Therapists for college students near UCLA

Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest things to do when you're struggling the most. What if no one understands you or you feel judged? How do you know you can trust them to take you seriously or care? I understand that these are natural fears when you're sharing the hurt and vulnerable parts of yourself. For this reason, my goal is to make sure you feel safe and heard by providing an empathetic and judgement-free space regardless of your background. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have experience working with young and older adults of diverse backgrounds through issues related to identity, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. I also work with couples of all sexual orientations to improve communication, intimacy, and develop a more empathic understanding of each other.

Hi! My name is Suji Akhtar, a Korean American licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I specialize in anxiety, depression, multigenerational trauma, postpartum mental health, and immigration-related challenges. As a therapist, I'm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, heal from past traumas, and build resilience. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant, a parent, and a mental health professional. Whether you're struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood, grappling with anxiety or depression, or seeking to break free from the grips of intergenerational trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. Together, we can explore your unique experiences and develop personalized strategies to help you overcome obstacles, manage emotions, and build resilience. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you and helping you thrive amidst life's challenges. As I am in multiple telehealth platforms, please do not hesitate to reach out to see if I accept your insurance.

Are you struggling with intense anxiety, frequent worry, or obsessive thoughts? Do you avoid important activities because of your anxiety? Do you find it difficult to enjoy life and pursue goals because of these problems? We all experience anxiety sometimes, but if it interferes with your social life, daily functioning, or work I want you to know there is hope. I'm an experienced psychologist with a passion for helping people suffering from anxiety, worry, OCD, insomnia, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and depression. In the context of a caring and supportive relationship, let's work together on tools to combat these problems. Research has found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are effective treatments for anxiety and depression. The CBT techniques I utilize will help you feel happier, content, less worried and anxious. Clients who are willing to work hard experience improvements in just a few months, and often retain these gains after therapy has ended.

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Hi there! I'm Colleen and a Licensed Psychologist and serve college students in the Bay Area. One thing I know for sure: college is hard so kudos to you for reaching out for support! There are various reasons we engage in therapy that may warrant different approaches/interventions. Clients have shared what they appreciate most about working with me is my "realness"; ability and willingness to relate and share (after all we are all cultural beings with emotions, thoughts and experiences); empathic directness; motivating nature; flexibility; and laughter (as appropriate of course!).

Alyson is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist whose practice is focused on helping people heal their relationship with their body and food. She takes a client centered treatment approach, which basically means meeting you where you are at, identifying your personal strengths and taking a collaborative approach to treatment. Alyson enjoys working with individuals but also believes healing comes from restoring connections, therefore she often incorporates couples and family therapy into her treatment approach.

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Hello, my name is Dr. Kristine Pickwith, and I work with adults diagnosed with chronic illness or coping with grief related to a break-up or death of a loved one.

My approach to the therapy process is collaborative so that together we can work to accomplish your goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, past trauma, relationship issues, or a life transition, we can work together to uncover the underlying emotions and navigate the blind spots so that you can gain clarity and calmness in your self and in your relationships. I use specific styles of therapy, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) as a way to help guide the therapeutic process. These styles help us explore strengths and transformation, while also navigating areas that keep us emotionally stuck. I am truly inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the bravery that people have when embarking on the difficult but necessary work of self-examination. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood, as we journey together in the therapy process.

Do you feel that the issues you are facing have become too much to manage on your own? Are you looking for a skilled and experienced therapist who can help you to navigate these difficulties? At Andrew Last Family Counseling in San Diego County, we have journeyed with numerous individuals, couples and families and helped them find the healing they are looking for. With convenient office locations in Mission Valley and Carlsbad you can get the counseling you need throughout San Diego County. We work with clients of all backgrounds to help them create a happier and healthier future. Our compassionate, non-judgmental and positive approach will help you to feel comfortable and safe so that you can heal from the unique situation you are facing. In addition to general counseling, choose us if you’re looking for: Individual Therapy Sex Addiction Therapy Couples Therapy Christian Counseling

Forbes Individual and Family Therapy is a group psychotherapy practice based out of Newport Beach, CA. At ForbesIFT, we’re very committed to helping our clients experience the positive change and life transformation they’re looking for. Our clinicians specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, college transition/life transitions, and addiction. ForbesIFT is a depth-oriented psychotherapy practice, which means that all of our clinicians are interested in helping their clients achieve true change in their lives. Each clinician brings their own unique approach, however, all of the clinicians at ForbesIFT are united by their sincere care for their clients and a serious commitment to helping their clients flourish. See our website for more information on each therapist.

I work with clients who are asking "Who am I, apart from the things I've done, as a student, or the job I have?" The work that we'll do together will help you to create a renewed sense of purpose and meaning through empathetic, insightful therapy. Whether you're grappling with burnout, the complexities of relationships, work-life balance, life transition, anxiety, grief, or depression, I will design treatment that matches your unique circumstances and helps you thrive in the world.

Our lives are full of trauma, loss, and challenge. It is easy to get overwhelmed by these experiences and fall into habits that don't serve our greater goals. I will help you find the path to the life you want. I work from a trauma informed, strengths based perspective. I have a special interest in attachment, neurology, trauma processing, and mindfulness. I have personal ties to the LGBTQ+ community and I am proud to serve individuals and families navigating identity challenges. Every person comes to therapy when the time is right for them. On this journey you will find new strengths, develop new behaviors, and reorganize you thoughts. When you are ready, I look forward to walking that path with you.

ADHD can be complex—your path to understanding it doesn’t have to be. At Sequoia Psychology, we bring clarity to the chaos with warmth, compassion, and clinical expertise. Whether you're seeking answers for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, we offer thoughtful, neurodiversity-affirming ADHD assessments designed to help you move forward with confidence. Anxiety and trauma can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected—but healing is possible. At Sequoia Psychology, therapy is a space to reclaim calm, clarity, and confidence. With warmth, compassion, and evidence-based care, we help adults navigate the lasting impact of trauma and anxiety. Whether you're beginning your healing journey or returning for deeper work, you don’t have to face it alone.

Hi, I’m Taylor Barragan, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP) with dual licensure as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Marriage and Family Therapist. This diverse background allows me to offer a blend of integrative psychiatric care, including medication management, symptom monitoring, and holistic strategies tailored to your needs. I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, specializing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating ADHD and anxiety, with particular attention to neurodivergent individuals, and offer specialized care for patients navigating medical trauma and chronic conditions. I provide comprehensive psychiatric care tailored to your unique needs. My focus is on effective medication management and symptom relief, working together to find the right strategies to support your mental health goals. I believe in a holistic approach, exploring how physical health, lifestyle, and other factors interact with your mental well-being. This might include nutritional guidance, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes to support your overall treatment plan. My style is direct, honest, and collaborative. I prioritize understanding you as a whole person, not just your symptoms, and I am committed to providing feedback and recommendations rooted in evidence-based practices. You can count on me to be forthright and supportive as we work to achieve meaningful improvements in your quality of life. My approach is built on a compassionate, collaborative partnership rooted in trust, empathy, and evidence-based care. Together, we will work toward meaningful, lasting improvements in your mental health, empowering you to thrive with greater confidence, resilience, and peace of mind. Let’s work together to help you feel and live your best.

As a queer-identifying clinician, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and inclusive approach to therapy, honoring the diverse identities and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. I am deeply committed to building genuine rapport and trust, creating a therapeutic space where clients feel fully seen, supported, and valued in their authentic selves. My practice is grounded in LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming principles, informed by my B.A. in Women’s Studies and its emphasis on social justice, intersectionality, and feminist frameworks. My graduate training in Depth Psychology has enriched my understanding of the unconscious forces that shape our inner and relational worlds. From a psychodynamic perspective, I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, motivations, and early trauma that influences their emotional lives and relationships. In addition to psychodynamic work, I integrate Family Systems theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities, approaches that support clients in navigating internal conflicts and relational dynamics with clarity, compassion, and self-leadership. My skills in attunement, active listening, and culturally competent, curious counseling allow me to adapt to each client’s unique needs and strengths. Whether you are seeking support for LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent identity exploration, relationship concerns, trauma healing, or personal growth, I strive to offer a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration; one that fosters healing, resilience, and empowerment. If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

I am so happy you have found my page. I want to start off by recognizing the bravery it has taken to bring you this far. Starting something always feels the heaviest- especially when it comes to your mental health. I look forward to being part of your journey, supporting you with managing your symptoms, and helping you to create a fulfilling life.

My practice is infused with warmth, care, and heart. Since childhood, I've held a deep curiosity for the relationships that make up our world. I greatly admire and honor these connections - whether between caregivers and children, friends, romantic partners, or animals we see in nature. This curiosity led me to become a relational therapist, where I now have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples on their journeys, creating an environment that brings to light the connection that has always existed between us and guiding relationships toward deeper, more resilient roots together. Integrative and relational in nature, the therapeutic work I do incorporates somatics, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness practices. I hold the belief that we all carry our own innate wisdom, and as such, I create space in the therapeutic relationship for my clients to be the experts on themselves and to articulate their needs, wants, and experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. The focus within my work is less on fixing and more on accompanying your human-ness. In addition to the work I do with couples, I am passionate about providing care to those navigating the journey to parenthood. This love for the perinatal space and supporting future and new parents started when I was a child and would spend a great deal of time caring for young children in my community and connecting with their caregivers. Since, this passion has expanded through advocacy work in the paid parental leave space and training I’ve completed as a Postpartum Doula. This beautiful time of transition into parenthood brings about inevitable change, and it is a true joy and privilege of mine to hold a nurturing space for people to process these changes, cultivate connection during a time when community is needed, and heal. I'm not a parent myself at this stage in my life, yet I feel deeply called to this meaningful work of supporting individuals and couples as they navigate these profound life transitions.

Danielle Cooper, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center of Behavioral Therapy and Consultation for OCD and Anxiety. Dr. Cooper has unique expertise in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders, having trained and worked alongside internationally recognized leaders in the field as a former Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with college students struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. Drawing upon her clinical expertise, research knowledge, and experience, Dr. Cooper provides the most potent and effective treatments available for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. She also specializes in brief evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for insomnia and nightmares. Dr. Cooper currently offers telehealth appointments to patients in PA, NJ, and CA. Prior to founding CBTCOA, Dr. Cooper was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the world-renowned Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) in the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Cooper also established and was the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD. While at CTSA, she was involved in clinical work, administration, supervision, teaching, research and consultation. Dr. Cooper received her B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University and M.A. in Psychology from Boston University working at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD). She then worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Boston VA. Dr. Cooper obtained her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio University. She completed her clinical internship at the Ann Arbor VA and her post-doctoral fellowship at CTSA. Dr. Cooper has worked in various clinical settings, such as in an academic medical center, a university counseling center, a community mental health center, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, multiple VA medical centers, and private practice. She has received extensive training from leading experts in the field on the assessment and treatment of OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders. She is a certified clinician, consultant, and supervisor in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP) for OCD.

Your mental health is very important. Whether you are struggling with a new problem or one that has been on-going, an emotional problem or a bio-chemical one, or even relationship challenges, getting support can make a world of difference. Establishing a safe environment to talk and building a trusting relationship is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. I provide a warm and caring environment for you to trust and share intimate thoughts and feelings, including at times, conflicting thoughts, anxious feelings, depressed mood, traumatic events, etc. The goals of my practice are to improve your overall quality of life and assist you in reaching your maximum potential and personal goals. It's my hope to help you understand patterns, feelings, behaviors, symptoms, and help you learn strategies and equip you with coping skills to overcome the overwhelming challenges of life.