build practical tools for real relief. Rather than relying on traditional talk therapy, we will use active, evidence-based, and somatic tools tailored to how your brain and nervous system actually work: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): To help you break the cycle of chronic worry, mental loop-thinking, and OCD. EMDR and Brainspotting: Specialized, brain-body modalities to help process stress, reduce anxiety, and release the pressure of academic perfectionism. My Approach My style is warm and collaborative. I understand the unique high-pressure environments of schools and I design our sessions to give you practical, real-world tools. Format: 100% Telehealth (secure video sessions anywhere in California) Let's help you find some relief and get back to feeling like yourself. Reach out today for a free, low-pressure consultation call.

My name is Terry Alcántar Nelson and I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing counseling for over 25 years. After all this time, I still love my work and am passionate about helping people heal. Every day is a new opportunity for me to join with clients in healing past hurts, traumas, and relationships, and addressing current life stressors and painful experiences. I am privileged to do this work and hope to be doing it for many years to come. I am trained and have expertise in the following modalities: -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- a type of therapy that helps to examine negative thinking and long held beliefs which make us feel bad and stuck; it is modality that is particularly helpful for depression and anxiety -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on improving relationships by increasing emotional safety with loved ones, and takes into account past attachment injuries originating in childhood and current and/or past relationships -Mindfulness, which works on increasing our focus on the present by using breath, body and grounding techniques -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses eye movements and other types of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences and memories I see my role as a mental health provider as a guide to clients who are looking for a path to wholeness and healing. Working with with a therapist should be a collaborative process in which the client feels empowered with every session. I consider successful therapy to be one in which clients says that they feels shifts in behavior, feelings, and life circumstances. I am a proud Latina woman who was born and raised in a small town, but was transplanted many years ago to a big city and I can see the value in both experiences. I have worked with a vast array of ethnicities and cultures and feel comfortable with diversity. I am unique in that I am bicultural, bilingual and come to every client session ready to hold big emotions in compassionate ways. I know trauma and relationship injuries can make us feel very vulnerable and I want my clients to feel safe and emotionally held so that the work of healing brings peace and restorative experiences in all areas of life.