Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Hello! I love working with college students and young adults. I am located within walking distance from Chapman University. If you are looking for a therapist with some sass who curses but also knows how to be nurturing, look no further. I consider myself a trauma therapist and I am certified in EMDR and trained in Internal Family Systems at the IFS Institute. I love learning and am often taking new trainings so I can support my clients better. I am very passionate about what I do. Recently, my focus has been on IFS and Polyvagal Theory. IFS is a type of therapy that helps us understand that we have different parts inside of us that conflict with one another at times. It is sort of similar to inner child work although that is a bit reductive. Polyvagal Theory is looking at what is happening in the body, namely the autonomic nervous system. I also really enjoy focusing on attachment and my thesis from when I was in grad school was on attachment.

Hi! We are compassionate about helping young adults with life transitions. Change is hard and stressful. Managing classes, work and a social life can be a real challenge. Life transitions and change leave us feeling anxious/depressed...and struggling to feel ourselves. We are here to help you find balance again.

Pause and imagine what life could feel like if the past no longer dictated your present. Imagine permitting yourself to grow in new directions, breaking free from painful relational patterns, or no longer paying a heavy price for success and achievement. I help adults and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals feeling stuck, disconnected, or exhausted. Others are navigating trauma, loss, life transitions, or questions of identity, seeking clarity and relief. I believe everyone can unlock their innate capacity to heal and grow. In our work together, you’ll find a safe and collaborative space to slow down, reflect, and begin practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others. My approach combines a relational psychodynamic foundation with evidence-based methods, including Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, DBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked in international business across multiple countries, which shaped my appreciation for cultural and contextual influences. I now support adults navigating perfectionism, stress, career pressures, and major transitions. I offer both in-person and teletherapy.

I have always had a strong desire to help others, and working in the field of mental health has given me a meaningful way to live out that purpose. I truly consider it a privilege to be part of someone’s journey—to support them as they navigate challenges, grow, and move toward their full potential. Being able to positively impact others’ lives, even in small ways, is what continues to inspire me every day as a therapist. In our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I do this by actively listening, reflecting your emotions, asking clarifying questions, and always focusing on your perspective and needs. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard and understood, not just by what you say, but by the meaning behind your experiences. I also use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), when appropriate. EMDR can be especially helpful for processing difficult or distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable over time. Building trust is a process that takes time, and I approach it with patience, consistency, and openness. In the beginning, we’ll focus on getting to know you—your experiences, your goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that collaboration is key. I encourage you to share feedback about our work and our relationship at any time, and I want you to know that your voice is always welcomed and valued. My role is to support and guide you while respecting that this is your journey. As trust develops, we can explore deeper challenges, build meaningful coping skills, and, if it feels like a good fit, incorporate EMDR to help process past experiences and support lasting healing and change. One lighthearted thing I like to share is that I really enjoy finding small ways to relax and recharge—whether that’s watching a favorite show, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to unwind. I think those simple moments are so important, and I often encourage clients to find what helps them feel grounded and refreshed, too.

We are a team that values quality and effective treatments to treat various disorders. My team has a variety of experience and specialty. The treatment modalities that we use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. We treat complex trauma or single case trauma, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and relational issues.

I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care. I can provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgery. I work well with folks who are self-aware but sometimes "to a fault." You find feelings hard but really want to work on "feel the feelings!" You are willing to take risks and be real when something is hard. You want a change but feel stuck, and are down to try both new and old things. You want to be a better person/friend/partner/coworker/child/etc. My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing. I know how hard it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of criticism with yourself and others. You may wonder why you can’t seem to change the things that bother you or improve your relationships. I believe that you can find ways to accept what you can’t control, and to change what you can. I would be honored to support you on this journey of growth and healing.

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.

Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California providing safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic care to both individuals and couples. Dr. Koch is devoted to helping clients feel safe in their relationships after experiencing abuse and trauma. He believes deeply in the power of positive human connection and that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. This is reflected in the honesty, respect, and trust that he provides for each person he serves. Dr. Koch provides in-office and teletherapy services for adults, couples, emerging adults, and adolescents. Areas of Specialization: -Undergraduate and Graduate Student concerns -Anxiety -Abuse & neglect -Generational trauma -Life transitions & change -Relationships -Trauma & post-traumatic stress My Philosophy and Approach: The ability to feel safe is one of the most important aspects of mental health. When we grow up with family dynamics that make us feel unsafe or invalidated, we can struggle to feel accepted and understood. I am committed to helping stop emotional wounds from being passed down through generations by teaching strategies to move from blame and reactivity to empathy and connection. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. My approach to therapy is caring, collaborative and action oriented in a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. I utilize an integrative approach that includes Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which are both evidence-based practices that can help reduce trauma-related symptoms. An area that is very close to my heart is working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQ+/GSRD communities. Clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationships are warmly invited to explore these identities in my practice. I also have extensive background related to the developmental tasks of early adulthood. I am passionate about helping emerging adults and adolescents develop confidence and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. What You Will Experience Working With Me: When we experience any kind of trauma, we have both emotional and physical reactions. This can look like anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling disconnected, having intrusive thoughts, or withdrawing from others. We will work together to develop practical tools and strategies to address these problem areas and help you navigate through even the most challenging life circumstances. Clients that I work with appreciate my integrative approach, which is a whole-person perspective that treats both the mind and body. For example, I emphasize practices that draw attention to your breath and body to promote relaxation and teach you techniques for quieting the mind and calming the body. Integrated therapy has been found to be particularly helpful for anyone who has experienced trauma, as well as anxiety, stress, and challenges with work-life balance. My Work With Couples: One of my strengths as a therapist is to guide people to improve their relationships. We can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships and I view conflict in romantic relationships as an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I provide couples therapy that is accessible for all partners in romantic relationships. This means that I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. You might ask, “What is ‘relationship diversity’?” It can mean many things, such as polyamorous couples, non-monogamy, and different types of kink relationships. I specialize in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), an evidence-based, interactive, and action-oriented approach. In IRT, you will learn a new way of talking to your partner to improve your communication and help you understand them on a deeper, more empathetic level. I am also trained in the Gottman Method of couples therapy, which I integrate with IRT. Education & Training: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Gender and Human Sexualities, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego Professional Affiliations & Duties: -Member, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for UCSD Student Health and Wellbeing Cluster -Member, UCSD’s Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues -Member, University of California-wide Transgender Care Team -Adjunct Professor, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University -Invited presenter to community and university-based groups and organizations on a variety of topics Professional Memberships: -California Psychological Association (CPA) -San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA) -Imago Relationships North America (IRNA)

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.

Are you struggling with healing from a breakup, living with something nobody around you fully understands, or just trying to make it in school and life? Harper's Haven offers individual therapy and connection groups for postpartum mothers, domestic violence survivors, and those living with chronic illness. Trauma informed care and evidence based care built around your actual life. You deserve more than just getting through the day. We are here to help you get there. Go to our Website to book a free 15 minute consultation.

Fusion Care Group is Creating Change! We are changing the way people think about and receive mental health services and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and therapists are here for you.

During challenging times, people often feel defeated and focus on what is wrong. I want to shift the focus from what is "not working" to identifying what is "working." We will work to uncover patterns (behavioral, thought beliefs, relationship), that will lead you to making better decisions. I want to offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings around issues that can be challenging. I am interested in helping people who experience stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and challenges with relationships (social or romantic). Many conversations are around “adulting” and how to manage life, career, relationships, etc. I teach clients how negative thought patterns/language effect mood and behavior. Narrative and Solution Focused therapy assists in shifting from self-defeating language/thoughts to a positive life narrative. I utilize CBT and teach the basics of how thoughts effect behavior/mood. I teach ACT concepts- to learn how our emotions and thoughts are related. I teach mindfulness to help with coping.

I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing culturally responsive and identity-affirming psychotherapy. The clients I work with often identify as first-gen students, artists, performers, educators, and professionals, as well as those who have experienced trauma in relationships or who have a history of family cycles of addiction and drug use. I use a relational-psychodynamic and liberatory approach to therapy; incorporating mindfulness techniques that support you to build awareness of what is happening between your mind and body. A strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to explore thoughts and feelings is essential and building trust to do so takes time. I will support you in the therapy to navigate communicating what is happening for you in the therapy so that you can then apply a deepened awareness of yourself to interactions and events in everyday life. Feelings and thoughts can be hard to identify, and having time set aside to delve into this process can be transformative. Your participation in the therapy by bringing in your lived experiences will help you to deepen your insights and understanding, which will inform your decisions and choices in life moving forward.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

I work with individuals and couples seeking healing, growth, and stronger relationships. Many clients come to me struggling with anxiety, trauma, communication challenges, relationship conflict, life transitions, or spiritual concerns. Couples often seek support to rebuild trust, improve communication, and deepen connection. Individuals may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or burdened by past experiences. I provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can gain insight, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. My practice specializes in couples counseling, trauma recovery, anxiety treatment, and faith-based counseling. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients strengthen relationships, process difficult experiences, manage anxiety, and build resilience. For those who desire it, I thoughtfully integrate Christian faith into the counseling process. Taking the first step toward counseling can feel difficult, but you do not have to face life's challenges alone. Whether you are struggling in your relationship, carrying the weight of past hurts, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, support is available. I am committed to providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can begin.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Mindful Evolutions was started as a way to help adults, teens, and couples within the area feel happier and healthier through therapy. Each therapist has their own skills they bring to their clients. At Mindful Evolutions we happily welcome into our practices people from many communities and cultures. We provide counseling for all kinds of relationships including LGBTQ, multi-cultural, poly, kink, and heterosexual. Because we believe all people in a family need support, we have a therapist for everyone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.