Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I'm a queer therapist offering trauma therapy in English and Spanish, both in person in Oakland and online. I have experience supporting college students with a wide variety of issues, from the initial adjustment to college to the preparations for the transition of graduating and figuring out what's next. You might be dealing with academic stress, social conflicts, relationship challenges, or tough dynamics with family. Therapy is a space where you don't have to take care of anyone else, where I'll show up with kind curiosity to help you make sense of what you're feeling and experiencing. I hold a compassionate and non-judgmental stance with my clients, but I don't think any of us can be truly neutral. Rather than try to achieve the old-school therapist poker face, I show up as myself in the therapy room with my whole personality (dumb jokes and all). I work with people who are fiercely dedicated to living out their values, and often find that the energy they pour into taking care of others doesn't leave much left over for themselves. When you're splitting energy between many things and people you care about, it can be hard to carve out that space just for yourself. But you deserve to receive as much care as you give. Therapy can help you practice tuning into your own needs and help you feel more agency.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm an EMDR-trained therapist specializing in complex PTSD and relational trauma – the kind that rewires how we love and how we see ourselves. I help young adults and couples heal from attachment wounds, abandonment issues, sexual trauma, infidelity, and anxious-avoidant relationship cycles. I work from a psychodynamic and trauma-informed lens, drawing from IFS, DBT, and ACT. Therapy with me is collaborative – together, we’ll process what’s beneath the surface to shift the core beliefs keeping you stuck. I’ll meet you where you are… and push you when you’re ready. This is a space where you don’t have to perform. If something here resonated with you, that probably isn’t a coincidence. Reach out to schedule a free consult. :)

You’ve taken the first step towards healing, which is often one of the most difficult. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing me into your space. The world changed, and so did all of us…and that is okay! I am here to partner with children, teens, young adults, adults, and couples towards achieving healing and fulfilment, however that may look to you. My You-Centered approach places you at the helm of your journey, as we use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System, and other mindfulness management strategies to transform this moment. Together, we will combine these theories when discussing matters concerning goals/aspirations, relationships, interpersonal struggles, depression, self-esteem, executive functioning, stress management, phobias and fears, and substance use concerns.

Do you think about what kind of person you'd like to be, but feel uncertain, nervous, lost, or overwhelmed about how to make the change? College is an exciting time to explore your identity, learn how to build meaningful relationships, and to find a purposeful career. If you're hoping to feel more confident in who you are, feel more certain about your direction in life and live up to your potential, you've come to the right place. Dr. Grace specializes in asking these "big questions" in life. She marries the wisdom of Buddhist practices with the science of psychology to deepen clients' self-awareness and exploration, and uses a multiculturally sensitive lens to identify how our environments may have shaped our beliefs, motivations, and behaviours. Clients often say that sessions with Dr. Grace feel productive, with a balance between insight and action. Her presence is calming and non-judgmental, encouraging clients to maximize their growth. She is a MSU alumni, having previously worked at CAPS, and offers fully virtual services in both English and Mandarin. Evening hours available.

It is not uncommon for clients to tell me, "This is the first time I'm telling this to anyone..." I consider it a great honor to hold space for individuals to makes sense of difficult experiences and emotions, while also connecting with their greatest strengths and desires. I use well-researched therapy methods to help my clients boost coping during life's most stressful periods and transitions. I specialize in burnout prevention to help individuals connect with their innate ability to survive and thrive. Above all else, I prioritize my ability to listen, really listen, to my clients' deepest desires and wishes to be who they really are. Personally, I am drawn to the counseling profession because I believe wholeheartedly in our human capacity to grow and change. I consider it a privilege to support this process in my work as a therapist and as a burnout prevention educator. I bring my authentic self to my work (including a sense of humor) - and invite my client partners to do the same. I am inspired on a daily basis by the resilience of humanity and capacity for joy. Seeing these moments of inspiration has sustained me in this work throughout my career, and I feel grateful for the opportunity. Tell me: What changes would you like to see in your life? Warmly, Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW Therapy For Real Life Founder Burnout Prevention Hacker TherapyForRealLife.com (Available to see clients via telehealth throughout the states of CA and MN)

Do you experience stress, worry, or panic? Does anxiety interfere with your pursuit of personal and academic/professional goals? I can help you overcome your fears and help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a compassionate environment in which my clients can learn strategies to attain greater life satisfaction and well-being. My areas of expertise include Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety and worry, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (compulsive hair pulling and skin picking). I also support parents who are experiencing anxiety or OCD during the perinatal period. I will collaborate with you to develop a treatment approach that meets your needs. Through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we'll work together to reduce your distress, build healthy coping skills, and restore a sense of balance in your life.

Gather and Grow OC is a safe space to play, explore and grow together! We believe in high quality, knowledgeable therapy that honors the individual. We believe in sharing tools and education about healing. We believe that we’re all innately inclined to joy and growth, and we’re interested in connecting with other healers and truth seekers that believe the same!

Evidence-based therapy for young adults with OCD, trauma, anxiety, or insomnia. Are you having difficulty with worries or fears that just won't go away? Do you feel tense and wish you could just slow down and enjoy life more? You’ve tried to address your anxiety but it just won't budge. You’re really ready for more freedom from the pattern you feel stuck in. I am here to help you break that pattern. My years of specialized experience and use of research-backed techniques help people like you regain control over your anxiety. The therapy I offer is strongly rooted in research while at the same time tailored to your unique needs and goals. Visit my website to learn more about the specialized help I offer!

The Sanchez Center is a group psychotherapy practice serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and California. OUR mission IS TO PROVIDE mental health services to young professionals in a culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and collaborative setting

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California. My approach to therapy is client-centered; that is, I want to work on what you want to work on! You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer insight to help you meet your goals. My career has been focused on working with children, adolescents, and adults who have been mandated to therapy. At this time, I would like to work with and adults who are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. My typical therapeutic modalities are the Psychodynamic approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Problem Solving Therapy. In addition, I incorporate concepts of Trauma-Informed practices and Systems Theory to help meet the needs of the client. I have a professional, authentic style. I also have a dark sense of humor that helps some clients feel like our sessions are a judgment-free zone. I tend to follow the cues and needs of the clients to ensure I am not crossing any boundaries with which the client would not feel comfortable. Please contact me if you feel like this would we would be a good fit.

I believe that healing begins with a trusting, supportive relationship. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered. I am committed to walking alongside you as we work together toward greater insight, resilience, and wellbeing. Your growth matters to me, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Hi, I am Rafael Cazares, LMFT. As a bicultural professional, the son of immigrants, and the first in my family to graduate from college, my practice is deeply dedicated to Latino/a/x mental health and student wellbeing. I understand firsthand what it is like to navigate two distinct worlds at once, balancing deep cultural roots and family sacrifices with the heavy, relentless pressures of higher education. Before transitioning into mental health, my first career was in Information Technology (IT), which heavily shapes how I view therapy today. I borrow some of that mindset to look at you as a whole person. I do not look at your academic stress, chronic anxiety, or life transitions in isolation. Instead, we look at how your history, your course load, your family dynamics, and your routines all connect. I mostly work with driven, first and second generation students, path changers, and overthinkers who find themselves running on empty. My clients are often students who know they want to excel, but they currently feel completely stuck, paralyzed by procrastination, or constantly living on default high alert. This mental friction usually happens when the intense desire to honor your family sacrifices collides with an unceasing inner critic and a mind that refuses to shift out of high gear. Whether you are carrying the heavy weight of everyone else expectations or trying to find your footing in an environment that was never modeled for you growing up, you belong here. My practice is a fully welcoming, identity affirming space where you can finally drop the academic armor and examine your story without an ounce of judgment. Combining intentional behavioral science like ACT with advanced trauma processing like EMDR, we focus on identifying the exact loops keeping you stuck, processing the stuckness, and developing life long skills. We move past empty venting to focus on concrete strategies to quiet the background noise of your thoughts, lock in your focus, and manage the intense emotional fatigue of higher education. Balancing my own life as a stay at home father during the day, I intentionally structure my practice with late evening and Saturday slots. This allows me to meet you online during the quiet hours when your classes, labs, and study shifts are completely done for the day. You do not have to carry the immense weight of these academic and cultural expectations all on your own. Let us connect today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation call and start building a clear roadmap toward a future that is truly your own.

You have taken a big and brave first step into bettering yourself and addressing your mental well-being. I have worked with individuals from various different backgrounds and identities treating a wide array of mental conditions. In our collaborative work together, we will process and explore barriers that may be inhibiting you from your full human potential. Counseling can feel like a scary and overwhelming experience, but know that this is the first step to bettering yourself. Counseling can improve both your personal relationships with family and friends and give you a sense of fulfillment in your life. Together we can build a working relationship to discover ways to reduce your current condition while examining patterns that affect your interpersonal relationships based on cognitive processes. I practice from a psychodynamic framework, which is defined as exploring people's emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors that are outside of our awareness. *Please note that I am only seeing students via Telehealth as my practice is now 100% remote.* My areas of interests and expertise include working with adults, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work burnout, trauma, interpersonal relationships, men and masculinities, gender identity, new fatherhood, porn addiction, and self-compassion. I aim to create a safe space to process aspects that may seem like a hindrance to reaching your full potential.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We are a team of highly specialized clinicians who offer in-depth, psychological services in a safe & comfortable setting. We accept many insurances, offer sliding fee scale, evening/weekend availability, & have both in-person sessions, as well as Telehealth appointments. Please visit our website for more information: DrSawires.com.

I am passionate about supporting clients to heal and thrive in their lives – reaching their goals and a sense of self that brings wellness and fulfillment. I have 15 years of professional experience working in social programs and services – including a diverse range of clients, including veterans, LGBTQI+, seniors, high-achieving professionals, students and young adults. I work with people experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use/harm reduction, anger management, severe mental illness, workplace challenges and career goals. I am interested in working with individuals of all ethnicities, faiths, cultural/belief systems, genders, and sexual orientations. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and my Masters Degree from the University of Southern California (USC). I work with clients as experts in their own lives. I focus on collaborating with clients to identify their intrinsic strengths to build resilience and achieve the life they want for themselves. I believe that developing awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions develops personal insights and motivation to support optimal mental health. I utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, combining motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to build tools for healthy functioning and overall wellness.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.