Therapists for college students near 90089

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, work stress, self esteem and relationship issues.

Hi, I'm Jessica Taylor Vara, LMFT, a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. On paper, your life might look pretty good. You're responsible. Capable. The person everyone turns to when they need help. But underneath it all, you're exhausted. Maybe you're constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you're never quite enough no matter how hard you try. Maybe you're stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, carrying the weight of childhood experiences you thought you should be over by now, or finding yourself overwhelmed by stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. I help college students, graduate students, young professionals, and adults heal from anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving people who have spent years trying to understand themselves but still feel stuck repeating the same emotional patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply compassionate. I integrate EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy to help clients move beyond insight and create real, lasting change. Together, we'll work to heal the root causes of your struggles, build healthier relationships, strengthen your confidence, and help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself. You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own. I provide online therapy for residents of California and Florida.

When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.

I love being a Mental health Therapist. I have been licensed as a Marriage and family child therapist, since January, 5 1985. I have worked in private practice and with Medical groups to provide the best mental health care available to each individual and to our community. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and with adolescents to improve daily functioning and improved mental health. I see each client as an individual with past experiences that only they can share their own history. It is very important to listen to what the client has experienced and to share their history. Trust and an empathetic relationship is paramount to have the client feel heard and safe.

Hi, my name is Yu-Nien (Pulinda). I am a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (APU '21) who's worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a wide range of ages. I enjoying working with clients from various walks of life. My clients are often experiencing difficulties coping with emotions, feeling confused about their distress, desiring a space for authenticity and warmth, and a nonjudgmental environment. I welcome all who are experiencing various struggles in life and will support you on taking the first step towards healing. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client's unique circumstances and life experiences. The therapeutic modalities I commonly draw from include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Grief Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Psychodynamic Therapy. As a Taiwanese bilingual (English and Mandarin) social worker, I believe in meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. Through our journey together, I will walk alongside you as you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and healing. 您好，我是妤寧(Pulinda)，持有加州認證Licensed Clinical Social Worker執照。在我的臨床工作經驗中，我曾與來自不同背景及各年齡層的個案合作，因此特別關注每一位來談者的獨特性，也享受了解個案不同的人生歷程與生活經驗。我發現許多個案前來尋求協助，是因為他們正在面對情緒調適上的困難、對自身的情緒困擾感到困惑，或渴望擁有一個能夠真誠表達自我、被理解、並感受到溫暖與接納的空間。我希望能提供一個不帶批判且安全的環境，讓個案能自在地探索自己的經驗與內在世界。在壓力源無處不在的世界，我們可以一起溫柔的面對焦慮、憂鬱、創傷及失去，一起消化，找到跟練習適合您的情緒穩定方法，強大您的心理能量。 我的治療取向採整合式方法，並依據每位個案獨特的處境、需求與生命經驗量身調整。我常運用的治療模式包括接納與承諾治療（Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT）、認知行為治療（Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT）、悲傷與失落治療、正念取向介入，以及心理動力治療（Psychodynamic Therapy）。我相信有意義的改變建立於治療關係中的平等關係，因此我會與個案密切合作，確保治療方向符合其目標、價值觀與需求。我也特別著重找回每個來談者的自我共情（self-compassion），這也是更能療癒自己的方法之一。 我來自台灣，所以能夠流利的用英文及國語跟您合作。但我也在其他不同國家生活及移民過，所以我體會過在不同文化環境跟關係中適應和尋找自我的過程。我會考量到每位個案所處的人生階段及困擾，並尊重其獨特的生命經驗。如果我們有緣合作，我將陪伴在您身旁，協助您建立心理韌性、深化自我理解，並找到實用的，以促進持續的成長與療癒。我歡迎所有正面臨人生挑戰的人，並願意陪伴您踏出療癒旅程的第一步。

Growth and Change Counseling is a relationships oriented counseling practice that is passionate about helping people develop the relational intelligence to step out of their anxiety, depression, and addiction and to experience wholeness in their relationships and satisfaction in their life. All of our problems root back to the breakdown in our relationships and the of relational intelligence due to or the lack of relational intelligence (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorder). At the core of our being we all yearn to connect and at the center of our lives is the need for . Anxious, addicted, depressed people isolate because they are pulling away from relationship in pain. When you come to Growth and Change Counseling, we will help you learn to apply and integrate the healthy relationship principles that will empower you to thrive in your relationships (parent-child, couples, partners, friends, etc.). We treat everything. We are not afraid of your problems, and we will get in the trenches with you to help you Grow and Change!

UCLA Tele-Mental Health Hub- Medi-Cal is required to receive services • Individual therapy, weekly for up to 1 year (45 -60 min sessions) • Psychiatric assessment and medication management available • We serve ages 12-59 • All clinicians are bilingual (Spanish-English) • All services are via Telehealth (HIPPA compliant and secure platform) • Mild to moderate symptoms and presentation

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

Mental wellness is a process. Often, life encourages us to put our resources into our outer world, from how we look to where we work. As important as this can be, this is often at the expense of investing in our inner world. Let me help empower you to develop your mental wellness and enrich your wellbeing from the inside out. I'm Dr. Dakari, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in treating a variety of mental health concerns. My therapeutic style involves creating a warm and supportive environment for you to process life complexities and learn practical skills to progress towards your mental wellness goals.

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.

I am an LGBTQIA+ Affirmative psychotherapist who helps people with anxiety, stress, life adjustments, and other issues. Please reach out to me. My website is: https://www.patricktullytherapy.com

I am a PMHNP who graduated from Cal State LA’s MSN program. I have experience working in phase 1 and 2 clinical research helping develop new medicines for mental health patients. I also have my own family history of mental health issues. My ability to connect with my patients deeply inspires me to keep working in this field. I get to know every patient’s background, lifestyle, relationships, occupations, hobbies, stressors, and medication history very thoroughly to develop a holistic approach to create a plan with the patient to ensure effective care.

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whom specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I received my Master’s of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and my Post Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Cincinnati. My clinical experience has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to a vast array of mental conditions and to work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life and overall wellbeing. I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety and ADHD. Psychiatry became my passion when I realized the disparity of services and care provided within our mental health care system. I believe it’s an honor and a privilege to work alongside individuals on their path to wellness. My goal is for each and every member to feel safe, empowered and heard. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others attain a life they deserve and desire. I listen to each patient’s concerns and approach their care as a concerted effort. 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: academic stress, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, chronic illness, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

My goal in sessions is for clients to feel self-aware, empowered, and grounded in who they are to better connect with the person they want to become. This kind of therapy leads you toward a happier home life, better communication with family/friends, feeling accomplished and relaxed at the end of the day, or feeling confident in your ability to tackle roadblocks. I am committed to creating an environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to open up about difficult topics. This safe space is where we can honor those feelings and experiences, gain a sense of acceptance, and work together to create a journey forward towards a purpose-filled path. My areas of focus are trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral issues, anger management, social skills, self-esteem, family dynamics, personal growth, high-stress environments, and more.

Are you tired of anxiety and old habits preventing you from achieving your goals? Have you been dealing with life's problems by trying harder, venting to friends and family, and avoiding stressful situations, and things never seem to get better? Are you ready for change? I’ll work collaboratively with you to tailor time-tested and evidence-based approaches to meet your specific needs. My Background and Approach We’ll work together to see how old habits and ways of dealing with life’s problems might be holding you back. One of the most common ways people deal with problems is through avoidance. If you avoid anxiety provoking or uncomfortable situations, you’ll feel better in the short-term. However, you’ll probably find that you end up avoiding more and more and your world will get much smaller in the long-term. We’ll work together to find new ways of thinking and approaching life’s problems so your world can open up and you can live according to your values rather than based on uncomfortable emotions. We'll collaborate to develop personalized exercises to help you to face your fears whether you're suffering from insomnia, OCD, or performance anxiety at work or as an athlete/performer. I have helped students, retirees, stay-at-home-parents, surgeons, world class athletes, ballet dancers, and people from all walks of life. Sport Psychology I am also passionate about helping athletes and performers of all kinds to perform at the upper range of their abilities. I have worked with competitors at the high school, amateur, community college, university, professional, and world class levels. I currently provide sport psychology services for the U.S. National Sumo Wrestling team and a Women’s Premier Soccer League team. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation's Anxiety in Athlete's Task Force, which is aimed at providing education and resources to athletes suffering from OCD. My Beliefs and Interests I believe that mental health should be viewed the same way as physical health. Most of us wouldn't judge someone for catching a cold, pulling a muscle, or living with a chronic illness. So, why do we judge someone who feels depressed, has a panic attack during an important presentation, or lives with OCD? I also believe that if society can appreciate people going to the gym to stay fit or have empathy for people undergoing a life-saving surgery, we as a society, can also appreciate and empathize with people going to therapy to maintain their mental health and address mental illness. I believe that with effort and learning people can grow to be stronger than the problems they face. I have the privilege of being able to help people on their journey of personal growth as my job! When I am not working you can find me listening to audiobooks and watching great movies and shows. I am still an avid supporter of House Stark (books and HBO). Call Today Whether you are struggling with your mental health, or you are just trying to improve your performance, I can work with you to meet your goals. Please call (310) 375-4855 Ext.14 or email jvonstietz@cbtsocal.com to set up a FREE phone consultation.

Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.

I help clients work through anxiety, self-worth, and relationship challenges using CBT, Humanistic, and Solution-Focused approaches. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to grow, therapy with me is a space to feel seen, gain tools, and move forward. You're not alone-and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just ready for something to shift, I'm here to walk with you. If you're curious about working together, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to support your journey.

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

Welcome. Taking the first step to getting help can feel daunting. Thank you for being here. Sometimes, life can feel like a whirlwind of unexpected events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and empty inside. Whatever it is that you have experienced, know that you have the right to find peace and tranquility. Encountering trauma is scary, but know that you are not alone. Know that YOU are valuable and worthy of living a peaceful life with meaning. Naturally, I incorporate a spiritually holistic approach and strive to connect people to what feels good to their soul. Overall, my approach is mostly centered around your distinct needs. I believe individuals need a warm, safe, and sacred space to begin the healing process. Your experience is important to me and my hope is to maintain a sacred space to help you explore challenges and find some understanding. My role is to be your anchor as we walk through difficult moments. My goal is to be your guide and provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to find clarity. I strongly believe every person has natural strengths that make them resilient and my hope is to find these within you. It would be an honor to sit with you. If there is anything that resonates with you here. Let’s connect.